06/24/2018
This weekend has been a very busy one! I had the opportunity to go to an event that I have been wanting to attend for quite some time. The event was GearFest! It is put on by may favorite music company out there, Sweetwater! It was held on there campus in Ft. Wayne, IN. Here is a picture of one of the highlights of the weekend for me. This was a Producer Panel that was done. Many outstanding producers were on the panel. From left to right, Sylvia Massy- (Tool, System of the Down, Johnny Cash, Prince, Tom Petty...), Neal Pogue- (Stevie Wonder, TLC, Aloe Blacc, Nicki Minaj, Earth Wind and Fire.....), Kevin Killen- (David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, U2, Tori Amos, Bon Jovi, Shakira...), Fab Dupont- (Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Shakira....), Chris Lorde-Alge- (Sugerland, Nickelback, Green Day, Daughtry, Third Day...), and Rich Chycki- (Rush, Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Skillet, Mick Jager.....). The panel covered topics from how they got there start, to what rules do they break to create new sounds, to how did they deal with bands with egos. It was a fun and informative discussion.
While there I also attended many seminars including, Modern Songwriting Methods with Music Software - hosted by Craig Anderton (Presonus), Professional Recording and Production Techniques - hosted by Brian Vibberts (Antelope Audio), Social Media Promotion for Musicians - hosted by Bobby Owsinski ( Mojave Audio), Mastering In Your DAW - hosted by Craig Anderton (Presonus). They were all very informative and well done. I had actually planned on attending more but they filled up before I could get in.
They had exhibitors from just about every music company you can think of. All there with much of there gear to answer questions and for you to try. I could've spent all weekend doing just that. It was huge and a little overwhelming. I found myself looking at something and then Chris Lorde-Alge walks up by me. It was that cool! Many of the greats were out there right alongside you as you are doing your thing. I was sitting having a late supper in they're facility and a guy comes up and sits next to me. I see that he is from AEA Microphones. I said "Hello" to him and that it was a coincidence that he sat down next to me because I was looking for a good ribbon mic. I talked with him for over an hour only to find out he is the president of the company.
They also had concerts going on and had many special guests playing. At the moment, I can't remember all there names but let me just say I was humbled. Yngwie Malmsteen was there to do a closing concert as well. Just outstanding.
Sweetwater is an outstanding company and I would encourage anybody to buy from them. They have some of the best customer service out there, hands down! If you are thinking about getting some gear, talk to my guy there. His name is Matt Emmick. He is an outstanding resource if you have questions and a great guy. He even bought me a coffee. He's been my guy for about 10 years now.
If you ever want to go to GearFest, I would highly recommend it. Not only for all the reasons above but they also have 2 day only savings that are unheard of on almost all they sell. Great time to buy! I saved about $500 on the things I bought.
