Zaida Rio Releases "Tell Me" for Everyone who Deserves Better!

What started as a breakup song from my first high school relationship, I’ve been sitting on ‘Tell Me’ for 5 years. It was only Fall of 2024 that I picked it back up and decided to finish what I started. This one’s for all the baddies that deserve better:) Huge thanks to Ayden Williams for helping bring this song to life, to Maxx Shearod for seeing this through all 10 different versions, (EDM and all) and for all the incredibly talented creatives that have glued this project together with me, piece by piece.

Song creds:
-composition, acoustic guitar, and singing by me!
-electric guitar by Christian Sese @chris.sese_ (rip PHAM)
-bass guitar by Nico Upegui @nicolas.upegui (rip Soulstice)
-drum programming, keys, horns, production, mixing and mastering by Ayden Williams @a.jaceyyy

Music Video creds:
Director and DP: Linden Skalak @lindenskalak
Assistant Cameras: Bronwen Pailthorpe & Yevgeniya Regent @bronpailthorpe @regent_yevgeniya
Colorist: Bronwen Pailthorpe @bronpailthorpe

Album Cover creds :

Photographer: Bronwen Pailthorpe @bronpailthorpe
Creative Directors: @quincy.diallo @princhinchin

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Singer-songwriter, dancer, and actor Zaida Rio began her music journey in high school, channeling her emotions into lyrics that blend R&B, Neo-Soul, and Latin Pop. She released her debut album, Leaving, in 2022—a collection of songs rooted in heartbreak and self-redemption, and most recently dropped her single, “Tell Me”.

Indie-Pop Artist Luli Moon Returns with Second Single "What Do You Need", an Anthem for Those Stuck in a Situationship!

Photo Credit: Wrenn Bartlett

Boston based indie-pop artist, Luli Moon, releases her second single “What Do You Need,” about the realization of wanting your ‘situationship’ to turn into a real relationship. Luli effortlessly pairs reflective and honest lyrics with a soundscape that emulates the feeling of butterflies and excitement. “What Do You Need” tells an all too familiar story of yearning and uncertainty.

“What Do You Need” is based on Luli’s real-life experiences during college. The title is inquiring what the other person needs in order to emotionally get to the same place. She reflects the anxiety and inner monologue of wanting something more from a casual romance that is dancing around a label. Despite acknowledging that there are “a thousand ways that this could blow up in [her] face,” she sets her fears aside and ultimately is successful. Luli is a true advocate for getting out of your head and being vulnerable. 

Raised on guitar from a young age, Luli quickly fell in love with experimenting and diving into guitar pedals and gear which soon translated into her songwriting and production. What began as sonic curiosity has evolved into a signature sound: dreamy bedroom pop with a funky, guitar-driven edge. Inspired by the bedroom-pop styles of Beabadoobee and Clairo. Luli layers her tracks implementing expressive guitar work with a rhythmic flair. Her songs are filled with lyrical punch and rich arrangements that paint vivid emotional landscapes. Her new single is no exception. 

Beyond her own music, Luli has made a name for herself producing and playing for other artists in the Boston scene. In July, she released her debut single, “Take Your Time,” marking the beginning of a string of planned releases. Her live shows have drawn strong local support, with performances at iconic Boston venues. Whether she’s on stage or in her bedroom studio, Luli Moon is crafting a world where groove, vulnerability, and imagination meet. 

Stay tuned for more to come from Luli Moon soon.

MORE INFO ON LULI MOON 

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Nicole Ash Releases Olive Branch Single "Stitch the Thread"!

If Nicole Ash’s recent single, “Villain (in your eyes),” is a friendship funeral, then “Stitch the Thread” is the olive branch to patch the pieces together. “Villain” wept of anger and the realization that it was time to walk away from something not serving you anymore. On “stitch the thread”, Nicole Ash is ready to move on to a stage of acceptance. The friendship may have unraveled, but the pieces of it that mattered still linger — shaping her into the person she’s become.

“Stitch the thread” is about finding peace, appreciating what once was, and quietly cheering that person on from afar, even if they aren’t around to see it. The song brings layers of nostalgia,Y2K visuals, an anthemic chorus, and a true sense of peace. The wildly catchy guitars, storytelling, and quintessential pop punk vocals take you right back to the days of chatting on AIM or a landline phone with your best friend from middle school.

“Stitch the Thread” is the third single off Nicole Ash’s debut EP — a total ear-candy drop you’ll have on repeat all day.

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Nicole Ash is a solo artist originally from New Jersey and now based in North Carolina. She started her musical journey as a songwriter and guitarist, gaining recognition for her guitar covers on social media and her band, Wayne Avenue. Her social media following has now surpassed 85k followers, thanks to her signature energetic guitar covers and alluring performance personality. In 2022, Nicole took a bold step into singing with her solo project, a true testament to her dedication and artistic evolution.

Her influences of pop punk and alternative rock are evident in her music, particularly from artists such as Avril Lavigne, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, and Blink-182. Nicole is set to release her debut EP in 2025, a milestone in her journey, and hopes to inspire others with her mantra of relentlessly following her dreams.

Be sure to look for her other appearances on Section 36!

Wendy Lucas Visits Section 36 Music!

Photo Cassidy Riley

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Wendy Lucas just released her debut album, which you should stream immediately. I was so excited she was willing to visit with us and discuss her music, her goals, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Wendy Lucas visits Section 36 Music!

Your debut album, “You Can Probably Guess”, is just outstanding. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you!! It was such a fun project to work on. I learned SO much. It seriously takes a village to make an album. So much collaboration went into it and I’m so grateful to everyone who believed in it and poured into it. You Can Probably Guess would not be what it is without my band. They played everything on the album. Even the drums are real drums. I’m so lucky to have really cool, creative people on my team. A lot of the really groovy ideas were from my co-producer Andy Stilson who is just such a strong creative. Truly couldn’t have done it without my team!

What was the cover photoshoot like?

Photo Steph Larsen

The cover photoshoot was so so so fun, but so much work! This was the first time I’ve done a project that coincided with a visual world and I absolutely loved it. I had such a specific vision for the cover art. Immediately, my photographer, Steph Larsen, understood the vision. And she really went off. We wanted dreamy pink visuals, with a bit of an edge and she definitely understood the assignment. All of the pink in the photos is just from lighting. She’s like a light magician, it’s insane. Also, she is such a joy to work with. But yeah, SO much planning went into it. We actually did 2 separate photoshoots. One for all of the single cover arts, and one for the front and back of the full album. Each of these shoots quite literally took ALL day. This was also my first time designing a set. It was really cool to go out and find all the furniture and pieces that would make my vision a reality. 

What do you enjoy most about performing live in front of an audience?

I love everything about playing live. There’s just something about sharing such a vulnerable moment with a group of people. I mean, I’m singing songs that I’ve written alone in my bedroom. I’m sharing thoughts that were once only mine. I also just love playing live with a band. There’s no other feeling like it in the world. You’re all in sync and you’re all just on the same page without even speaking. Everything is understood. It’s just a really cool experience. 

What is the biggest challenge facing your music career?

Photo Zoe Hopper

Cutting through the noise. There are so many ways to be entertained these days. There’s so many artists on social media. It’s really tough to stand out. But at the end of the day, longevity is my goal. I care more about the quality of my art, so low numbers don’t get me down. Plus, a quick come up usually ends with a quick crash down. I want to do this for life, so I’m happy to continue chugging for as long as it takes. Slow and steady wins the race! And if I’m making music I love with people I love, I feel I’ve already won. 

If you could cover any Disney song, which one would you choose? Why?

I really love the song “Almost There” from The Princess And The Frog! I just relate to it so much. Tiana had such a clear vision and dream, and she never gave up on it. I like to think I’m “almost there” too.

What are your immediate musical goals?

I really, really want to go on tour. That’s a huge goal of mine. I’m hoping to plan something soon. For now, you can catch me playing live in New England! I just want to keep making cool music with cool people, and then I want to play it live! 

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Hopefully we can help her cut throught that noise!

As always, I want to thank Wendy for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview. 

I'm sure you’ll all want to follow her and see what she has going on. I would follow her on Instagram and Spotify to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

Thanks again, Wendy, and good luck reaching your goals!

Elle Sera Releases New Single, "Out Loud"!

“Out Loud” was spawned from a long gestating idea to create musical medicine for others, primarily women, who’ve been silenced in an abusive relationship. After enough experience and a whole lot of research, it was time to revisit the past with clarity and truth. And it was time to speak it in a way that would hold space and create resonance and healing for others sharing in the experience. 

It’s all tied up in a pretty 90’s cinematic bow. Because while the overtone is colored with a nod to an Alanis/Tori type of storytelling, the undertone is all strength earned for the lessons learned and realizing the strength of my own spirit and discovering what self-love is in a deeper way. Consider this song a “leaving the chat” vibe when love is no longer served at the table.

“Out Loud” is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple

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Elle Sera is a multifaceted artist and healer whose work intertwines music, spirituality, and storytelling. Through her evocative compositions, she aims to inspire introspection and connection, guiding listeners toward a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Be sure to follow Elle on Instagram, Bandcamp, and Spotify. 

You can find Elle's interview with Section 36 Music Here.

Kady Keech Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Kady Keech is fresh of her single, "Boston", which is one you won't want to miss. I was thrilled she was willing to visit with us and discuss the song, her goals, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Kady Keech visits Section 36 Music!

Your recent single, “Boston” is just incredible. What can you tell me about it?

My recent single is about how I felt stuck in my really small town, but I visited Boston and it felt like a magical direction/ nudge to explore something but before perusing my passions back in my home town. 

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

My favorite memory from the recording process is when me and my friend Shawn were first exploring the song. He and I had so much fun and his ideas were super super cool and it was a really magical process. 

What do you enjoy most about performing live in front of an audience?

I enjoy mostly being able to sing! People back home are always so kind when it comes to performances and I really miss the big stage too. 

Who or what are your biggest musical inspirations?

My biggest inspirations are Paul Simon, Imogen Heap, Joni Mitchel and Leith Ross. I liked this song cause I was exploring songwriting in a more simple way, I don’t normally write something with a narrative that straight forward. 

If you could cover any Disney song, which one would you choose? Why?

Haha this is a great question. It would probably be Go The Distance from Hercules. I don’t even know why. Just a fantastic feeling song. 

What are your immediate musical goals?

My immediate music goals right now are to just continue writing and then gig again back home. I’m working on more of a worship leader job and I want to explore all of my music abilities. 

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Exploring all of her music sounds good to me!

As always, I want to thank Kady for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview. 

I'm sure you’ll all want to follow her and see what she has going on. I would follow her on Instagram and Spotify to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

Thanks again, Kady, and good luck reaching your goals!

Upcoming Show: Afterhours Live!

 

Afterhours Live

Featuring: LYS & Co, and others

Date: November 4, 2025

Location: The Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge StreetCambridge, MA, 02139

What You Should Know: With a lineup like this, it's definitely a show you won't want to miss!

Tickets: $12 Doors open 10:15

More About LYS: You can find her interview with Section 36 Music here.