Joe LaPorta Stays Busy at The Lodge Mastering with Neon Indian, Beach House, Matt and Kim and More

Keeping busy working with founder and Chief Mastering Engineer Emily Lazar on such noteworthy projects as Armin van Buuren's upcoming "Mirage," Joe LaPorta has also been expanding his solo discography.

Hot on the heels of critically acclaimed Bear In Heaven's "Beast Rest Forth Mouth" and Dum Dum Girls' "I Will Be," LaPorta has recently mastered Neon Indian's re-release of "Psychic Chasms," the accompanying remix album "Mind Ctrl: Psychic Chasms Possessed," Beach House's "iTunes Sessions" EP, and Mexican Summer artist Tamaryn's debut "The Waves." LaPorta has also recently completed hip hop legend KRS-One's "Meta-Historical" produced entirely by longtime Wu Tang affiliate True Master, Matt & Kim's new single "Cameras,"and Billboard Dance Chart-topper Sylvia Tosun's "Above All" EP, executive-produced and mixed by Tom Lord Alge.

Other upcoming releases include Bear Hands debut full length on Cantora Records (mixed by James Brown) and Givers' debut full length album (mixed & produced by Chris Coady)-- both mastered by LaPorta at The Lodge.

KRS-One & True Master Bring "Meta-Historical" To The Lodge

Hip hop pioneers KRS-One and True Master teamed up for a phenomenal new album, "Meta-Historical" (Fat Beat Records) available August 31, 2010. The album was mastered at The Lodge by Mastering Engineer Joe LaPorta.

"Meta-Historical"marks the first collaboration between legendary emcee KRS-One and producer/Wu-Tang Clan affiliate True Master. Arguably one of the genre's most influential artists, KRS-One is famous for his involvement with Boogie Down Productions and his countless progressive, political and socially conscious music/books he has released over the span of his 20-year career. An icon in his own right, True Master has received production credits for such definitive albums as Ghostface Killah's "Iron Man," Ol' Dirty Bastard's "Return to the 36 Chambers," Wu-Tang Clan's "Wu-Tang Forever," and many more. The upcoming "Meta-Historical" presents a tactful combination of KRS-One's potent lyrical stabs, True Master's edgy signature beats and guest appearances by Wu Members Cappadonna and The RZA, who mastered his 2003 "Birth of a Prince" with Emily Lazar at The Lodge.

"Meta-Historical" is the latest in a string of Fat Beats Records released mastered by Joe LaPorta (including new albums by Roc Marciano, Pseudo Slang, and the Trinity Project). Sure to be an instant modern classic, look for "Meta-Historical" in stores near you this August 31!

Neon Indian's "Psychic Chasms" Deluxe Edition Mastered At The Lodge

Everyone's favorite psychedelic synth-pop band, Neon Indian, will release a deluxe double CD/double vinyl edition of their popular debut "Psychic Chasms" on September 28, via the FADER Label/ Static Tongues. The project was mastered at The Lodge by Mastering Engineer Joe LaPorta.

Neon Indian's chill-wave debut "Psychic Chasms" was originally released on Lufse Records in October of last year. The deluxe, re-mastered edition is to be paired with a second album dubbed "Mind Ctrl: Psychic Chasms Possessed," composed of remixes & covers of Neon Indian songs by musician friends including Toro Y Moi, YACHT, The Antlers, and Twin Shadow (who also recently had his debut full-length mastered at The Lodge).

Neon Indian have announced dates for a cross-country tour this September and October. They put on an electrifying live performance, so don't miss out on a show near you!!

Lodge-Mastered Bands Featured On La Blogothéque, Take Away Shows!

La Blogothéque is a popular online music publication based in France well known for its series of guerrilla-style music videos dubbed Take Away Shows.

Started by independent film maker Vincent Moon in 2006, Take Away Shows - usually set in whimsical locations like abandoned buildings, rustic stairwells, public streets - are intended to capture the raw beauty of spontaneous, intimate acoustic performances by seriously inspiring musicians.

Among the 100+ episodes of Take Away Shows in the La Blogothéque archive are videos by the following bands that have previously mastered material at The Lodge with Emily Lazar and Joe LaPorta:

Vampire Weekend ("Vampire Weekend," "Contra")

The Shins ("Chutes Too Narrow," "Wincing The Night Away")

Suckers ("Wild Smile")

Dean & Britta ("L'Avventura Deluxe Edition")

Noah and the Whale ("The First Days of Spring")

The National (Pitchfork Exclusive, Live EP)

Bear in Heaven ("Beast Rest Forth Mouth")

Watch the videos below or visit La Blogothéque's website for a full list of Take Away Shows!

VAMPIRE WEEKEND - Mansard Roof

THE SHINS - Part 2

SUCKERS - Afterthoughts & TV - A Take Away Show

DEAN & BRITTA - KNIVES ...

NOAH AND THE WHALE - Episode 2

THE NATIONAL - Start a war

BEAR IN HEAVEN - For Beauty

Upcoming NYC Summer Shows!

New York knows how to party!

Here's a quick update on upcoming local performances by some awesome Lodge-mastered bands:

Lower Dens - Glasslands Gallery - August 4

The Postelles (w/ Interpol) - Wellmont Theatre - August 4

Restless People (w/ Cut Copy) - East River Park - August 8

Maps & Atlases - Mercury Lounge - August 12

Neon Indian (w/ Prefuse 73)- The Beach @ Governor's Island - Saturday, August 14

Future Islands (w/!!!) - East River Park - August 15

Beloved Rogue - Mercury Lounge - August 16

Twin Shadow - Mercury Lounge - August 17

Chromeo, The Suzan - East River Park - August 22

KRS-One - The Beach @ Governor's Island - Saturday, August 28

Envy on the Coast - Irving Plaza - August 28, 29

Vampire Weekend, Dum Dum Girls (w/Beach House) - Radio City Music Hall - September 15-17

Tamaryn Brings "The Waves" To The Lodge

Shoegaze duo Tamaryn are slated to release their debut album, "The Waves," (Mexican Summer) September 14, 2010. The album was mastered at The Lodge by Mastering Engineer Joe LaPorta.

Based out of San Francisco, Tamaryn is composed of one-name lead singer Tamaryn and producer/multi-instrumentalist Rex Shelverton. Since their formation in 2008, the duo have been causing quite a stir in the independent music scene with their brand of atmospheric and haunting rock. Their highly anticipated debut full length, appropriately titled "The Waves," is an ocean of texture featuring soaring electric guitars, entrancing, patient rhythms, and Tamaryn's mournful vocal melodies. Recorded at Shelverton's home studio over the course of 16 months, the album will finally be available on CD/Vinyl September 14, via Mexican Summer.

Read an interview Tamaryn did for Pitchfork Media here!

Click here to download Tamaryn's single "Sandstone"!

Lodge-Mastered Bands Play Jelly's Pool Parties 2010!

It's summer in New York and what better way to enjoy the season than by soaking up the sun at a free concert right on the East River waterfront!

Jelly Productions' fifth annual Pool Parties series offers 8 Sundays of free shows at East River Park, with a diverse lineup of all your favorite artists!

This year, The Lodge is especially excited to see bands we have recently mastered on the bill:

Restless People - August 8, 2010

Future Islands - August 15, 2010

Chromeo - August 22, 2010

The Suzan - August 22, 2010

Don't miss out the on action!

For news and more information on the events, visit Jelly Pool Parties official website.

See you all there!

The Lodge Meets Twin Shadow

George Lewis Jr., aka Twin Shadow, is a multi-instrumentalist and singer, currently based in Brooklyn, New York. His debut full length, "Forget," is an intimate collection of songs, drawing atmospheric inspiration from his personal nostalgia. Lush arrangements of analog synthesizers, drum machines, and swelling guitars support Lewis' pop vocals as they wander through colorful melodies and vivid lyrical imagery. The album was beautifully produced and mixed by Chris Taylor (Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, Dirty Projectors), bassist/engineer of Grizzly Bear and co-founder of Terrible Records which Twin Shadow is currently signed to. Chris Taylor has also recently produced The Morning Benders' debut album, "Big Echo," which was mastered at The Lodge by Emily Lazar and Joe LaPorta.

Twin Shadow is scheduled to play several shows in Manhattan and Brooklyn this July and August, so be sure to stop by for some great music. If you can't make the show, keep an eye out for his debut album, "Forget," available on CD and vinyl September 28, via Terrible Records.

Twin Shadow 'Slow' (NSFW) from Twin Shadow on Vimeo.

Magic Kids Bring Memphis To The Lodge

Indie pop's latest crush, Magic Kids, are counting down the days till their summery debut album "Memphis" (True Panther) is released on August 24, 2010. The album was mastered at The Lodge by Chief Mastering Engineer Emily Lazar and Mastering Engineer Joe LaPorta.

Magic Kids are a joyfully talented and incredibly charming sextext from Memphis, Tennessee. The band, composed of childhood friends Will, Ben, Michael, Alice, Al and Bennett, is gaining a reputation for their endearing, lighthearted lyrics and colorful '60s pop inspired arrangements. Reminiscent of early Beach Boys and Electric Light Orchestra, Magic Kids' singles "Hey Boy" and "Summer," featured on the upcoming debut, have already caught the attention of recent buzzbands The Morning Benders and Ariel Pink, and have even earned them an interview by the popular indie-centric magazine Nylon. The band's shimmering debut "Memphis," to be released on True Panther, was produced and mixed by Shane Stoneback who recently collaborated with The Lodge on Vampire Weekend's "Contra" and Sleigh Bells' "Treats." Previous True Panther albums mastered at The Lodge by mastering engineer Joe LaPorta include: Lemonade's "Pure Moods," Tanlines' "Settings," Teengirl Fantasy's upcoming full length "7AM," and (former True Panther artist) Tamaryn's "The Waves."

Magic Kids are currently on a cross-country summer tour with Ariel Pink through the months of July and August. Stop by a venue near you and let their sunny music remind you what the season is all about!

mp3: Magic Kids - "Summer"

mp3: Magic Kids - "Superball"

Watch Nylon magazine's interview of the Magic Kids:

Lodge-Mastered Bands At Pitchfork Music Fest!

Indie music's favorite media publication, Pitchfork, is counting down the days till Friday, July 16, the first day of their annual summer music fest! This year, nearly 50 incredible acts are scheduled to rock the three-day event set in Brooklyn's Union Park.

Here at The Lodge, we're extra excited because bands we have recently mastered material for are joining the party:

Saturday:

Bear in Heaven

Sunday:

Neon Indian

Sleigh Bells

Beach House

If you haven't already bought tickets for the sold-out show, Pitchfork has just announced that there will be extra passes available to purchase in-person on Thursday, July 15!

Click here to go to the Pitchfork Music Festival 2010 official website for more information about the artists and events.

Hope to see you all there!

Indie All Stars Present "All Summer"

Popular indie artists Rostam Batmanglij (Vampire Weekend), Best Coast, and Kid Cudi teamed up to write the breezy "All Summer," for a Converse exclusive release. Part of Converse's music-collaboration series "Three Artists, One Song," the seasonal track features Batmanglij's smooth pop production, signature glassy vocals by surfer-rock songstress Bethany Consentino (Best Coast) and carefree rhymes by rapper Kid Cudi. The song was recorded by Justin Gerrish (John Mayer, Weezer, Muse, Vampire Weekend) and mastered at The Lodge by Emily Lazar and Joe LaPorta.

Watch SPIN Magazine's behind-the-scenes video coverage here.

And click here to download the summer jam for free from Converse's website.

Chromeo Turns The Lights Out At The Lodge

Montreal's electro-funk duo Chromeo released their latest single "Don't Turn The Lights On" (Vice Records/Atlantic) on June 29, 2010. The track was mastered at The Lodge, by Chief Mastering Engineer Emily Lazar and Mastering Engineer Joe LaPorta.

Chromeo have been garnering fans world-wide since the pop duo first formed in Montreal in 2001. The band is composed of two long-time friends David "Dave 1" Macklovitch on guitar and lead vocals and Patrick "P-Thugg" Gemayel on talk box, keys and synths. Notorious for their infectious 80's-retro dance beats and lyrical hooks, it is no surprise that their latest single, "Don't Turn The Lights On," is full of catchy vocal hooks, funky electric guitars, and analog synths galore. A masterfully crafted pop song, the song is the first collaboration between The Lodge Mastering and Chromeo, as well as engineer/producer extraordinaire Phillippe Zdar (Cassius, Phoenix, The Rapture, MC Solaar) who mixed the track.

Chromeo are also planning a cross-country summer tour through the months of July and August and are even teaming up with Neon Indian (also mastered at The Lodge) for a few shows- don't miss the chance to get your dance on!

Click here to check out Stereogum's Premier of Chromeo's "Don't Turn The Lights On"

Window Shopping

Passing by Other Music today, I saw this...


Sleigh Bell's "Treats" & Suckers' "Wild Smile" are 2 debut albums by 2 Brooklyn bands that are gaining quite a bit of attention right now. Both albums were mastered at The Lodge and are on their way to being the soundtrack to your summer. Loving the window display!

Lodge-Mastered Bands Join 2010 Bonnaroo Bill!

This past weekend (June 10-13), over 250,000 music-lovers gathered in Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee to experience one of the most widely-celebrated annual arts festivals of this generation. Superfly Productions' "Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival" is a glorious, round-the-clock, four-day venture, featuring bands of all genres including rock, hip hop, country, electronica, and more. This year, Neon Indian, Against Me!, and The Postelles, joined the lineup, performing songs from their latest Lodge-mastered releases.

(Above) The "That" Tent, Thursday, June 10:
Manhattan's pop-rock band The Postelles played a set of their signature jangly, love-struck tunes for new and familiar fans alike. Their self-titled debut full length is due out July 27th on Astralwerks/Capitol Records, and was mastered at The Lodge by Emily Lazar and Joe LaPorta.

(Above) The "This" tent, Sunday, June 13:
Punk rock all-stars Against Me! put on an explosive show for a full house of raucous fans. Their set list mostly consisted of songs from their newest album "White Crosses," (Sire) which was mastered at The Lodge by Emily Lazar and Joe LaPorta.

(Below) The "That" Tent, Thursday, June 10:
Acid-infused electropop group Neon Indian performed songs from their debut album "Psychic Chasms" for screaming fans, including some who dressed in feathered headdresses and neon-paint. Originally released in 2009, "Psychic Chasms" was re-mastered at The Lodge by Joe LaPorta and re-released on New York's FADER Label/Cornerstone Promotions on June 8, 2010. Check out the video below of Neon Indian performing "Ephemeral Artery", live at Bonnaroo.

Summer Blockbuster Mastered at The Lodge!

Universal Picture's "Get Him to the Greek", a hilarious spin-off of 2008 comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall, hit U.S. theaters last Friday, June 4. The soundtrack was mastered at The Lodge by Emily Lazar and Joe LaPorta, and includes songs written by Jarvis Cocker (Pulp) and performed by the movie's fictional artists Infant Sorrow and Jackie Q. The comic album was produced by Jonathan Karp and Lyle Workman and mixed by Billy Bush (Garbage, The Subways).

Written/directed by Nicholas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Yes Man) and produced by Judd Apatow, the film follows the outrageous story of British rock star Aldous Snow (played by Russell Brand) and his record label's awe-struck intern (Jonah Hill) as they hustle from London to L.A. for a 10th anniversary show at The Greek Theater.

Cameo appearances include Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Sean "P.Diddy" Combs, who plays the head of Infant Sorrow's record label.

"Get Him to the Greek" is a total riot, and is now playing at a theater near you!

Suckers drop "Wild Smile" TODAY!

Suckers have been ruling the Brooklyn music scene for quite some time now and they have finally released their debut album "Wild Smile" (Frenchkiss Records) TODAY! The album was mastered at The Lodge by Joe LaPorta and produced by Chris Zane (Passion Pit, The Walkmen, Asobi Seksu) earlier this year.

Preorder the album on iTunes H E R E

They are currently on tour with label mates Local Natives so try not to miss these guys live- each band member plays at least 3 instruments (sometimes even simultaneously!)

06-10 Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo
06-13 Isle of Wight, England – Isle of Wight Festival
06-15 London, England – Shepherds Bush Empire
06-24 Glastonbury, England – Glastonbury Old Queen’s Head
06-25 Glastonbury, England – Glastonbury Festival
06-27 Paris, France – Solidays Festival
07-02 Hérouville-Saint-Clair, France – Beauregard Festival
07-04 Rosklide, Denmark – Rosklide Festival
07-18 Chicago, IL – Pitchfork Festival
08-05 Boston, MA – The Middle East
08-06 Philadelphia, PA – The First Unitarian Church Sanctuary
08-07 New York, NY – Governors Island
08-11 Cannes, France – Pantiero Festival
08-12 Haldern, Germany – Haldern Festival
08-13 Gothenburg, Sweden – Way Out West Festival
08-14 Oslo, Norway – Oya Festival
08-15 Leicester, England – Summer Sundae Festival

Lower Dens To Release "Twin Hand Movement"

Baltimore-based rock quartet Lower Dens will be celebrating the release of their debut full-length "Twin Hand Movement" (Gnomonsong) on July 20, 2010. The album was mastered at The Lodge by Sarah Register.

Drawing inspiration from new-wave, post-rock heroes Sonic Youth, Joy Division and The Cure, Lower Dens' "Twin Hand Movements" is a wash of swelling electric guitars, overdriven bass, rich, textured drums, and front-woman Jana Hunter's smoky melodies. The resulting sonic soundscape is incredibly captivating. "Twin Hand Movements" was recorded at Beat Babies studio by Chris Freeland (former Oxes' drummer) and mixed in NY by producer/engineer Chris Coady (TV On The Radio, Beach House, Grizzly Bear, Yeah Yeah Yeah's).

Lower Dens will be joining hometown friends Future Islands (who also mastered their latest release, "In Evening Air," with Heba Kadry at The Lodge) for a cross-country summer tour blitz. Don't miss out on an awesome show!

Listen to Lower Dens' "Hospice Gates" here!

Summer Headliners Mastered at The Lodge

The Lodge Mastering invites New York to celebrate summer as some of the hottest bands on the scene gear up for their seasonal tours. In support of recent releases, all of which were mastered at The Lodge, Vampire Weekend, Minus the Bear, Sleigh Bells, Dum Dum Girls, The Morning Benders and many more will be performing in and around the New York City area. See below for a complete listing of upcoming shows, and be sure to pick up a copy of the artists' latest albums!

Against Me! -- June 24 @ Wellmont Theatre

Chief -- June 2 @ The Mercury Lounge

Future Islands/Lower Dens -- June 12 @ Bowery Ballroom

Maps & Atlases -- August 12 @ The Mercury Lounge

Matt Pond PA -- June 27 @ The Bowery Ballroom

Minus the Bear -- July 8 @ Webster Hall

The Morning Benders -- June 5 @ The Fillmore, July 27, 28 @ Central park Summerstage

The Postelles -- July 28 @ The Bowery Ballroom

Suckers -- June 18 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Vampire Weekend w/ Beach House & Dum Dum Girls -- September 15 thru 17 @ Radio City Music Hall

Three Lodge-Mastered Bands Tour Together

This fall will grant three big wishes to millions of fans throughout Canada and the U.S. as indie rock powerhouses Vampire Weekend, Beach House, and Dum Dum Girls team up to create somewhat of a super-tour. Coincidentally, this trio of groups have each mastered releases right here at The Lodge: Vampire Weekend's "Contra", Dum Dum Girls' "I Will Be" and Beach Houses' "Zebra EP".

The tour, headlined by Vampire Weekend, will begin on August 28th at Vancouver's Malkin Bowl and end off with a three-day stay in Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall, stopping in nearly 10 major North American cities along the way. This tour is guaranteed to be emblematic of 2010 and we are excited for the musical possibilities that could come from cramming these three bands together on a bus.

Check out all the dates and venues the tour will hit here!

Sleigh Bells Brings "Treats" To The Lodge

Brooklyn’s blitz-pop power-duo Sleigh Bells will be releasing their debut “Treats” (N.E.E.T. / Mom+Pop) on May 11, 2010. The album was mastered at The Lodge, by Emily Lazar and Joe LaPorta.

Since their chance-meeting in 2008, Sleigh Bells' vocalist Alexis Kraus (public school teacher/former member of teen pop group Rubyblue), and guitarist/electronic drum producer Derek Miller (former member of post-hardcore band Poison The Well) have been taking the music scene by storm with a unique, high-powered blend of catchy vocal hooks, crushing drums, and driving distorted guitars. Developing quite a buzz with some free demo releases and raunchy, energetic live performances, it didn't take long before the band caught the attention of British pop star M.I.A. and signed on to her record label N.E.E.T.

Two years later, Sleigh Bells are finally ready to reveal their epic debut album to the world! Mixed by Shane Stoneback, (Vampire Weekend, Discovery), "Treats" is slated to be one of the most anticipated albums of 2010.

Watch Sleigh Bells perform one of their slammin' singles "Crown On The Ground" here:

The National Rocks An Abandoned Castle!

Brooklyn indie-rockers, The National, have released a gorgeous live Pitchfork performance, mastered at The Lodge by Joe LaPorta. The performance is part of a Pitchfork.tv "Special Presentation" series that includes 4 new tracks from the band's highly anticipated fifth studio album "High Violet" (4AD)- out May 11, 2010. The performance was recorded and mixed by producer/engineer David Tolomei.

Truly cinematic, the video features an epic live performance of the band rocking out in an eerie abandoned castle on the Hudson River. It's quite amazing!