Brian Wilson, the genius behind the legendary Beach Boys has been a regular fixture at NAMM in recent years -Photos by Terry Miller
By Devin Stannard
When January rolls in every year, we music journalists get a bit giddy. OK, we go nuts…. You see, no matter how old we get, the NAMM show in Anaheim revitalizes the beast within with a plethora of eye and ear candy for musicians and those who eat, breath and inwardly digest the music industry for their livelihood.
“The global music products industry can expect to see thousands of business opportunities and expanding member benefits on arrival to Anaheim for the 2016 NAMM Show, “ this, according to the press release the marketing dept. sent out recently to encourage people in the industry to attend what is known worldwide the preeminent music merchants trade show .
These are not merely words, its truth in advertising. We’ve covered these shows since the early 1990’s and not only has each year got bigger and better but the quality of merchant(s) is outstanding.
As technology grows and advances at breakneck speed, we in the news business are trying to catch our breath….especially this time of year in Anaheim. Fear not even NAMM has a APP for that ( see later in the story.)
Three of our many NAMM passions each year are guitars, drums and recording equipment but also the incredible energy that is NAMM..Vibrant, colourful and not just for the young.
While the business itself tends to cater to young, up and coming musicians, many will be pleasantly surprised to see the number of legendary figures in the business you may just bump into.
We’ve talked to Yoko Ono, Quincy Jones, as well shared a few cocktails with George Benson. We don’t {usually}like to name drop, but a few years back we had the distinct honor of hearing BB King play to a handful of people at a booth at NAMM circa 1986.
The more than 96,000 people expected to attend from January 21 to 24 will have the chance to experience the latest in music instruments and products, while learning from fellow industry leaders about the best music-business practices.
“This crazy little thing we call the music industry is changing and evolving incredibly fast, but the human desire to make and enjoy music is stronger than ever,” said Joe Lamond CEO of NAMM. “NAMM members from around the world are embracing this change and will gather once again in Anaheim to celebrate new product innovations, share ideas and learn at NAMM U. They will enjoy the networking and camaraderie that has made this event the four most vibrant days on the industry calendar.”
With more than 650 international companies exhibiting in Anaheim, the global presence at the 2016 NAMM Show is the largest of any NAMM Show yet. There will be international exhibit pavilions for China, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom, with Argentina’s doubling in size this year. In total, 1,600 NAMM member companies representing over 5,100 brands of instruments, music products and technology, including Yamaha Corporation, Fender Music Instrument Corporation, Roland Corporation, Gibson Brands, and U.S. Music Corporation are expected to show at the 2016 event.
Taylor Guitars, among others have expand their exhibit space. Interesting, to note that BackBeat Books has just published a super book on Taylor Guitars…so their timing is spot on.
That same company also published an exhaustive book on Beatles Gear…talk about FAB (See last week’s edition for a full review.)
The NAMM Show also has a smartphone app available for download on iOS and Android. Users can create profiles and connect with other members while attending the show. The updated app includes a new “What’s Happening Now” section that informs users about events in real time. This is GREAT news.
For more information visit NAMM.com
