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PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Clyne Media, Inc.
Tel: (615) 662-1616
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Guitar Center and Akai Professional host Beat Lab event in Brooklyn
Rashad “Ringo” Smith, Marco Polo, The Heatmakerz and Dibiase lead hands-on sessions connecting producers with the craft, gear and community behind music production
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., November 9, 2026 — Guitar Center brought beatmaking into focus at its Brooklyn store on October 29, 2026, with Beat Lab, an Akai Professional-sponsored event featuring producer masterclasses, live performances and hands-on music production.
The event gave attendees direct access to working producers and Akai’s MPC lineup, with programming covering sampling, MPC workflows and live production. Featured artists included Rashad “Ringo” Smith, Marco Polo, The Heatmakerz, Dibiase and Amadeus.
Smith delivered one of the night’s standout moments, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from a career working with artists including The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim and DJ Khaled. His masterclass ran 30 minutes beyond its scheduled time as the crowd stayed engaged.
Marco Polo dug into MPC production and sample design, while The Heatmakerz and Dibiase put their process on display through live cook-ups. The Akai NY Live Beat Battle brought competition into the mix, with producers facing off for an Akai MPC Sample.
“Producers and DJs want more than features on a screen. They want to get their hands on the gear, hear what it can do and feel inspired. They want to be with the community of people who are making music every day,” said John Vargas, Vice President of Merchandising Technology and Drums at Guitar Center. “Beat Lab brings that experience into Guitar Center, giving creators at every level a place to experiment, sharpen their skills and connect with the music-making community.”
“Every producer has their own way of turning an idea into a track,” said Andy Mac, Creative A&R Director at Akai Professional. “Beat Lab is about inspiring that creative process and showing artists new ways to bring their ideas to life.”
Beat Lab is Guitar Center’s dedicated destination for producers, beat-makers, DJs and creators, bringing together hands-on product discovery, education, artist engagement and community. Designed for everyone from experienced producers to those just getting started, Beat Lab gives creators a place to experiment with new gear, learn from working artists and producers, and connect with the music-making community.
Photo file 1: Photo1_AndyMac.JPG
Photo caption 1: Andy Mac, Creative A&R Director at Akai Professional, discusses MPC workflows and live production. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Guitar CenterPhoto file 2: Photo2_AndyMac_RashadRingoSmith.JPG
Photo caption 2: L-R (facing audience): Andy Mac, Creative A&R Director at Akai Professional, and featured artist Rashad “Ringo” Smith address the crowd at the recent Beat Lab event in Brooklyn. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Guitar CenterPhoto file 3: Photo3_AndyMac_Amadeus.JPG
Photo caption 3: Pictured L-R: Andy Mac, Creative A&R Director at Akai Professional, and featured artist Amadeus at the recent Beat Lab event in Brooklyn. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Guitar CenterPhoto file 4: Photo4_AndyMac_JohnVargas.JPG
Photo caption 4: Pictured L-R: Andy Mac, Creative A&R Director at Akai Professional, and John Vargas, Vice President of Merchandising Technology and Drums at Guitar Center, at the recent Beat Lab event in Brooklyn. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Guitar CenterPhoto file 5: Photo5_DJEase.JPG
Photo caption 5: DJ Ease performs at the recent Beat Lab event in Brooklyn. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Guitar CenterAbout Guitar Center:
Guitar Center is the leading retailer of musical instruments, lessons, repairs and rentals in the U.S. With more than 300 stores nationwide and one of the top direct sales websites in the industry, Guitar Center has helped people make music for more than 60 years. Guitar Center provides a range of musician-based services, including Guitar Center Lessons for players of all ages and skill levels, GC Repairs, an on-site maintenance and repair service, and GC Rentals, offering easy access to instruments and gear. Guitar Center's family of brands includes Music & Arts, which operates more than 250 stores specializing in band and orchestral instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors, parents and students, and Musician's Friend, a leading direct marketer of musical instruments in the United States. Guitar Center Business Solutions is the company's commercial division, delivering professional audio, video, lighting and integrated technology solutions for businesses, institutions and creators nationwide through a portfolio of brands including AVDG (Audio Visual Design Group), GC Pro and Custom House at Guitar Center. The Guitar Center Music Foundation is a national nonprofit that expands access to music through instrument donations and support for communities in need.Guitar Center Press Contact:
Clyne Media | Robert Clyne | robert@clynemedia.com
media@guitarcenter.com
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