Mid week

Ok…so the blogs been a little trickier than I’d thought due to the privacy agreements that we’ve all signed. It’s all good, MWTM have been looking after us from every angle and that also includes protecting the investment that we’ve made to be here. One of the most exciting things about being in MWTM is the fact that you are hearing information direct from Michael and David! There is so much stuff floating around the interwebs from other people on these guys about thoughts/techniques/gear and so on that it’s nice to sort through the stuff that doesn’t matter and hear exactly what Michael and Davids thoughts are on all these topics. Letting guys mentor you that have successfully negotiated this fickle business for decades has been invaluable! Oh, and any week you’re sitting around hearing first hand stories from David about Jeff Buckley, isn’t going to be a bad time!

Long, long travels

Ok, after 32 hours of planes, trains and buses, I’m here! Was hoping to keep the trip up to date but there’s not as much wi fi or power outlets around as I thought, which made uploading travel photos a little tricky, especially considering my iPhone died on the train from Nice to Avignon. Had the afternoon wandering Avignon yesterday, which has an entire shopping/cafe/tourist section surrounded by castle walls close to 3 miles in diameter! The walls and castle are from the 14th or 15th century from when there was also a pope in France. Studios la Fabrique is an old fabric mill that used to produce the red dye for the pants of the soldiers that fought for Napolean…there’s a tree planted here that’s as old as the country that I’m from…..so much culture!! Meet Michael Brauer and David Kahne today. Crazy how much these guys love music and are there to serve the artist!! Inspiring!

And so it begins

The long haul to Mix With The Masters has begun. 30 hrs of travel ahead, but every bit worth the effort! I’ve checked in and gone through duty free….couldnt help but feel i should be buying something from French Connection Those wyley marketing geniuses! Thankyou to all those who have helped make this trip reality! The $$$ and encouragement that you’ve all poured in has been amazing! I’ve decided to keep a coffee vs water tally going as i easily put away ……. coffees a day (dont wanna say the exact amount at the risk of startling some people) and my ever caring wife pleads with me to drink heaps more water…..so, travels a great time to stay hydrated….for the record, coffee’s winning today! Now, I’m gonna go sit on the plane and catch up on all these movies that everyone not involved with a studio has already seen ages ago!! You stay classy Australia.

So close….

I can almost taste the fresh baked treats, cheeses and local wines of Saint Remy…..oh….yeah….and we’re going to be tracking a live band then taking notes on how Michael Brauer goes about mixing a record…that’ll be fun too

France is calling…

Mix With The Masters is close!!

For those of you just tuning in….i’m heading to Studios La Fabrique in Saint Remy De Provence to attend a program being held by Michael Brauer, arguably one of the worlds most sought after mix engineers. His Grammy winning mixes have seen artists such as Coldplay, John Mayer, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, My Morning Jacket, Paul McCartney, Copeland, The Fray and many, many more call on his services. Check out www.mbrauer.com for his full discography.

During my trip i’ll keep daily updates running with info, tips, techniques, pictures and any other interesting news that goes down in the French Riviera!

More info at www.joshtelford.com