I am delighted to reveal I will be spending a week in the south of France on a mixing masterclass with one of my absolute idols, Michael H Brauer. For those who don't know Michael is an A-List New York based mix engineer who's credits include:
- 'Parachutes', 'X&Y' and 'Viva La Vida' by Coldplay.
- 'Continuum' and 'Battle Studies' by John Mayer.
- 'Octavarium' by Dream Theater.
- plus Regina Spector, Ben Folds, Aritha Franklin, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, KT Tunstall and the list goes on and on.....
Michael's mixes always sound phenomenal in terms of both pure sonics but also how the song just seems to sing out of speakers. He always manages to capture the absolute essence of what the song is about and make the whole lot just project the most beautiful way. I am so excited about this it is unreal. Like every Christmas rolled into one. And then some. When I applied for it (and submitted examples of my work - GULP!) I never thought I would get selected but I did.
The elite masterclasses will focus on a load of cool stuff including a bunch of techniques quite unique to Mr Brauer as well as time for him to work on my mixes with me (GULP! Again)!
So, what am I hoping to get out of this experience? Well, I hope that this opportunity gives me insight into another way of doing what I do from one of the absolute best in the world. I don't expect it to be a shortcut or quick fix to the top but I intend to spend as long as it takes internalizing everything I learn.
I am investing in what is ultimately the most important thing in my industry; my own skill set. I want to take what I do to the next level and beyond and become better at what is quite honestly the coolest job in the world.
Mr Brauer, looking forward (more than this blog can ever express) to meeting and working with you in September!
Garry Boyle - CP Productions
