Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Get to know Treble On Huntington

Treble On Huntington is Northeastern University's first all-women a cappella group, who "showcase the unique styles of their soloists along with the hard work and artistry of the entire group." 

How does a group like this come together? What makes all of these incredible performers want to try out for such a group? I asked the members of the Treble On Huntington that very question to try to find out. It looks like a couple reasons came to the forefront.

For some, it was just a lifelong love of singing. Treble on Huntington could help them continue something they enjoyed.


Group member Alyssa summed it up by saying “I have always loved singing and fell in love with a cappella in high school when I joined my school's group! I knew I wanted to join a group in college and especially loved the welcoming atmosphere of Treble on Huntington. I felt the most at home there during my auditions compared to any other group and was so glad when I was offered a spot to join!”


Another member, Sarah, echoed that point and took it one step further by adding, “I have always loved singing and I loved the welcoming and loving atmosphere I felt from Treble during auditions”. Clearly, the love of music doesn’t make up the whole reason. You need the right place to grow that love. Which is why member Nat Christopher honed in on Treble on Huntington. “I knew I wanted to continue music in college and I wanted to try something new. I was immediately drawn to Treble's powerful and feminine energy, and tried out as soon as I could!”


Keeping with the “more than just music” theme, some members craved the social side of Treble on Huntington. Group member Mya really exemplified that concept when she said, “I had a really hard year and cut off all of my friends I'd had since freshman year. I started rebuilding my social circle and wanted to be part of an all-girls group of some sort to help me find good people that shared a common interest with me. I also missed performing like I did in high school, so this was the perfect option.” Group member Eve echoed that when she said, “When I began college at Northeastern, I struggled to find a group of kind, supportive girls. I was a performer in high school and being in college without a creative outlet or a solid friend group was incredibly difficult. I decided to join Treble on Huntington not only so I could express my love for music, but also to form friendships with like-minded, strong women who share my passion.” Which I think really gets to the point of any good club.


Those strings of community also pulled on group members Edom, who “wanted to be a part of a community that allowed me to express my love for music and treble was the perfect fit for me.” As well as Shir, “I was looking for a sense of community on campus through a shared interest of music and passion for singing. I also wanted a group of people that share interests and deeper values beyond music, and people I can be comfortable and my true self around.”


So, you want a place where you can pursue your love of music. You want a community made up of some amazing women. But, why Treble of Huntington? Member Mika knew right away. “After seeing Treble on Huntington perform at the Fall Showcase at the start of the semester, I knew right away that I wanted to join. Their bond and energy were so vibrant, and I could see the genuine joy they all shared for singing.”


Another member “really appreciated the healthy balance between working hard on music and also having time to be friends outside of that, and Treble really embodies this!” Which is such an important thing, to find that balance.


Treble on Huntington definitely seems to make a good first impression. Like Mika, Katia was also hooked immediately. “I spoke to them at our fall club fair and everyone was so sweet and seemed so excited to be part of the group that it made me want to join!” Member Toni Rose closed it out by explaining, “Singing has always brought me more joy than anything else so I've always wanted to pursue it, and a cappella is the perfect way to do that. When I auditioned at Northeastern, Treble was the most welcoming and friendly group by far, and I knew right in that audition room that this was the group I wanted more than anything. “


You really can’t put it any better than that.


Whatever the reason, you can sense that every member is glad they signed up for the experience!


Thanks to all the members of Treble Threat for sharing their thoughts with us.You definitely owe it to yourself to check out this group as soon as you can. Follow them on their socials: InstagramFacebook, and Youtube. Also be sure to visit their website. And if you get the chance to see them perform in person, don't miss out. It's an experience you need to take in for yourself. 


And be sure to say you saw them in Section 36!





Monday, January 6, 2025

Grace Lionato Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor
Grace Lionato just released her amazing single "Breathe U In", which I'm sure you all adore as much as I do! I was so thrilled she wanted to visit with us to discuss the song, her musical goals, and more!

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


I really enjoyed your recent single, “Breathe U In”. What can you tell me about it?

My newest release “Breathe U In” is one of my most polished songs yet. The song has elements of dark pop and 2000s rock influences, outlining an eerie yet unique sound. The lyrics are inspired by the idea of holding on to someone who is now gone, whether through a literal death or the death of a version of person you once knew. This “death” could also be the death of a version of yourself, whether for better or for worse. 


Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

One of my favorite memories during the recording process was hearing the guitar solo for the first time with my twin sister, Mariella. A basic outline of the solo  was commissioned to guitarist Elizabeth Cannon, a friend of my producer, and man my sister and I were blown away. She took my idea and amped it up to something insane. I played it in my car and when we got to the solo, our jaws were dropped, it was absolutely perfect for the rest of my song.


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

Berklee College of Music was just one of those schools for me where if I didn’t get in I wouldn’t be going to college. It is such a privilege to be surrounded by people with the same passions and ambitions as you, I believe it’s made me a better person and musician. Not to mention the opportunities I’ve gotten to be apart of have changed the trajectory of my career into more than I could imagine.


Do you see more studio work in your future?

I definitely see more studio work in the future…especially because I have an album coming out 2/11/25.  With 9 original songs (including my new single “Breathe U In”) it’s going to be awesome and not something you’ll wanna miss!


What is your biggest musical challenge?

My biggest musical challenge is probably my own mental obstacles. When you’re surrounded by amazing musicians all the time, while it is inspiring, it can also be incredibly frustrating to just focus on yourself and not compare yourself to others. I find that when I feel overwhelmed or down about myself I have to change my focus, and remind myself of all the great things that I’ve done! Also to remind myself that I am not defined by what other people think of me.


What are your immediate music goals?

My immediate goals for my music is to have my album out on 2/11/25, as well as share my playing with other people! I’m in a couple other bands that I am very passionate about. One of the main things I find very important to remember is that as musicians we need to build each other up, not tear each other down. I want all my bands and myself to succeed equally. I just love music and I love making people feel wholeheartedly. 


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I definitely can't wait to watch her reach all of her goals.

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


Friday, January 3, 2025

New Music from Grace Lionato, Michelle Rose, Sophia B, Alexa Name, Gracie Modean, Sofia Devitt


"Breathe U In" - by Grace Lionato

Release Date: December 27, 2024

What You Should Know: "This song has been such an amazing experience and the people I’ve gotten to work with are incredible."

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify


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"When We're Rich" - by Michelle Rose

Release Date: December 27, 2024

What You Should Know: "This is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever worked on. Huge thank you to everyone who worked on this project!"

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify


Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounded Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"


Previously on Section 36: "Michelle Rose Visits Section 36 Music!"


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"Mr. Wrong" - by Sophia B

Release Date: December 28, 2024

What You Should Know: "If you need to take that difficult step of saying goodbye to Mr. Wrong, Let this be your anthem this New Year. Whether he has a dismissive avoidant attachment style, a narcissist, a player or he’s just the wrong guy for you. You deserve better. Walk away from Mr. Wrong to the beat of this New Song."

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounded Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"


Previously on Section 36: "Sophia B Visits Section 36 Music!"


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"
No Words" - Alexa Name 


Release Date: January 3, 2025

What You Should Know: "This track is seriously one of my absolute favorites, and there’s so much behind it that makes it so special to me."

Find It: Apple or Spotify

Previously on Section 36: "Alexa Name Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Face It" - by Gracie Modean

Release Date: January 3, 2025

What You Should Know: "This single from Gracie is definitely one you won't want to miss!"

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

Previously on Section 36: "Gracie Modean Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Good For Me" - by Sofia Devitt

Release Date: January 3, 2025

What You Should Know: "Around this time last year I was home for winter break and itching to record this song so me and @joshwurzmusic started COOKIN. We recorded all of the parts within that day and I looove the way it turned out, it sounds like you’re right in the room with us!."

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify


Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: ""It's 2025 in Section 36", "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"


Previously on Section 36: "Sofia Devitt Visits Section 36 Music!"




Wednesday, January 1, 2025

I Hereby Resolve

Typically, the end of the year is a time for people to reflect on their life, and to make any changes they see the need for. Why do it for the first of the year? No particular reason. Although, I suppose, a July 2 Resolution doesn’t have the same ring to it. A New Year’s Resolution also has the added benefit of only occurring once a year. If you make a New Month Resolution, and fail after three days…you have some obligation to make the same resolution the next month. If you make a resolution on January 1, but flop by January 2, you can wait an entire year before you have to try and make yourself a better person. That’s a handy feature. People also find it nicer to write these resolutions down. Anything written down automatically has more weight. After all, if you take the time to type it out and share it with others, it must be important. Plus, anyone why knows about your resolution will obviously shun you if you don’t stick to it. If you make a resolution in silence, it’s pretty easy to ignore it. Of course, that presumes that anyone is listening, or cares enough to hold you to it. That’s probably not the case here. But, what else am I going to write about on January 1st? 


My main resolution really requires you to all help along. I really want to be able to feature more amazing women more often in 2025. So, I could use your help in letting me know who you are and what you're up to. Are you a female artist in Boston I haven't heard about? Reach out and tell me who you are. If we've worked togethe, do you have a new song coming out? Reach out and tell me about it. With so many artists out there, its hard for me to keep track sometimes. I little heads up from you will go a long way. 

While that part depends on you, there are some things I can do to help you along with that.

I want to work on making this a place where you're more likely to want to reach out to. Starting with viewership. I want to make a dedicated effort to make sure as many eyes as possible are on your releases when we post about them. Whether that's with promotion or persistence, I need to get moving. The Instagram account passing 1300 followers is a result of similar efforts on that front. I'd like to do similar things here.

I also want to be more visible elsewhere in the music landscape. Whether that's following and commenting on social media, or reading and commenting on websites and blogs, or whatever else it may be. Part of that is, simply, your music is worthy of my support wherever it may be. The other part is just making Section 36 Music more of a community that you'll love being a part of. Reaching the point where every woman at Berklee that releases a song thinks "I better reach out to Section 36 soon". It will be on everyone's mind. That's my goal.

So, there we go. Things I want to try and do in the coming year. If you care, feel free to try and keep me honest. Mocking comments if I’m going astray are encouraged. Or, help me out by contributing to the resolutions. Or both. Or, ignore it all completely. Your call.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

2024 In Review: Status of the Blog

So, I've already discussed some of the highlights in social media areas enjoyed by Section 36 Music in 2024. But, what about just generally? How did the blog perform in 2024 at just being a blog? How did I do as a blogger? Did I help musicians reach more listeners? Was this a place where people can learn about their amazing music?

In 2024 this will be my 124th post, down a bit from last year. But, still solid at a couple posts every week. There was some great variety of posts as well. Of course, there are always the artist interviews. In 2024 I interviewed 48 amazing women. Hopefully you all checked out their music and found your new favorite artist. There were also more than 30 posts announcing new music, whether press releases from the artists or new music roundups. So excited to have been able to show all of that amazing music to you.

I am constantly honored to be allowed to share so many artists with so many people. Hopefully you're all enjoying what we're trying to do here at Section 36.

And don't forget the Section 36 store! I love when artists send in pics showing off their favorite Section 36 merch! Do you have any yet?

Looking back on 2024, I'm thrilled with the content and progress of this here blog and could not be more excited about the future. It's been slowly finding its place in this musical world, and I'm enjoying the direction it's taking. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog in 2024 as much as I did putting it out there for you.

I hope you'll enjoy 2025 just as much.

Monday, December 30, 2024

2024 Year in Review: Social Media

If the goal of this blog is to help promote the amazing female artists in the New England area, it really can't be just a blog. To reach a larger audience, to tell more people about these amazing artists, I need to be in more places.

Enter Social Media.

I need to be where the people are. And they all seem to be there. So, where, exactly, can you find me? I'm glad you asked...
 
Instagram is probably the place I’ve seen the most movement in the past year. It’s been great connecting with musicians and musician supporters. I use that account to post any and all pictures that have been submitted by my interview guests. Maybe they were pictures that went along with their interviews, or extras that couldn’t fit with the post. Or, they’re pictures that have been submitted afterwards. Whatever the case, I post them and use them to remind people of them and their music. It’s fun because it adds a lot of different content to the feed. That account had a big 2024 and is closing in on the 1400 follower mark! 

Facebook provides fun opportunities. It posts links to  interviews, release posts, as well as any pictures artists have submitted. It has also started posting pictures of any artist with Section 36 gear, whether they’ve contributed or not. The number of people who like that page continued to grow in 2024.

While Twitter was once a mainstay, that is no longer the case. Sure, blogs are sometimes automatically shared to X (bleh) because it's so easy to do. But, I don't remember the last time I posted there.

I have made the switch, like many others to BlueSky. While I haven't built up my following there, It's a work in progress. One thing that makes it different, is that there's only one account for all of the Section 36 Suite. So, sports, sportscards, lifestyle, music, etc all in one place. Something for everyone, if you will.

Section 36 Music also has a presence TikTok, Snapchat, and Pinterest. Although TikTok is the only one I've used with any frequency lately. Much like BlueSky, those are all one account for the entire Suite.

With all those ways to connect with Section 36 Music, there should be plenty of ways to share the amazing things talented women are doing. I can't want to bring that to a much larger scale.

Thanks for following along!


Monday, December 23, 2024

Happy Festivus!

That’s right, today’s the day! As you can see, I’ve set out my aluminum pole and am ready for the festivities to begin!




While it’s kinda hard to do feats of strength on a blog, we can certainly air some grievances! I’ve even started with the first one. I would definitely rather be in Section 36 right now!

Now it’s your turn. I’m taking this opportunity to allow you to air your blog-related grievances! That’s right. Leave a comment telling me things you don’t like about the blog and its content!

Is the font too small? Too big? Are the sidebars too plain? Too cluttered? Do I write about a topic too much? Do you wish I wrote about a topic more? At all? Do I need more merch options? Should I cover an artist more often? All with no hard feelings on my part. This is your chance!

I know. Allowing the internet to complain about you can be scary. But, maybe I’ll be able to respond to the grievances and make the blog better for everyone!

One thing by way of rules, this is Section 36 asking for grievances. So, keep them to things about the blog and its content...not blog post subjects. So if you want to complain and say I write reviews too much, or too little, that’s fine. If you complain and tell me an artist sucks, that’s not fine and I'll probably delete your comment. That’s not what I’m going for.

Sound reasonable? Ok then. Let’s hear it.

What are your Section 36 related grievances?