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60 Years Forward: Yamaha at NAMM 2026Yamaha at NAMM 2026: Chris Buck Revstar, Pacifica SC & 60 Years of Guitar InnovationSome brands chase nostalgia. Yamaha builds forward.At NAMM 2026, I spoke with Andy Winston to talk about 60 years of Yamaha guitar design—and why this company keeps delivering instruments that punch way above their price point.The conversation started with the Chris Buck Signature Revstar. Buck is the guitarist for Cardinal Black, and he's earned his own model. The specs tell the story: overwound P90 pickups for a hotter sound, wraparound tailpiece with adjustable saddles, stainless steel frets, lightweight tuners, and those old-school inlays from the first-generation Revstar. No boost circuit. Buck wanted it stripped to essentials.Then Andy dropped a tease: Matteo Mancuso is getting his own Revstar this summer. The Italian virtuoso. That's a statement.We moved to the new Pacifica SC—Yamaha's answer for T-style players. Humbucker in the neck, single coil in the bridge, and pickups designed in partnership with Rupert Neve's team. The boost circuit under the bridge pickup gives you five sounds from two pickups. Made in Indonesia at $999 or Made in Japan with compound radius fretboard and IRA wood treatment at $2,199.I bought my nephew a Pacifica. Entry level, around $200. It works. That's Yamaha's philosophy—you can start at $200 and work your way up to a Mike Stern signature model without ever leaving the family.But here's what stuck with me.Andy said something that defines Yamaha's approach: "We don't do reissues. You're never gonna see us reissue a 1972."Sixty years of guitar history, and they're not looking backward. The Revstar draws inspiration from the 1970s Super Flight, sure—but it's chambered mahogany, tuned to eliminate harsh mid-range frequencies. Yamaha builds pianos, violins, marimbas. They know how to tune wood. They apply that knowledge to electric guitars in ways other companies don't.The BB Bass series came next. String-through body with 45-degree break angle. Extra bolts pulling the neck tight into the pocket. A maple stripe running through the center of the body for note response. Active/passive switching. Five-ply neck. Professional features at prices that don't require a car payment."We give people more instrument than what a price tag says," Andy told me.That's not marketing. That's mission.Before we wrapped, Andy shared a personal story. In 1977, hair down to his shoulders, bell bottoms on, his mom decided he was serious about guitar. She bought him a Yamaha FG-75. His first real acoustic. He doesn't have that one anymore, but he found a replacement. Had to.That's brand loyalty earned over decades. Not through heritage mythology—through instruments that work, that last, that give players what they need without emptying their wallets.Sixty years of guitar design. No reissues. Just forward.Yamaha keeps proving that innovation and accessibility aren't mutually exclusive.Marco Ciappelli interviews Andy Winston from Yamaha at NAMM 2026 for ITSPmagazine.Part of ITSPmagazine's On Location Coverage at NAMM 2026.
Singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who released three singles last year and is also a part of Climate Music, which she talks about in this conversation, recorded on-location in Anaheim, California, at the NAMM Show. She was a contestant on season 20 of “The Voice,” has been featured on PBS's 30 Minute Music Hour, and was featured on NPR for their Tiny Desk Contest feature, “Top Shelf.” The videos on her official YouTube channel have a combined total of well over half-a-million views and she has more than 27 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify, where her top five songs alone have a combined total of more than a million and a half streams.
Show NotesAt NAMM 2026, Sean Martin sits down with Chuck Tennin, the President and CEO of Big Fish Music and Big Fish Music Publishing Group, for a candid conversation about the role of AI in the music industry and why the human element remains irreplaceable. Known as "The Big Fish" and "The Alligator," Chuck has spent more than five decades working as an engineer, record producer, music publisher, and consultant, and he pulls no punches when it comes to the limits of technology in creative work.Chuck draws a sharp line between AI as a tool and AI as a replacement for human creativity. He points to organizations like ASCAP, BMI, and the Recording Academy as allies in the fight to protect the creative process, arguing that AI cannot replicate the feel, the instinct, and the emotional investment that go into producing a record. For Chuck, the difference between producing music and producing a record is everything: a record has to connect with an audience on a level that no algorithm can manufacture.The conversation takes listeners through Chuck's journey from two-track analog recording to the digital era of Pro Tools, exploring how each technological leap brought efficiency but never fully captured the warmth and authenticity of tape. He reflects on the critical distinction between an MP3 and a WAV file, between convenience and quality, and between what sounds good enough and what sounds like a record.Chuck also shares hard-earned wisdom about the business side of music: the perseverance required, the reality that 90% of aspiring artists fail, and the belief in oneself that separates survivors from those who walk away. Drawing on stories from legendary artists he has worked with over the decades, he reminds listeners that every big name started in the same place and climbed out of the same struggle.This is a conversation about what technology can assist with and what it can never touch: the soul of music and the humans who create it.HostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/GuestChuck Tennin, President and CEO of Big Fish Music and Big Fish Music Publishing Group | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-tennin-3468b6105/ResourcesThe NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center, Southern California — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/the-namm-show-2026-namm-music-conference-music-technology-event-coverage-anaheim-californiaMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordschuck tennin, big fish music, sean martin, AI in music, analog vs digital recording, record producer, music publishing, Pro Tools, ASCAP, BMI, Recording Academy, NAMM 2026, music industry, human creativity, songwriting, music, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcastMore From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/On Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
At the Guitar Center Foundation, music is treated as a shared resource rather than a luxury. During this conversation at the NAMM Show 2026, Michelle Wolff, representing the Foundation, explains how access to real instruments can change the trajectory of a student, a patient, or a veteran simply by making music possible in the first place.The Foundation's work centers on donating thousands of instruments to schools, hospitals, and veteran centers, with a focus on communities where funding for music programs is often the first thing cut. Through a structured grant process, organizations apply for instruments quarterly, with roughly 150 requests reviewed each cycle. About 30 of those requests are fulfilled, helping sustain programs that might otherwise disappear.Beyond instrument donations, the Foundation is expanding how it shows up in communities. Plans include live donation events that bring instruments directly into schools and hospitals, often paired with artist participation to create meaningful, memorable moments. New donor and ambassador programs are also taking shape, designed to broaden awareness and bring more voices into the mission.Partnerships play a major role in that effort. The conversation highlights recent collaboration tied to the 100 Billion Meals initiative, where music, visual art, and social impact intersect to amplify multiple causes at once. These partnerships extend the Foundation's reach while reinforcing the idea that music can support broader humanitarian goals.Wolff also shares a personal connection to the mission. As a former vocal performance major at the University of Texas Butler School of Music, she understands how deeply musicians identify with their craft. After experiencing vocal injury herself, she speaks to the importance of supporting musicians through change and helping them build identities that extend beyond a single instrument, without losing music as a core part of who they are.That perspective brings the Foundation's work full circle. Access to instruments is not only about creating future professionals. It is about expression, resilience, and giving people the chance to discover what music can mean in their own lives.Part of ITSPmagazine's On Location Coverage at NAMM 2026.
Bernie recaps his week at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, highlighting the gear he discovered, the friends he reconnected with, and the people he met along the way. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the NAMM Jam and other standout moments from the week. It's a candid look at the relationships and community that keep the music world moving.******************************************Hungry for more?Check us out at https://isbreakfast.com******************************************
131 years. Still handcrafted in Nashville. Still changing music.At NAMM 2026, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli sat down with Jeff Stempka, Global Brand & Marketing at Gibson & Gibson Custom, to talk about what makes this brand untouchable—the craftsmanship, the artist connection, and why people will stretch their budget just to hold one.From the Les Paul Studio Double Trouble to the ES-335 Fifties and Sixties refresh, Gibson is honoring its legacy while pushing forward.Jeff said it best: "These are tools that enable incredible musicians to take the instruments and do something we never intended."
Snowboards and Guitars: Circle Strings x Burton at NAMM 2026Some collaborations make you stop and ask how nobody thought of this before.At NAMM Media Day 2026, Sean Martin caught up with Adam Buchwald and William Hylton from Circle Strings, a Vermont-based guitar company, to talk about their partnership with Burton. The concept is deceptively simple: matching snowboards and custom guitars built from the same materials.But the execution is anything but simple.Buchwald owns a wood company in Vermont. He had an entire tree of figured mahogany set aside, waiting for the right project. When Burton agreed to collaborate, he knew exactly what to do with it. The wood became the centerpiece—the visual and sonic foundation of everything that followed.Then William Hylton got to work.Hylton, Circle Strings' designer and CNC specialist, is a backcountry snowboarder. He chose Burton's Alakazam powder board shape as his starting point, drawn to its distinctive tail curve. That curve, he realized, was already guitar-esque. So he wove it through the entire instrument—the fingerboard extension, the pickguard, the bridge tips. The snowboard's DNA lives in every contour.But here's where it gets interesting.The core of a Burton snowboard is wood. Lightweight, durable, designed for performance. Hylton took that same core material and built a guitar body from it. The result feels right in your hands—balanced, resonant, purposeful. It's not a gimmick. It's a genuine instrument built from materials engineered to perform.The acoustic model features a sound hole that mirrors the snowboard's design. Inlays are crafted from Burton's core material, tying everything together visually and conceptually. Both guitars showcase snowflake inlays inspired by Snowflake Bentley, the Vermont photographer who first captured snowflakes in their true crystalline form over a century ago.It's a detail that says everything about how Circle Strings approaches their work. History. Craft. Place.Vermont runs through this collaboration. Buchwald and Hylton are snowboarders. They source their wood locally. They build instruments that reflect where they come from. Burton, also rooted in Vermont's snow culture, was a natural partner.The Burton team, according to Hylton, is thrilled. Many of them are musicians. Some are fans of the artists Circle Strings builds for. The connection was already there—this project just made it tangible.What strikes me about this collaboration is the underlying philosophy. Snowboards and guitars aren't that different when you strip them down. Both are built from wood. Both demand precision. Both exist to help someone express themselves—whether carving powder or carving a melody.Circle Strings and Burton understand this. They didn't force a partnership. They found the common thread and followed it.The result is a set of instruments that belong in a museum and on a stage. Objects that tell a story about craft, place, and the people who refuse to separate their passions.Snowboards and guitars. Same wood. Same craft. Different ride.Sean Martin reports from NAMM 2026 for ITSPmagazine.__________________________This is a Brand Highlight. A Brand Highlight is an introductory conversation designed to put a spotlight on the guest and their company. Learn more: https://www.studioc60.com/creation#highlightGUESTSAdam Buchwald and William HyltonRESOURCESLearn more about Circle Strings Guitars: https://circlestrings.comLearn more about Burton Snowboards: https://www.burton.comAre you interested in telling your story?▶︎ Full Length Brand Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#full▶︎ Brand Spotlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#spotlight▶︎ Brand Highlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#highlightKEYWORDSNAMM 2026, Burton, Circle Strings, custom guitars, snowboard guitar, handmade guitars, Vermont, guitar collaboration, Burton snowboards, NAMM, luthier, unique guitars Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Show NotesDay two at NAMM 2026 reinforces why this show continues to matter. Not just for product launches or celebrity sightings, but for the culture that forms when creators, builders, and technologists share the same physical space. From the Creator Lounge to the show floor, the conversation stays grounded in making, playing, and experimenting.This episode captures that energy in real time. Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli reflect on how NAMM functions as a crossroads where legacy craftsmanship, modern production, and creative curiosity intersect. Guitars, basses, drums, microphones, and software all coexist here, but the real story is how people interact with the tools and with each other.Creativity on the FloorThe discussion touches on conversations with brands and builders like Gibson, John Page Guitars, and others shaping instruments that balance tradition with modern design. These are not abstract ideas. They are physical objects that invite musicians to explore sound differently, whether through lighter builds, new electronics, or rethinking classic forms.Technology Without Losing the SoulA recurring theme is how technology shows up at NAMM without overshadowing the human element. From live sound testing that occasionally overwhelms a recording to quiet moments in shared spaces, the episode highlights how tools serve creativity, not the other way around. The hosts reflect on artists who embrace technology while staying rooted in raw expression and performance.The Meaning of Being On LocationBeing present matters. This conversation underscores why on location coverage adds context that studio conversations cannot replicate. Background noise, spontaneous encounters, and unexpected access all become part of the story. NAMM is not polished. It is alive.The episode closes with anticipation. Major award events, standout performances, and conversations still to come point to why day two feels less like a midpoint and more like momentum building.GuestMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.comHostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/ResourcesThe NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordssean martin, marco ciappelli, namm 2026, namm show day 2, music industry, guitar gear, bass guitars, music technology, creator lounge, live music culture, instrument design, behind the scenes nammMore From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/On Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this episode of Talking Guitars, it's the ultimate NAMM Show 2026 wrap-up
Show NotesThe first day at NAMM 2026 opens in the only way it can: loud, imperfect, and unmistakably human. Forklifts roll by, sound systems compete for attention, and instruments are already being pushed to their limits. This episode captures that moment before the show floor officially opens, when ideas are raw and expectations are still forming.Sean Martin, host of Music Evolves, and Marco Ciappelli, host of Redefining Technology and Society, use this Day 1 conversation to ground the week in a bigger question: what role does technology actually play in music right now? Not as a replacement for creativity, but as a set of tools shaped by the people using them.The discussion cuts through familiar narratives about automation and generative systems by pointing directly at what is happening on the floor. New products are being introduced, but very little of it is framed as machines making music on their own. Instead, the focus is on musicians performing, experimenting, and expressing themselves through instruments that blend analog craft with digital capability.From acoustic guitars rooted in century-old designs to hybrid instruments that invite unconventional inputs like wood, metal, or physical objects, the message is consistent. Innovation does not erase musical tradition. It extends it. The instruments change, the interfaces evolve, but the act of creation remains human-driven.The conversation also reflects on how easily fear can creep into discussions about new tools. At NAMM, that fear feels misplaced. Artists are not stepping aside. They are leaning in, learning new techniques, and pushing boundaries in ways that still require skill, memory, timing, and emotional intent.This episode sets the tone for the rest of the week. NAMM is not about machines replacing musicians. It is about musicians deciding what they want to do next, using whatever tools help them say it more clearly.GuestMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.comHostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/ResourcesThe NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordssean martin, marco ciappelli, namm 2026, namm show, music, musicians, instruments, creativity, technology, innovation, event coverage, on location, conferenceMore From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/On Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Vintage Dreams, Modern Hands: A Conversation with PRS Guitars at NAMM 2026They were literally closing down the show floor when I grabbed Alex Chadwick from PRS Guitars for a conversation I wasn't willing to miss.We'd been talking off-mic about something that kept nagging at me—this tension between technology and creativity that runs through everything in the music world right now. So I hit record, security guards circling, and asked him straight: Is technology helping musicians become better artists, or do you still need to learn the hard way?His answer was refreshingly honest. Technology isn't inherently good or bad. It's a tool. When it helps people be more expressive, more creative—that's the win. When it gets in the way of that expression? That's when we have a problem.It's the kind of nuance that gets lost in the usual gear coverage.PRS brought some beautiful new instruments to NAMM this year. The John Mayer Wild Blue Silver Sky stopped people in their tracks—a sharp turquoise finish with the first matching headstock ever produced from their Maryland factory on a Silver Sky. Limited to a thousand pieces worldwide. For Mayer fans and Silver Sky devotees alike, this one feels special.Then there's the Ed Sheeran Semi-Hollow Piezo Baritone. A 27.7-inch scale instrument tuned a fifth below standard, with discrete outputs for both magnetic and piezo elements. But here's what got me: each guitar ships with a signed print of Sheeran's original artwork that appears on the body. He's a visual artist too. The instrument becomes a canvas for multiple creative expressions at once.But the conversation that really stuck with me was about vintage guitars and why we romanticize them so much.Those 1950s and 60s instruments—the ones on posters, in documentaries, making the music that shaped entire generations—they've become holy relics. And the ones that actually sound magical? They cost as much as a house now. So how does anyone access that?Chadwick explained something about PRS's philosophy that I found genuinely compelling. They don't go back to the fifties. They go back to 1985. That gives them freedom—they can draw inspiration from those holy grail instruments without being trapped by their quirks, their inconsistent tolerances, their aged components. They can take what made those guitars legendary and build it into something repeatable, accessible, and comfortable.The goal, he said, is to create instruments that get out of the way. Guitars that let the person be more expressive instead of fighting against limitations.That phrase has been echoing in my head since I left Anaheim. Instruments that get out of the way.Because that's really what this is about, isn't it? All the gear, all the technology, all the innovation—it only matters if it helps someone find their voice. Make their own music. Tell their own story.PRS seems to understand that. In a world obsessed with vintage nostalgia and spec-sheet comparisons, they're building for expression.And that's worth a conversation, even when security is showing you the door.Marco Ciappelli reports from NAMM 2026 for ITSPmagazine, exploring the intersection of technology, creativity, and the humans who make music possible.__________________________This is a Brand Highlight. A Brand Highlight is an introductory conversation designed to put a spotlight on the guest and their company. Learn more: https://www.studioc60.com/creation#highlightGUESTAlexander ChadwickPRS GuitarsRESOURCESLearn more about PRS GUITARS: https://prsguitars.comAre you interested in telling your story?▶︎ Full Length Brand Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#full▶︎ Brand Spotlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#spotlight▶︎ Brand Highlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#highlightKEYWORDSNAMM 2026, PRS Guitars, John Mayer Silver Sky, Ed Sheeran guitar, PRS Wild Blue, baritone guitar, guitar gear, new guitars 2026, PRS limited edition, guitar innovation, NAMM Show, musician interviews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
If it was there, we discuss it! NAMM 2026!!!
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This week, it's NAMM Show time! I'll be in the Los Angeles / Anaheim, California area Wednesday through Sunday, bringing YOU along for the ride. We'll be walking the floor, checking out all the latest gear, hitting every booth we can, meeting friends, and connecting with some amazing people. I'm there as media, which means exclusive content you won't see anywhere else — straight from NAMM to you. If you love guitars, gear, music, and behind-the-scenes access, you do NOT want to miss this. Make sure to follow, like, share, and subscribe all week long — January 21st through the weekend — on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, and X. Let's go!
We're putting The Tonearm's needle on John Mlynczak, President and CEO of the National Association of Music Merchants.NAMM is the trade association for the music, sound, and event industries. Basically, NAMM represents the companies that make the tools your favorite music artists use to create their work.John has spent years at Hal Leonard and PreSonus Audio, where music education meets technology. He built curricula, managed platforms, and taught teachers how to use tech in their classrooms.Now he runs an organization that's rethinking what a trade show means when the music industry has gone digital. NAMM just celebrated its 125th anniversary, but John isn't interested in nostalgia. He's asking harder questions about how people discover instruments, how they learn to play them, and why gathering in person still matters when you can order anything online. The NAMM Show draws tens of thousands of people to Anaheim every January (this January 20 - 24, to be exact), and the numbers behind those crowds tell a story about content, influence, and how musicians connect with gear today.We talk about John's shift from teaching in Louisiana to shaping industry strategy, why music advocacy needs to be offensive rather than defensive, and what happens when trade shows have to prove their value in real time.–Dig DeeperGuest and Organization:Visit NAMM at namm.org and follow on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInJohn Mlynczak's NAMM ProfileThe NAMM Show 2026 - January 23-25, Anaheim, CaliforniaNAMM Show Registration and App InformationEducational Background and Previous Roles:Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelor of Music EducationLouisiana State University - Master's degrees in Music Performance and Education LeadershipHal Leonard - Music publishing and educationPreSonus Audio - Audio technology and recording equipmentNoteflight - Online music notation softwareMusic Education Organizations:Technology Institute for Music Educators (TI:ME)Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA)NAMM FoundationSupportMusic CoalitionNAfME (National Association for Music Education)Music Technology Tools Mentioned:GarageBand - Apple's music creation softwareCubase - Digital audio workstationEssential Elements Interactive - Music education platformNAMM Events and Awards:She Rocks Awards - Celebrating women in musicParnelli Awards - Honoring live event professionalsNAMM U - Educational programming and resourcesPerformance Groups:MetWinds - John's current performance ensembleMusical Reference:Alexander Arutiunian Trumpet Concerto - The piece John performed as a cocky freshmanIndustry Research and Reports:NAMM Industry Insights - Music products industry dataTrade Show Executive - Conference John mentioned attending–• Dig into this episode's complete show notes at podcast.thetonearm.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate The Tonearm ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of The Tonearm in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit podcast.thetonearm.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Talk Of The Tonearm email newsletter. You can also follow us on Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're putting The Tonearm's needle on John Mlynczak, President and CEO of the National Association of Music Merchants.NAMM is the trade association for the music, sound, and event industries. Basically, NAMM represents the companies that make the tools your favorite music artists use to create their work.John has spent years at Hal Leonard and PreSonus Audio, where music education meets technology. He built curricula, managed platforms, and taught teachers how to use tech in their classrooms.Now he runs an organization that's rethinking what a trade show means when the music industry has gone digital. NAMM just celebrated its 125th anniversary, but John isn't interested in nostalgia. He's asking harder questions about how people discover instruments, how they learn to play them, and why gathering in person still matters when you can order anything online. The NAMM Show draws tens of thousands of people to Anaheim every January (this January 20 - 24, to be exact), and the numbers behind those crowds tell a story about content, influence, and how musicians connect with gear today.We talk about John's shift from teaching in Louisiana to shaping industry strategy, why music advocacy needs to be offensive rather than defensive, and what happens when trade shows have to prove their value in real time.–Dig DeeperGuest and Organization:Visit NAMM at namm.org and follow on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInJohn Mlynczak's NAMM ProfileThe NAMM Show 2026 - January 23-25, Anaheim, CaliforniaNAMM Show Registration and App InformationEducational Background and Previous Roles:Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelor of Music EducationLouisiana State University - Master's degrees in Music Performance and Education LeadershipHal Leonard - Music publishing and educationPreSonus Audio - Audio technology and recording equipmentNoteflight - Online music notation softwareMusic Education Organizations:Technology Institute for Music Educators (TI:ME)Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA)NAMM FoundationSupportMusic CoalitionNAfME (National Association for Music Education)Music Technology Tools Mentioned:GarageBand - Apple's music creation softwareCubase - Digital audio workstationEssential Elements Interactive - Music education platformNAMM Events and Awards:She Rocks Awards - Celebrating women in musicParnelli Awards - Honoring live event professionalsNAMM U - Educational programming and resourcesPerformance Groups:MetWinds - John's current performance ensembleMusical Reference:Alexander Arutiunian Trumpet Concerto - The piece John performed as a cocky freshmanIndustry Research and Reports:NAMM Industry Insights - Music products industry dataTrade Show Executive - Conference John mentioned attending–• Dig into this episode's complete show notes at podcast.thetonearm.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate The Tonearm ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of The Tonearm in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit podcast.thetonearm.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Talk Of The Tonearm email newsletter. You can also follow us on Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's NAMM Show season, with Sean and Andy kicking it off with a bang in Episode 313 by getting the scoop on everything NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) from CEO and president John Mlynczak. He provides a crash course on NAMM, what he's looking forward to at the show in Anaheim this year, the NAMM Foundation educational program, and more. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.Prior to NAMM, John served as president of Music Education & Technology at Hal Leonard, where he oversaw worldwide education market strategy. He also managed Noteflight, Essential Elements Interactive and Essential Elements Music Class, and collaborated on all music education technology related initiatives for Hal Leonard. Previously, he was managing director of Noteflight, and he's also the immediate past-president of the Technology Institute of Music Educators (TI:ME).John has taught online graduate courses at VanderCook College, served as advocacy chair of the Massachusetts Music Educator's Association, served on the NAMM SupportMusic Coalition, and on the NAfME Advocacy Leadership Force. He is a Google Level 2 Certified Educator and a frequent clinician on education technology and music advocacy.Before his career at Hal Leonard, John served as director of Education at PreSonus, where he developed curriculum, products, and marketing strategies for music education technology. In addition, he taught general music, band, choir, marching band, and music technology, starting the first music technology course in Louisiana and writing the state curriculum for an official approved course. From 2011 to 2013, He served as chairman of the Creative Arts Assessment Committee in Louisiana, and provided model assessment for the creative arts.On top of all that, John has enjoyed a long career of performing as a solo artist and in symphony orchestras, pit orchestras, and Top 40 bands.Episode Links:NAMMNAMM ShowNAMM FoundationJohn Mlynczak OnlineEpisode 313 TranscriptConnect with the community on the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast.Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we'd love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to signal2noise@prosoundweb.com with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”2) If you want a quick easy way to do a short (90s or less) audio recording, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/S2N and leave us a voicemail there
Show NotesSinger, songwriter, and guitarist Margaret Glaspy joins Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli for a Music Evolves conversation recorded in the context of the NAMM Show and the She Rocks Awards, where Glaspy is recognized as a 2026 honoree. The discussion centers on how artists develop a voice, how creative practice sustains a career, and why music functions as a form of public service rather than a commodity alone. Glaspy shares how growing up in a musically active household normalized creativity and removed the idea that music must be exceptional to be meaningful. Early immersion in Texas-style fiddle competitions, alongside exposure to jazz, songwriter traditions, and alternative rock, shapes a foundation rooted in lineage rather than trend. That sense of lineage continues to guide her current work, where influence is acknowledged openly rather than hidden.Songwriting, as Glaspy describes it, is a daily practice rather than an output-driven process. Writing consistently, sometimes a song a day, becomes a way to maintain agency in a career shaped by touring cycles, releases, and expectations. Albums emerge from accumulation and reflection, not from pre-defined concepts. This approach reframes productivity as presence, with creativity tied to well-being and continuity.The conversation also explores how artists navigate maturity. Early attempts to emulate heroes eventually give way to self-recognition. Glaspy speaks to the value of being a student of music, letting imitation serve as a bridge to personal expression rather than a destination. That perspective resists the myth of originality in isolation and places artists within an ongoing cultural thread.Recognition at the She Rocks Awards introduces another dimension. Glaspy views the honor with humility, emphasizing the importance of creating space to acknowledge women's contributions in music without turning the work itself into a competition. In that context, the NAMM Show represents the maker side of music, instrument builders, technologists, and craftspeople whose work enables creative expression.This episode positions music not as a product to be optimized, but as a practice to be protected, cultivated, and shared.GuestMargaret Glaspy, Singer, Songwriter, and Guitarist | Website: https://margaretglaspy.com/HostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.comResources2026 She Rocks Awards: https://sherocksawards.com/The NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordsmargaret glaspy, sean martin, marco ciappelli, namm, she rocks awards, music, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcast, singer, songwriter, guitarist, guitar playingMore From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/On Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this episode, we kick things off with BIG news — I'll be at the NAMM Show next week, bringing you exclusive, on-the-floor NAMM coverage right here on Johnny Beane TV. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss a thing! Ron also unboxes a special edition MXR Distortion Plus Randy Rhoads “The Concorde” pedal, courtesy of @MusicTherapyLaz - We put it head-to-head with the current yellow Distortion Plus and the polka-dot version to hear all three side-by-side! https://youtu.be/e5UCZJr36Zs Then it's on to music news, including Norman's Rare Guitars — the legendary LA vintage shop — being acquired by TNAG Global, the parent company of Carter Vintage Guitars and Cotton Music Center. We also check out Nuno Guitars, Nuno Bettencourt's new guitar company, exploring the Thoroughbred, Stable, Colt series, and acoustic models now live on the site. Plus, I recap last weekend's Amigo Guitar Show, and we look ahead to Workbench Saturday, where we'll be doing hands-on guitar work right here on the channel.
Show NotesBass rarely leads the conversation about music innovation, yet it quietly shapes how songs move, how bands connect, and how audiences feel rhythm in their bodies. In this episode of Music Evolves, hosts Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli explore that idea with Jon D'Auria, Editor in Chief of Bass Magazine, through the lens of community, technology, and cultural relevance.D'Auria describes bass not as a background instrument, but as a stabilizing force. It anchors songs while allowing others to shine, a role mirrored by bass players themselves. That identity informs how the bass community operates: collaborative, inclusive, and deeply connected across generations. Events like the Bass Magazine Awards, held alongside the NAMM Show, are not about spectacle alone. They are about recognition, continuity, and shared lineage.Technology plays a central role in how this community grows. Digital publishing allowed Bass Magazine to expand reach beyond the limits of print, creating immediate access to news, gear releases, artist stories, and cultural moments. Social platforms now surface bass players from bedrooms and rehearsal spaces worldwide, creating opportunity while also reshaping how success is measured.Innovation, however, is not framed as progress for its own sake. The conversation questions where technology supports creativity and where it distracts from it. Lightweight amps, compact gear, and modeling tools solve real problems for working musicians. AI, on the other hand, introduces unresolved tension. While it lowers barriers to creation, it also challenges authorship, labor, and artistic value.Through it all, the episode reinforces a simple truth: music remains human at its core. Technology can amplify access, speed, and scale, but it does not replace intention, emotion, or community. Bass, often overlooked, becomes the perfect metaphor for that balance. Present, essential, and powerful without demanding the spotlight.This episode positions bass not just as an instrument, but as a signal of how music culture adapts while staying grounded in human connection.GuestJon D'Auria, Editor in Chief of Bass Magazine | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-d-auria-2a7b5089/HostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.comResourcesBass Magazine: https://bassmagazine.comBass Magazine Awards: https://bassmagazineawards.com/The NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordssean martin, marco ciappelli, jon dauria, bass magazine, namm, bass, music, technology, community, creativity, music, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcastMore From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/On Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Voilà le replay intégral d'une émission diffusée en direct sur la page Facebook de La Chaîne Guitare pour parler du NAMM Show qui ouvrira ses portes jeudi prochain du 22 au 24 janvier 2026. J'y serai pour la 12ème fois, je vous parle des préparatifs et du plan de match. En guise d'intro, je reviens L'article Replay Live Pré-NAMM 2026 est apparu en premier sur La Chaîne Guitare.
Join our current events support zoomcast show hosted by Jan Landy and his knowledgeable affable panel of friends and colleagues for an entertaining robust discussion offering opinions on anything related to a working professional life in general.Our ZoomCast isn't just a fountain of knowledge; it's also a opportunity to laugh. Think of it as therapy, but with more jokes and fewer couches. Join us and share your thoughts. Stay updated on life and world events, and enjoy multiple good chuckles along the way.
John Mlynczak is the President and CEO of NAMM, where he leads the world's largest music products trade association at a pivotal moment in its 125-year history. Appointed in 2023 as the industry emerged from the COVID era, John has focused on evolving the NAMM Show through a relationship-first, technology-driven approach that strengthens year-round engagement and meaningful connections for members and exhibitors.A lifelong musician, educator, and technology leader, John brings a rare blend of creative empathy and strategic vision to his role. Prior to NAMM, he served as Vice President of Music Education & Technology at Hal Leonard, overseeing global education strategy and leading platforms such as Noteflight and Essential Elements Interactive. Earlier in his career, he was Director of Education at PreSonus Audio, where he helped shape curriculum, products, and outreach for music education technology.John has spent many years in higher education as an adjunct professor at institutions including VanderCook College of Music, Louisiana State University, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, while also serving as President of the Technology Institute for Music Education (TI:ME). He is a Google Level 2 Certified Educator, a frequent speaker on music education and advocacy, and has served on numerous national committees supporting arts education.As a performer, John is an accomplished trumpeter with experience ranging from orchestral and pit work to jazz and contemporary ensembles. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and Master's degrees in Music Performance and Education Leadership from Louisiana State University.At the core of his leadership philosophy is a belief that technology should enhance - not replace - human connection, and that relationships remain the most powerful force in the music industry.This Episode is brought to you by ETC and Main Light
We kick things off with a big reminder — NAMM is NEXT WEEK, and I'll be there as media, bringing you exclusive NAMM Show coverage all week long! Even better, tomorrow's episode features a special guest who's also heading to NAMM, and we'll be hanging out out there — so don't miss Wednesday's special show! Right out of the gate, we dive into a killer viewer question about Floyd Rose setup, especially Van Halen–style. I grab my GMW 5150 and show exactly how the bridge sits on my guitar, breaking it all down for you. Then it's time to recap the Amigo Guitar Show in San Rafael — amazing guitars, great people, and nonstop fun. Our friend Music Therapy LAZ even uncovered a wild throwback photo of me from 1997 in a photo album at one of the booths… and somehow recognized me instantly
Theresa Hoffman got her start in the industry on the factory floor at Martin Guitar, and worked her way through every facet of the business to her latest achievement, building the Martin Guitar Custom Shop. She shares how following her curiosity led her each step of the way, why a supportive company culture is key to a career like hers, and stories from the custom shop, reflecting on the power of helping someone create their own unique instrument. Women of NAMM at The NAMM Show! Thursday, January 22 at 10 AM | First Attendee Meet-Up Thursday, January 22 at 3 PM | ReVoicing the Future Live!* CORRECTION* Friday, January 23 at 9:30 AM | Deep Dive Live! Friday, January 23 at 5 PM | Women of NAMM Reception—Donate to the Women of NAMM Fund. –Learn more about Women at NAMM and register for the Deep Dive at www.namm.org/women-of-namm.–Follow Us Here: FacebookInstagram LinkedIn – This episode was co-produced and edited by Natalie Morrison, Stephanie Lamond, and Julia Olsen. Music by: Lucky Lamond
On this episode of Talking Guitars, we welcome back longtime friend Rob Johnson!
We kick things off with a BIG announcement — this Saturday, January 10th, we're heading to the Amigo California Guitar Show, and we'll be LIVE streaming straight from the floor!
Las Vegas-based funky soul favorites Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns make theirNAMM Show debut on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on Saturday, January 24 at 6 PM in Anaheim, California. Trumpet player and acclaimed musician Danny Falcone joins the podcast to talk about the band's journey, their upcoming NAMM performance, and his rich family musical legacy that continues to shape his career. More about Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns This band is the culmination of the dreams of all of the individual musicians in the band. We all dreamed about what the 'ideal' gig would be, and it went something like this: To play music that moved, challenged and inspired us without the usual external restrictions, influences, or boundaries that come with every other (paying) gig,... To make that music with people we love and respect both personally and musically. And to be able to share it with others. That is what Santa Fe & the Fat City Horns is all about. The band is a throw back to all the horn bands that influenced us all growing up, as well as a tribute to our musical heroes and friends mixed with our own music and arrangements. Old School and raw, but polished with pride and discipline. Santa Fe website www.santafeandthefatcityhorns.com social media www.instagram.com/santafeband Danny Falcone social media www.instagram.com/danielfalconemusic Jazz Vegas Orchestra social www.instagram.com/jazzvegasorchestra About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer
Show NotesMusic careers are often discussed through the lens of performance, technology, or commercial success. Less visible is the connective tissue that sustains those careers: community, advocacy, and long-term support systems. In this episode of Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers, the conversation centers on how structured networks and intentional recognition shape opportunity across the music industry.Laura Whitmore, Founder of The Women's International Music Network and Senior Vice President of Marketing at Positive Grid, shares how the organization was created to address a simple but persistent issue: women working across music often operate in parallel, rarely connected despite facing similar challenges. The network focuses on bridging that gap by creating shared spaces for visibility, mentorship, and collaboration across roles including artists, executives, engineers, marketers, and legal professionals.A central anchor of that effort is the She Rocks Awards, now in its fourteenth year. The awards, taking place during The NAMM Show 2026, highlight women contributing across all layers of the industry, not only those on stage. The emphasis is on storytelling and presence, giving space for honorees to speak openly about career paths, obstacles, and resilience. That visibility has a ripple effect, normalizing leadership diversity and encouraging others to see themselves as part of the industry's future.The discussion also addresses how technology fits into this ecosystem. From AI-assisted music tools to digital platforms that broaden access, innovation plays a role when it amplifies creativity rather than replacing it. The focus remains on preserving human expression while using technology to remove friction and expand reach.Another recurring theme is generational continuity. Younger creators and professionals bring new perspectives on consumption, creation, and community. Engaging them early, listening closely, and building inclusive pathways ensures the industry remains relevant and sustainable.This episode frames music not only as art or business, but as a shared cultural system. Networks like this one reinforce that progress does not happen automatically. It is built through intentional connection, recognition, and sustained effort.GuestLaura Whitmore, Founder of The Women's International Music Network and Senior Vice President of Marketing at Positive Grid | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabwhitmore/HostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/ResourcesThe Women's International Music Network: https://thewimn.com/2026 She Rocks Awards: https://sherocksawards.com/The NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordssean martin, laura whitmore, women's international music network, she rocks awards, positive grid, namm, music advocacy, music marketing, women in music, music leadership, music, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcastMore From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/On Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
As NAMM approaches its 125th year, the conversation around The NAMM Show 2026 centers less on products alone and more on the people, relationships, and creative energy that sustain the music industry. In this episode, John Mlynczak, President and CEO of NAMM, joins Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli to frame the upcoming show as a moment shaped by resilience, adaptation, and shared purpose.Mlynczak positions NAMM's history as a long record of responding to disruption. Musical genres shift. Technologies rise and fall. Companies appear and disappear. Music itself remains. That continuity shapes how NAMM views its role today, particularly amid global trade pressures and ongoing debates around AI in music creation. These pressures are not framed as endpoints, but as forces the industry has encountered many times before, each eventually reshaped into opportunity.A major theme is the renewed emphasis on human connection. While innovation remains central, differentiation increasingly comes through artists, creators, and authentic storytelling. Product launches are no longer just technical showcases. They are expressions of identity, collaboration, and trust between musicians and the tools they choose. According to Mlynczak, this shift is driving a larger presence of artists and creators at The NAMM Show 2026, reinforcing the idea that brands are ultimately represented by people, not specifications.Education also plays a defining role. With more than 200 sessions planned, alongside new half-day and full-day summits, The NAMM Show 2026 expands its commitment to learning across experience levels and professional communities. Retailers, educators, engineers, marketers, and performers each have distinct paths through the show, designed intentionally rather than left to chance. Data-driven planning allows NAMM to understand how attendees engage, enabling more tailored experiences now and in the years ahead.Underlying it all is energy. Not hype, but momentum built through in-person connection. The NAMM Show is described as a space where competitors share ideas, musicians find inspiration, and creativity compounds simply by being present. For those who attend, The NAMM Show 2026 serves as a springboard into the year ahead, shaped by music's enduring ability to connect, adapt, and move people forward.The NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026GUEST:Guest: John Mlynczak, President and CEO of NAMM | View Website | Visit NAMMHOSTS:Sean Martin, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.comNAMM Organization: https://www.namm.org/The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendCatch more stories from NAMM Show 2026 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/More from Marco Ciappelli on Redefining Society and Technology Podcast: https://redefiningsocietyandtechnologypodcast.com/Want to share an Event Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
In this fun episode, we chat with Bass Magazine Editor-in-Chief Jon D'Auria about the upcoming Bass Magazine Awards Show, presented in partnership with the 2026 NAMM Show. The Bass Awards will take place at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California, on Thursday, January 22nd. The Bass Magazine Awards celebrate outstanding bass players from around the world-recognizing both legendary figures who have become household names and emerging talents across all genres. Websites www.BassMagazine.com www.bassmagazineawards.com Social Media www.Instagram.com/bassmagazineonline NAMM Website www.NAMM.org About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer
Watch on YouTubeJoin us for this week's episode featuring Doug Orlando, a seasoned keys player with over 40 years of experience in the music industry. Doug shares his inspiring journey from his early days as a drummer to becoming a Hammond-endorsed artist. He talks about performing at the NAMM Show, serving in various churches and ministries, and witnessing the evolution of worship music through the years. Throughout the conversation, Doug emphasizes the importance of staying surrendered to God in worship and offers valuable advice for young musicians who want to grow both in skill and faith. This episode is filled with powerful insights, personal stories, and a deep love for worship. Tune in and be inspired by a musician who has dedicated his life to serving God through music.Doug OrlandoDoug Orlando MusicSupport the showThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!
Insights In Sound 187 - Jeff Greenberg, President, Village Studios S19 E7 We got together with Village Studios president Jeff Greenberg to talk about the studio's rich history, as well as his own.
Insights In Sound 185 - Josh Rogosin, Audio Engineer / Documentarian His unique approach to capturing musical performances, born out of a journalism background, helped to define the sound of NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts, and he has since captured musicians worldwide through his Global Sound Concerts. We caught up with him at Studio 40, his new haunt at New York's Public Library.
Insights In Sound 184 - Neil Citron, Musician / Engineer S19 E4 He's a musician's musician, a true behind the scenes mensch who has delivered from the trenches for decades, from recordings with Steve Vai, Steve Lukather, and Larry Carlton to coaching actors including Meryl Streep and working on movies like "Ricky and The Flash", "Catch Me If You Can", "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 1 & 2", and films by Jonathan Demme, Tom Hanks-Playtone, Dino Di Laurentiis and Oprah Winfrey.
On tonight's Talking Guitars and Music News, we drop a brand-new trailer for The NAMM Show 2026 – and yes, I'll be there with exclusive coverage you won't see anywhere else!
Insights in Sound 183 - Mick Guzauski - S19 E3 Few people have mixed the sheer diversity of musical genres as Mick Guzauski. From Daft Punk, Mariah Carey, and Eric Clapton to Michael Jackson, Prince, and Talking Heads, his discography reads like a who's who of modern music. We caught up with him at his home studio in Las Vegas.
Singer, songwriter, guitar player currently working towards her next single release. She is one of the busiest performers in this area, having averaged 334 bookings a year over 2021, 2022, and 2023. In the leadup to this interview she had back-to-back weeks of performing six out of seven days. She has performed at notable venues and events from the Hard Rock here in Tampa to The Bitter End in New York City to the House of Blues in Anaheim, California, where she also played at the massive NAMM Show. Plus, she has been featured at songwriters festivals along the way as well. Last September she started a “Songwriter Diaries” vlog series that she has been publishing on her YouTube channel and talks about during this interview. She was a guest on this show way back on Episode 279.
Tonight on Exclusively Van Halen, we're back with Part 2 of our special 3-part series featuring two very special guests: Michael “Myko” Gutierrez and Robert Stoltz. They're here to dive deep into the story of one of the rarest Van Halen guitars ever — a nearly unknown Kramer Baretta that was built and custom-painted in 1984 at 5150 by Eddie Van Halen himself and his then-guitar tech Rudy Leiren. This wasn't just any Kramer — it was Ed's personal studio-use-only guitar, played exclusively at 5150 and never meant for public hands. Incredibly, this guitar found its way into the wild when Michael won it in a once-in-a-lifetime contest sponsored by Kramer Guitars and Guitar for the Practicing Musician magazine. Even more amazing: Eddie personally handed Michael the guitar at the 1985 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Robert, who has contributed to multiple Van Halen-related publications, first wrote about this guitar back in 1997 for The Inside magazine. He's recently completed a detailed follow-up article, packed with new insights into the guitar's history, which will be published online soon. Don't miss this deep cut into Van Halen lore — only on Exclusively Van Halen.
Recorded live at The NAMM Show 2025, this panel features professionals from across the podcasting and production world including Jenn Liang-Chaboud (Shure), Chris Laxamana (formerly of The Adam Carolla Show, now with Yamaha), DJ Cova (Tweak Music Tips), and Steven Leavitt (The Language of Creativity). Together, they explore how studios, producers, and creators can expand into podcasting from gear setups and remote workflows to building community, monetization, and creator/brand relationships.Follow Panelists:Jenn Liang-ChaboudInstagram (Shure)Website (Shure)Chris LaxamanaFacebookYouTubeDJ CovaTwitch (Tweak Music Tips)Website (Tweak Music Tips)Steven LeavittPodlink (The Language of Creativity)Instagram (The Language of Creativity)Website Follow Creatives Prevail:InstagramTikTokWe would love to hear from you! Please give us a review, this really helps get others to listen in. Any suggestions on how we can improve? DM us on Instagram or TikTok.Intro music: ‘Somebody' (Instrumental) by The Runner UpOutro music: ‘Let's Ride' (Instrumental) by Gabe KubandaHost: Mike ZimmerlichProduced by: Omelette PrevailPost-Production: EarthtoMoira
Send me a text and please visit www.livefrommydrumroom.com My guest is my old friend, drummer, legend and titan of the Drum Industry, Rick Drumm. We talk about Rick's early years as a drummer, his time at Remo, Midco International, Vic Firth, D'Addario (the parent company of Evans and Promark) and Peak Growth Solutions which he founded in 2014, and much more. So come along for the ride and please subscribe! Look for Rick's book, "Lock In To Unlock Your Focus Power" available on Amazon and Kindle in May 2025. Live From My Drum Room Hoodies are now available!Made of a soft 52% cotton 48% polyester blend.Sizes: MD, LG & XL = $50 USD (including shipping) *Size 2XL = $55 USD (including shipping) *Live From My Drum Room T-shirts are made of soft 60%cotton/40% polyester. Available in XS-2XL = $25 (including shipping) * Venmo only. US Orders only. 100% of the proceeds from Live From My Drum Room merchandise goes toward a Live From My Drum Room Scholarship with the Percussive Arts Society! https://pas.org/pasic/scholarships/ Payment with Venmo: @John-DeChristopher-2. Be sure to include your size and shipping address. Very important! Email or Text: livefrommydrumroom@gmail.com. Thank you to everyone who's bought a shirt and or hoodie to help support this endeavor! Live From My Drum Room With John DeChristopher! is a series of conversations with legendary drummers and Music Industry icons, hosted by drummer and music industry veteran, John DeChristopher, drawing from his five decades in the Music Industry. Created in 2020, and ranked BEST Drum Podcast, "Live From My Drum Room With John DeChristopher!" gives the audience an insider's view that only John can offer. And no drummers are harmed on any shows! Please subscribe!https://livefrommydrumroom.comwww.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom
For this show, we have a returning guest, night photographer Ken Lee. I've known Ken for awhile, and the way he ended up as a guest for the show Capturing the Slowing of Time is one of my fave Behind the Shot stories. Ken Lee, along with being an accomplished photographer, is also a regular watcher, or listener, of Behind the Shot. Years ago, when I was giving away Red River Paper Sample Packs, Ken was one of the winners. He also won the How to Build Real Influence e-course from Trey Ratcliff and Lauren Bath. As I did with every winner, I checked out Ken's work at that time and made a mental note I wanted to get him on the show, but I got sidetracked. One of the downsides of only doing a show on your own is that potential guests back up quickly. Then, when I was at The NAMM Show in Anaheim CA back in 2020, I met up with another Behind the Shot watcher (or listener - I really need to find an easier way to get through that variable), Mike Martin of Casio. Mike is great guy, and we had fun chatting in-between him actually working. Next thing I knew, Mike tagged me in a tweet to tell me about a friend of his that he thought would be a good guest on the show. This friend had just released a new book, and the cover image was awesome. When I saw the name on the cover I had to do a double take, it was Ken's book! Well, Ken has another new book out, Abandoned Roadside Attractions: Under a Southwest Moon (Abandoned Union), and once again we need to chat about the cover shot. I introduced Ken above as a "night photographer", which isn't a genre you hear often, so let me let him explain: "I drive long hours in a dusty car listening to weird music, stay out all night creating photos, get dirty, hang out with other creative sleep-deprived weirdos, see the stars drift across the sky, and always find the best taco stands." Let me interrupt Ken for a second. I need to know the names of some those taco stands Ken. You need to write that up somewhere. Sorry for the break... back to Ken... "I have been exploring the Southwestern United States as well as parts of the East Coast for over nine years, brandishing a camera, tripod, and colored flashlight. I especially love creating night photos of abandoned historical places, unique features, and beautiful landscapes. These are experiences that I absolutely cherish." I mentioned Ken is an accomplished photographer, and I meant it. His images have appeared in outlets like NatGeo.com, National Geographic Books, Omni Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, Westways Magazine, and numerous other publications. He's also won numerous awards. Join Light Painting, Long Exposure, Night Sky, and Abandoned Site photographer and author Ken Lee to discuss the cover image from his new book, on this episode of Behind the Shot. Connect with Ken Website: kenleephotography.com BlueSky: @kenleephotography Instagram: @kenleephotography Facebook: @kenleephotography Flickr: @kenleephotography Twitter: @blueberrybuddha Ken's Books Abandoned Roadside Attractions: Under a Southwest Moon (Abandoned Union): amazon.com Route 66 Abandoned: Under a Western Moon (America Through Time): amazon.com Abandoned Planes, Trains and Automobiles: California Revealed (America Through Time): amazon.com Abandoned Southern California: The Slowing of Time (America Through Time): amazon.com Ken's Photographer Pick Lance Keimig: Flickr.com Troy Paiva: lostamerica.com | @troypaiva Charles Peterson: charlespeterson.net | @charles.peterson.photographer Herman Leonard: hermanleonard.com | @hermanleonardphotography Sebastiao Salgado: @sebastiaosalgadooficial
An award-winning singer, songwriter, fingerstyle guitar player. In 2017 she earned International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship honors and since then has been on stages with the likes of Melissa Etheridge, Christopher Cross, and numerous other notable names in music. She has been featured in Guitar Player magazine, Acoustic Guitar magazine, and among Guitar World magazine's “Best Acoustic Guitarists in the World Right Now” in 2021. She is also a two-time finalist in the USA Songwriting Competition and was featured in the GRAMMY Museum's virtual program streaming from Los Angeles. Her official YouTube channel has an amazing 1.7 million combined video views. This interview was recorded on-location at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, where she was chosen to perform.
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist who released a new album this past October. Her live performances have been featured on National Public Radio, TEDx, and Zillow, and she has toured extensively throughout Europe. She was nominated for 2024 Acoustic Act of the Year and 2023 Americana Artist of the Year at the Arkansas Country Music Awards. She has also made her mark on regional TV and radio platforms. She is going back across the pond next month to do shows in London, the Netherlands, and Ireland. This interview was recorded live, on-location last month at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, where she was performing.
Episode 144 of the Truth About Vintage Amps: Flashing Flukes, reflections on NAMM, variable plate capacitors, hot buttered rum (and popcorn!), and more! Need some help with your tube amps? Be a part of our show by sending your voice memo or written questions to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:13 Jason goes to the NAMM Show, the Dumble relaunch (watch our Instagram video here); Grit Laskin's 'The Stradivari Formula' (link); Wood Wire & Volts (link) 11:49 What's on Skip's bench: A late 1940s Danelectro Vibrovox; Wandre Guitars 20:57 Our sponsors: Grez Guitars; Emerald City Guitars and Amplified Parts! 25:14 A confused Fluke 26 Series III meter trying to measure coils and output transformer windings 33:07 The parallel between an acoustic guitar's soundboard and an amp's speaker; recommended reading: And the Roots of Rhythm Remain by Joe Boyd (link) 39:17 A custom-made, single-ended 10-watt 800 JCM-style amp; variable voltage regulators vs. a variac 44:30 Keggers Got Talent: Walnut-maple cabinets from listener Niel F. (check our Instagram for pics) 47:42 Should I use the variable plate capacitors I pulled from a HAM radio? 51:25 Skip on the phone versus Skip on the mic 52:41 Breaking food news: Cuisinart Microwave Popcorn Maker (Amazon link) 57:19 Neko Case's new memoir, 'The Harder I Fight the More I Love You' (Amazon link) 59:18 A Garnet Lifco "stencil" amp, the Garnet amp book (order link) 1:03:07 Taming a reissue Princeton Reverb, redux; the Joyo American Sound pedal (link) 1:07:31 An idea for the "pedal" room at the 2025 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org 1:11:15 Want to attend a Bay Area amp workshop with Skip this Spring? Email us! 1:11:47 Accidentally creating an arc with the probe when checking plate voltages on power tubes, hot buttered rum 1:17:17 Recommended reading: Conquering the Electron (link); making a pre-amp out of a Silvertone Twin 12; Greenlee knockout punches 1:28:45 Who sent Skip a Skylark?; a Ampeg flip-top with a remote reverb speaker; Bustelo instant coffee; David Barrett's harmonica courses (link); John Vanderslice Hosted by amp tech Skip Simmons and co-hosted/produced by Jason Verlinde of the Fretboard Journal. Don't forget, we have a Patreon page. Join us to get show updates and get to the front of the question line.
A folk duo that put out a ten-song album that was released last May and has a new single coming out next month. They have been reviewed by Parade Magazine and performed on international stages in addition to having earned first place at the 2023 Tucson Folk Festival songwriting contest and second place in the International Acoustic Music Awards, among other accolades. Amidst their rigorous tour schedule, the duo founded Portland's Folk Festival. Their top five songs on Spotify have gotten more than 1.3 million streams on that platform alone. This interview was recorded live on-location in Anaheim, California, where they were performing at the NAMM Show.
Aanika Pai has become an extremely viral (popular) online guitarist on several social media platforms! Her soulful and amazing guitar-playing is extremely impressive considering that she is only 11 years old. She is in Anaheim California for her first experience playing at and attending the international music convention the NAMM show! #nammshow #namm2025 #guitar Social media: https://www.instagram.com/aanika_pai https://www.youtube.com/@annikapai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085056336357 PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! We have many more amazing guests coming that you don't want to miss! Music Matters Podcast is hosted by globally published music journalist, Pro musician and Getty Images photographer Darrell Craig Harris! Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris is now on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean and more! Darrell interviews globally known artists, musicians, music journalists, music business insiders, and more on a weekly basis! Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3au9TSi Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7bJF7f5... IHeart Radio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-mu... Website https://www.MusicMattersPodcast.com contact: inquiry@darrellcraigharris.com