The Musician's Shed Podcast

What does it feel like to step onto a Broadway stage when theater is literally in your DNA? 

This week in The Musician’s Shed, host Samar Newsome welcomes the incredible Jennie Harney-Fleming for a conversation that bridges generations of musical excellence.

Jennie isn’t just a Broadway powerhouse (Hamilton, The Color Purple); she is part of a legendary theatrical lineage. Her father, Ben Harney, was a Tony Award winner and a member of the original iconic cast of Dreamgirls. Today, Jennie opens up about carving her own path while honoring the giant shoulders she stands on.

In This Episode:

• The Harney Legacy: Growing up in the wings and what she learned from her father’s historic career.
• Finding Her Voice: How Jennie transitioned from "daughter of a legend" to a Broadway leading lady in her own right.
• The Resilience Factor: A raw look at the "no's," the callbacks, and the mental toughness required to survive the industry's highs and lows.
• Building a Sustainable Career: Practical wisdom on staying power in a world that’s constantly changing.

This episode is more than just a theater talk—it’s a masterclass in grit, heritage, and the courage to keep showing up when the curtain rises.

🔗 Stay Connected:

Follow Jennie Harney-Fleming: @jennieharneyfleming

Subscribe to The Musician's Shed: Catch the full conversation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. If this episode inspired you, leave us a review and share it with a fellow creative! 🎧✨

#TheMusiciansShed #JennieHarneyFleming #BenHarney #BroadwayLegacy #Dreamgirls #HamiltonBroadway #TheColorPurple #ActorLife #Resilience #SamarNewsome #TheaterHistory

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What happens when classical training meets soulful innovation? You get The Violin Diva.

This week in The Musician’s Shed, host Samar Newsome sits down with the incomparable Charisa Dowe Rouse. From prestigious concert halls to high-energy contemporary stages, Charisa has carved out a unique space in the music world that is entirely her own.

In this episode, we go beyond the music to discuss the grit and grace required to navigate the industry as a woman of color and how to turn a passion for strings into a global career.

🎙️ Inside This Episode:

• The First Note: Charisa shares her origin story and the moment she fell in love with the violin.
• Navigating the Industry: A transparent conversation on occupying spaces as a woman of color and breaking through traditional barriers.
• The Power of the Instrument: How the violin opened doors to international opportunities and unexpected stages.
• The Blueprint: Charisa drops invaluable advice for young, aspiring musicians on how to build a sustainable and authentic career.

Whether you're a string player or a creative looking to pivot into new spaces, Charisa’s journey is a masterclass in professional excellence and personal authenticity.

Connect with our Guest: Instagram: @theviolindiva

🎧 Tune in Now: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. Don't forget to rate and review if you're feeling the vibe in The Shed!

#TheMusiciansShed #TheViolinDiva #CharisaDoweRouse #ViolinLife #WomenInMusic #RepresentationMatters #MusicCareer #SamarNewsome #StringPlayers #MusicianMindset

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The lights of Broadway are bright, but the path to getting there is often paved with grit, grace, and a whole lot of heart. This week in The Musician’s Shed, host Samar Newsome welcomes the phenomenal Carrie Compere for a soul-stirring conversation about life on and off the stage.

Carrie is a powerhouse talent known for her unforgettable roles in Broadway’s The Color Purple, Holler If Ya Hear Me, and the national tour of The Lion King. But beyond the standing ovations lies a story of humble beginnings and the delicate art of the "juggle."

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Origin Story: How Carrie transitioned from her early musical roots to the biggest stages in the world.
• The Broadway Reality: What it’s truly like to perform at the highest level while staying true to your craft.
• The Balancing Act: A transparent look at how she manages a high-demand career while prioritizing family and home life.
• Advice for Creatives: Insights for performers who feel they are "starting late" or balancing multiple roles in life.

Carrie’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance and proof that you don’t have to sacrifice your soul to find your spotlight. Whether you’re an aspiring performer or a parent chasing a dream, this episode will leave you inspired.

✨ Follow our Guest: Instagram: @carriecompere

🎧 Subscribe to The Musician's Shed: Don't miss an episode! Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your pods.

#TheMusiciansShed #CarrieCompere #Broadway #TheColorPurple #WorkingMom #ArtistLife #TheaterPodcast #SamarNewsome #BroadwayLife

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In this episode of The Musician’s Shed, Samar Newsome sits down with the incomparable Ms. Syreeta Thompson, known to the world as the "Trumpet Lady." Syreeta isn’t just a musician; she is a force of nature who has shattered glass ceilings in the male-dominated world of brass. From her early days "woodshedding" to find her signature tone to commanding the world’s biggest stages, her journey is a masterclass in discipline, versatility, and the power of mentorship.

In the Shed Today:

• Finding the Voice: Syreeta discusses the grueling process of developing a unique sound on an instrument as demanding as the trumpet.
• The Genre-Bender: How she navigated the different musical languages of neo-soul with Jill Scott and high-energy gospel with Bishop Hezekiah Walker.
• The Mentorship Blueprint: What do you learn when you’re caught between two worlds? Syreeta shares behind-the-scenes wisdom from her mentors:
  • Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole: Learning the spiritual authority and "hustle" of the legendary Clark Sisters.
  • Wynton Marsalis: Mastering the technical precision and historical weight of a Jazz icon.

Key Takeaways:

• Preparation Meets Opportunity: How being "stage-ready" allowed her to pivot between R&B and Gospel seamlessly.
• The Power of Association: Why choosing the right mentors (and actually listening to them) changed the trajectory of her career.
• Staying the Course: Advice for young instrumentalists on how to stay inspired when the practice room feels lonely.

Connect with the Trumpet Lady:

• Instagram: @syreetathompson
• Website: [TrumpetLady.com]

Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode dropped a "jewel" for you, leave us a review and share it with a fellow musician who needs that extra push today.

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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.

STAY Connected on YouTube ,  IG and Facebook.

The Musician's Shed Podcast!

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• 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.

STAY Connected on YouTube ,  IG and Facebook.

The Musician's Shed Podcast!

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• 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

• 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Musician's Shed Podcast!

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