::Paul Costa::

Now that’s entertainment – Paul Costa style!

Paul Costa dominated the 16th annual Victorian & National Country Music Awards, taking home five trophies including the prestigious Victorian Entertainer of the Year. Paul’s second solo album, Restoration, was the catalyst for the dynamic entertainer walking away with the lion’s share of awards, presented at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre in South Morang on Friday night.

Paul was named Victorian Male Vocalist (Love Is Not A Game), and Restoration became the 2007 Victorian Album of the Year as well as the Smoky Dawson Best Independent Release nationally. Paul shared one award with his gorgeous duet partner, Aleyce Simmonds, for their version of The Way You Make Me Feel, which secured Duet of the Year.

“I’m just so stoked to take home five awards,” Paul said, “particularly Best Independent Release, named in honour of the one and only Smoky Dawson. “I really do have to pay tribute to my producer, Rod McCormack, who is an absolute pleasure to work with.

The Album of the Year was a great thrill and I know Rod will be rapt.” Paul also thanked his duet partner, Aleyce Simmonds, for her input into the only duet on the disc, The Way You Make Me Feel. It reached #1 on the 3HOT-FM Mildura Top 100 Country Hits chart for February 7, reinforcing its radio-friendliness and realising its hit potential, and peaked at #4 on the Country Tracks Top 30, remaining there for two weeks. It is still in the top 10, holding down the #8 position this week.

The video clip is one of CMC’ s most requested, and has been enjoying high rotation in that medium. Paul accepted the awards before a capacity audience of 500, with special guests Adam Harvey, Beccy Cole, Anne Kirkpatrick and Hardrive Bluegrass Band.

The awards signalled the start of the Whittlesea Country Music Festival, which featured a family street party, and open air concerts at the Whittlesea Showgrounds.

Other winners on the night included Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, Rebecca Lee Nye, Anne Kirkpatrick, Travis Collins, The Wolverines and Sovereign.

Photo: Jason Zorzut
Story: Anna Rose

Paul Costa's New Album 'RESTORATION'

'Restoration is the brand new album from Paul Costa'

With 'Restoration' Paul breathes new life into some great tracks from legendary songwriters and performers, tunes 'em up and gets 'em hummin' superbly ........ including the beautiful duet and first radio single 'The way you make me feel' with rising country star Aleyce Simmonds.

Once again multi award winning producer Rod McCormack is at the helm of Paul's new career enhancing album. Creative song selection, refreshing and original arrangements, and Paul's warm vocals and distinctive interpretations give this collection a unique sound.

With the release of his first album, 'Walkin' in these shoes' Paul received masses of airplay , a string of chart hits & a load of awards, including a Golden Guitar Nomination.

Expect plenty of the same following the release of the new album 'Restoration' at the Gympie Muster, with sales figures already far exceeding expectations.