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.

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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. 


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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.

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The Lodge Mastering - BT’s, A Song Across Wires, Mastered by Emily Lazar, Debuts as #1 Dance Album on iTunes!

Internationally renowned EDM artist/composer/producer, Brian Transeau, also known as BT, once again joined forces with The Lodge to master his ninth studio album, “A Song Across Wires.” The Lodge’s Chief Mastering Engineer, Emily Lazar, with help from Assistant Mastering Engineer, Richard Morales, mastered BT’s most recent album, which debuted as the #1 Dance Album on iTunes, released this August 16, 2013 via Armada Records.

Recognized as a true electronic dance pioneer, BT has been faithfully committed to the music industry since the early 1990s. His album, “A Song Across Wires,” is the accumulation of over 2o years of pioneering music and innovation in the EDM scene, and is said to be a follow-up to his Grammy-nominated 2010 album "These Hopeful Machines.”  Highly-anticipated “A Song Across Wires” features collaborations with some of EDM's most sought after artists, including Nadia Ali, ARTY, Tritonal, Emma Hewitt, JES, Tania Zygar, TyDi and more. Tracks on the album include “Skylarking,” “Tomahawk,” “Surrounded” (with a guest appearance by Aqualung) and “Must be the Love.” View the official “Skylarking” video HERE.  

Longtime friend and client of The Lodge, BT has been working with Emily Lazar for over a decade, having mastered past albums such as "Emotional Technology", "This Binary Universe", "These Hopeful Machines", "If The Stars Are Eternal So Are You And I" and "Morceau Subrosa".  Lazar has long embraced his innovative production techniques and experimental electronic sounds.  Mix magazine recently interviewed BT on the composition and sampling behind “A Song Across Wires”.  Mix journalist Gary Eskow also consulted with Lazar on her mastering expertise used on BT’s latest album.  Check out the full Mix article HERE. 

This Saturday, August 17, BT’s, A Song Across Wires Tour makes its way to New York City’s legendary nightclub venue, Marquee, for a massive record release party.  Marquee venue and ticket information HERE.

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Emily Lazar and The Lodge featured in SonicScoop Summer Session Buzz!

We are thrilled to have been mentioned in SonicScoop’s Session Buzz for the month of July!  The Lodge has had tons of great projects this summer and, just to highlight a few, checkout this new SonicScoop article.  Get the low-down on our recently completed projects by Chief Mastering Engineer, Emily Lazar, and Assistant Mastering Engineer, Rich Morales!

Check out the full article here!

Morrissey masters at The Lodge

Following the release of last year's remastered edition of Viva Hate, EMI UK/ Parlophone Records continue their Morrissey reissue campaign with the release of three separate special editions of  the classic Morrissey single "The Last Of The Famous International Playboys" off the album Bona Drag and a remastered version of Moz's second album, "Kill Uncle". The single will be released in three versions, backed by new live songs recorded exclusively for the Janice Long Show by BBC Radio 2,  on June 15,  2011.

The limited edition 7-inch picture single will include "People Are The Same Everywhere (BBC live version)" the CD will include "Action Is My Middle Name (BBC live version)" and the digital release includes "The Kid's A Looker (BBC live version)" all three were mastered at The Lodge by Emily Lazar and her crew. They are available now for purchase  here.  

Emily Lazar and Boz Boorer!   

BT Returns to The Lodge and Masters 2 New Releases!

Grammy nominated composer, artist and innovator; BT returns to The Lodge for two new self-released albums: "If The Stars Are Eternal So Are You And I" and "Morceau Subrosa". Both albums were mastered by Emily Lazar and her team at The Lodge. BT continues to top at #1 in Ambient, Electronica and EDM charts across Amazon and iTunes. The Lodge also teamed up with BT to master his previous three albums: "Emotional Technology", "This Binary Universe" and "These Hopeful Machines".

A pioneer in electronic dance music, BT is also known worldwide for his symphonic compositions in both music and film. Keep a look out for his upcoming Armada releases and expect greatness -- snippets are available at http://www.btmusic.com!

Neon Trees' "Everybody Talks" Goes Double Platinum!

Neon Trees’ summer smash hit “Everybody Talks” from their sophomore studio album "Picture Show" has everybody talking about it!!! 

With over 8 million views on Youtube the single has been certified DOUBLE platinum selling over 2 million downloads!! Produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen, engineered/mixed by Billy Bush, and mastered at The Lodge, this single is sure to go down as a top song of 2012!

Dum Dum Girls Release New EP

Dum Dum Girls are on a streak outputting some of indie music's dreamiest 60's inspired pop music.  Their new EP "End of Daze" (considered some of lead singer Dee Dee's best song writing) was recently named Best New Music on Pitchfork!

"End of Daze" follows up the band's 2011 full length "Only in Dreams" and marks their fourth release mastered at The Lodge. The EP was recorded throughout 2011 and 2012 with Sune Rose Wagner (The Raveonettes), Dum Dum Girls' longtime producer Richard Gottehrer and Alonzo Vargas on mixing duties. It includes the well received single "Lord Knows" as well as a cover of Strawberry Switchblade's "Trees and Flowers".

Check out the video for the haunting single "Lord Knows"

The Sea and Cake Release New Album "Runner" Mastered at The Lodge

Seminal 90's indie darlings The Sea & Cake have released their 10th album "Runner" this Tuesday, September 18th on Thrill Jockey Records.  The album was mastered by Heba Kadry at The Lodge. 

Receiving Pitchfork's Best New Track stamp of approval with upbeat/electronic tinged lead single "Harps", the new album brings the band's iconic sound back to a more refined direction reminiscent of their earlier albums. 
The album was engineered & mixed by The Sea & Cake drummer & highly demanded producer John McEntire (Stereolab, Broken Social Scene) at his studio in Chicago and of course features lead singer Sam Prekop's hushed airy vocals and summer inspired lyrics.  "Runner" also showcases Prekop's excellent modular synth programming, hot off the heels of their cinematic electronic 2011 album titled "The Moonlight Butterfly"

Head over to Drowned in Sound's website to stream the entire album! HERE

Stream The Killers "Battle Born" Mastered at The Lodge!

Pretty sure The Killers don't need any introductions...possibly the biggest band in the world? I'm sure Bono might not be too happy about that statement but we certainly think they are.  Even if you haven't followed their entire repertoire, there is no doubt that these guys have written some of the best pop/anthemic songs over the last decade.

"Battle Born" (Island/Vertigo) was mastered by Chief Mastering Engineer Emily Lazar and her team at The Lodge earlier this summer and it's been incredible to be part of such an amazing release.  Produced and mixed by some of the world's biggest names in audio, the team includes Steve Lillywhite, Damian Taylor, Brenden O'Brien, Stuart Price, Daniel Lanois and Alan Moulder.

The album is due to be released on September 17th but in the mean time, kick back and wrap your ears around their full album stream on iTunes right HERE.

Enjoy!

Imagine Dragons' Debut Album Tops Charts!

Las Vegas' finest musical export is synth rockers Imagine Dragons and they are making quite the impact with their debut album "Night Visions" (Interscope/KIDinaKORNER).  The band returned to The Lodge this summer to work on their full length album.  The Lodge has previously worked with the band on their hugely popular "Continued Silence EP" earlier this year. 

Mixed by Grammy-winning engineers Manny Marroquin & Mark Needham, the album was produced by the band and mega pop producer Alex Da Kid (Rihanna, Eminem). "Night Visions" topped the charts debuting at #1 on iTunes and #2 on Amazon in less then 24 hours after it's release; we couldn't be more proud of these guys!! Imagine Dragons are all about achieving a huge sound nuanced with thrashing driving drums, and dense layers of distorted synths; this album is all killer, no filler!  Be sure not to miss this smash hit fall release!

Check out their video for the single "It's Time"

Alanis Morissette Album is OUT this week!

Multiple Grammy winner Alanis Morissette makes a triumphant return this week with brand new album "Havoc and Bright Lights" mastered by Emily Lazar and her team at The Lodge! The album was produced & mixed by the very talented Guy Sigsworth and Joe Chiccarelli.

In a recent interview with Huffington Post, Morissette explains how the birth of her son Ever Imre inspired her to write "Havoc and Bright Lights" as well as her views on parenting.  Morissette makes motherhood cool in our book!

You can buy her album in the US right here 

And check out her hilarious E! interview with straight talker  Chelsea Handler on Chelsea Lately.

The Return of Reggae Legend Jimmy Cliff; New Album Mastered at The Lodge!

Grammy-winning reggae legend, Jimmy Cliff, has released his first studio album in 8 years.  Titled “Rebirth,” the album, which earned 4 stars in Rolling Stone, was produced by Punk Legend Tim Armstrong of Rancid and Operation Ivy fame, and was mastered at The Lodge.

Jimmy Cliff needs no introductions; a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and the man that single handed-ly brought reggae music to the masses, Cliff has made a legendary career for himself as a musician, singer, songwriter, producer, activist and actor. His first hit was at the ripe age of 14 with the song “Hurricane Hattie” which was produced by the Influential Leslie Kong. His success as an artist continued with albums like “The Harder They Come” and “Breakout” as well as his crucial acting role in Ivanhoe Martin's movie "The Harder They Come"; contributing iconic tracks such as "Many Rivers To Cross" and "You Can Get It If You Really Want".

On this album Cliff explores his rebirth as an artist and as a man, it is driven by socially conscious lyrics and was inspired by a tour of African countries. He was quoted saying “Africa is like an injection for me. Being there gave me that high feeling- the songs just poured out.”

Head over to Rolling Stone and stream "Rebirth" in it's entirety right HERE

Alanis Morissette Masters New Album at The Lodge!

Emily Lazar and her team at The Lodge recently wrapped up mastering Grammy award winning singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette’s new release “Havoc and Bright Lights”! The album is scheduled to hit stores in late August 2012 and was mastered right here at The Lodge earlier this year.

Produced and mixed by Grammy nominated producer & frequent Lodge client Joe Chiccarelli & Guy Sigsworth, "Havoc and Bright Lights" is Morissette's eighth studio album! She wrote the 12 track album following the birth of her son Ever Imre and was recently quoted about the album "It is my emotional, psychological, social and philosophical commentary through song."

To promote her new album Morissette kicked off a European summer tour in late-June, starting in the United Kingdom.  The albums first single “Guardian” premiered on the radio and Internet in early May 2012. 

 And check out this great behind the scenes video on the making of "Havoc and Bright Lights"
 

The Tallest Man On Earth Master New Album

Kristian Matsson, a singer/songwriter from Sweden, began to receive recognition for his musical conceptualism and craftsmanship as a writer in 2006 while performing and recording under the alias The Tallest Man on Earth. He has released three full length albums, the most recent entitled "There's No Leaving Now" (Dead Oceans/Gravitation) is the first to feature a full band and was recently mastered at The Lodge.

With influences that range from Bob Dylan to Nick Drake, Matsson produced and recorded "There's no Leaving Now" himself, at his home studio in Dalarna, Sweden. 

Listen to the beautiful single "1904" from "There's No Leaving Now" right HERE

The Killers Release New Single Mastered at The Lodge!

It's been 4 years since The Killers have released a studio album and the wait is ALMOST over folks! Anthemic synth-pop wizards have returned with a catchy lead single "Runaways" from forthcoming album "Battle Born"(due to be released September, 2012).

Mastered by Emily Lazar and her team at The Lodge- take a sneak peak into The Killers' fourth studio album! Watch the official video below.

Neon Trees Go PLATINUM!

Holy smokes! Our fave synth-rockers Neon Trees just went platinum with their infectious single "Everybody Talks"! Couldn't be more excited for these guys.

"Everybody Talks" is the lead single from the band's second album "Picture Show" produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen, mixed by Billy Bush and mastered at The Lodge.  "Everybody Talks" is the band's second platinum selling single!

Emily Lazar interviewed by Adam Gonsalves for Square Cad Podcast

Adam Gonsalves is a mastering engineer based in Portland, Oregan.  He runs a wonderful (subscribe free!) podcast on iTunes called Square Cad purely dedicated to the world of mastering. On each episode, Adam spotlights a top mastering engineer or a particular pro-audio company.  He has interviewed top mastering engineers in addition to discussing very particular mastering topics such as DDPi's, sample rate conversion and general studio etiquette.

For his most recent episode, Adam sat down and spoke with Emily about her career; starting out as an engineer at Shelter Island Sound, the beginnings of The Lodge, and her views on how records are mastered today. A really insightful interview, please be sure to check it out right HERE.  You can also get a sweet discount from Sweetwater after listening to the episode!

For more information about Square Cad podcast, please visit their website http://squarecad.net/