In this episode, Samar Newsome sits down with the man who turns every track into a masterclass: Aaron Monroe, better known as Mr. Lab.

Aaron’s journey is a testament to what happens when raw talent meets relentless curiosity. From the high-energy drum throne of the church to the cutting edge of global Afro-pop and the inner circle of icons like Missy Elliott, Aaron breaks down the "Lab results" of a career built on versatility.

In the Shed Today:

• The Foundation: Aaron discusses his early introduction to music as a church drummer and how the "gospel shed" prepared him for the world’s biggest stages.
• The Afro-pop Shift: How he mastered the rhythms of one of the world's fastest-growing genres and what it takes to produce authentic, global sounds.
• Working with the Queen: Aaron gives us a rare look behind the scenes of working with the legendary Missy Elliott. What does a pioneer like Missy expect when she steps into the studio?
• The "Mr. Lab" Philosophy: Why Aaron treats every session like a scientific experiment and how he continues to reinvent his sound.

Key Takeaways:

• Drummer to Producer: Why understanding rhythm is the ultimate "cheat code" for music production.
• Cultural Fluency: The importance of studying different genres (like Afro-pop) to remain indispensable in a global market.
• The Missy Standard: Lessons learned from working with a legend about work ethic, creativity, and staying ahead of the curve.

🔗 Connect with Aaron Monroe:

• Instagram: @theonlymrlab

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In this episode of The Musician's Shed, host Samar Newsome welcomes the brilliant Peter L. Powers. Peter wears many hats: he’s the Musical Director at Christ Church USA, a professional bassist and keyboardist, and an accomplished film composer.

We discuss:

• Leading the Band: The unique challenges and rewards of being a Musical Director for a major ministry like Christ Church USA.
• The "Dual Threat": Mastering both the bass and keys, and how being a multi-instrumentalist makes you indispensable in the industry.
• Scoring the Story: Peter’s approach to film composition and how he translates emotion into melody.
• Career Longevity: Advice for musicians looking to diversify their skill sets in a shifting industry landscape.

About Our Guest: Peter L. Powers is a seasoned musician and composer whose work bridges the gap between contemporary worship and cinematic scoring. His leadership at Christ Church USA has shaped the sound of their community, while his work as a session player and composer continues to garner acclaim across the industry.

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What does it take to go from a dedicated student of the craft to sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the music industry?

In this episode of the Musician’s Shed Podcast, host Samar Newsome welcomes the incredibly talented guitarist Walt Williams. Known for his versatility and impeccable timing, Walt dives deep into his personal development as a musician and the pivotal moments that shaped his professional journey.

Walt pulls back the curtain on his experience working with industry giants—including his collaborations with legendary musical director Adam Blackstone (Super Bowl, The Grammys, Justin Timberlake). Whether he’s discussing the technical demands of high-stakes gigs or the "people skills" required to sustain a career at the top, Walt’s insights are a masterclass for any aspiring artist.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Early Years: How Walt developed his sound and the discipline required to stand out.
• The Adam Blackstone Connection: Lessons learned from working with one of the most prolific musical directors in the game.
• Professionalism on Tour: What top-tier artists actually look for in a band member.
• Career Longevity: Navigating the transitions from local gigs to global stages.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the grit, the gear, and the growth behind a world-class guitar career.

Show Notes & Links

• Host: Samar Newsome
• Guest: Walt Williams
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The Musician's Shed Podcast!

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• Engage by leaving a comment if you like what you hear!