After a two-year hiatus, the NAMM Show returned to the Anaheim Convention Center June 3-5, welcoming back music industry professionals across the board – products, brands, pro audio and sound professionals, entertainment technology experts, and world-renowned artists were all on-site over the weekend.
“Looking back to the 2020 NAMM Show, I don’t think anyone could have predicted just how transformative the start of this next decade would be,” Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO, said. “But as we have weathered the uncertainty and loss over the past two years, we again stand at the crossroads of opportunity,” he continued. “The NAMM Show serves as that platform for the next generation of technologies, products, and services, and sets the stage for NAMM Members to discover their own opportunities to advance their businesses, skills, and market opportunities.”
Traditionally, the National Association of Music Merchants event has always had a bevy of events in or around the area. It ushers in a crowd of familiar faces eager to reconnect and ready to get a first look at the latest gear. This year’s in-person event highlighted many activities, including new product launches, live performances, award shows, daily NAMM U Breakfast Sessions, and educational opportunities.
She Rocks Awards
While live music is happening all over the place with popup performances and artists just ordinarily walking through crowds while no one bats an eye, honoring said musicians is always a highlight of the NAMM Show – especially when they’re women.
The 10th annual She Rocks Awards took place at The Ranch in Anaheim on Thursday, June 2, kicking off the weekend’s festivities. Turning the show into a hybrid event with both virtual and in-person elements allowed for instances where Dionne Warwick (who was being honored with the Legend Award) could send her thank-you via video from the UK while she’s on tour, while Meredith Brooks (who received the Trailblazer Award) took to the stage with musical artists such as MILK and Carmen Vandenberg to sing her popular ’90s anthem “Bitch.” Her multi-platinum album Blurring the Edges turns 25 this year. It was the perfect way to celebrate.
Kenny Loggins Honored With The “Music for Life” Award
NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond presented multi-GRAMMY winner, composer, and performer Kenny Loggins with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) “Music for Life” award at the opening Breakfast of Champions session on Friday, June 3.
Loggins began his music career in the ’70s with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, eventually leading to his stint as one-half of the rock duo Loggins and Messina. His music can be heard in films such as A Star is Born [“I Believe in Love”], Caddyshack [“I’m Alright”], Footloose [“Footloose”], and Top Gun [“Danger Zone,” “Meet Me Half Way,” “Playing With The Boys”]. In addition, Loggins was the first major rock star to record music dedicated to children and families. His Return to Pooh Corner album still holds the title of best-selling children’s album of the last 20 years.
His new memoir, Still Alright, is out on June 14 (Hachette Books). In July, Loggins will perform at the Hollywood Bowl in a show that will feature his longtime collaborator, Jim Messina. The event marks 50 years since the first time they played that venue together.
Fred Armisen Hosts The TEC Awards
Comedian, actor, and musician Fred Armisen [Portlandia, SNL], returned to host the Saturday, June 4 event at the Anaheim Hilton Pacific Ballroom. During the 37th Annual TEC Awards, Peter Asher was inducted into the TEC Hall of Fame. Asher is a guitarist, singer, manager, and record producer who, along with being a good friend of The Beatles, has produced artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Cher, Neil Diamond, and Diana Ross.
As part of the British-invasion pop duo Peter and Gordon, Asher rose to fame in the ’60s with songs like “A World Without Love,” “I Go to Pieces,” and “Lady Godiva.” Asher has won three GRAMMY Awards for his work throughout his legendary career. Upon being honored on Saturday, he took the stage to sing his first big hit, “A World Without Love.”
Armisen led the night, recognizing individuals, companies, and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games, and other media in 23 Technical and 8 Creative Achievement Categories. The Les Paul Award, which is a highlight of the evening, is given as a tribute to musical artists and others whose work has exemplified the creative application of audio technology. This year, it was received by pioneer and bassist extraordinaire Carol Kaye, who follows in the footsteps of Jackson Browne, Joe Perry [Aerosmith], Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Peter Frampton, and 2020’s recipient, Joni Mitchell.
Here is a list of the 37th Annual TEC Award recipients:
Audio Apps & Hardware/Peripherals for Smartphones & Tablets
Shure – Wireless Workbench 6.14.1
Audio Education Technology
PreSonus Audio – Electronics Sphere
Computer Audio Hardware
Rupert Neve Designs – MBC: Dual Path A-D Converter & Limiter
DJ Production Technology (Hardware/Software)
PreSonus Audio Electronics – ATOM SQ
Headphone/Earpiece Technology
Austrian Audio – Hi-X65 Professional Open-Back Over-Ear Headphones
Large Format Console Technology
Neve – 8424
Microphone Preamplifiers
Audient – iD4 MKII
Microphones – Recording
TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik – TF11 FET
Microphones – Sound Reinforcement
sE Electronics – V7 VE
Musical Instrument Amplification & Effects
Universal Audio – UAFX Golden Reverberator
Musical Instrument Hardware
Sequential – Prophet-5
Musical Instrument Software
EastWest Sounds – Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition
Production Essentials
Genelec – Loudspeaker Manager – GLM V4.0
Signal Processing Hardware
Rupert Neve Designs – 5254 Dual Diode Bridge Compressor
Signal Processing Software (Dynamics/EQ/Utilities)
iZotope – RX 8
Signal Processing Software (Effects)
FabFilter – Timeless 3
Small Format Console Technology
Solid State Logic – UF8 Advanced DAW Controller
Sound Reinforcement Loudspeakers
Meyer Sound – ULTRA-X20 Compact Wide Coverage Loudspeaker
Studio Monitors
EVE Audio – SC4070
Wireless Technology
Sennheiser – Evolution Wireless Digital
Workstation Technology/Recording Devices
Universal Audio – LUNA Recording System v1.1.8
Film/Sound Production
Soul, Disney+
Interactive Entertainment Sound Production
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Ubisoft
Remote Production – Recording or Broadcast
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, CBS
Record Production – Album
McCartney III, Paul McCartney, Capitol
Record Production – Single or Track
Lost Cause, Billie Eilish, Darkroom/Interscope
Television Sound Production
The Mandalorian, Season 2 – Disney+
Studio Design Project
Genelec Immersive Experience Center, Natick, MA FM Design
