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.”
