13 February 2012

"Je reviens te chercher, je savais que tu m'attendais" - Gilbert Bécaud

I took a break from mixing the new album to spend a few days in France last week making new music contacts, spending time with old friends and eating a lot. Upon arriving at CDG airport I was surprised to find the serious, machine-gun toting gendarmes I had grown used to greeting me had been replaced by drunk, shouting homeless men, smoking inside the airport. At least they had someplace warm to be - it seemed all of France was covered in snow, and I was wishing I'd had earmuffs.

I played tourist my first day and went to see an exhibition on Perestroika at the Hôtel des Invalides. While I was there I decided to check out the rest of the place. I was most impressed by the World Wars exhibitions and least impressed by Napoleon's tomb. But the light was great!

Later that afternoon I went on a tour of Les Jardins du Marais with Philippe. This guy was quite a character, top hat and all! I definitely recommend taking a tour with him if you get the chance. Despite the cold it was a fun, beautiful visit and I learned lots of things about the neighbourhood that I promptly forgot. I do remember that the first dining room in France was built in what now houses the Musée d'art et d'histoire de Judaïsme. Before that people used to eat in whichever room they found themselves when the mood struck.

The next day I headed to the studio where iaenzen interviews films his shows. iaenzen and I met in Madrid a few years ago. It was good to see him again and we had so much fun talking about music and culture.

The interview we recorded will be available soon, but, for now, here's a preview.

The rest of the trip was spent amusing myself with street art,

learning how to dance La Java with my French père Nono,

and enjoying wonderful French food and wine

Now I'm back at home and back in the studio. The album is sounding great so far, and I can't wait for you all to hear it! As always, thanks so much for your support.

Until soon,
Amelia