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Lexi Vaganos Returns To Forge

September 18, 2018

Local singer-songwriter Lexi Vaganos returned to Forge Recording to work on her new single, I’m Here. She worked with Forge Recording Lead Engineer Ron DiSilvestro in Studio A. Lexi has performed at local Philly venues such as the Tin Angel and World Cafe Live. Check out Lexi’s version of Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra filmed here at Forge Recording.

Lexi graduated from the Forge Recording Singer-Songwriter Program with John Faye, and recorded her first self-titled EP here at Forge. She believes Forge’s Singer-Songwriter Program played a key role in being accepted into USC’s music program, stating I was able to gain valuable instruction, and the experience of working with industry producers and engineers in a professional recording studio.

Lexi is also featured in two songs, You Only Get What You Take and Neutral is Reverse, on Pretty Digital’s new album The More You Scratch, The Longer It Takes to Heal, which was also recorded at Forge.

Studio NewsForge Recording, Lexi Vaganos, Ron DiSilvestro, Singer-Songwriter, studio a, vocals

Bad Boy’s Gizzle Records at Forge

July 27, 2017

Songwriter and rapper Gizzle worked on new material for three days at Forge Recording. Gizzle is signed to Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs’ Bad Boy Records and has written for Teddy Riley, Puff Daddy, Pharrell, Timbaland, Nicki Minaj, T.I., Meek Mill, Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, Trey Songs, Ty$, YG, Iggy Azalea, Hit-Boy, Kid Ink and others.

While at Forge Gizzle recorded vocals in The Academy Studio and live instruments in Studio A. She also took advantage of Forge Recording’s quick turn CD duplication services for her album 7 Days in Atlanta.

Studio News7 Days in Atlanta, Bad Boy Records, duplication, Forge Recording, Gizzle, live recording, Puff Daddy, Rap, Sony Entertainment

WSDG, Architect of Forge Facilities, Wins TEC Award

February 28, 2017

In 2004 the Walters-Storyk Design Group (WSDG) received a “Best Studio Design” TEC Award nomination for the Forge Recording facilities (pictured above and below). This year WSDG won the TEC Award for the design of the Boston Symphony Orchestra Control Room. In fact, WSDG has won the TEC Award for studio design for each of the past 3 years.

Presented annually by the NAMM Foundation, the TEC Awards recognizes the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, and other media. It is considered the highest honor in the professional audio and sound recording industry.

WSDG has won 11 TEC Awards since 1985. In 2015 WSDG was recognized for its design of the Berklee College of Music educational complex in Boston, and in 2016 for Paul Epworth’s The Church Studios in London.

For Forge Recording, WSDG designed the exterior, Studio A, lobby, lounge, 2nd floor offices and what was then the audiocassette manufacturing facilities. Click here for a description of the Forge Recording project on the WSDG web site.

Studio NewsForge Recording, TEC awards, wsdg

Studio Jams – Grace Kelly

August 10, 2016

In between tapings of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Bosch, saxophonist Grace Kelly visited Forge Recording to film an episode of Studio Jams.

The session was recorded in Studio A by lead engineer Ron DiSilvestro. Grace Kelly was joined by bassist Chico Huff, guitarist Kevin Hanson, keyboardist Matt King and Tracy Alexander on the drums.

Grace Kelly is an accomplished saxophone player, vocalist, composer, educator and performer. She recorded her first album, Dreaming, at age 12. It was followed by Times Too, Every Road I Walked, GracefulLee, Mood Changes, Man With The Hat, Grace, Live At Scullers, Working For The Dreamers, and her latest project, Trying To Figure It Out. She is a regular in Stay Human, the house band led by Jon Battiste on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Studio Jams is a creative, up-close and inside look at the art of making music. Click here to watch Studio Jams sessions filmed at Forge Recording.

Studio, Studio NewsChico Huff, Forge Recording, Grace Kelly, jazz, Kevin Hanson, Matt King, philadelphia, Ron DiSilvestro, Studio Jam, Tom Emmi, Tracy Alexander

On-Site Recording at Immaculata University

July 19, 2016

Though Forge Recording is based in one specific location, one of the unique services we offer is our on-site recording opportunities. Immaculata University utilized our services to record their impressive digital organ playing their Alma Mater. Brendan McGeehan, our studio manager, and one of our interns traveled to Immaculata to record and mix the session. Essentially, we brought the studio to them. Forge offers location audio recording as well as location video recording.

Do you have a live gig or session you want recorded on-site? Check out our site to find out more about what we do and what we can offer you!

Studio NewsBrendan McGeehan, Forge Recording, Immaculata University, On-site Recording, Pipe Organ

Rock On Philly Interview with Carvin Haggins

April 28, 2016

Rock On Philly recently interviewed award winning producer and songwriter, Carvin Haggins, about his music and time here at Forge Recording.

Haggins decided to make Forge his home this past Fall, using the studio to write, produce, and engineer his music. He is the founder of Ethical Music Entertainment, which strives to produce music that is ethical and grounded in love, respect, and morality.

Haggins has collaborated with Forge Recording and lead engineer, Ron DiSilvestro, on a number of projects, including a concussion anthem rap with ESPN medical correspondent Dr. David Wang, music video shoot “#L2LU” for EME artist BriaMarie, and TaMyya J’s single “Champion.” We look forward to more collaborations with Carvin in the future and are honored he chose Forge as his new home base.

Click here to read Rock On Philly’s interview with Carvin Haggins.

Studio NewsCarvin Haggins, Forge Recording, Rock On Philly

Jessi Teich Music Video

April 28, 2016

International Award Winning Indie-Pop artist Jessi Teich filmed her latest music video entitled “The Curtain Call” at Forge Recording. Jessi and her crew chose Studio A as the setting. In addition to Jessi, the video features Alanna Barbone Van Kampen as the graceful dancer. Mike Garrity and Jefferson Green were the videographers.

The single was released by Madame Freak Records and is available to download on iTunes.

It is always an immense pleasure for us at Forge to work with Jessi. Her soulful tone and cheerful demeanor make for ideal recording sessions. Jessi’s manager, Jefferson Green, returns the sentiment: “Forge was the ideal place for us to shoot our video. Great setting. Great lighting. Great sound. The staff is fantastic to work with.”

Music Video, Studio News, TestimonialsForge Recording, Indie, Indie-Pop, Jefferon Green, Jessi Teich, Madame Freak Records, Music Video, studio a, The Curtain Call

JuTaun Records “Gold”

April 27, 2016

Jutaun is back in the studio recording their new single “Gold.”

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The group is comprised of brothers Jake and James Evans and Samoeun Cheng. The trio joined up in South Jersey to form their band, whose music is not defined by any one genre but instead takes an eclectic view on music. This is Jutaun’s second single recorded at Forge, their first being “Back to Life.” Lead engineer, Ron DiSilvestro, is engineering the track.

Ron DiSilvestro, Studio, Studio NewsBack to Life, Forge Recording, Gold, Jutaun, Ron DiSilvestro, studio a

Minas Re-Releases Num Dia Azul on Vinyl and CD

April 11, 2016

Num-Dia-Azul

Thirty-three years after the release of their first album, Num Dia Azul, Minas are re-releasing remastered and re-mixed versions on vinyl and CD. Patricia King and Orlando Haddad make up the musical duo, whose influences come primarily from Brazilian jazz. The two recorded the album in 1981 and released it two years later. From there, the record began to gather momentum and attracted a musical cult-like following. Due to an unfortunate house fire, approximately 600 of the 1,000 copies were destroyed, leaving only a few hundred left in circulation. With this, Num Dia Azul become an international collector’s item, and for good reason. The sultry jazz sounds combined with fun and upbeat Brazilian melodies and instruments are enough to entrance any jazz lover’s attention.

The album has been out of print since 1985, leaving listeners unable to purchase physical copies as the ones in circulation are highly sought after. The band has received requests for this record from all over the world, the demands only increasing over the years. Forge Recording’s very own Brendan McGeehan has worked with Minas for years and took on the task of remastering and remixing the album, this time with two previously unreleased tracks. McGeehan engineered the album here are Forge, utilizing the top of the line equipment the studio has to offer.

Along with the re-release, there will be a live performance of the album at World Cafe Philadelphia on April 16th, which is, appropriately, Record Store Day. King and Haddad will be joined by David Licht on drums (who played on the original album), Jim Stager on bass, Dendê covering percussion, and Steve Tirpak playing the trombone. It’s bound to be a night full of good memories and great music.

Congratulations to Minas on this immense accomplishment and milestone! Listen to the album below:

Studio NewsBrazilian Jazz, Brendan McGeehan, David Licht, Dende, Forge Recording, jazz, Jim Stager, Minas, Num Dia Azul, Orlando Haddad, Patricia King, Steve Tirpack, Vinyl, World Cafe Philadelphia

Rad and Kell Live Session At Forge

March 31, 2016

Acoustic pop songwriting duo, Rad and Kell, made Studio A their home while they recorded a live session of their song “Soul Singer,” which is featured on their new album, Give Me Gravity. The album was partially recorded at Forge with Andrew McLean and Ivan Funk producing and engineering the project. The “Soul Singer” live session was shot by IMJ Productions and mixed by Andrew McLean.

This was their second live session at Forge, following their visit back in November when they recorded a cover of The Beatles “Oh, Darling” and one of their originals songs, “Let It Fade”.

Rad and Kell have been gaining major recognition as of late with their music being aired on WSTW’s Hometown Heroes and WXPN. Their single “Heavy on the Pedal” also won the Video of the Year Award from Hometown Heroes WSTW. Rad and Kell’s new album, Give Me Gravity, is now available to download at iTunes.

Music Video, StudioAndrew McLean, Forge Recording, Give Me Gravity, Live Session, Rad and Kell, Soul Singer, studio a

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