The French House Party
workshops are serious
endeavors but without
pressure to perform.
Dean Friedman
in Carcassonne: Songs in the Air
By Marc d’Etremont
"I’m not sure if I really know how to write a song” is not what a guest at a songwriting
workshop would expect to hear from acclaimed New York writer/performer Dean
Friedman. At this moment who cares? A few miles outside Carcassonne one of Regine
Thuillet’s exquisite lunches is laid out on the poolside table at Domaine St. Raymond, home
to the French House Party. To start, pate, flaky yet buttery brie tart and a chilled glass of
crisp local Domaine Le Fort Gewurztraminer paired perfectly with convivial conversation, a
shockingly blue sky and the yellow sunflower fields of Provence to make you believe songs
are just in the air.
The creative process is nebulous. It has always been a balance of inspiration and technical
skill. Moira Martingale provides the atmosphere for discovering this balance at her villa,
Domaine St. Raymond. British born Moira, Ph.D. in gothic literature, author, and devotee
of French cuisine, created The French House Party. The early 19th century stone farmhouse
– restored into a spacious villa with eight individually decorated en-suite bedrooms –
becomes a salon for like-minded guests who delve into residential workshops focused on
creative writing, graphic arts, digital media, songwriting with Dean Friedman, or gastronomy
with Michelin starred chefs. The French House Party workshops are serious endeavors but
without pressure to perform. And although the pool is inviting, it’s the lack of pressure that
energizes participation.
Moira Martingale, founder of The French House Party.
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MARCH 2014 •LUXE BEAT MAGAZINE
Dean Friedman’s four-day July singer/songwriter workshop at the French House Party
provides a stimulating opportunity to discover, or rediscover, internal creative skills. Like all
good teachers, Dean wants to draw out these skills from each participant. “I don’t profess to
be able to write other people’s songs,” he simply states. Individuality is important.
Photo: Dean Friedman at The French House Party concert (top of page).
Photography by Marc d’Etremont.