What are you most proud of about your first 30 years in business?
Richard Taninbaum: Creating something new, useful and accepted by an industry rooted in tradition is very gratifying. Although the art of music is constantly evolving, the tools that we use to make it are mostly old friends. Bringing something new and accepted into the process is what moves me to think about these tools in new ways.
What are the important differences that real innovation can make, even in a small niche brand like Rhythm Tech?
Taninbaum: I feel the quality and value of the instruments being produced in today’s MI industry are vastly superior to those of prior periods. Due to advanced manufacturing techniques and materials, even budget instruments are more playable and less costly, offering the greatest value to the armature and professional musician of any time in our history. For this reason, it is more important than ever for companies working in this space to bring something more to the market. Innovation is the way for a brand to differentiate itself in a crowded field.
What role will you play in the next chapter of Rhythm Tech’s history as Brand Custodian, Voice of the Brand, Chief Innovation Officer?
Taninbaum: Rhythm Tech is at a very exciting point in its development. As a JAM company we are able realize objectives that were previously out of reach. New product areas, along with potential synergies with other brands under the JAM umbrella, open the future of the Rhythm Tech brand in many new ways. I’m thrilled to be a part of this development and look forward to contributing my efforts to help move the brand in these new directions.
What kinds of products do you see being developed in the future that can extend the legacy of the Rhythm Tech brand, giving it new meaning to a new generation of percussionists?
Taninbaum: Putting a unique slant on traditional drum and percussion instruments and accessories has always been Rhythm Tech’s prime focus. In the next phase of the company’s development I can see further expansion in this area creating useful tools for a changing music scene along with bringing our perspective to less traditional products (e.g., electronic and MIDI instruments). Additionally, the areas of home recording, DJ and EDM are all exciting possibilities for product development integration of the Rhythm Tech aesthetic and brand personality. Wherever there is a beat there is an opportunity for Rhythm Tech product development.