Last week some of the biggest names in musical equipment met at the Music City Center for NAMM. As the National Association of Music Merchants, NAMM boasts “the world’s largest trade-only event for the music products, pro audio and event tech industry” each year. Post-pandemic, attendees and vendors were eager to join and check out the latest products. Broadcasting live from the event, Lt. Dan sat down with professionals and industry leaders to discuss NAMM. Listen to our NAMM Day 1 interviews with Yamaha, Gibson Guitars, C.F. Martin, Franklin Straps and recording artist Alanna Royale.
CEO of Gibson, J.C. Curleigh
CEO of Gibson Guitars, J.C. Curleigh, couldn’t wait to talk to us about their new flagship, Gibson Garage. Artists dream of owning a Gibson Guitar, and the Garage is there to inspire them. Visitors can test the equipment and find the dream fit for them. As a top guitar manufacturer, Nashville was ready to embrace this exciting new venture for Gibson. Curleigh also revealed that the elite signature Tom Petty guitar is just one of many exciting new products to come this 2021. Check out the full interview below and stay tuned to the Gibson socials for the latest guitar intel.
Local Artist of the Week, Alanna Royale
Last week’s featured local artist, Alanna Royale, jumped on the mic with Lt. Dan to discuss the past year and future touring plans. Making the most of difficult times, Alanna has been writing and recording throughout the pandemic. Her latest single “Fall In Love Again,” is quickly gaining popularity and we’re so happy to share it with our listeners. As an artist who appreciates and embraces community, Alanna announced her plans to feature one small business per show. After the interview, we had the chance to shadow as she demoed some awesome new equipment on the NAMM. Be on the look out for her show dates and new music coming soon!
Owner of Franklin Strap, Charlton Moore
Local business owner of Tonal Music and Franklin Straps, Charlton Moore, joined Lt. Dan on Thursday. After the passing of their co-owner and aquiring the company, Moore has continued to honor the departed and grow the company. With deep Middle TN roots, Moore discussed the importance of reaching out to the local mom-and-pop music shops to feature their brand. In addition to being sold at Guitar Centers nationwide, locals can find Franklin Straps in shops like Grimey’s, Eastside Music Supply, Shiloh Music Center, Carter Vintage Guitars and more. Best known for their high-quality, American-made, thick leather soft straps, Moore is excited to now promote Tonal Music’s next level, quality Glider Capo. Be sure to check it out!
CEO of C.F. Martin, Thomas Ripsam
This summer, C.F. Martin Guitars named their new CEO. Thomas Ripsam came on to introduce himself and the Martin vision. Immigrating from Germany, Ripsam spent his whole life carrying his first guitar close to his heart. His passion for guitars and his background in strategic consulting makes him an incredible asset to the company and he’s excited to build a deeper relationship with the brand. Ripsam believes in the emotional connection and significance of Martin guitars, and recognizes the importance of their 188 years long history. Their goal has and will always be to protect this legacy and to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. Ripsam is excited and grateful to be a part of this process of expanding the Martin brand. Hear more about the exciting journey ahead for him and Martin Guitars below:
Technical Sales Specialist for Yamaha, Andy Winston
Lt. Dan spoke with Andy Winston from Yamaha to discuss building relationships with dealers to get out the latest Yamaha equipment. Working with great musicians like Elton John, John Legend and Alicia Keys, Yamaha is passionate about delivering the best equipment to help push artists to the next level. As Andy said, “The music is not in the instruments, it is in the artist.” Talks are “hush hush” but Andy says we can anticipate “the next generation of musical instruments” announced this October and then big reveals at the Anaheim NAMM in January. Stay tuned, Yamaha has big plans in the works!
