Upfront December 2025

NAMM Announces Billy Corgan as Recipient of the TEC Innovation Award Presented at The 2026 NAMM Show

NAMM and The NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Awards have selected Billy Corgan as the recipient of the 2025 TEC Innovation Award, which will be presented to him at the 41st Annual NAMM TEC Awards on Thursday evening, January 22, 2026, during The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California.

The TEC Innovation Award recognizes visionary contributions that shape the future of music, sound, and creative production. Corgan is being honored for his transformative impact on modern, guitar-driven music and his forward-thinking approach to tone shaping and sonic architecture. From the explosive dynamics and layered opulence of Siamese Dream to the genre-blending ambition of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, and his continued reinvention across The Smashing Pumpkins’ expansive catalog, including the most recent releases ATUM: A Rock Opera in Three Acts and Aghori Mhori Mei. His work has expanded the boundaries of modern rock and inspired generations of musicians, engineers, and creators.

“Billy’s fearless approach to production, imaginative pedal chains, analog exploration, intricate layering and boundary-breaking studio techniques have influenced countless creators,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “His deep commitment to innovation and artistic evolution places him among the most distinctive and influential musical architects of the last three decades.”

Corgan’s creative reach extends into a variety of cultural spaces. A lifelong wrestling aficionado, he owns and serves as president of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). He also owns Madame ZuZu’s Teahouse in Highland Park, where he often performs intimate surprise sets, and hosts the podcast “The Magnificent Others,” featuring conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, and visionary leaders. He is also a staunch animal advocate, supporting no-kill shelters such as PAWS Chicago. Most recently, Corgan partnered with the Lyric Opera of Chicago for the world premiere of A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness, a bold operatic reimagining of The Smashing Pumpkins’ landmark 1995 double album. The production featured Corgan performing alongside the world class opera artists, with sweeping new arrangements brought to life by the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus for an immersive experience that fuses the emotional intensity of rock with the grandeur of opera.

Past recipients of the TEC Innovation Award include Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, RZA, Peter Frampton, Jackson Browne, Pete Townshend, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Brian Wilson, Jack White, and many more.

Founded in 1901, NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) works to strengthen the music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. Through trade shows, membership programs, professional development, market development initiatives, and global engagement, NAMM supports its vision of a world in which the joy of making music is an essential part of daily life for people of all ages.

The NAMM TEC Awards celebrate the individuals, companies, and technological advancements shaping the sound of recordings, live performance, film, television, and multimedia. At its core, the TEC Awards honor those who expand what is possible in music and sound. Billy Corgan’s legacy of experimentation and creative courage exemplifies that mission.

For more information on the TEC Awards please visit: www.tecawards.org/
To register for the NAMM Show and get your TEC Tickets, visit: www.NAMM.org

D’Addario and TerraCycle Celebrate a Decade-Long, Industry-First Recycling Program

D’Addario and TerraCycle, the international recycling leader, are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the D’Addario Playback Free String Recycling Program — the first large-scale initiative of its kind to recycle instrument strings of any brand. Over the past decade, the partnership has kept more than 16 million strings out of landfills and incinerators, engaging musicians, retailers, and schools nationwide to make sustainability part of their sound.

“At D’Addario, sustainability is woven into everything we do,” said John D’Addario III, CEO of D’Addario & Company, Inc. “Partnering with TerraCycle has allowed us to engage our entire community — from local music shops to global touring artists. This milestone celebrates both progress and possibility as we work toward a more sustainable future for music.”

Since its launch in 2015, the D’Addario Playback Free String Recycling Program has provided a simple, free way for musicians to recycle instrument strings, which are not typically accepted through municipal recycling services. Through the partnership, participants can sign up online, download a free shipping label, and mail in used strings and clippings from any brand or instrument type — from guitar and bass to orchestral strings. Once received, the collected strings are smelted and formed into metal ingots, which are then used by manufacturers to create new products.

“The D’Addario Free Recycling Program was one of our earliest initiatives to bring sustainability directly into the hands of consumers,” said Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle. “A decade and 16 million strings later, this partnership continues to strike the right chord — showing how creative industries can help eliminate waste.”

Today, the D’Addario Playback Free String Recycling Programcontinues to make it easy for musicians, schools, and retailers to recycle used instrument strings of any brand. The program remains free to join and open to participants nationwide through TerraCycle’s online platform.

To learn more about the D’Addario Free Recycling Program, visit terracycle.com/daddario-playback.

OMG Music Named Exclusive U.S. Distributor for EBS Professional Bass Equipment

OMG Music announces that it is now the exclusive United States distributor for EBS, the renowned Swedish manufacturer of professional bass equipment. 

Founded in 1988, EBS has earned a global reputation for its innovative bass amplifiers, cabinets, effects pedals, and accessories. Trusted by everyone from touring professionals to at-home creators, EBS products are celebrated for their durability, versatility, and exceptional tone. 

“EBS represents the gold standard in professional bass equipment,” said Misha Guiffre, director of Sales & Marketing at OMG Music. “We are honored that EBS selected OMG Music based on our deep roots in the independent dealer community. We are committed to backing their exceptional engineering with the trusted service and personal relationships that our dealers rely on.” 

To support this new partnership, OMG Music has secured a substantial opening inventory of EBS’s flagship products, providing immediate fulfillment for U.S. dealers effective December 1, 2025. 

 “We believe OMG Music has both the spirit, ambition, and organization to take EBS to a new level. We want to make the brand more visible and easier to get hold of for bass players across the country,” says Bengt Lilja, international sales director of EBS Sweden AB. 

Dealers and visitors are invited to meet the team and view the products at The NAMM Show in January at Booth #5724. 

Hagstrom Family Reclaims Legacy with Majority Ownership in Hagstrom Guitars

Hagstrom Guitars is proud to announce that the Hagstrom family has officially become the majority shareholders in the company, marking a powerful return to its heritage and a renewed commitment to shaping its future.

Founded in 1925 by Albin Hagstrom, the Hagstrom brand has a rich legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and musical excellence. Now celebrating its 100th anniversary, the brand continues to be guided by the same family vision that shaped its early success.

“This is a deeply personal moment for us,” said Karl-Erik Hagstrom (chairman). “The Hagstrom name is more than a brand, it’s a family legacy. We’re honored to lead the company into its next era while honoring the values that made the brand iconic since the company was started 100 years ago by my grandfather.”

After a period of dormancy, the Hagstrom brand was revived over 20 years ago through a licensing partnership with Swedish company Tricor AB, which led to the Hagstrom brand’s global reintroduction. In a full-circle moment, Tricor AB is now majority owned by the original Hagstrom company, AB Albin Hagstrom (ABAH), further uniting the brand’s heritage with its future.

As part of this renewed vision, Hagstrom is enhancing its global reach with strategic operational improvements, expanded marketing initiatives, and strengthened international personnel, all aimed at building deeper connections with musicians and retailers worldwide.

This milestone also coincides with Hagstrom’s return to the NAMM Show this January and the upcoming announcement of several exciting new models, signaling a dynamic new chapter for the company.

 Hal Leonard Employees Choose Charity Over Holiday Gifts, Donating More Than $7,500 to Local Music Program

Hal Leonard employees once again demonstrated their commitment to community music-making this holiday season. When parent company Muse Group offered staff the option of receiving a holiday gift or donating the equivalent value to a local charity, Hal Leonard employees overwhelmingly chose to give back—directing more than $7,500 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and its expanding after-school music program.

The donation supports a rapidly growing initiative developed in partnership with the newly established Chad Smith Foundation, which works to bring high-quality music education and instructors to youth programs nationwide.

Employees formally presented the check at Hal Leonard’s Milwaukee headquarters.

“I’m not at all surprised by our team’s choice,” said Derek Byrne, Hal Leonard’s Milwaukee office manager. “Our employees live and breathe the belief that music changes lives—especially for young people who are seeking connection, confidence, and creative expression. It’s a powerful reminder that the spirit of giving resonates strongly with our team—and that supporting young musicians can be the most meaningful gift of all.”

Hal Leonard has a longstanding relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, having helped establish the organization’s first after-school music-making program—now a blueprint for similar programs nationwide. Its former CEO, Keith Mardak, remains a major donor to the Boys & Girls Clubs, particularly supporting their music programs. Another former Hal Leonard employee, Brad Smith, is now a board member of his brother Chad’s foundation. Many Hal Leonard employees have served as teachers at the B&GC music programs.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee is grateful for Hal Leonard’s support of our new music teacher placement program in partnership with the Chad Smith Foundation,” said Mark Knapp, assistant vice president of Development. “This support will provide Club members with access to lessons on a variety of instruments, group music classes, and expert teachers. It ensures that the young people who need us most can experience the well-documented benefits of music education—helping them build toward a great future.”

People

Fishman has announced the expansion of its Artist Relations Division with a new office based out of Rock Nashville. The new hub will serve as a creative center for artist collaboration, content creation, and tone development under the direction of Kenny Barnwell, who joins the company as artist relations manager.

With more than 20 years of experience in the touring and live events industry, Barnwell brings deep relationships, technical expertise, and an authentic understanding of the artist experience. His career includes working with internationally recognized artists such as Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Alicia Keys, Bon Jovi, and Seal, as well as producing and consulting across multiple areas of the live entertainment industry.

From the new Rock Nashville Tone Lab, Barnwell will lead Fishman’s artist engagement strategy by building genuine connections between artists and the brand, supporting tone exploration through hands-on sessions, and developing Fishman’s new Artist Collective community. 

The Fishman Tone Lab at Rock Nashville will also serve as a creative content studio, product testing environment, and home for artist sessions, workshops, and beta testing initiatives. This expansion reinforces Fishman’s ongoing commitment to supporting its artists across all genres while extending its presence in one of the world’s most vibrant music communities.

Barnwell’s appointment marks a new era for Fishman’s artist engagement strategy, bringing the company’s legacy of tone innovation closer to the creative community that inspires it.

The Guitar Center Music Foundation (GCMF) has announced that Curtis Heath, president of Guitar Center Business Solutions, has been appointed Board president and chair. Heath’s appointment marks a new chapter for the Foundation as it works to expand access to music education and deepen its impact in communities across the country.

Joining Heath on the Foundation’s Board are Greg Glaser, vice president of Custom House and GC Pro at Guitar Center, and Jerry Brandehoff, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Guitar Center. After many years of dedicated service as Board chair, David Helfant will continue supporting the Foundation as a member of the Board of Directors. Together, they bring creative, business, and strategic leadership that strengthens the Foundation’s mission to inspire and empower people through music.

As President of Guitar Center Business Solutions, Heath oversees professional divisions including GC Pro, AVDG, and Custom House. A Navy veteran and experienced executive, Heath is known for building high-performing teams and aligning artistry, technology, and community. His leadership within Guitar Center focuses on connecting creators, corporations, and educators through access and innovation, a vision he now brings to the Foundation’s national platform.

Guitar Center Business Solutions includes three divisions that connect the company’s professional and creative expertise. GC Pro serves as Guitar Center’s professional audio and production arm, delivering large-scale solutions for studios, venues, and touring professionals. AVDG designs and integrates advanced AV systems for corporate, higher education, healthcare and stadiums, while Custom House provides boutique services for artists, producers, and songwriters. Each division serves a distinct audience but shares a common goal of connecting people to the power of sound.

Greg Glaser, vice president of Custom House and GC Pro, leads artist relations and partnerships across Guitar Center’s professional divisions. Custom House works directly with today’s hitmakers and renowned creators to source gear, design studios, and support tours and recording projects. GC Pro delivers large-scale pro-audio and production solutions for major venues and House of Worship nationwide.

Jerry Brandehoff, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, leads Guitar Center’s merchandising organization, which includes buying, planning, and private label brands across all channels. He is a dynamic retail executive with more than 30 years of experience at global companies including Wayfair, Gap Inc., PVH, and Williams-Sonoma Inc. His leadership brings a business perspective that connects Guitar Center’s retail strategy to the Foundation’s philanthropic mission.

Trade Regrets

Ken Dattmore (b. February 26, 1961) passed peacefully on the morning of December 4 in Anaheim, CA.

Dattmore started in the industry with the William Lewis & Son Company, which brought violins into the hands of thousands of young music students around the world.  Ken later operated his own company, Pegasus Strings, before beginning his career and retiring with Yamaha.  With Yamaha he played a role in the growth of the electric violin, which won Best-In-Show during the NAMM Show in 2016, a proud moment for Ken.

Ken is survived by his sister Barbara and brothers Lou, Wayne, and Tommy.