2015: I sat there scrolling through the lineup for the Fête de la Musique festivities in the Arc Lemanique of Switzerland. The list of artists grew as I cross referenced their sites, Facebook pages and Youtube channels to find a group that I thought would be willing to record with me. I was looking for the ideal group to record for the final project of my Audio Engineering Diploma at the SAE Institute in Geneva.
The list grew and after letting it sit for a few days I decided to take the leap and ask a 7 piece latin rock hip hop fusion band called Groovah. To my surprise they said yes. This experience was a leap of faith, a moment when I took on a challenge that at the back of my mind felt was beyond my capabilities. This is also the moment where I first met Mathias and Allen. It is rather poetic that the guys that helped me finish my Diploma helped me launch this project, five years later. 

This time, Allen and Mathias played alongside the wonderful Kelly Mota, a Brazilo Capeverdian singer and dancer. The three piece were rocking a mix of Brazilian and Cape Verdian rhythms and urban vibes, and I was enticed by their videos recounting their tour of Cape Verde, depicting the group surrounded by a crowd of people as they all jammed together. This was the essence of the Open House Studio, sharing music and stories. It was a perfect way to start this project. 

The date and the location were chosen and so the first session of The Open House Studio was set in stone. Mathias had suggested les Berges de Vessy, a now retired electrical plant that was stationed at the bank of the Arve River on the outskirts of Geneva. As we went to the plant for the first time scouting for a good spot, we were drawn by the esoteric atmosphere of the place. 
There was something about a retired industrial structure and the sounds of the river, the birds and the forest surrounding the site, overtaking what was once a place of work and machinery. The peaceful atmosphere of this place was perfect for the music and the symbolism of the lyrics, with songs like Raiz (root), Borboletta (butterfly) and Lua (moon).

We do hope you enjoy our first live session and have the pleasure to present to you: Mimoji.