A barrage of the senses. the Winter NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show is one of the loudest, brightest, and largest Music Industry gatherings of the year. People from almost all avenues of the industry flock to Anaheim, California for a chance to meet rock stars, order product, get drunk on Yamaha's tab, and check out the cool new gadgets that the new year will bring. Just blocks away from Disney's happiest place on earth, the Anaheim Convention center and surrounding area becomes the magic kingdom of any sound, featuring any sonic device you could possibly think of.

My friends Max and Chris, along with myself, had the distinct pleasure of interning for the ineffable Korg - Marshall - Vox (think stacks of amps behind Jimi Hendrix, or the funky bass pedal used by Bootsie Collins). The following is a video I made to promote SUNY Potsdam Experiential Education. It features Max and Chris recounting their experiences in the 7 day flurry:

I was close enough to touch Stevie Wonder's golden hands. I nearly melted in my shoes.

Jared!

On the recording side of the music industry, the CMJ (College Music Journal) Music Marathon is one of the most anticipated events of the year. It's a place where developing artists have a chance to show off their act, as industry support professionals scope them out. Sarah and I had the chance to (for the first time) represent our fair record label at the event.

It was early mornings of panel discussions, lunching on street vendor pretzels, excursions throughout the MTA subway system, and late nights at multiple venues watching incredible live shows. The excitement left us exhausted, but with fantastic memories.

We had cameras and camcorders at our hip at all times - here are some clips from the action:

I can't wait to check it out again sometime soon!
Jared Brickman
A&R Executive - Madstop Records