Vampire Weekend Named Rolling Stone’s #1 Album of 2013

Its official: Rolling Stone has named Vampire Weekend’s Modern Vampires Of The City the number one album of 2013!!  This is the third studio album for the NYC indie rock band, which was released in May via XL Recordings.    

The album, which was released on multiple mediums including vinyl, has earned massive amounts of praise throughout the year including near perfect reviews from media outlets such as MSN, Pitchfork,  (received Best New Music title) and was also named SPINMagazine’s Band of the Year.

Chief Mastering Engineer of The Lodge, Emily Lazar, mastered Modern Vampires of the City alongside the album's artful producers, band member Rostam Batmanglij and Ariel Reichstaid. Lazar also joined forces with producer/mixer, Scott Jacoby to co-mix the track “Unbelievers,” the highest charting single from the album thus far. Rolling Stone also featured two tracks from Modern Vampires of the City on its 100 Best Songs of 2013 list: Unbelievers at #42 and Hannah Hunt at #4. 

There is no arguing that Vampire Weekend has had a truly amazing year; as Rolling Stone has recently declared: “Vampire Weekend is one of the most innovative artists of the last decade."  

_________________________________________________

Make sure to follow The Lodge on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

The Killers Celebrate Christmas in L.A. & Release Greatest Hits Album

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in L.A.!  For the past eight years, The Killers have released a Christmas single on World Aids Day in partnership with Product (RED).  The Lodge annually teams up with The Killers to help give back and support this great cause. All of the song’s proceeds are then donated to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS.

This year’s holiday track titled “Christmas in L.A.” was mastered at The Lodge by Emily Lazar and assisted by Rich Morales.  The Lodge has happily donated their mastering services to the band for all of their annual holiday singles since 2011.  Holiday tracks mastered at The Lodge include “Boots,” “Feel it My Bones,” and “Christmas in L.A.”

This year, The Killers enlisted the help of folk rockers Dawes, as well as Owen Wilson and Harry Dean Stanton for the music video.  The Killer’s front man, Brandon Flowers told the U.K.’s Metro, “The song is about a struggling actor in L.A. who misses the traditional Christmas.”

The Killers - Christmas in L.A. 

In addition to “Christmas in L.A.”, the band recently released their very first greatest hits compilation, Direct Hits.  The album is comprised of tracks from all four previous studio albums plus several new additions including “Shot At The Night,” which was produced by M83’s Anthony Gonzales and “Just Another Girl,” produced by Stuart Price, both of which were mastered at The Lodge.

The Killers - Shot At The Night  

The Killers - Just A Girl 

Help support The Killers’ charitable holiday tradition by purchasing “Christmas in L.A.” available via iTunes.

________________________________________________

Make sure to follow The Lodge on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Solange Knowles' Saint Heron Compilation Mastered At The Lodge

Solange Knowles' Saint Records has just released their debut LP, Saint Heron. Mastered by Chief Mastering Engineer, Emily Lazar at The Lodge and assisted by Rich Morales. Saint Heron is the harmonious indie R&B compilation the world has been waiting for.  

Saint Records is Knowles’ boutique label, distributed by Sony and launched last May.  Saint Heron, the debut compilation, was created to highlight contemporary R&B’s latest visionaries. Solange, recruited New Orleans native, Rashaad Newsome, as the primary artist for the album’s artwork, which represents the unification of the artists and producers that she brought together for the eclectic album. 

Artists featured on the record include Jhene Aiko, India Shawn, Cassie, B.C. Kingdom, Sampha, Iman Omari, Petite Noir, Starchild, Kelea, Jade de la Fleur, and Solange, who acted as Creative Director. All of the tracks on the album are original previously unreleased material, and range from deep electro melodies to lush tones comprised of layered vocals.

The albums’ release has generated considerable reviews and ratings; Noisey described the album  as "stunning," Pretty Much Amazing stated the album was “The Compilation of Our Dreams” and SPIN declared, “Solange Knowles hijacks the indie R&B narrative on her great new comp Saint Heron” – the praise goes on and on.

To celebrate the album’s release, Solange took to the streets of NYC in a custom-designed Saint Heron-themed Lamborghini, also designed by Rashaad Newsome.  Knowles championed her unique indie essence by handing out copies of the LP from the trunk. In addition to the compilation, Solange has stated her plans for the Saint Heron website:

“I’m looking forward to SaintHeron.com being a home for music and cultural enthusiasts like myself who want to see content that really reflects the community we are a part of.”

And we are too...

___________________________________________________

Make sure to follow The Lodge on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

The Lodge Masters Sky Ferreira Debut Album "Night Time My Time"

Sky Ferreira’s anticipated debut album was recently released on Capitol Records on October 29, 2013.  The 12-track album titled Night Time My Time was mastered at The Lodge, by Chief Mastering Engineer Emily Lazar and assisted by Rich Morales.

Ferreira has grown up in the media spotlight; she is an experienced model, actress and singer who have graced the international runways of Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein.  She was only 15 years old when she signed a record deal with Capitol Records.  Sky’s first breakthrough hit had been her single “Everything Is Embarrassing” off of her Ghost EP, which soared to the top of the charts and became one of 2012’s top tracks.

The Fader #87 Fall Fashion Issue Cover

Even though her single had attained much success, Sky wanted to create music that symbolized her individualism and planned to transition from major label pop to indie rock so she enlisted producers Ariel Rechtshaid (Haim, Vampire Weekend, Charli XCX) and Justin Raisen (Charli XCX) to help her build a strong foundation, suitable for the 21 year old’s full length debut.

Night Time My Time’s release has resulted in an uproar of high praises from well-known publications such as Pitchfork and The New York Times.

“So it’s both a relief and a bit of a shock that Night Time, My Time is not only here, but that it’s one of the most pleasingly conventional and cohesive pieces of pop-rock to come along this year.” - Pitchfork

Combining a touch of 80s pop with a punch of 90s grunge-rock attitude, Night Time My Time has allowed Ferreira to successfully discover her own voice. The album portrays Sky’s true identity as a talented, complex and edgy young artist.  Catch Sky performing live with the Smith Westerns this Monday, November 11, 2013 at Webster Hall in NYC.

Remembering Lou Reed

Lou Reed, NYC rock legend and longtime friend and client of  The Lodge, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2013, at the age of 71.  Well known for his role as The Velvet Underground’s creator and front man, Lou Reed also had a prolific solo career spanning nearly 40 years.  Indie Rock, Punk, New Wave, and Alternative Rock movements can all be traced back to the genius of Lou Reed. We will always remember his profound influence on Rock and Roll and we know his music will continue to inspire us all. 

Emily Lazar, Chief Mastering Engineer at The Lodge, shares some session memories after working closely with Lou Reed on some of his most amazing tracks:

“I will really miss Lou — he was funny, sweet, and intensely bright. Whether he was clearing out the furniture of the lounge in order to have an impromptu Tai Chi practice, or  having a photo shoot with Mick Rock in the mastering room, he was completely in the moment. Most people tend to talk about his fierce punk-rock attitude and curmudgeonly vibe, but the times that I was lucky enough to spend with Lou I wasn’t with “that guy.” In the mastering studio, I was with a sensitive, unique and highly acute listener.  I am convinced that he heard things differently than most people and it affected him really deeply. One of my favorite memories is from a session with Lou where he was jumping up and down screaming and as tears were streaming down his face he stretched out his arm and put it under my nose and demanded “Do you see that? Look at the hair on my arms!?” He went on to explain that musically and sonically he simply refused to rest until he had achieved that type of visceral reaction. To get to travel with his genius that day was an amazing gift, and tears streamed down my face too.  Lou, thank you for forever changing the way I listen.”

Tyler Ward’s Debut Album "Honestly" Mastered at The Lodge

Tyler Ward’s Debut Album, Honestly, mastered at The Lodge by Emily Lazar and assisted by Rich Morales, was released today in the US, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.  Today also marks the beginning of Ward’s European Honestly Tour, which kicks off in Germany.

Tyler Ward is most known for his covers and original music.  He is a singer/songwriter/producer, who is signed with Sony Music Germany.  Ward also owns and operates Tyler Ward Studios in Denver, Colorado, and has opened for The Jonas Brothers and The Fray.  Most recently, he has been featured on an episode of the online audio broadcast, Pensado’s Place, hosted by Grammy winning mix engineer Dave Pensado.

  

In early 2010, his career was propelled forward after a YouTube video was posted which depicted Tyler covering Michael Jackson’s “We Are The World” during the 2010 Winter Olympics.  The video received 1.5 million views within its first week.  Tyler’s most popular video to date is Payphone, which currently boasts over 22 million views.

Ward has attained the #5 spot on Billboard’s Top 100 Uncharted List and has made Billboard’s Social 50 chart for several weeks. Subscribe to Ward’s YouTube channel and you will be joining the nearly 1.4 million loyal fans that have been anxiously awaiting Honestly’s release.

Follow The Lodge on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

The Lodge Masters Haim’s Highly Anticipated Debut Album ‘Days Are Gone’

The Los Angeles-raised, indie pop-rock trio, Haim, released their highly anticipated debut album Days Are Gone today, receiving rave reviews from Pitchfork, as they were awarded the title of Best New Music.  The album was mastered at legendary New York mastering studio, The Lodge, Chief Mastering Engineer, Emily Lazar, assisted by Rich Morales. 

Over the past year, the band of sisters have been busy signing with Jay Z’s Roc Nation management team, landing a record deal with Columbia Records, releasing their “Forever” EP, and having crowds adore their singles “Falling” and “Don’t Save Me” while playing for Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Glastonbury.

See Haim's "The Wire" music video HERE.

In a recent interview, Rolling Stone states how the sibling-rockers have drawn rave reviews from the Strokes, One Direction, Rihanna, and Mumford and Sons, and Billboard Magazine has recognized Haim’s Days Are Gone release as one of 2013’s Most Anticipated Debuts.  They will also be adorning the cover of SPIN Magazine's October 2013 issue.

These talented young songstresses are on the rise and with there harmony laced up-beat sounds and soulful lyrics, they are quickly becoming a rhythmic force to be reckoned with. 


Follow The Lodge on Facebook and Twitter!

The Lodge Masters Grand Theft Auto V Soundtrack

Stores all across the country opened their doors at midnight on September 17, 2013, for one of the most anticipated video game releases of all time, Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto V.  The fifth installment of the Grand Theft Auto series’ soundtrack was mastered by Chief Mastering Engineer Emily Lazar, assisted by Rich Morales, at The Lodge in New York City.

Soundtrack supervisor, Ivan Pavlovich, affirmed that the game contains 17 different radio stations and 240 licensed songs.  The soundtrack itself spans most genres and consists of different artists including Tyler The Creator, A$AP Rocky, Flying Lotus, Twin Shadows and more.  Pick up a copy today and enjoy the ride!

Click HERE to listen to Tyler The Creator, “Garabage” GTAV track.

Click HERE to listen to A$AP Rocky, ‘R-Cali” GTAV track.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For music news and updates on all of your favorite Lodge artists visit our website HERE.

Follow us on Twitter and FaceBook.

The Fatty Acids, Bolero LP Mastered at The Lodge

Released on the first ever Cassette Store Day, The Fatty Acids premiered their limited edition LP, Bolero.  Chief Mastering Engineer, Emily Lazar, and assisted by Rich Morales, mastered the album at The Lodge.  

The indie-rock band strongly represents their hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and their fans agree that The Fatty Acids are making some of the best music in Milwaukee.

Stream Bolero through Impose Magazine  HERE.

They also just released a space-themed music video for their first single “Airsick.”  Produced by band member Kurt Raether’s Honeycomb Productions’ company, the video, comprised of singer Josh Evert floating through CGI galaxies.  The video is psychedelic and playful with just a touch of crazy.

Watch the “Airsick” music video HERE.

For music news and updates on all of your favorite Lodge artists visit our website HERE.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!