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. 

NAMM 2023: Day 2 in photos

Action at the Yamaha Booth.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

I spent another great day at The NAMM Show in Anaheim on Friday, April 14, checking out a myriad of products and fun performances happening throughout the Anaheim Convention Center. I was especially impressed by the Breakfast set from classical crossover pianist / composer AyseDeniz Gokcin. 

Saturday (April 15) marks the last day of the 2023 NAMM Show so if you have a pass make sure to get out there today and check out all the action including educational sessions, live performances and the countless manufacturers who have come to Anaheim for the show.

It was also great to run into a number of my good friends throughout the day while I toured the floor. That's my pal TJR with yours truly in the image on the left. You can watch TJR's original music-centered episodes on his popular YouTube channel HERE...Robert Kinsler

AyseDeniz Gokcin performing at The NAMM Show.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Cream Guitars is at Booth #4120. Photo: Robert Kinsler

A performance at Big Johnson Bass (Booth #4601). Photo: Robert Kinsler

Giulio Negrini Guitars. Learn more at:
www.negriniguitars.com.

Visit Lace Music Products at Booth #4837.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Rickenbacker International Corp. has brought a number of fine guitars to Booth #5215.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Saga Musical Instruments always hosts wonderful bluegrass and Americana
performances. Visit the company at Booth #6416.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Yamaha announces 2023 performance lineup at The NAMM Show

With the 2023 NAMM Show rapidly approaching we are starting to get more information on some of the high-profile events coming to the event...Robert Kinsler

Yamaha Announces 2023 Performance Lineup at The NAMM Show

Artist lineup includes TobyMac, Lawrence, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Jamison Ross

Photo by: Sam Burriss

BUENA PARK, CALIF. APR 6, 2023 - Today, Yamaha announces the 2023 performance lineup that will light up the in-booth performances and the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage at The NAMM Show during the evenings. This two-night concert series for all attendees will evoke the musical passion guests have convened to celebrate. Performances kick off on Thursday, April 13, at 6 p.m. with a Night of Worship for all to experience Grammy award-winning live worship music. On Friday, April 14, at 6 p.m., the Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand will honor its NAMM tradition by providing awe-inspiring musical performances. 

 

Throughout the three-day show, attendees can stop by the Yamaha Booth and check out performances from Dan Rouse, Grace Kelly, Jake Eddy and Jordan Tice, Jimmy Keegan, Chris Johnson, Matteo Mancuso, Charles Ruggiero, and a few more special guests. 

 

And on Thursday and Friday evenings, attendees can head over to the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage to experience thrilling performances. Check out artist TobyMac on April 13 and on April 14, legendary Greg Phillinganes will emcee the night as artists Lawrence, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Jamison Ross take the stage. Award-winning producer and director Chris Gero and the Yamaha Entertainment Group team produce the concert series. 

 

"We’re so excited to be playing at the Yamaha All-Star Concert,” says Clyde Lawrence from Lawrence. “We’ve only been to NAMM once before, back in 2016 when we were just starting to tour, and we played an acoustic set. To be able to return and play a full band set on the Grand Plaza Stage is going to be an amazing full-circle moment. We’re also all big fans of Yamaha, and I personally grew up playing Yamaha pianos. We can’t wait for NAMM!"

 

The performance lineup for Thursday, April 13, includes the following:

 

• TobyMac: With more than 16 million units in career sales and a whopping seven GRAMMY Awards, TobyMac's career continues the fast track. His RIAA Certified Gold studio album, ***THIS IS NOT A TEST***, garnered a GRAMMY and Billboard Music Award nomination while debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200. Each of his six studio solo projects has achieved Gold certification, a first for any artist on his label, Capitol Christian Music Group. 

 

The performance lineup for Friday, April 14, includes the following:

• Lawrence: Clyde Lawrence and Gracie Lawrence have been writing songs and listening to countless Stevie Wonder, Randy Newman, and Aretha Franklin records in their family's New York City apartment since they were little. After years of playing together, they officially created Lawrence, an eight-piece soul-pop band of musician friends from childhood and college.
• Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's efforts to promote and revitalize swing music have taken shape as much more than a simple tribute. Taking inspiration from the creators of this uniquely American art form, the band's original horn-infused music and legendary high-energy show introduce the genre to a new and younger generation while remaining cognizant and respectful of the music's rich legacy.
• Jamison Ross: Jamison Ross is a GRAMMY-nominated Soul artist whose music emanates from the intersection of R&B, gospel, and blues supported by modern production – contemporary soul. Jamison's most recent project is his first Affective Music release and is influenced by some of history's greatest Soul singers, including Marvin Gaye, Rance Allen and Al Green.

 

"Yamaha All-Star Concerts are always a NAMM highlight, but this year - more than ever - we're bringing the party to the plaza. Our stylistically diverse lineup promises to lift the audience with enormous energy and fun. Truly, there is something for everyone at this year's All-Star Concert on the Grand." says Chris Gero, vice president and chief artist relations executive, Yamaha Artist Relations Group.

 

The music on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage will be creatively mixed and curated by the company's award-winning commercial audio gear, including the Rivage digital console line. Every note will be articulately amplified through NEXO speaker systems. NEXO is a Yamaha company.

 

To experience Yamaha at The NAMM Show, visit the Yamaha booth #300DE in the Anaheim Convention Center from April 13-15, 2023. For more information, please visit: usa.yamaha.com/namm. 

 

About Yamaha

 

Yamaha Corporation of America is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, the world-leading music and sound company based in Hamamatsu, Japan. The Yamaha team is committed to helping everyone progress, express and connect through music and sound. We offer innovative, finely crafted, award-winning products for your entire musical journey including pianos, brass instruments, woodwinds, strings, electronic keyboards, guitars, drums, professional and home audio equipment. 

NAMM Show update: OK Go, Andy Grammer, Melissa Etheridge, Vanessa Carlton, Jackson Browne, Jesse Hughes & more

Held annually at the Anaheim Convention Center, NAMM (an acronym for the International Music Products Association's previous name) runs January 24 - 28, 2018, and is expected to draw approximately 100,000 attendees from around the globe. Here is a media release with an early glimpse at some highlights coming to the event this month...Robert Kinsler

Anaheim Convention Center will host the annual NAMM Show later this month.
Photo courtesy of Bob Steshetz

THE 2018 NAMM SHOW & MEDIA PREVIEW DAY AT ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER JANUARY 24 – 28, 2018 Music instruments, technology news and reveals from over 7,000 music brands, celebrity appearances, interactive demos, live concerts OK Go, Andy Grammer, Vanessa Carlton, Jackson Browne, Yamaha Artists, Melissa Etheridge, Pat Benatar, B52’s Kate Pierson & Cindy Wilson, Jesse Hughes
WHAT:	The NAMM Show – the global crossroads of the music products, pro audio and sound, and event technology industries, presented by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).
SCHEDULE:	Wednesday, 1/24, 4-6PM – NAMM Show Media Preview Day by invitation-only. Get credentials before The NAMM Show opens; preview new musical instruments and technology releases. Just announced and set to be included as part of the Media Preview Day is an appearance by Cal Campbell, son of famed artist Glen Campbell. 2018 marks the 50th Anniversary of Glen Campbell’s iconic “1627” original, Ovation Guitars artist model. To mark the occasion, Ovation Guitars has released the Glen Campbell 2018 American Artist Model which features a high-end, torrefied spruce top which gives this USA-made model a vintage, “played-in” look, increases durability and lends a brand new guitar increased “openness,” and improves tone and responsiveness. Cal Campbell will be at the event to showcase the new 2018 model. Crafted in the Ovation Custom Shop located in New Hartford, CT, the Glen Campbell 2018 American Artist Model also features an engraved, ebony truss rod cover and a custom, mid-depth bowl which was built to the exact specifications of Campbell’s original artist guitar which he personally helped design and immediately became a best seller when it was originally released in 1968. Get more details on this guitar here. The Glen Campbell Signature Model / Photo Credit Rob Shanahan Location: Anaheim Convention Center Idea Center, Hall C Lobby. Complimentary parking in the new ACC North building (enter off West Katella Ave). Map HERE. Contact: NAMM@lippingroup.com. Participating companies listed at bottom of this alert.     Thursday – Saturday, 1/25-1/27, 10AM-6PM; Sunday, 1/28, 10AM-5PM – *The NAMM Show –Business leaders, musicians, celebrities and media from around the world and over 500 Education Panels & Sessions from NAMM U and NAMM education partners A3E, AES, TEC Tracks, The Pro Production Sessions, Dante Training and Certification. Full schedule HERE. Highlights also include artist-related panels: Eagles of Death Metal’s Jesse Hughes; Concert producer Kevin Lyman of Warped Tour Fame; Tom Petty Crew Reunion Panel; Grammy Award-winning engineer, mixer and producer Andrew Scheps; Birth of a Record: Jackson Browne's 1977 "Running on Empty." Location: Anaheim Convention Center & surrounding hotels. Park HERE at Angel Stadium and utilize complimentary media shuttle. Contact: NAMM@lippingroup.com. *The NAMM Show is not open to the public. OK Go / Photo credit: Makoto Kubota Thursday, 1/25, Friday, 1/26, Saturday, 1/27 – The NAMM Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage Performances – All performances begin at 6PM OK Go (Thurs.); Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand with artists to-be-announced (Fri.); The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus Presents The 2018 Imagine Party featuring Andy Grammer (Sat.). Location: Grand Plaza Stage between Hilton / Marriott hotels; Contact NAMM@lippingroup.com Andy Grammer Friday, 1/26, 6:30PM – The 2018 She Rocks Awards – As part of NAMM events, honoring women for contributions and leadership within the music industry, including Melissa Etheridge, Pat Benatar,B52’s Kate Pierson & Cindy Wilson. Tickets available here.  Location: House of Blues, Anaheim. Parking: House of Blues. Contact: leslie@mad-sun.com Melissa Etheridge will be honored on January 26 at the She Rocks Awards. Photo: Bob Steshetz Friday, 1/26,  7:30PM – The Parnelli Awards – The Industry’s Highest Honor for Live Event Professionals – Tickets available here. Location: Hilton Anaheim Hotel’s Pacific Ballroom. Parking available at Hotels and nearby locations. Contact: NAMM@lippingroup.com Saturday, 1/27,  9:00AM – Grand Rally for Music Education. Presented by The NAMM Foundation to honor music education champions and advocates. Also featuring FORTE, Vanessa Carlton, Bernie Williams, Manhattan School of Music Electronic Jazz Ensemble. Location: Anaheim Hilton, California Ballroom CD (Level 2). Park HERE at Angel Stadium and utilize complimentary media shuttle. Contact: NAMM@lippingroup.com Saturday, 1/27, 5:30PM – Roomful of Pianos, a Lounge 88 Event – Grand finale event featuring 50+ pianists that will be playing the same song in unison. Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Lounge 88 (Level 3 Ballroom). And, the piano that was in Ford Theatre the night President Lincoln was shot will be shown in the Lounge, its first-ever showcase of piano at a NAMM event. Contact: NAMM@lippingroup.com Saturday, 1/27, 7:00PM – NAMM TEC AWARDS – Hosted by Comedian Demetri Martin – Les Paul Innovation Award to Jackson Browne – Hall of Fame to The Section, and the best of winners in professional audio and sound production excellence. Limited press seating available. Contact:NAMM@lippingroup.com. For a list of NAMM Show events and performances throughout the Anaheim Convention Center, surrounding hotels and concerts, visit https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2018/events/schedule.
WHERE:	The NAMM Show – Anaheim Convention Center (800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802) & surrounding hotels Media Preview Day Exhibiting Companies Include: 3Dvarius; 64 Audio; Adam Hall Group; Antares Audio Technologies; BandLab; Beyerdynamic, Inc.; Bittree Patchbays; BOSE Corporation;  BOSS; Casio America, Inc.; C.F. Martin & Co./Martin Guitar; Chroma Coda; D’Addario; D’Angelico Guitars; dBTechnologies; Deering Banjo Co.; Earthquaker Devices; Enhancia; Fender Music Instrument Corporation; German Light Products; Gretsch Drums; IK Multimedia; inMusic; Innovative Concepts & Design LLC; Kawai America Corporation; LAVA Guitars; Ludwig Drum Co.; McSwain Guitars; MXL Microphones; Ovation Guitars; PK Sound; Reverend Guitars; Roland; Schertler SA; SHIKUMI DESIGN, Inc.;  Sound Enhancement, LLC; Sound Techniques Ltd.; Spalt Instruments; ToneWoodAmp; Universal Audio; Walrus Audio; YAMAHA; Yudo Inc.; ZYLIA.