FRONT AND CENTER: MIRIAM RISKO
(continued from page 69) have had an intimidating or discriminator y experience inside a music store. How does your store create an inviting environment for girls and female musicians? Risko: We don’t want anyone to feel intimidated by music, learning an instrument or being part of a musical group. As a female business owner and a mom, I’m very cognizant of how to make the experience comfortable so that females of all ages can come into the store and envision themselves as future musicians.
Learning as much as I can about instruments and gear is important to me, so that I can speak with authority and lend my advice to aspiring female musicians. I take my role seriously as someone who can set an example for young females, and it gives me joy to share my experiences as a singer in a band, and as the only female for many years in the bands I played in. I hope to inspire a younger generation to embrace their love for music, realize they can accomplish anything in the music world, and be part of a growing and changing industry.
I’m excited that my 12-year-old daughter is a drummer, and I enjoy watching her pursue music. Over the years, I’ve met so many amazing women through NAMM who own music stores (like Cindy Cook of Candyman Strings and Things, Tracy Leenman of Musical Innovations and the owners of San Diego Music Studio), and I think they’re rock stars in our industry and an inspiration to me and other female music school and store owners.
The WiMN: In closing, what advice would you of fer younger musicians who are starting out? Risko: Learn and practice as much as you can. Listen to lots of music and go see live music whenever you can. Allow yourself to be inspired by other artists and people in the industry and follow your dreams. Everyone has it in them to become the musician they want to be. Follow your heart, keep practicing and strive to be the best! If you work hard, you can achieve anything.
business (label/management side) — a few that have enough stories to give “Behind the Music” a run for its money. They lived inside this industry I was viewing while growing up via MTV, radio, etc., and their experiences are full of lessons.
County. Working in Hollywood, it’s great to be in the action of the city ever y day, but it’s great to have a home base a little outside the action. We have mountains, are close to the beach and it’s a little more laid back. It’s a great place for the family and to recharge.
THE FINAL NOTE: JUSTIN NORVELL
(continued from page 94) Nor vell: Chris Whitley. One of the best singer-songwriters and a great performer. He passed away in 2005. I only got to see him once, and he was mesmerizing. So powerful, just him and a guitar.
TheRetailer: What musician are you hoping to see play in the near future? Nor vell: I just saw Nine Inch Nails two days ago here in Los Angeles. And I have a gig tonight with my CEO (Andy Mooney)! I just love seeing live music. Here in L.A., there are literally dozens of things to see every night. The Retailer: What song was most memorable for you throughout your childhood, and what do you remember about it the most? Nor vell: I remember albums over specific songs. My parents had a great record collection and there was a lot of music. I remember Steely Dan, Neil Young and Led Zeppelin most impactfully. The Retailer: What songs are on your smartphone/ iPod, etc. right now? Nor vell: About 5,000 songs. Favorite recent albums are “Call the Comet” by Johnny Marr, “Beside Myself” by Basement and “Look” by Blake Mills. The Retailer: What’s the most fun thing you saw/did at a NAMM Show? Norvell: One of the great things about NAMM is that anything can happen! I’ve made lifelong friends, seen great artists and products, and had great experiences. Overall, MUSIC & SOUND RETAILER
I would say helping design a product that won a NAMM Best in Show award was the best.
The Retailer: If you had to select three people, past or present, to have dinner with, who would they be and what would you ask them? Nor vell: Being in a job where I have met many of my idols and been in some pretty fantastic situations, I would have dinner with my family. I would just ask them about their days. Not an exciting answer, but work/life balance is something I keep super prioritized. The Retailer: Tell us about your most memorable experience with an MI retailer (without naming them). Nor vell: There are a ton from over the years. I view every trip out in the field as a true learning experience. That’s where our products are intersecting with the public, and it’s truly the front line. And it often ends with me finding a piece of gear I need to have.
The Retailer: What technology could change MI down the road? Nor vell: Customer-relationship management at the retail level and interconnectivity on the product side. The Retailer: If you weren’t in the music industr y, what would you be doing and why? Nor vell: Trying to get into the music industry! The Retailer: Tell us about your hometown and why you enjoy living there. Nor vell: I live just over the L.A. County line in Ventura
The Retailer: What are your most prized possession(s)? Nor vell: I have a 1963 Fender Jazzmaster. It’s a great vintage instrument, but also a direct connection to the origins of the brand I have spent a good portion of my life and career obsessing over. The Retailer: What’s your favorite book and why? Nor vell: Everything and anything by Kurt Vonnegut. The way he interweaves the absurd with complex, real issues and a dry sense of humor. He’s been my favorite forever.
The Retailer: What is the best thing about the MI industr y? Nor vell: The people. Almost everyone that’s here is here because they are super passionate about it. It’s a calling rather than a choice. The Retailer: Who do you admire most outside of the music industr y and why? Nor vell: I have several friends with decades [of experience] in the other music
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