by Ed Mattiuzzi
Less than two weeks after the early passing of David Bowie, the music industry converged upon Anaheim, CA for NAMM 2016, the annual confab for music production, performers and technology. 100,000 attendees arrived ready to scope out the 1600 companies that represent over 5,100 brands of music products, appealing to all genre-makers and breakers.
NAMM starts 2016 proving to be an interesting year for the music industry. With EDM peaking in the last couple years, electronic producers and DJs are set to dominate the festival lineups of Coachella this spring. Electronic products and DJ gear were all over the floor. Was this the obvious trend this year? Well…
The Moog desert was a hit. Dozens of folks sat on pillows and tested an array of analog synths scattered in a mini-desert of cacti and succulents. The GeoShred app by moForte simulated sounds of a shredding guitar by just touching an iPad, allowing future rock guitarists to shred away on an iPad or iPhone. Then, there was Monster’s GODJ, which is a portable DJ mixer that was no larger than two iPhones placed side-by-side. This product is perfect for any beginner to DJ on autopilot and feel like Steve Aoki for a night.
There was another side of NAMM, though, that was contrary to the EDM explosion. Rockers of all types flooded booths playing Fender guitars, as well as Wild Customs and James Trussart Custom guitars. Crowds waited in line to meet and greet Nikki Sixx (of Motley Crüe).
Singer-songwriter Raelee Nikole performed original material on her acoustic guitar at the QSC booth, demonstrating their latest mixing boards. The band, Pluuto, featuring Nick Maybury on guitar and Elmo Lovano on drums, performed a rock set at D’Angelico’s booth, while a packed room of eager eyes watched on.
If there’s one takeaway from NAMM 2016, it’s that there’s a complete diversity in music technology — the industry is not favoring one genre over another.
For more info on NAMM, musicians and companies mentioned, see below.
NAMM: http://www.namm.org
Raelee Nikole: http://www.raeleenikole.com
Pluuto: http://www.facebook.com/PluutoMusic
GeoShred: https://www.facebook.com/moForteGuitar/
Monsters’s GODJ: http://monstergodj.com
QSC: http://www.qsc.com
James Trussart Custom Guitars: http://www.jamestrussart.com
Wild Customs Guitars: http://www.wildcustomguitars.com
D’Angelico Guitars: http://dangelicoguitars.com
