There is no better way to escape Boise winter weather, than heading to Anaheim for the January NAMM Show, and She Rocks Awards!
Check out the WIMN, Women’s International Music Network, and the She Rocks Podcast HERE. I watched founder Laura B Whitmore come out front several times, and watch this show with pride. Many from these groups also led some wonderful NAMM panels on female empowerment in the industry.
This awards show is unlike any other, honoring female performers and audio technicians. I am so honored to have been invited again, to cover this event. Susanna Hoffs from The Bangles, was the co-host of the show.
I arrived in time to grab a few red carpet photos, including this of Debbie Gibson.
There were so many great performers and appearances. Debbie Gibson, did a great set of her hits. Susanna Hoffs did “Hazy Shade of Winter.” I loved seeing a set from the band Vixen with Britt Lightning. They have a new song! You might not know the name Laura Karpman, but there’s a good chance you know of songs she has scored for TV and film, including the recent movie “American Fiction.”
This event is so worth the price of admission, as you get almost 3 hours of great entertainment, a wonderful buffet meal, and swag bag.
This year my friends Niccole and Trudy from Boise, attended. They had purchased a couple of raffle tickets, and later I heard my friend Niccole’s name called. She had won a custom set of in-ear monitors, worth about $2000!
It is said that only 5% of audio engineers in the music business are women. I wish I could see this number rise. It was super exciting for me to see Sylvia Massy. She has produced and won awards for bands like Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Prince, Johnny Cash, Jason Isbell, and many other artists.
<<<<<<< NERD ALERT >>>>>>>
I LOVE how innovative Sylvia Massy’s recording techniques are! Check out her STUDIO PAGE. She thinks outside the box, and creates some unique sounds. Having a good producer might be even more important than having a good songwriter or musician. They can make or break a record. I’ve been watching Sylvia invent things for years.
Want a great drum sound without such loud symbols? Use a HOSE!
Because…IDAHO…
I could go on, but get stuck in your own rabbit hole by subscribing to her stuff! @SylviaMassyKnowsStuff.
Didn’t get to attend? WATCH THE SHE ROCKS AWARDS HERE!
After the She Rocks Awards, I went to a Creator VIP Party hosted by Gibson. This was my first year invited to this, and it was so much fun! People with a podcast, YouTube channel, or blog, gathered to network and listen to great music. The food and drinks were free. People stood around visiting while eating cotton candy from LED holders, and we were given LED concert wristbands they synced to the live music. At one point the NAMM president John Mlynczak got on stage and spoke. He made a point to emphasis, “YOU BELONG HERE.” It just felt good to hear.
I went through a heavy amount of Imposter Syndrome. Most of the people around me were from L.A. or Hollywood, and most seemed to know each other. Anyone who asked where I was from, seemed surprised to hear the answer.
There was a photo booth at this event. I wandered into it at the end, and was told to put my hands on these metal plates. A photo was taken, and I was told to wait outside. I hadn’t realized this was an “Aura Photo,” and then the most California thing happened. A woman gave me a reading of my colors, saying I was a dreamer, and liked to do things for my community. What a great ending to a wonderful day!
It’s great to return to Boise though, and we have our first live session of the year tomorrow at noon!
COMING SOON :
FEBRUARY 14TH-JOHN CRAIGIE 1pm
APRIL 30TH-ASHLEY ROSE 12N
MAY 4TH-RUSTY TINDER 12N
Wallflowers sold out quickly, and we just announced Nickel Creek and Andrew Bird 7/7 at Outlaw Field. Tickets go on sale Friday, don’t wait to get tickets to your favorite shows!
No plans for Valentine’s Day? Highly recommend MARCHFOURTH MARCHING BAND, 2/14 at Treefort Music Hall. Ashley Rose is opening, and all your friends will be there.
Here’s our events page to learn about ALL THE THINGS!
Have questions or comments? Email me.
Rochelle Smith Productions 