Mackenzie Shivers announces new album 'primrose was in season' out March 1

Check out the great new Mackenzie Shivers track off her forthcoming album 'primrose was in season' coming in March 2024...Robert Kinsler

Artist Shares New Single/Music Video “johnny gown”

New York-based, folk-pop artist Mackenzie Shivers has announced her new album, primrose was in season, will be released on March 1, 2024. On the album, Shivers boldly gives a glimpse into her healing process after losing her first pregnancy, triumphantly capturing a depth of feeling that illuminates both her resilience and vulnerability. Electric guitar, a mix of dance beats and organic drums, and Shivers’s trademark piano bolster her most adventurous work to-date.

 

With the announcement, Shivers shared the new single and music video “johnny gown,” a danceable, synth-driven track that proves her soul-baring lyrics aren’t just for ballads. Chorus.FM featured the track calling Shivers, “an artist to watch as this year unfolds.”

 

Watch “johnny gown” Music Video

 

“When I wrote ‘johnny gown’, it struck me how we are all working through things no one else sees,” explains Shivers. “I had been working so hard to let myself feel all emotions after having a miscarriage, because that was the only way I knew how to move through the grief. Radical acceptance of all feelings. And while that was essential, it was also very exhausting, and it affected how I moved through the world. I felt like I was wearing this heavy yet invisible cloak, this secret. It was a reminder that you never know what someone is going through. We all have our sh*t.”

 

“johnny gown” follows the releases of ethereal pop opener “a cautionary tale,” and the evocative “pedestal,” which both capture an internal struggle to confess that she is not always as put together as she seems, all while pulling the listener into a stunning musical terrain. The tracks have been praised by Adobe & Teardrops, NYS Music, Glamglare, Wildfire Music, The Indy Review, and The Week In Pop who said of “a cautionary tale”, "A ballad that ponders the inner introspection that moves through hallways and quarters of deep loss, Mackenzie combines powerful vocal vulnerabilities and piano guided affirmations that move forward in progressions fortified by understated electronic percussive sequencing.”

 

“The creation of ‘a cautionary tale’ and the subsequent nine tracks that would make up my upcoming album was creative and buoyant, bringing joy to a very difficult time in my life,” states Shivers. “I was struggling to get pregnant and stay pregnant. I felt like the odds were against me, like I couldn't gain control of my own life. But in the studio, I felt like I had some control over what I was making, and I was also having a blast.”

 

“a cautionary tale” and “pedestal” are also available to purchase as a 7” vinyl exclusively on Bandcamp HERE.

 

 

Shivers’ fourth full-length album primrose was in season, produced by frequent collaborator Kevin Salem (Rachel Yamagata, Emmylou Harris), is vivid feminine alt-folk, a powerful portrait of inner fragility and strength that’s at once gossamer and deeply profound. The ten new compositions intertwine magic with grief, illustrating the two can, and often do, co-exist. Shivers’ sound is constantly evolving yet instantly recognizable. She proves her artistry is as versatile and definitive as the title’s early spring bloom. She is someone who is unafraid to grow, to dig, to unearth all sides of herself. The self-portrait she paints is honest and flawed, shimmering and spirited. The title, a lyric from the gritty and grooving “hush now”, holds meaning beyond its wistful beauty. The primrose, signaling the end of winter with its vast array of colors, has a reputation for healing wounds.

 

“This album has been an empowering way for me to move forward,” says Shivers. “And I hope it gives listeners a space to feel any and all things. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from this process, it’s that nothing you feel is wrong. Feeling all emotions is the only way to move through them. Maybe even towards joy.”

Photo Credit: Desdemona Dallas

 

2024 NAMM Show Highlights

Once again, writer George A. Paul, writer-photographer Robert Kinsler and photographer Bob Steshetz attended the NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchants), which was held at the Anaheim Convention Center, Jan. 25-28 (not to mention several media events on Jan. 24). 

Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Media Day (Wednesday, Jan. 24) by Robert Kinsler

C.F. Martin & Co. held a special event to showcase a number of new acoustic guitar and ukulele models, building on the company's legendary lineup of instruments. 

Regarding the high-profile role of A.I. (artificial intelligence) in 2024, Martin Guitars' Chris Martin, executive chairman, noted: "We do not have any self-playing guitars. But we do have artists who play guitars."

Hunter Hayes
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Among the models showcased for the first time is the all-new GPCE Inception Maple. Martin noted the development of the guitar also features the fact that the instrument is made of domestic hardwoods (that are easy to regenerate) as opposed to tropical hardwoods from rainforests that are increasingly more rare. Famed country music singer-guitar great Hunter Hayes then performed a song ("Sober") using the Inception guitar (read much more about Hayes via George A. Paul's review of the artist's Jan. 25 performance below).

Later, NAMM's Global Media Day event featured participating companies like Audiotonix, Brown Box Rocks, Dean Guitars, Deering Banjos, Peavey, Shure Incorporated, Vox Amplification, Yamaha and the aforementioned C.F. Martin & Co. showcasing their latest products.

Jay Leonard J at NAMM.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

I was particularly impressed by Yamaha's latest versions of their popular Pacifica Guitars (Pacifica Professional and Pacifica Standard Plus electric guitar models). Jay Leonard J (seen in the image on the right) played the great-sounding instrument, which features an alder body, slim C-shape maple neck with compound-radius rosewood or maple fingerboard. It features Reflectone pickups co-developed with Rupert Neve Designs.   

Day 1 Report by George A. Paul

On Thursday, NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) kicked off Day 1 of The NAMM Show at Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California.

The world’s oldest and largest music trade show draws thousands of music business professionals and others from numerous countries.  

This week marks the first time the annual event returned to its traditional calendar spot since 2020. More than 1,600 exhibitors are representing 3,000 brands, with more than 200 educational sessions scheduled. Additionally, there are music industry award shows and dozens of concerts held on various stages inside and outside the ACC as well as the adjacent Marriott and Sheraton stages.

New NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak - taking over from Joe Lamond, who spent 20 years in the position - presented an “Industry Insights” breakfast time address Thursday which revealed a newly commissioned study on AI innovation; a pledge to continue open communication and collaboration with music industry members; and NAMM NeXT, a summer education/networking summit for the music industry held in Nashville.

“We put on the world’s best products show,” Mlynczak said. “It’s a historic time for our industry” and “an opportunity to grow back stronger…we must work together.” He also reminded people how “NAMM exists to grow this industry.”

Mary Spender performing at the 2024 NAMM Show.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Special attention was paid to music influencers. Mlynczak heartily welcomed them to The NAMM Show. Then he brought Reverb.com CEO David Mandelbrot and Elderly Instruments President Lillian Werbin to discuss their successful businesses. Next was English singer/guitarist/music influencer Mary Spender who relayed how she built up her 720,000 YouTube channel subscribers over the years. Learn more about this wonderful artist HERE.

Mlynczak bestowed the 2024 NAMM “Music for Life” award to Mark Ronson. The London native is an esteemed producer, musician and DJ with an Oscar, a Golden Globe, several Grammys and other plaudits to his credit. Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus and Duran Duran are among those Ronson has worked with. 

His 2021 documentary series “Watch the Sound” is still airing on AppleTV+. More recently, Ronson has been nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe for writing a song from the soundtrack to hit film “Barbie” with Andrew Wyatt.

At the Convention Center, Ronson said he was excited to be at NAMM Show for the first time, admitted to being obsessed with music gear and spending much of his teen years in music stores. When Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones became Ronson’s stepfather, visiting fancy studios with “fabulous gear” became the norm. “I loved being around gear and teaching myself how (everything) worked.”

When Mlynczak asked about Ronson’s thought on Artificial Intelligence and its potential effect on the music industry, the artist affirmed his belief in the human power to tell stories like Stevie Wonder and Amy Winehouse have done.

Still, “in the studio, I’ll use any tool available…I have one foot in analog, one foot in digital” sound, Ronson said.

TEC Tracks talks – sessions for recording, live sound and music business professionals – are often insightful. Early Thursday afternoon, “The Art of Mixing” featured mixing engineers Matt Wallace (Faith No More, The Replacements, John Hiatt, Train, Susanna Hoffs) and Mark Everton Gray (The Killers, Katy Perry, Guns ‘N Roses, Joe Bonamassa) with moderator/journalist Steve Baltin.

Wallace said it was “important to be super tuned into what the artist says and read between the lines…people are putting their trust in you.”

He also stated that engineers “have to get out of own egos” and find out “what the artist wants to accomplish.” Gray added “I’m a vessel for the client.”

“It took me two decades to figure out ‘the art of planting seeds’” in the minds of musicians about what you think a song needs,” said Wallace. “It’s like a Jedi Mind Trick. You want to get the best out of the artist.”

Gray, a frequent user of Studio at The Palms in Las Vegas, said, “in the studio, an artist’s creative soul is naked.”

Wallace said he felt engineers should believe in their own instincts. One example cited was his co-production/mixing work on Maroon 5’s multi-platinum 2002 debut album “Songs About Jane.” While the band was away from the studio, Wallace thought some crowd noise would enliven a song and the musicians ended up liking what he did.

Elsewhere, they talked about what happens when engineers need to rescue an album that isn't going well and might not meet a deadline. Wallace also said he tries not to stick with the same genres consecutively because then it’s easy to fall into the pattern of doing things by rote.  

 

Hunter Hayes performing at the NAMM Show on Jan. 25, 2024.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

During mid-afternoon Fortunately, it wasn’t noisy in that area of the convention center. Hayes prefaced the half-hour set by saying, “I’ve never played in this chaos before.” He tried to get to know some of the audience members by asking where they were from, and whether any musicians were present.

During the mid-afternoon, country singer/guitarist Hunter Hayes did a warm and inviting acoustic performance adjacent to the C.F. Martin & Co. guitars booth. 

Hayes, 32, provided some career background – how he’d been writing songs since he was six and signed a recording contract at 19 – and then raved about the Martin “Inception” acoustic guitar and its sustainability (Hayes has worked with the guitar company for a decade).

Opening with the title track to 2019 album “Wild Blue,” he delivered passionate vocals for lyrics about independence and freedom, noting that the entire record touched upon those subjects. Before playing a laid back, John Mayer-esque “Somebody’s Heartbreak” complete with falsetto vocal, the artist explained how he knew it had the makings of being a hit (sure enough, the track went top 10 at country radio in 2012). A jaunty “Missing You,” from last year’s “Red Sky” album, was about nostalgia and California. Hayes talked about the album being inspired by the Topanga Canyon surroundings in L.A. while making it.

After touching upon his Cajun influence as a Louisiana native, Hayes admitted to spending the money received from his initial publishing deal on a Martin guitar he’d long had his eye on. Then, the musician played the upbeat and fun “Storm Warning,” his first top 20 hit on country radio. Finally, Hayes closed with the strident “Sober,” off “Red Sky.” The tune, about “dating in the digital age,” gave the guitarist a chance to jam a bit. He dedicated it to people participating in “Dry January,” a challenge revolving around abstaining from alcohol for a month.

Late Thursday afternoon, 5x Grammy Award-winning producer, engineer, and mixer Chris Lord-Alge (Green Day, Bruce Springsteen, Muse, Cheap Trick, Brian Setzer, P!nk) presented a TEC Tracks Session on “Commanding Your Career.”

The large upstairs convention center room was packed; people even stood against the walls to listen. With a brash and frank talking style, Lord-Alge paced around the floor, and often asked whether attendees had encountered specific problems with past clients.

His dozen “CLA Rules” for being a successful mix engineer included: how to network, communicate professionalism, maintaining rules and defining boundaries, collecting payment, time management, understanding the artist’s vision and more.

Among the notable Lord Alge quotes from the session: 

“Whether you’re Harry Styles, Muse or P!nk, you’re gonna pay me.”

“The artist wants to be led – you’re the shepherd…and there to serve the artist.”

At one point, Lord-Alge’s equally successful music engineer brother Tom Lord-Alge appeared at the room entrance and gave him a boisterous shout out – likely typical of New Jersey siblings.

Day 2 Report by Robert Kinsler

On Friday, two highly-anticipated artists made return appearances to the NAMM Show. 

Alicia Witt with Brian Pruitt at Casio on Friday, Jan. 26.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Early in the day, Casio America, Inc. hosted a performance by singer-songwriter/keyboardist Alicia Witt performing on the company's signature "Harmonious Mustard" PX-S7000 Privia digital piano. Witt impressed me when I caught her at the previous NAMM Show held in April 2023, so I made sure to catch her full set this year. This time around she was joined by percussionist Brian Pruitt whose nuanced playing added additional power to Witt's six-track set.

Witt opened with "Someone To Write Me A Song" off her latest album Witness. A beautiful song, the track showcased Witt's strong talents as a keyboardist, lead vocalist and lyricist. The equally lovely "Chasing Shadows" featured a strong mix of singer-songwriter and melodic stylings. The driving, more rock-flavored "About Me" (featuring a strong jam between Witt and Pruitt to dynamically end the cut), an artful cover of Billy Joel's "She's Always a Woman" and set-ending original "Witness" were among the other highlights of her performance. Learn more about this outstanding artist at her official website HERE.

Guitarist Leo Fujii demonstrates the
DimensionTripper at Casio.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

While I was at Casio I checked out the eye-opening Dimension Tripper, a wireless effect controller operated by a guitar strap. Imagine operating a wah-wah pedal without using your feet; the Dimension Tripper allows a guitarist to use their guitar strap to utilize various effects while playing. The printed material I picked up said it has not yet been decided whether the product will be sold outside of Japan; my hope is guitarists in America will be able to get their hands on this fun music-minded gadget soon! Get more details on Casio America, Inc. at Casio.com.

Lindsey Stirling headlining on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage.

Headlining on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage was acclaimed violinist-composer-dancer Lindsey Stirling. Backed only by a drummer and keyboardist/guitarist, Stirling's full-length set allowed the artist to perform a wide range of material touching on her singular sound that fused classical, electronica, hip-hop, rock, pop and other styles into a signature sonic brew delivered as she completed intricate choreographed movements with four other dancers. In addition to a moving instrumental cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," she delighted fans with the triumphant "Crystallize," dance-minded "Don't Let This Feeling Fade" and dazzling "Shatter Me," the latter featuring Stirling's virtuoso violin work.

Day 3 Music by George A. Paul

Jon McLaughlin performed Saturday evening on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage. Noting that he'd done two previous stints there as a guest, the Indiana singer/pianist was thankful to be the headliner. His impressive, nearly 90-minute set, included earnest pop/rock tunes that often recalled Chris Martin of Coldplay as well as latest single "Why it Hurts" and some Police and Billy Joel covers. McLaughlin brought along friends like Matt Wertz and 2009 "American Idol" winner Kris Allen to perform a couple songs each. The latter did his platinum-selling single 'Live Like We're Dying." The finale found them all back again for a group singalong of The Beatles' "Hey Jude."

The NAMM Show will return to the Anaheim Convention Center in January 2025. For more information, visit namm.org. Check out the images below for a roundup of a number of great photographs taken by Bob Steshetz at this year's NAMM Show.

Garry Gary Beers of INXS with his new G.G.B. bass guitar at The
NAMM Show. Information: ggbbasses.com

Cream Guitars made quite a splash with their booth at the NAMM Show.

Singer-songwriter-keyboardist Alicia Witt performing at the Casio booth on Jan. 26.
Also pictured with Witt are percussionist Brian Pruitt and her canine pal "Ernest."

Guitar great Henry James playing his "Signature Juliet" guitar
at the 2024 NAMM Show.

Bluegrass trio The Chapmans performing with guest banjo great Jens Kruger on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024.

Minarik Guitars' "Wizard of Oz" themed guitar was showcased
at the company's booth. Information: MinarikGuitars.com

Lindsey Stirling at the NAMM Show.

NAMM Show 'Industry Insights' sets the stage for the future at World's Largest Global Gathering of the Music Industry

 NAMM SHOW ‘INDUSTRY INSIGHTS’ SETS THE STAGE FOR THE FUTURE AT  

WORLD’S LARGEST GLOBAL GATHERING OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY 

 

Breaking: Industry Insights Initiative, Customer Experience Study, NAMM NeXT in Nashville Announced —     

Producer, Songwriter and Artist Mark Ronson Receives NAMM’s Music for Life Award —     

 

Famed country music singer-songwriter-guitarist Hunter
Hayes performing at the NAMM Show on Jan. 25, 2024.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global not-for-profit music trade organization, has officially opened The NAMM Show with an “Industry Insights” address from NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak to thousands of attendees. The NAMM Show is the largest global gathering of the music industry, happening in Anaheim, California, now through Sunday, January 28. 

 

Mlynczak announced a new suite of initiatives and resources that will undergird the organization’s 15,400 member companies and set the stage for the successful navigation into the future of the music industry. 

 

Announcements at this morning’s “Industry Insights” address Included: 

 

Industry Insights Initiative – Leading a Global Industry Collaboration 

NAMM announced the formal launch of its Industry Insights, the organization’s commitment to ongoing communication and collaboration to members within the music industry. Following The NAMM Show, the inaugural post-show report will be released with highlights of new product releases, trends from educational sessions and media coverage — vital information for new and established members, as well as companies wishing to better understand and stay ahead of a changing industry. The announcement follows the release of the third quarter 2023 Industry Insights Global Travel Report, a primer on the state of global markets following NAMM’s continental trek to meet with European, South American and Asian music leaders and executives. 

 

Readying an Industry for AI Innovation 

A visit to The NAMM Show floor reveals many companies eager to explore new innovations that can reach new customers. Looking to support their journey, NAMM has commissioned a new study with Forester Research, a leader in customer research: Industry Insights: A Study on Customer Experience and Modern Buying Preferences in the Age of AI. The study will be made available to members this spring and will provide deep insights from both inside and outside the industry, as executives and creatives look to open new doors for their growing and diverse audiences.   

 

Inaugural Music Industry Experience at NAMM NeXT 

In another first for the organization, NAMM has announced NAMM NeXT, a summer education and networking summit catered specifically to the music industry and featuring expert presenters leading discussions on marketing, leadership, customer experience and entrepreneurship. Playing to its musical backdrop in Music City, NAMM will also offer attendees exclusive live music performances as a part of the thought leadership event. NAMM NeXT registration opens March 1, and attendees at this morning’s “Industry Insights” address were invited to an exclusive opportunity to sign up early. 

 

“The world makes its future-dependent appointments here at The NAMM Show because, in this place, businesses do not come to maintain the status quo; they come to grow,” says John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “We have not only opened the show today but have also opened the door to a world of opportunities well beyond 2024!” 

 

Additional highlights at the “Industry Insights” address included: 

 

NAMM’s Music for Life Honor to Critically Acclaimed Producer Mark Ronson 

NAMM’s tradition of giving attendees access to conversations with the greatest artists at the top of their game continued with a discussion with producer, songwriter and DJ Mark Ronson. He was presented with NAMM’s highest honor, the Music for Life Award, in recognition of his lifelong contributions to music and commitment to inspiring music makers. In the Q&A with Mlynczak, Ronson discussed his early musical influences and views on the rise of AI in music creation. The British-born Ronson is known for his eclectic genre-spanning work that includes the recent soundtrack he executive produced, “Barbie,” and successful music with the likes of Adele, Lady Gaga and the late Amy Winehouse. Ronson served as a cowriter on “Uptown Funk,” featuring Bruno Mars, which tied for the second-longest-leading Billboard Hot 100 hit ever and topped the chart for 14 consecutive weeks, while Lady Gaga’s “Shallow,” another song he cowrote, went Platinum in 11 countries. Previous Music for Life recipients include Smokey Robinson, Quincy Jones, John Fogerty, Kenny Loggins and Nancy Wilson, to name a few. 

 

In Conversation with Mary Spender 

Singer-songwriter Mary Spender (pictured on left) is a C.F. Martin & Company affiliated rock and blues inspired artist and social influencer who recently returned from a U.K. tour and spoke about the power of music in her life, as well as inspirational tips for business and artist influencers aiming to develop real staying power in a highly competitive social media space. Her expert use of her media channels includes a weekly platform for emerging and established musicians expressing creativity and successes for the benefit of her audience. Spender’s YouTube channel has already amassed 79 million views and boasts nearly 720K subscribers. The morning’s program started with live music by Mary welcoming guests. 

 
Other onstage guests included David Mandelbrot (CEO, Reverb, an online marketplace for buying and selling new, used and vintage musical gear), and Lillian Werbin (President, Elderly Instruments, a second-generation operator of an iconic independent business). 

 

The “Industry Insights” address follows yesterday’s packed NAMM Global Media Day where many iconic brands spanning multiple music, sound and entertainment technology categories announced breaking news to an exclusive media-only audience. Country multi-Platinum recording artist and multi-instrumentalist Hunter Hayes (for C.F. Martin & Company) closed the event with a live performance.  

 

Upcoming highlights for the show include halls showcasing 1,600 exhibitors representing 3,000 brands and more than 200 educational sessions for NAMM member communities, including: retail, brands, professional audio, music technology, live event production, music education, artists, nonprofit and community leaders, college music business students and more. 

 

The "Prince Piano" is on display at the Yamaha booth 
throughout the 2024 NAMM Show.

Also returning are the much-loved industry award events and concerts, including the Parnelli Awards,  

TEC Awards, She Rocks Awards, live music on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage featuring Take 6, Lindsey Stirling, Jon McLaughlin & Friends, as well as other event gatherings and networking opportunities. 

 

Qualified members of the media, as well as individuals in the fields of pro audio, lighting, repair, luthiers and music education may still register on site.  

 

Learn more at www.namm.org.