| Iha and Ivy's Stratosphere studio reopens after fire |
| January 25, 2002, 11:00 pm |
Source: Billboard Abstract (Document Summary) In the fall, Ivy spent several weeks at Stratosphere recording the score to the Farrelly Brothers' film, Shallow Hal. More recently, [Andy Chase] produced French artist Tahiti 80, and Tenacious D has also worked there. Upcoming sessions include Fastball and the Virgins, featuring [James Iha], exLemonheads singer Evan Dando, Ryan Adams, and former Hole bassist Melissa auf der Maur. Additionally, Iha and [Adam Schlesinger] develop artists signed to their Scratchie Records label. Full Text (394 words) Copyright VNU eMedia, Inc. Jan 26, 2002 NEW YORK-Every end is a beginning, and while 2001 saw the closing of some local studios here, new facilities are taking their place. One such studio, Stratosphere Sound, has returned to the New York City recording community, having lost its initial space to a fire in late 1999. Stratosphere's principals-James Iha, formerly of the Smashing Pumpkins; musician/producer Adam Schlesinger, of Fountains of Wayne and Ivy; and musician/producer Andy Chase, also of Ivy-each bring production work to the studio. But as word of the facility's relocation spreads, outside projects account for a larger percentage of the booking. Designed by Francis Manzella of FM Design, the new Stratosphere has a more professional feel than its former site in the meat-packing district. Nonetheless, like most artist-- owned facilities, the 3,000-squarefoot duplex on 11th Avenue retains a comfortable, informal vibe. "In the end," Chase says, "we got something that was a really good hybrid between a funky, not-so-corporate vibe and something that works from a sonic point of view. Our architect was happy, and we were happy with the way it was comfortable." "The old place was homemade and smaller," Schlesinger adds. "It was great and funky and cool, but this is a whole other level." Fortunately, Stratosphere's 32input Neve 8068 console survived the fire that rendered the studio's previous location uninhabitable. The Neve is the centerpiece of the new Studio A, which also includes a Studer A827 tape machine, fully-- loaded Pro Tools rig, and an array of vintage instruments, amplifiers, microphones, and outboard gear. Stratosphere's smaller Studio B features a Trident 24 console, Otari MTR 90 II 24-track tape machine, and another Pro Tools system. In the fall, Ivy spent several weeks at Stratosphere recording the score to the Farrelly Brothers' film, Shallow Hal. More recently, Chase produced French artist Tahiti 80, and Tenacious D has also worked there. Upcoming sessions include Fastball and the Virgins, featuring Iha, exLemonheads singer Evan Dando, Ryan Adams, and former Hole bassist Melissa auf der Maur. Additionally, Iha and Schlesinger develop artists signed to their Scratchie Records label. Chicago native Iha, who expects to spend half of 2002 in New York, looks forward to taking advantage of the new space. "Everything I've heard that Andy and Adam have done sounds really great," he says. "Hopefully, I'll start doing some real recording at our studio this spring." Credit: Christopher Walsh |