Seattle Band's Recording Studio Scores Big with Super Bowl Ad Featuring Lady Gaga!

Last August, while pop superstar Lady Gaga was captivating audiences at Climate Pledge Arena with her “Mayhem Ball Tour,” she was also busy filming a Pokémon commercial at the locally renowned Temple of the Trees studio in Seattle.

The longtime studio operators, Joe and Karyn Reineke, who are also local musicians in the Seattle band Society of the Silver Cross, were taken by surprise when they learned of Gaga’s involvement just a day before an 80-person crew—many flown in from Japan—descended upon their Seattle-area studio. “We about fell off the couch,” Joe remarked, recalling the moment they saw the ad during the Super Bowl. “My phone blew up for the next three hours!”

Local musicians and longtime studio owners Joe and Karyn Reineke also run Orbit Audio in Pioneer Square. (Ernie Sapiro)

The making of the commercial, celebrating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, was shrouded in secrecy, with the Reinekes signing nondisclosure agreements to keep the project under wraps. “We 100% did not have a clue it was coming,” Joe added.

The gothic aesthetic of the studio was a perfect match for Gaga’s vibe, resonating with her spooky tour theme. Dressed in black, she was captured in the wood-lined, candlelit studio, singing with her animated Pokémon partner, Jigglypuff. “She loved the gothy vibes,” Joe said, echoing the sentiment of many local fans.

Temple of the Trees recording studio provided the perfectly “gothy vibes” for Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl commercial shoot. (Ernie Sapiro)

“The wood adorning the interiors of Temple of the Trees was sourced from the very trees that once graced the studio’s hallowed ground, with each plank carefully hand-treated by Joe and Karyn Reineke. Built during the pandemic, Temple of the Trees has quickly become a sought-after location for musicians. The Reinekes poured their heart and soul into constructing this unique studio, ensuring every detail reflects their passion for music.”

Gaga spent about seven hours filming and left an indelible impression on the Reinekes. “She was very nice and friendly,” Karyn said. “It was so exciting to have her in our studio.”