Greg Wells, a renowned music producer, has been making waves in the industry, working with acclaimed artists like Keith Urban, the Deftones, and P!nk. But this year, he's taken on a passion project that has captured the hearts of many – the restoration of a former Anglican church in Winterton, Newfoundland, into a new performance and studio space.

Unlocking the Potential of a Newfoundland Landmark

Reviving a Cherished Community Space

Greg Wells, a Peterborough, Ontario native who has made Winterton, Newfoundland his home, has embarked on a remarkable journey to transform a former Anglican church into a vibrant hub for music and the arts. This passion project, which has been a labor of love, aims to breathe new life into a cherished community space and provide a platform for local and visiting artists to showcase their talents.

Modernizing the Venue and Recording Space

Alongside the restoration of the historic church, Wells has overseen the addition of state-of-the-art lighting, heating, and recording equipment, ensuring that the venue and recording space are equipped to meet the demands of modern performance and production. The result is a harmonious blend of the building's rich heritage and cutting-edge technology, creating an environment that is both visually stunning and acoustically superior.

Fostering a Thriving Arts Community

Through his non-profit record label, Scilly Cove Records, Wells is working to support local artists in Newfoundland and Labrador. The label's upcoming Christmas album, featuring performances by renowned acts like Alan Doyle and The Navigators, will be showcased at Trinity Hall, the newly renovated church venue. The proceeds from the album's sales will be donated, further demonstrating Wells' commitment to nurturing the artistic community in the region.

A Passion Project with a Personal Connection

Wells' connection to Newfoundland runs deep, as his mother was born on the island before moving to Ontario at a young age. Despite the distance, her longing for the island never faded, and Wells has embraced the province's rich cultural heritage as his own. The restoration of the church in Winterton is a testament to his deep-rooted affection for Newfoundland and his desire to create a space that celebrates its artistic spirit.

Balancing Artistic Pursuits and Professional Commitments

While Wells has been immersed in the restoration of the church, he has also been busy with his work as the music producer for the highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway musical "Wicked." This high-profile project, which has seen him collaborate with acclaimed artists like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, has required a significant investment of time and energy. However, Wells has managed to juggle his professional commitments with his passion for the Winterton project, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to both his craft and his community.

Honoring the Legacy of the Original Production

In his role as the music producer for "Wicked," Wells has been tasked with the responsibility of capturing the essence of the beloved musical while also respecting the input and creative vision of the talented performers. He has worked closely with Erivo, who plays the role of the misunderstood green-skinned witch Elphaba, to ensure that the iconic song "Defying Gravity" is given the reverence it deserves. Wells' attention to detail and his commitment to honoring the original production's spirit have been instrumental in shaping the film's musical landscape.

Crafting a Cinematic Masterpiece

The set design for the "Wicked" film adaptation has been nothing short of breathtaking, with the production team constructing a lavish, two-story library set and a 30-foot-tall animatronic head of the Wizard of Oz. Wells' role in this process has been crucial, as he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the music seamlessly complements the visually stunning environments created by the production team.