Moog Music at NAMM 2025: Legacy, Innovation, and Sonic World-Building

The Moog Artistry and Innovation Panel at NAMM 2025 brought together a veritable who’s who of the synth world, with Michelle Moog-Koussa at the helm. Representing both the Bob Moog Foundation and a deep familial connection to the Moog legacy, Michelle set the stage for a discussion that would traverse decades of electronic music history and innovation. The panel included musicians, engineers, and technologists whose careers have been fundamentally shaped by Moog’s inventions.

From the outset, the conversation focused on Bob Moog’s profound impact—not just as an inventor, but as a collaborator and listener. Panelists drew parallels between Moog and other industry-defining figures, noting how his warmth and curiosity were inseparable from the instruments he created. The discussion quickly established that Moog’s influence extends far beyond circuitry, touching the very fabric of modern music and sound design.

Panelists highlighted how Moog synthesizers have transformed the landscape for musicians, sound designers, and engineers alike. Lisa Bella Donna described her first encounter with Moog’s sound as a revelation—an instrument capable of encapsulating entire galaxies of sonic possibility. The panelists agreed that Moog’s blend of technology and musicology created tools that are as inspiring as they are functional.

The conversation underscored Moog’s unique position in fostering collaboration between instrument designers and artists. Bob Moog’s willingness to listen to musicians and adapt his designs accordingly was cited as a key reason for the instruments’ enduring relevance. This approach has allowed Moog synthesizers to serve as bridges between technical innovation and genuine musical expression, making them foundational in studios, on stages, and in the hands of creative minds across genres.

The panelists shared pivotal moments when Moog instruments sparked their creativity and altered their musical trajectories. Many recounted formative experiences—hearing Wendy Carlos’ “Switched-On Bach,” witnessing Sun Ra’s cosmic performances, or encountering a dusty Minimoog in a studio—that fundamentally changed their understanding of what electronic instruments could achieve. These stories illustrated how Moog synthesizers have become catalysts for artistic transformation.

Beyond nostalgia, the discussion delved into how Moog’s tactile interface and unmistakable sound character continue to inspire new generations. Whether through the velvet richness of a Model D or the modular flexibility of a Moog 15, these instruments invite exploration and reward curiosity. The panelists emphasized that Moog’s sonic palette is not just a technical achievement, but a source of ongoing inspiration for musicians seeking to carve out their own sonic worlds.

Reflecting on Moog’s journey from the early days of modular systems to today’s accessible instruments, the panelists noted the delicate balance between innovation and tradition. Steve Dunnington outlined how Moog’s circuits still carry the DNA of their 1960s ancestors, even as modern designs incorporate digital control and surface-mount components. The result is a lineage that remains true to its roots while embracing new possibilities.

Brian Kehew and others discussed how Moog’s evolution has made synthesis more accessible, moving from intimidating modular setups to instruments that invite musicians of all backgrounds. Yet, despite this increased accessibility, Moog has never sacrificed its hallmark expressivity and depth. The conversation highlighted how today’s Moog instruments—whether vintage or contemporary—continue to offer a rich, expressive sound that stands out in any musical context.