What products and trends are driving the music industry? NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond addressed this question during “Breakfast of Champions,” the opening session at the 2015 NAMM Show. He kicked off the session by challenging the audience to stay open to new trends. "If we had an end zone for this session, even for the entire show, we’d want you to leave here informed but, maybe more importantly, inspired."
Synth pioneers Tom Oberheim and Dave Smith explored the analog synth revival with NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond during “Breakfast of Champions” at the 2015 NAMM Show. Smith, who founded Sequential Circuits and now runs Dave Smith Instruments, attributed this trend, in part, to the individuality of analog synths. “We strive to give our instruments personality," he said.
Blake Augsburger, president of Harman Professional, weighed in on pro audio and live sound trends during “Breakfast of Champions” at the 2015 NAMM Show. In speaking with Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO, Augsburger commented, “where we’re seeing our main growth is in installation and touring, or live sound.”
During “Breakfast of Champions” at the 2015 NAMM Show, George Quinlan, president of Quinlan & Fabish, looked at a trend that’s been hot for about 60 years: the school music business. He spoke with NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond about the nuances of this segment. "You can’t buy your way in. You can’t get there through intimidation or slick gimmicks."
John D’Addario III of D’Addario (pictured, left) and Brian Ball of Ernie Ball (right) joined Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM, during “Breakfast of Champions" at the 2015 NAMM Show. They discussed another long-term trend that’s helping drive the music products industry, accessories, and emerging trends within the segment.
During “Breakfast of Champions” at the 2015 NAMM Show, Grammy-winning singer-songwriting Colbie Caillat joined NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. They discussed Caillat’s career, her role in inspiring more young women to play guitar and also serving as a mentor at Grammy Camp.
During “Breakfast of Champions” at the 2015 NAMM Show, Moby joined NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond to look at the DJ and electronic dance music explosion. The pioneering artist also received NAMM’s Music for Life Award, the highest honor in the music products industry.
At 2014 Summer NAMM, Robert Christie, owner of A & G Central Music, gave music retailers the straight skinny on repair shop profitability. He focused on the financial side of a successful repair department, how to apply the same sales strategies you use on your sales floor with repairs and how the repair shop interacts with your overall business strategy. “All of these contacts we have with the customers are an opportunity to sell our repair shop,” Christie said.
Looking for a few apps to help you improve your music retail business—and your everyday life? At Summer NAMM 2014, CJ Averwater of Amro Music revealed his list of top 10 apps that have worked for him. He focused on practical, no-frills apps that addressed retailer business practices and efficiencies.
Make your trip to The NAMM Show smooth, economical and safe for your instrument! Rebecca Apodaca, accredited senior appraiser of musical instruments and president of A & D Music, checked in with veteran industry travelers to get a few hot travel ideas.