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in an industry where equipment, production methods and audience expectations continue to change. The introduction of TIGRA, the expanded use of Milan networking and Nebra monitoring and the challenges of the Raye production all demonstrate a partnership that continues to find new opportunities to develop. The anniversary also reinforces the importance of continuity. Experienced engineers share their knowledge with younger professionals, new products are tested in demanding real-world conditions and the lessons learned on the festival’s stages can inform future developments. “Ultimately, at its heart, the festival is still passionate about the sound of Montreux,” Davies concludes. “Some people who know the festival well know that Meyer Sound is part of the sound of the festival, and they’re really proud of it. That just speaks to how long we’ve been involved, but also how much there is this shared passion. That’s what makes it work.”

BUILT ON TRUST Montreux carries a particular weight for artists and engineers. Its history, reputation and audience expectations create an atmosphere in which performances can feel especially significant. Meyer Sound’s role is to provide the reliability that allows artists and engineers to concentrate on the music rather than worry about the system. “The trust that the front-of-house engineers have in us is really important,” Davies adds. “Montreux is legendary and it means a lot to the artists. That translates into more pressure on the engineers because everyone feels the history of Montreux and they want to know that they’re going to have a great night.” He continues: “When it becomes something that’s special and unusual and different and wacky and imaginative all at the same time, it adds pressure on everyone. Being able to just ease that pressure and say ‘you do your thing, we’ve got this’ is part of our ethos about Montreux and always has been.” Montreux’s evolution is not limited to its headline stages. Over the past decade, the festival has expanded its club venues and electronic music programming, broadening the range of experiences available to audiences. The return to the indoor convention centre this year also created a new electronic music space, attracting a higher calibre of DJs than the festival had previously hosted. One of the most revealing examples is La Bibliothèque, a library and vinyl-listening room equipped with Meyer Sound’s Bluehorn high-end monitoring system and a NAGRA hi-fi set-up. The unique area of the festival offers guided listening sessions that place the music itself at the centre of the experience. “Where else has a library at its festival?” Davies laughs. The programme’s unpredictability is also a massive part of Montreux’s appeal. Davies points to the return of Ezra Collective, who stepped in at extremely short notice to perform in the Stravinski, after not originally being scheduled. “It was utterly stunning,” he says. “That’s the thing about Montreux. You get really amazing performances where you get a more intimate view of some artists who wouldn’t normally be there, but also other artists who completely surprise you, who you’ve never heard of. You get these one-offs like the Raye special. It’s still the ethos that makes it very special.” As the festival expands internationally, Meyer Sound’s involvement is extending beyond Switzerland. The partnership has supported editions in Shanghai and Miami, with further expansion planned into markets including South Africa and the Middle East. Maintaining the sound associated with Montreux across these new locations is an important part of that growth. “It does mean that we help represent the Montreux brand, and it’s exciting to see that expand and reach into other markets.” LOOKING TO THE NEXT 40 Four decades is a remarkable length of time for any technical partnership, particularly Being able to say, ‘you do your thing, we’ve got this’ is part of our ethos about Montreux and always has been

SHOUT OUT Over 700 Meyer loudspeakers served 12 stages and additional spaces, hosting artists such as Marie Jay (right) and Liniker (below)