From hammond.b3@verizon.net Sat Jan 08 11:13:29 2011
Subject:Re: NAMM / what to look for?

Jason,
I've never been to NAMM and have wanted to go just to see what it's all about.
It sounds a lot like SXSW.
SXSW used to be about new bands getting exposure to industry executives, A&R people, agents etc.
It's now populated with bands who already have deals and a lot of unnecessary BS.
Besides that, it's a huge money maker for the folks who/run it.
The amount of money they take in is staggering.
They essentially OWN Austin for a week or so. The venues either play their game or they get locked out.
Granted there are some great seminars etc. but by and large I've always steered clear of it.
It seemed to me like it was an excuse for the record industry to go out, play golf and get ass-faced.
Of all the people I've known that went there NONE of them came away from it with anything at all.
Just a big schmooze fest.
Strictly my opinion,
C