NARM report 1: Let the dozing begin

NONE DARE CALL IT NARM: Here's a preliminary report from our own Mark Pearson on retail's yearly confab and its shiny new name. Try not to hyperventilate while reading. Oh, and roll over the pic at the left for details about those party animals. Music Biz 2013 officially kicked off on Tuesday night with the traditional cocktail party hosted by WEA at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Century City. It was full to capacity with a very upbeat crowd--attendance this year doesn't seem to be off at all. Dovetailing the event was another party in a packed Universal Music suite with the new Capitol Music crew and Caroline now in the fold. UMGD then hosted their annual Indie Dinner, with Caroline and INgrooves Fontana also on hand to fete the darlings of the convention yet again and celebrate Record Store Day (Wednesday will see the first of two RSD town hall meetings to discuss upcoming events). Funniest pin at the convention: Bryan Mead’s “Liquor Store Day” pass out. Later that night featured in-room performances, both jam-packed. It was highlighted by Capitol’s Michael Franti, who danced barefoot through the room during a five-song acoustic set, with the most jaded in attendance singing along at full throat. RCA’s 2AM Club whipped out a crisp electric set that played to a full house, even though it didn’t start until almost 11:30. RCA’s Tom Odell also played earlier at the Troubadour, to rave reviews. (5/8p)