So, 2024 came and went, awfully fast if you ask me!

I visited Scotland 3 times, lost my dear stepfather to cancer, welcomed over 40 creatives to Studio Faire for their residencies where we saw so much creativity and output… and I started my journey writing and producing music.

After grabbing a wee pocket drum machine/sampler I started to record and release tunes, some with banjo some without… I launched my artist name Mister Colins on all the streaming and download platforms in August of 2024.

I’d thought of the idea to do this for years but have no idea why I didn’t start sooner. We had a resident here called JNR. all the way from Australia for 2 weeks and he was extremely prolific, writing 5 tracks for his new EP here in our garage studio. Talking with him made me realise that I need to just get the ‘Beck’ on with it. Thanks Pal.

Since then, I have released 12 ambient focussed tracks written and produced on 3 sampler/synth/drum machines from the immense music design team at Teenage Engineering in Stockholm.

My musical journey has been a mix of the learning process and focused immersive writing sessions which I have lost myself in. Sampling, beat making, synthesiser controls and possibilites, MIDI, chords, keys, mixing, editing… and the gear, the endless wish-list of amazing tools. I’m afraid I have actually become a music gear GEEK!

Happy to say that as of today, Jan 17th 2025, I have had over 10,000 streams on Spotify alone. Not a bad wee start, people listening from all over the globe.

The name Mister Colins came from the 2 years I taught English to French people here in the nearby city of Agen. Nobody could get that my first name was Colin, probably thanks to fellow drummer Phil! So, everyone calls me Monsieur Colins here in France. So, against all odds (sorry) this is my moniker for my music.

Our residency business, based in this 1832 mansion house we call Studio Faire, is thriving and Julia and myself are forever grateful for the opportunity to welcome creatives from all fields to spend time in this beautiful and inspiring region in south west France. Have a look at the alumni page and testimonials to see how it is going… And the lovely friends and new families we have in Nérac continue to warm our hearts and keep us smiling.

My best pal Dougie Douglas Usher is still going strong, almost 13 now but always happy although the stiff knees and joints have slowed him down a wee bit. Still full of mischief. See pic! The cats are great and Julia is well… JULIA. She ROCKS! Always there to keep me right.

Oh yeah, and the Tour de France came right passed our front door this year! We couldn’t resist a morning BBQ with a bunch of pals. Fun was had.

Click here for Mister Colins website 

 

Mister Colins aka Colin Usher

We had to buy a better kitchen bin!