Canadian Music Trade - December/January 2018 | Page 15

SLM’s Lang Shen Appointed Product Manager of Knilling Strings SFM Now Distributing Keeley Pedals Keeley Electronics, the U.S. maker of guitar and bass effects pedals, has appointed Montreal’s SFM as its new exclusive Canadian distributor. Since 2001, Robert SFM’S ERIK LIND Keeley has been designing and manufacturing his popular line of boutique guitar and bass effects pedals in Edmond, OK. “We are beyond excited to be Keeley’s new Canadian distributor,” says Erik Lind, brand manager of SFM’s MI business unit. “Robert’s designs are legendary, and several Keeley pedals are bona fide industry standards. The chance to partner with a brand with this kind of history and reputation is an incredible opportunity.” For more information, contact SFM: 514-780-2070, [email protected], www.sfm.ca. … Transom Capital Group has acquired all brands from Loud Technologies Inc., including Mackie, Ampeg, EAW, and Martin Audio. The new company will be called Loud Audio, LLC and led by the executives of Loud Technologies, ensuring continuity with product devel- opment, distribution, and the supply chain but with new capital to enable growth across all brands, according to the company. For more information, contact Loud Audio: 425-892- 6500, FAX [phone], www.loudtechinc.com. St. Louis Music has announced the promotion of Lang Shen to the position of product manager for Knilling Strings. In her new role, she will oversee and drive the day-to-day SLM’S LANG SHEN operations of the Knilling and Nicoló Gabrielli lines. “Lang has been a wonderful friend and a key member of the SLM team for many years,” says Craig Denny, VP of band and orchestra at St. Louis Music. “She knows Knilling and Nicoló Gabrielli better than anyone, having shepherded both under previous product managers. She also has a deep sense of the string business, which will prove invaluable in this new role. It’s a pleasure to be able to offer her a very well-deserved promotion.” For more information, contact St. Louis Music: 314-727-4512, [email protected], www.stlouismusic.com. The NAMM Show Survey Canadian Music Trade surveyed members of the Canadian MI industry to find out their experiences and opinions on The NAMM Show and the role it plays in their businesses. SPEAKING OUT Will you or a member(s) of your staff be attending The NAMM Show 2018? Yes No Unsure 48% 39% 13% What have you learned about making the most of your time at The NAMM Show? From experience, what do you now do or not do to make the show more productive? Building & maintaining industry relationships is the main reason to attend for of respondents 13% say The NAMM Show is extremely important and to the store’s ordering for the following year 55% 42% say it’s somewhat important “Get to NAMM well in advance, be rested, and stay after the show to sort out all the meetings, contacts, and budget time to follow up on all new business partners.” 45% say that most years they take on a new line they discovered at The NAMM Show “Leave some time open to explore new prod- ucts. Stick to the appointment schedule.” In general, how do you feel about The NAMM Show’s expansion in 2018 to include more exhibitors and educational programming in the areas of professional audio, live sound, and lighting and live event technology? “Make appointments in advance with must-see suppliers and stay clear of booths with artist performances or signings.” 35% I’m excited to check out the new components 39% It won’t change much for me 16% I’d prefer it stay MI-focused 10% Not sure “I miss MIAC. That show made total sense for the Canadian market. Though NAMM is enticing for the social interaction, in the tight economic reality for MI dealers, I cannot consider it a worthwhile expenditure for my business. CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE 15