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Old History and New Tech at NAMM 2018 | #173 Feb 03, 2018

Show notes

Mike Etchart and Guest Co-Host, Mike Castanon, are living it up at NAMM 2018 surrounded by their favorite things in the whole world, musical instruments! NAMM (the National Association of Music Merchants) showcases the newest, coolest tech, alongside the best classics in the music world. First, we chat with Universal Audio Product Specialist, Tom Waterman, about their part in the birth of the modern recording industry. Then, VP of Sales Operations for Roland, Robin Kelly, tells the story of when the TR-808 was first released, from failure to underground success. Next, we chat with Survios Director of Marketing, Hunter Kitagawa, about their new VR music creation experience, Electronauts. Former Chairman of NAMM, Dennis Houlihan, discusses the robust future of retail in the music industry and how musicians want a place to touch and play an instrument before they buy. Also, James 'McGoo' McGregor fills us in on his new app, PLNIFY, that makes your life as a traveling team easy. QSC Product Manager of Pro PA Loudspeakers, Chris Brouelette, describes how they've made PA and amplification tech compact and lightweight for the modern age. Then, Del Breckenfeld tells us about his charity benefit with the band, Gambler. Premier Guitar Publisher and Managing Director, Jon Levy, gives us some insight on the duality of musicians interest, and Fender's wacky guitar on display in their booth. We wrap up the show with Vienna Symphonic Library Director of Marketing and PR, Martin Tichy, discuesses how they've made composing orchestral pieces simple. Find out more, here!

[00:00:00] NAMM, A Trade Show Like No Other
[00:06:09] Universal Audio and Bill Putnam Sr.
[00:12:30] The Revival of Universal Audio
[00:19:53] The TR-808: From Failure to Revolution
[00:27:26] The Customer is #1 at Roland
[00:35:54] Get Into the Music with Electronauts
[00:42:16] The Future of Retail and NAMM
[00:49:23] PLNIFY Your Life on the Road
[00:54:46] Bring Your PA Without a Workout Regimen
[01:02:09] Del Breckenfeld and Amplify EM
[01:12:18] Your #1 Source for Guitar News
[01:18:10] VSL Brings Orchestra to Your Fingertips

Omron, Sniffy, TCL, Kids Connect, and ChiliPad at CES 2018 | #172 Jan 27, 2018

Show notes

We wrap up our coverage of CES 2018 with a host of great products and insights from industry leaders. First off, Marketing Group Manager for Omron Automation, Mike Chen, introduces us to Forpheus, a ping pong robot tutor, and Omron's wide array of manufacturing targeted AI, software, and robotics. Then, Alexandre Juving-Brunet, Sniffy Founder and CEO/COO, tells us about his 5D multisensorial experience that uses synthesized fragrances to appeal to one of our most ingrained senses, smell. Next, TCL Product Evangelist, Bruce Walker, shares some of the brand's triumphs and future plans, including an expanded offering, and growing market share. Also, industry veteran and BoxBuild Co-Founder, Todd Metlen, explains why CES is irrelevant to his company, and how Kickstarter and online marketing strategies have all but replaced the titanic trade show. Last, Chili Technology Co-Founder, Todd Youngblood, helps us cool down in the summer, and stay warm in the winter with their ChiliPad, an amazing new temperature controlled mattress pad.Tune in now.