The Blueprint for Longevity with Dana Sorey

In part 2 of this episode of The Musician’s Shed, Samar Newsome sits down with a true titan of the industry: Dana Sorey.

If you’ve listened to Gospel or R&B in the last two decades, you’ve heard Dana’s work. As a multi-Grammy, Stellar, and Dove Award-winning producer, songwriter, and musical director, Dana has shaped the sound of legends. But today, we’re looking beyond the credits and the trophies.

Dana pulls back the curtain on how he’s managed to stay at the top of a volatile industry while building a legacy that prioritizes financial independence and physical wellness.

What’s Inside the Shed:

• The Hitmaker’s Mindset: Dana shares the creative process behind his award-winning career and what it really takes to sustain a "successful" run in the music business.
• The "Stay Home Money" Movement: Tired of the "starving artist" trope? Dana breaks down his mentorship program designed to help musicians monetize their skills from the studio, ensuring the checks keep coming even when the tour bus stops.
• The "Better to Know" Initiative: We get real about the dark side of the grind. Dana discusses his mission to help musicians prioritize their health, advocating for preventative care in a community that often ignores the "check engine" light.

Key Takeaways:

• How to transition from a gig-to-gig lifestyle to a sustainable business model.
• Why "mentorship" is the missing ingredient in most musical careers.
• The vital connection between your physical health and your creative output.

"It’s one thing to make a hit; it’s another thing to make a living that allows you to be around to enjoy it." — Dana Sorey

STAY Connected on YouTube , IG and Facebook.

The Musician's Shed Podcast!

• Subscribe to our video podcast on YouTube.
• Follow us on IG and Facebook.
• Engage by leaving a comment if you like what you hear!

The Blueprint for Longevity with Dana Sorey

In part 1 of this episode of The Musician’s Shed, Samar Newsome sits down with a true titan of the industry: Dana Sorey.

If you’ve listened to Gospel or R&B in the last two decades, you’ve heard Dana’s work. As a multi-Grammy, Stellar, and Dove Award-winning producer, songwriter, and musical director, Dana has shaped the sound of legends. But today, we’re looking beyond the credits and the trophies.

Dana pulls back the curtain on how he’s managed to stay at the top of a volatile industry while building a legacy that prioritizes financial independence and physical wellness.

What’s Inside the Shed:

• The Hitmaker’s Mindset: Dana shares the creative process behind his award-winning career and what it really takes to sustain a "successful" run in the music business.
• The "Stay Home Money" Movement: Tired of the "starving artist" trope? Dana breaks down his mentorship program designed to help musicians monetize their skills from the studio, ensuring the checks keep coming even when the tour bus stops.
• The "Better to Know" Initiative: We get real about the dark side of the grind. Dana discusses his mission to help musicians prioritize their health, advocating for preventative care in a community that often ignores the "check engine" light.

Key Takeaways:

• How to transition from a gig-to-gig lifestyle to a sustainable business model.
• Why "mentorship" is the missing ingredient in most musical careers.
• The vital connection between your physical health and your creative output.

"It’s one thing to make a hit; it’s another thing to make a living that allows you to be around to enjoy it." — Dana Sorey

STAY Connected on YouTube , IG and Facebook.

The Musician's Shed Podcast!

• Subscribe to our video podcast on YouTube.
• Follow us on IG and Facebook.
• Engage by leaving a comment if you like what you hear!

In this compelling episode of The Musician’s Shed, host Samar Newsome sits down with the versatile pianist and composer Jerry Compere to explore the intersections of classical training, commercial production, and scoring for major streaming platforms.

The conversation centers on Compere’s journey from a child prodigy to a Peabody Award-winning composer, offering a masterclass in the versatility required to succeed in today’s music industry.

Episode Highlights

• The Netflix Journey: Compere discusses the creative process behind his score for the Netflix film Cops and Robbers (2021), which earned a prestigious Peabody Award. He shares what it’s like to translate raw emotion and social commentary into a cinematic soundscape.
• The Role of a Musical Director: Drawing from his experience working with legends like Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, Compere breaks down the "hidden" art of musical direction—managing personalities, arranging live sets, and ensuring technical perfection under pressure.
• The Artist in Residence: He touches on his philosophy regarding music education and his role at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, emphasizing the importance of equipping the next generation with the tools to "take up space" in the industry.
• Creative Philosophy: From winning the European International Piano Competition at 14 to composing for global audiences, Jerry reflects on how his foundation in music education (Westminster Choir College) informs his modern commercial work.

Key Takeaways

"My focus is to continue to help the next generation discover, develop and maximize their musical talents in ways they never imagined." — Jerry Compere

• Versatility is Currency: Compere’s ability to move between piano performance, orchestration, and teaching has been the backbone of his 25-year career.
• Scoring for Impact: The episode dives into how music serves as a secondary narrator in film, particularly in projects with heavy social themes.
• From Stage to Screen: Transitioning from touring with R&B and Gospel icons to the disciplined world of film scoring requires a unique mental shift.

STAY Connected on YouTube , IG and Facebook.

The Musician's Shed Podcast!

• Subscribe to our video podcast on YouTube.
• Follow us on IG and Facebook.
• Engage by leaving a comment if you like what you hear!

In this soul-stirring episode of The Musician’s Shed, Samar Newsome sits down with the multi-hyphenate vocal powerhouse Jeremiah Abiah. Known as both a world-class vocal coach and a "voice healer," Abiah shares his unique philosophy on what it means to truly own your sound.

Whether you’re a bathroom belter or a seasoned pro, this conversation peels back the layers of vocal performance to reveal the heart beneath the technique.

The Highlights

• Genre-Fluid Artistry: Abiah discusses his experience coaching voices across the spectrum—from the high-stakes demands of Broadway and Opera to the rhythmic nuances of Hip Hop and Jazz.
• Myth-Busting: We tear down common misconceptions about "natural talent" and the "right" way to breathe.
• The Voice as a Vessel: Discover the concept of "voice healing" and how emotional blocks can manifest as physical tension in your singing.
• Industry Insights: What really happens in the rehearsal room with top-tier industry artists? Abiah shares the common threads that link all great performers.

Key Takeaways

Topic | The Abiah PerspectiveTechnique | It’s not about perfection; it’s about sustainable freedom.
Versatility | The mechanics of the voice remain the same; only the "flavor" of the genre changes.
Mindset | Singing is 90% mental. If the mind is tight, the throat is tight.

STAY Connected on YouTube , IG and Facebook.

The Musician's Shed Podcast!

• Subscribe to our video podcast on YouTube.
• Follow us on IG and Facebook.
• Engage by leaving a comment if you like what you hear!

What is the secret to staying relevant in the music industry for decades? 

On this episode of The Musician’s Shed, host Samar Newsome sits down with industry heavyweight Vince Jackson. A true jack-of-all-trades, Vince is a prolific Producer, Keyboardist, Musical Director, and Mixing Engineer whose credit list reads like a Hall of Fame induction.

From working alongside Wyclef Jean to contributing to projects for the late D’Angelo, Diana Ross, and Mary J. Blige, Vince has seen—and done—it all. Samar and Vince dive deep into his multi-decade career to uncover the keys to longevity in a constantly changing business. They discuss the mindset required to be a top-tier professional, the importance of versatility, and practical strategies for pivoting your skill set to secure your future in music.

If you want to move from "gig to gig" to a sustained, lifelong career, this conversation is for you.

STAY Connected on YouTube , IG and Facebook.

The Musician's Shed Podcast!

• Subscribe to our video podcast on YouTube.
• Follow us on IG and Facebook.
• Engage by leaving a comment if you like what you hear!

In this discussion, Al Carty breaks down his journey from a young gospel musician in the Bronx to becoming one of the most in-demand bassists and Musical Directors (MDs) in the world. He moves beyond simple technique, focusing heavily on the "soft skills" of the music business: professionalism, preparation, and the "musical intuition" required to survive in high-pressure pop environments.

STAY Connected on YouTube , IG and Facebook.

The Musician's Shed Podcast!

• Subscribe to our video podcast on YouTube.
• Follow us on IG and Facebook.
• Engage by leaving a comment if you like what you hear!

On this episode of The Musician’s Shed, we are joined by a rising force in the music industry who is redefining what it means to be a modern keyboardist and producer: Dave Drake.

Already garnering Grammy nominations and producing viral hits, Dave has quickly transitioned from a talented student of the game to one of the most in-demand creatives in R&B and Pop. We sit down to trace the breadcrumbs of his journey, discussing the pivotal experiences that shaped his sound and the relentless development that landed him in rooms with royalty.

From Musical Directing for superstars like Kehlani to producing for award-winning R&B powerhouse Teyana Taylor, Dave opens up about the work ethic required to stay at the top level. Whether you are an aspiring musician looking for your first break or a seasoned pro looking to pivot, Dave’s story offers a masterclass in preparation, versatility, and musical integrity.

In this conversation, we cover:

• The Foundation: How Dave developed his unique voice as a keyboardist and producer.
• The Climb: Navigating the transition from local gigs to national tours and Grammy nods.
• The MD Mindset: What it takes to lead the band for major acts like Kehlani.
• Studio Wisdom: The creative process behind his viral hits and work with Teyana Taylor.
• Leaving Breadcrumbs: Dave’s advice on staying grounded and consistent in a fast-paced industry.

Join us in the Shed as we break down the reality of building a sustainable, high-level career in music today.

STAY Connected on YouTube , IG and Facebook.

The Musician's Shed Podcast!

• Subscribe to our video podcast on YouTube.
• Follow us on IG and Facebook.
• Engage by leaving a comment if you like what you hear!

Inside the Process: From The Shed to the Grammys with Dave Drake

On this episode of The Musician’s Shed, we are joined by a rising force in the music industry who is redefining what it means to be a modern keyboardist and producer: Dave Drake.

Already garnering Grammy nominations and producing viral hits, Dave has quickly transitioned from a talented student of the game to one of the most in-demand creatives in R&B and Pop. We sit down to trace the breadcrumbs of his journey, discussing the pivotal experiences that shaped his sound and the relentless development that landed him in rooms with royalty.

From Musical Directing for superstars like Kehlani to producing for award-winning R&B powerhouse Teyana Taylor, Dave opens up about the work ethic required to stay at the top level. Whether you are an aspiring musician looking for your first break or a seasoned pro looking to pivot, Dave’s story offers a masterclass in preparation, versatility, and musical integrity.

In this conversation, we cover:

• The Foundation: How Dave developed his unique voice as a keyboardist and producer.
• The Climb: Navigating the transition from local gigs to national tours and Grammy nods.
• The MD Mindset: What it takes to lead the band for major acts like Kehlani.
• Studio Wisdom: The creative process behind his viral hits and work with Teyana Taylor.
• Leaving Breadcrumbs: Dave’s advice on staying grounded and consistent in a fast-paced industry.

Join us in the Shed as we break down the reality of building a sustainable, high-level career in music today.

STAY Connected on YouTube , IG and Facebook.

The Musician's Shed Podcast!

• Subscribe to our video podcast on YouTube.
• Follow us on IG and Facebook.
• Engage by leaving a comment if you like what you hear!