King Mazy Visits Section 36 Music!

Let's talk to another visitor to Section 36 Music! King Mazy recently released her incredible single "Paranoid", which you should all be streaming! I was honored that she wanted to visit with us to discuss the song, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when King Mazy visits Section 36 Music!

I absolutely love your recent song, “Paranoid”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you! Paranoid came from me and my best friend from home. He sent me a snippet of the initial beat and it was so alluring I immediately had a million ideas for it.  999,999 of them were very bad but then the paranoid melody fell into place and that was very good. The process of recording and re-recording  just felt so right all the way through after I wrote the lyrics and came up with the melody. And the music video was even more thrilling.

The song also has an incredible music video. What was it like putting that together?

Me and my team who worked on the music video always say that the filming day was top ten days of our lives and I 100% agree. We filmed the better half of the music video from around 5:00 am (for the morning shots to get the beautiful sunrise glow) until, like,1:00 am. There was a lot of preparation that went into it. Working with time constraints and staying in constant cahoots with my people was a lot for sure but I was so beyond grateful that my "team" just happened to be my good, good friends from home who cared as much about the project as I did. Pretty much the entire process felt like hanging out with your friends because that's literally what it was. 

We had some girls in red, some guys in wife beaters, Party Fair props and a dream and that dream came true. 

You are attending Berklee College of Music. What made Berklee the right choice for you?

Berklee is the type of place that you will get as much out of it as you put in. Prior to enrolling, I realized just how many opportunities were pushed to emerging artists (which was the most appealing part to me.) One of my favorite things to do is put myself out there and at Berklee, it is very much rewarded. Aside from that, most people I talked to stressed the fact that life long connections could be made simply by meeting someone in a jam session or complimenting someone on their performance. It's so easy to meet people who are in the same boat as you and just love the process and pursuit of music. 

Who or what would you say are your biggest musical influences?

In some ways, I'm still finding my style and figuring out what my sound is meant to be. Pink Pantheress, Caroline Polachek and Tierra Whack will always be some of my favorites. I think the most recent track is a hybrid of all of those amazing women and I want a lot of my upcoming music to adopt a similar vibe. 

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

A Girl Worth Fighting For from Mulan is so gas people really don't be talking about that enough. And I don't know if it counts but Strangers Like Me from Tarzan, sang by Phil Collins. 

What are your immediate musical goals?

I hope to put out more songs that I love and I hope to keep connecting with an audience who loves me. Putting out music is my greatest joy right now and the fact that people resonate with what I put out and enjoy the music just as much as I enjoy making it makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. People should probably keep their eyes out for another King Mazy single very, very, very soon...

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I am People. I will have my eyes open!

As always, I want to thank King Mazy 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, King Mazy, and good luck reaching your goals!

Kristin, of Women Producers Network, Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor from the music industry!  Kristin is the founder of the wonderful organization, Women Producers Network. I was thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss the organization, her goals, and more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

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

What can you tell me about your new organization, “Women Producers Network”?

Women Producers Network is an organization created to empower people who identify as women/non-binary in a very male dominated industry. The goal is to pair up a producer with an artist and some writers to produce one of the artist’s songs by the end of the year. We will be able to foster some connections between producers and artists and producers themselves. Hopefully, we can shed some light on producer talent and artist talent around Boston that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. At the end of this year you should be able to see newly produced music ready for release!

What made you decide to start that venture?

I have always felt passionate about production, in fact I applied to universities as an aspiring production major. Throughout my time at Berklee I have noticed that production is largely a male dominated field. Also, like many women at Berklee, I have had the experience where someone assumed I wouldn’t understand something musical just because I am a woman. I truly just saw an opportunity to create something that empowers and connects women in a place where there are fewer. 

What do you look for in an artist/producer to work with?

For both artists and producers, the main thing I look for is passion and work ethic. I think anyone has the capability to create something incredible if they put their minds to it and commit. Of course, I want to make sure that my producers know what they are doing so being able to see something they have worked on or produced in the past is always a great tell. They don’t have to have a degree in music production though, as I know a few producers personally who are self-taught and incredibly talented. For artists, we are just looking for dedicated people of any gender expression open to building their network and discography. 

What short or long-term goals do you have for the Women Producers Network?

Short-term I really just want to get this organization off the ground and start pairing up producers with artists and writers. By the end of the year we will have some freshly produced music for people to release! Long-term I see this organization being a network that sticks with people. I hope it fosters connections that last into the professional world and that producers return to WPN along with new ones.  

What do you see as your biggest challenge with the organization?

I think my biggest challenge with this will be finding an audience of enough people to get it going. We don’t have funding from a university to get into studios or anything like that. It solely relies on the people who join and what tools they have at their disposal. I imagine a lot of the works that will be produced will be created in practice rooms or people’s bedrooms which I know is less appealing to some than a state of the art music studio. Personally though, I’ve seen the quality of song you can create in a space not as fancy, and with the right people working on it, it can be incredible. 

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This obviously sounds like a wonderful organization, and I'm excited to see it start rolling!

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

If you'd like to play a part in Women Producers Network, applications for producers are open through October 12 and artists are open through October 20. If you'd just like to follow along to support and see what is going on, I would follow Women Producers Network on Instagram to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

Thanks again, Kristin! Good luck reaching Women Producers Network's goals!

Simona Kara Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Simona Kara just released her debut single "Grounded", which is absolutely incredible! I am so glad that she wanted to visit with us to discuss the song, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Simona Kara visits Section 36 Music!

I absolutely love your debut single, “Grounded”. What can you tell me about it?

I originally wrote “Grounded” last October, then rearranged it several times until I felt it fully captured my vision. I’m proud of how far it has come, and I’m grateful I get to share it with you!

To me, “Grounded” is a depiction of longing for the parts of ourselves we must let go of in order to grow. There are moments in life where everything changes suddenly; our setting, friendships, relationships, mental state, as well as our perspective on the world. We are then faced with handling all of this while exiled from the boundaries of our comfort zone. When experiencing this feeling, I struggled to express it authentically. I was lost in my thoughts, unable to ground myself and face reality. So, I booked a practice room and let my mind wander as far as possible.

My hope is that whoever listens to “Grounded” can interpret it in their own way and, in doing so, feel its emotional energy.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

I do! During one of the final vocal recording sessions, my producers and I decided the song needed a final touch. With only 20 minutes left in the studio, we wrote and recorded an ascending vocal line for one of the choruses. That moment was exhilarating for us, as this small edit gave the entire song a new life. I remember us all shouting, “No, it needs more! Keep adding!”, and with each take, it just kept getting better and better. It was SUCH an adrenaline rush, I’ll never forget that moment!

You are attending Berklee College of Music? What made Berklee the right choice for you?

Truthfully, I have never pictured myself somewhere other than Berklee. I first learned about it when I was 13, and when I attended the 5 Week Program years later, my mind was made up. I was captivated by the variety of music styles you can study here and the range of majors offered. At Berklee, students are able to dive deep into music business, music engineering, production, songwriting, performance, film scoring and more. When researching other colleges, I came to the realization that Berklee is the most academically and socially diverse music school I could attend. I was so inspired by this, that I am now a double major with Vocal Performance and Professional Music, specializing in Music Business, and Production. I’ve always wanted to take advantage of the many resources Berklee has to offer.

Who or what would you consider your greatest musical influences?

Growing up, my biggest stylistic and vocal influences were Whitney Houston, Tori Kelly, Ariana Grande, Yebba and JoJo. These incredible singers shaped much of my musical journey as a kid and teenager, and I have learned how to riff, run, harmonize and interpret pop melodies solely from listening to them. The other musical influences in my life are my parents, as they are Jazz Musicians and raised me in an environment immersed with music. I most definitely would not be the musician I am today without them as well! In terms of songwriting, I don’t tend to look to a particular artist or person for inspiration. Instead, I draw more from blending different genres and styles and seeing how they complement the final product of a song.

What Disney song would you most want to cover?

I’ve always wanted to cover ‘A Whole New World’ and ‘Into the Unknown’! These are my most favorite Disney songs to sing, mainly because the musical arrangements of both are so beautiful.

What are your immediate musical goals?

Great question, I have so many! My most immediate goal is to focus on my education so that I have the tools and preparation needed to succeed in this field. The music industry is challenging to get ahead in, so I want to make sure I can find my right direction and confidently thrive in my career. Another goal I have is to push myself further out of my comfort zone every day and to put myself out there as much as possible. I’m constantly reminding myself that feeling self-conscious and second-guessing my judgement will only hinder me from becoming who I want to be. It is so important for us young artists to unapologetically BE WHO WE ARE! To make the music we want to make, to collaborate, to perform and to find our unique path, drive and pace. 

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I can absolutely support those goals!

As always, I want to thank Simona 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, Simona, and good luck reaching your goals!

Ariana Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Ariana is fresh off her appearance on the single "Abadi", which is amazing! I am so glad that she was willing to visit with us to discuss the song, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

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

You were amazing on your recent single, “Abadi”. What can you tell me about it?
“Abadi” was an important project for me because it brought me into a world of music I hadn’t explored before. Before moving to Boston, I wasn’t very connected to hip-hop from my country. But when a Persian record label in Canada reached out and asked me to create a chorus for Shaawn’s song, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and explore a new side of the industry. I said yes, and I’m glad I did. Working with that team not only gave me a fresh perspective on Persian music in a modern context, but it also reminded me how powerful it can be to blend cultures, genres, and personal experiences into one track.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?
Absolutely. One of my favorite parts was the top-lining process—coming up with a melody that was instantly memorable and felt like it could live in people’s heads long after the song ended. I also loved recording the multiple takes with my engineer and layering them together until the chorus felt rich and alive. But what made me extremely happy was seeing how the final chorus resonated with people. Listeners who don’t even speak Persian found themselves humming and singing along, and that, to me, is the magic of music—it cuts across languages and cultures and speaks directly to the heart. Knowing that my voice could create that connection is one of the most rewarding parts of being an artist.

You are currently attending Berklee College of Music. What made Berklee the right choice for you?
Berklee had been my dream for as long as I can remember. Back in high school, I was searching for a place that celebrated contemporary music while also giving me the freedom to pursue jazz and R&B and still develop my own personal style. Berklee stood out because it wasn’t just about tradition—it was about innovation. On top of that, I knew a few talented musicians from my country who had come here on scholarships, and seeing their success gave me the confidence to chase the same dream. Now that I’m here, I feel like Berklee is exactly where I belong: a place filled with diversity, creativity, and an environment that pushes me to be better every single day.

Who or what would you consider your greatest musical influences?

My influences are a blend of the sounds I grew up with and the ones I’ve discovered over time. Traditional Persian music gave me a deep appreciation for emotional storytelling and expressive melodies, while jazz and R&B shaped the way I think about groove, harmony, and vocal style. I love both the timelessness of older music and the boldness of contemporary sounds, and I try to take elements from each to create something that feels authentic and unique to me. At the end of the day, I’m inspired as much by the music itself as I am by the stories and emotions that surround me.

What is the most challenging part of your music career?

The hardest part has been daring to walk this path in the first place. Where I come from, pursuing music isn’t seen as a real career—it’s treated as a side interest at best. Choosing music meant going against the expectations of society, my community, and even some people close to me. On top of that, being a singer in a country where singing is illegal for women came with risks that most people can’t imagine. And then there’s the inner struggle—perfectionism, self-doubt, and the fear of not being “enough.” But despite all of that, I’ve learned that every obstacle can be fuel. Each challenge has forced me to grow, and every step I take brings me closer to finding my true voice. That journey of resilience has shaped me not only as a musician but as a person.

What are your immediate musical goals?
Right now, my goals are about creating and connecting. I want to write music that blends my influences into something unique and authentic to me. I want to perform as much as possible, because live performance is where music becomes most alive for me. And above all, I want my voice to reach people around the world. Music has no borders, and my dream is for my songs to resonate with anyone who listens, whether they understand the words or not. If my music can inspire, comfort, or empower someone—even just one person—then I know I’m on the right path.

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It absolutely sounds like she's on the right path!

As always, I want to thank Ariana 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, Ariana, and good luck reaching your goals!

Olga Prepis Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Olga Prepis has an upcoming single, Meraklina, that I am incredibly excited about. I am so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss the song, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Olga Prepis visits Section 36 Music!

I’m incredibly excited about your upcoming single, “Meraklina”. What can you tell me about it?

‘Meraklina’ is a song that’s really close to my heart. The word itself comes from Greek, and it captures that deep, untranslatable feeling of doing something with passion, soul, and love. The track is based on a traditional Greek folk song that I reimagined - the lyrics talk about roses and lilies, and how a spirited woman, a meraklina, should be with a man who shares that same passion and zest for life. For me, it was important to honor the tradition and beauty of those lyrics while giving them a fresh sound that feels both nostalgic and modern. At its core, it’s about carrying forward culture and identity, while letting it breathe in a new way.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

I recorded it with my team of fellow Cypriots, which made the process even more personal and meaningful. When we started layering the vocals over the traditional-inspired instrumentation, I remember getting chills - it felt like the old and the new were finally speaking to each other. That was the moment I knew the song had found its soul. We all just started smiling, and I thought, this is exactly what the song is supposed to feel like.

You graduated from Berklee College of Music. What’s the biggest thing Berklee did for your music career?

The biggest thing Berklee did for me was show me that everyone’s on their own journey. I was surrounded by people from every corner of the world, each with their own sound, background, and story. At first it can feel overwhelming, but what I learned is that there isn’t a single formula for success in music, what matters is staying true to your own path. That lesson gave me the confidence to embrace my identity and lean into my heritage in my artistry, which is a big part of why a song like ‘Meraklina’ exists. Instead of comparing myself to others, I started focusing on what only I can bring to the table. That shift in perspective has shaped everything I’ve done since.

What do you consider your biggest challenges with your music career?

One of the biggest challenges has been balancing authenticity with the pressure to fit into certain industry expectations. It’s so easy to get caught up in what’s trending or to compare yourself to other artists, and I’ve definitely felt that pull at times. But I’ve learned that if I chase what’s popular instead of what feels true to me, the music loses its soul. Staying grounded in my own voice, even when it feels risky, has been the most important lesson. Another big challenge has been patience. The music industry doesn’t move in a straight line - there are moments of excitement and momentum, but also long stretches where things don’t happen as quickly as you’d like. Learning to keep creating and believing in my vision, even during the slower times, has taught me resilience. Those challenges haven’t always been easy, but they’ve made me more determined and ultimately brought me closer to who I want to be as an artist.

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

I’d choose ‘Speechless’ from the live-action Aladdin. I love that it was written specifically to give Jasmine her own anthem, one that showcases her strength, independence, and determination to be heard. The message of refusing to stay quiet and standing up for yourself resonates with me on so many levels, especially as a woman navigating the music industry. There are times when you feel pressure to shrink yourself or fit into someone else’s expectations, and ‘Speechless’ is the exact opposite, it’s about claiming your space unapologetically. That’s something I try to do in my own music as well: to write songs that tell my story while encouraging others to embrace their voice and identity without hesitation.

What are your immediate musical goals?

My immediate musical goals are all about continuing to develop my artistry. I want to keep refining my sound, writing as much as possible, and experimenting with new influences. Each project is a chance to grow creatively and get closer to the most authentic version of myself as an artist. Collaborating with other musicians is also key, because every perspective helps me evolve. Ultimately, it’s about building a strong foundation for long-term artistic growth, not just focusing on the next release.

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I'm a big fan of "Speechless" as well!

As always, I want to thank Olga 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, Olga, and good luck reaching your goals!

Announcing “Grounded” - The Debut Single From Simona Kara!

Boston-based artist Simona Kara will drop her debut single, Grounded, on October 3rd, 2025.

Grounded is a Pop/Rock composition about coping with change and struggling to live in the present moment instead of in our minds. 

Kara was inspired to write this song upon entering Berklee College of Music in the Fall of 2024, as she was faced with feelings of unfamiliarity and transition. The song captures what it feels like when your brain is speed running ahead of you and you can’t catch up. 

Grounded is available to pre-save, and will be yours to stream on October 3rd, 2025. Get ready for something special!

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Simona Kara is a versatile Pop, R&B, Soul and Jazz vocalist and songwriter from Newton, Massachusetts. Singing since childhood, Kara has always been deeply connected to music. While songwriting once felt like a routine practice, coming to Berklee unlocked a new creative path and her feelings began to inspire her more than ever; feelings that she couldn’t possibly put into words. This revelation quickly bloomed into writing music, and has since then become the greatest form of expression for her as an artist. Kara finds that each song she writes captures her feelings in ways nothing else ever could. "When the words don’t come to me, the music always does”, Kara says, “I love everything about writing, arranging and producing a song with the intent of evoking an emotion in a person". 

Kara grew up immersed in music, as her parents are both Jazz musicians and have been in the industry for over two decades. She always found herself intrigued by how effective music is at connecting society, even though people live through vastly different experiences from one another. It has a way of tugging at our most vulnerable emotions and making us feel them wholly and deeply. That is what Kara does when she sings, performs, and writes. The passion for relating to other people is what drives her to create, no matter how terrifying vulnerability can feel!