Bands at NAMM Returns, Offering Musicians A Once-in-A-Lifetime NAMM Show Experience
The application period for Bands at NAMM is now open. The program offers emerging artists the opportunity to take the stage at The 2022 NAMM Show.
No one can predict what can happen at a NAMM Show, and Bands at NAMM is a unique opportunity to catch amazing talent with performances from across all genres. Musicians from around the world come to The NAMM Show to perform as part of the program. We sat down with a few past performers of the Bands at NAMM program to chat about the experience.
Aldious
This all-female, power metal band flew in from Osaka, Japan, to perform at The 2020 NAMM Show as part of the Bands at NAMM lineup. The group included members Marina on drums, R!N on vocals (she left the band in the summer of 2021), Sawa on bass, Toki on guitar, and Yoshi on guitar. Formed in 2008, Aldious is credited as a pioneer in Japan’s “Girl Metal Band Boom” and has released six studio albums, three mini-albums, a pair of self-cover albums, and ten video albums. We spoke with Yoshi about their Bands at NAMM experience.
How did performing as part of the Bands at NAMM program help you grow as an artist and in your career?
Performing at the world-famous NAMM Show gave us confidence and motivated us to perform live overseas again.
What advice would you give to artists on the fence about applying for Bands at NAMM?
Even though many people in the audience didn't know us, they were excited and enjoyed the show. Local fans also came to see us, and some of them were wearing handmade Aldious goods. Getting to see these fans who had been waiting so long to meet us made me feel the deepest gratitude for this opportunity. If you are a passionate music-maker, you need to have this experience.
Will you be attending The 2022 NAMM Show this June?
Unfortunately, we are still searching for a new vocalist, so we don’t feel prepared to perform at The 2022 NAMM Show, but we would like to perform at The NAMM Show again someday. Hopefully, we can see everyone at The 2023 NAMM Show!
For more from Aldious, please visit them at https://vaa.lnk.to/aldious.
BJ Griffin
Born just down the road from Hitsville U.S.A. (Detroit), BJ Griffin is a vocalist and cellist that spent much of his younger years as part of the Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra and other community organizations. He has performed worldwide and is a pioneer at exploring ways to pair his vocal talent while playing the cello. Griffin has performed through Bands at NAMM at previous NAMM Shows and in 2022, as part of the Global Livestream at Believe in Music.
How did performing as part of the Bands at NAMM program help you grow as an artist and in your career?
Performing at The NAMM Show the last few years allowed us to perform live for a specific audience of music industry professionals, a group that we would not normally have access to outside of The NAMM Show. Making connections like that are invaluable to growth as an artist.
What advice would you give to artists on the fence about applying for Bands at NAMM?
It is a cool opportunity to connect with industry professionals and other artists in an exciting, electric environment. It is imperative to weigh out the return on investment from the publicity and opportunity performing at The NAMM Show with the cost of getting to the show and paying for accommodations. The return on investment from Bands at NAMM can’t be beaten.
Will you be attending The 2022 NAMM Show this June?
I am hoping to attend the show performing again with Band at NAMM. Hopefully, you can catch me on stage in June!
For more information from Griffin, please visit his website at www.Bjgriffinmusic.com.
Daring Greatly
Another Believe in Music and Bands at NAMM alumni, Daring Greatly hails from Canada and combines “their harmony-rich, rock n’ roll with U.S. Folk, Americana traditions from the ‘60s and ‘70s.” Featuring Liam Croome (vocals and keys), Patrick Croome (vocals and acoustic guitar), David Mills (electric and pedal steel guitar), and Brayden Tario (drums and vocals), the band relocated to Southern California in 2015 and has since performed over 1,000 shows across the continent. Tario provided some insight into the benefits of performing at The NAMM Show.
How did performing as part of the Bands at NAMM program help you grow as an artist and in your career?
The connections made at The NAMM Show are the biggest reason why we participate. There’s no better way to meet other musicians, as well as brand and label representatives.
What advice would you give to artists on the fence about applying for Bands at NAMM?
Think of it as an investment in yourself. If you are selected to play, just do it!
Will you be attending The 2022 NAMM Show this June?
We will attend if we are selected to participate in Bands at NAMM again!
Daring Greatly encourages everyone to check out their music on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/6vHyzdLrJ8CAU0HuNHzuUC?si=CoGkiVh9RHei9Bc9II885Q. Their channel will also feature their new record, scheduled to be released in March, which they hope to share at The NAMM Show in June.
With multiple live music venues throughout The NAMM Show, musical acts are invited to showcase their talents at the Anaheim Convention Center, June 3-5. The 2022 NAMM Show offers 150 live performance slots across six stages.
To submit for a Bands at NAMM consideration, please visit https://ww2.namm.org/bands-at-namm. The call for entries closes on March 16, 2022, at 5pm. Artists will be notified in mid-April if they are selected.