Swara Modi Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Swara Modi just released her latest single, "Fever Dream", which is absolutely magnificant! I was so excited she was willing to visit with us to discuss the single, her musical goals, and more!

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

I absolutely adored your recent single, “Fever Dream”. What can you tell me about it?

I wrote “Fever Dream” back in July about an ex-best friend who I watched become  a completely different person than from when I first met him, and the disappointment I feel for him for it. When writing it, the lyrics were spilling out of me so easily because the way I was feeling was so fresh and it’s really all I was thinking about at the time so the song was written in about an hour or two in one night. This song is just very personal to me and has become one of my favorites of my originals because of that. 

Especially with your theatre background, what do you enjoy most about performing in front of an audience?

My absolutely favorite thing about performing has always been engaging with the audience and feeling connected to them. If the audience is into the performance, it also makes me even more excited as a performer. In theatre, I was always playing a character when performing and now I get to be myself so it feels like I’m performing more personally for my audience. It’s a more creative form of expression because I can do whatever I want on that stage to make the audience have a fun night. 

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

When I was applying for colleges, I actually originally applied to 13 schools for musical theatre. I went through the whole process and even got into a couple schools but towards the end of the process, it just didn’t feel right to me. I was always a singer and loved writing songs but I always thought it was something I was doing as a hobby to get a break from the hours I was spending doing theatre. But then, the day before the last available Berklee deadline to apply and audition, I quickly put together some of my best materials and applied - and I am so grateful that I did. As soon as I stepped into the room for the audition and sang my song, I knew this was the school I needed to go to and this was the musical path I needed to follow. Of course theatre was still fun but it didn’t bring me the joy that writing songs and singing did. I knew that I could always still be around musical theatre at Berklee and that it wouldn’t have to leave my life forever which also helped my decision in picking this school. The first time I stepped onto the campus, I immediately knew that the environment at Berklee was the environment I wanted to be around for the next four years. 

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

My two all time favorite artists are Billy Joel and Taylor Swift because they were the ones to inspire me to start writing my own music and singing at a younger age. But as I got older, I’ve been heavily influenced by the music of Olivia Rodrigo. She is my music inspiration and idol, especially because we both came from a theatre background. Some other newer influences are Claire Rosinkranz and Gracie Abrams. 

What is your biggest musical challenge?

90% of my songs are about real things from my life, so when there is nothing crazy that has happened in my life for a while, I immediately get writer's block and cannot write because the songs don’t display my true feelings. I have so many ideas for songs, but I sometimes struggle to get the right words out and find the balance between personal expression and resonating with others as well. 

What are your immediate music goals?

I want to grow a larger audience and brand. I want to perform in more places and I also want to try branching out in my musical abilities and styles.

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With the quality of her music, she shouldn't have much trouble doing any of those!

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

New Music From Meghan Pulles, Anita Luki, Cassandra, Fiona Marais, Sabrina Ponte

"Scars"  by Meghan Pulles

Release Date: February 14, 2025

What You Should Know: "Back in 2020, I wrote a song in my bedroom that helped me prepare for yet another ear surgery. This song came to me through the fear, through the anxiety, through the loss of control, and through the hope that my ear would be healed. This song was written for every single human who has ever had to face having surgery, minor or major. We give up control of our circumstances and put it in the hands of our doctors without knowing what the outcome will be. We take that leap with strength and trust that it will all be okay. If you are ever faced with anything like this, just know that i think your scars are beautiful.

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

*****

"Hold Me (What You Want)"  by Anita Luki

Release Date: February 14, 2025

What You Should Know: The A L series continues with another masterpiece from this incredible artist.

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

*****

"Kiss My Ring" - by Cassandra 

Release Date: February 14, 2025

What You Should Know: Every song from Cassandra is one you'll treasure, and this one is no different.

Find It: 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: "Cassandra's 36 Favorite Things", "Cassandra Makes 36 Decisions"

*****

"Just the Way You Are" - by Fiona Marais 

Release Date: February 7, 2025

What You Should Know: This version of the Billy Joel classic is one you won't want to miss!

Find It: Spotify or Apple

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "Songs that Cover the Bases", "It's 2025 in Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Fiona Marais Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"L’Amore Sei Tu" - by Sabrina Ponte 

Release Date: February 14, 2025

What You Should Know: A version of this song like you've never heard before!

Find It: Spotify or Apple

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "Songs that Cover the Bases", "It's 2025 In Section 36", "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Sabrina Ponte Visits Section 36 Music!"

Anita Luki Releases New Single "Hold Me (What You Want)" This Valentine’s Day

Valentine's Day just got more exciting! Rising pop and R&B sensation, Anita Luki, is set to drop her much-anticipated single "Hold Me (What You Want)" this February 14th. The track promises to captivate listeners with its sensual vibe, combining sultry R&B vocals with an addictive beat and bass line that will keep you hooked from the first note.

Written and produced by Anita Luki herself, "Hold Me (What You Want)" is the first single from Chapter 2 of The A L Series, an innovative album being released in three distinct chapters. Alone, Always, Alive. Each chapter, or EP, introduces a unique sound and explores a different side of Anita Luki’s artistry, from sultry tracks to deep emotional ballads, leaving her listeners eager for each new release.

Born and raised in London, now based in Boston, Anita Luki brings a unique cultural influence to her music, drawing from her Sri Lankan heritage to create a rich, diverse musical style resonating with listeners worldwide.

The sensual allure of "Hold Me (What You Want)" is the perfect fit for the season of love, showcasing Anita Luki’s ability to blend intimate lyricism with infectious rhythms. This track marks a bold step forward in her artistic evolution, as she continues to push the boundaries of pop and R&B with her distinct sound.

Don’t miss out—stream "Hold Me (What You Want)" on all major platforms this Valentine’s Day!

New Music from Grace Lionato

"Broken Wings" - by Grace Lionato

Release Date: January 21, 2025

What You Should Know: "This new single “Broken Wings” is going to be a part of an album I’m releasing very soon. This song is about finding your independence and figuring out what that means for you. I hope this song can bring some peace to the people who listen, as writing it gave me peace."

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "It's 2025 in Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Grace Lionato Visits Section 36 Music!"

Boston’s Savoir Faire announces debut studio album Hopeless Nostalgic, out January 31st.

With a voice straight out of the jazz age, Savoir Faire brings the modern existential crisis into a realm of retro noir with Hopeless Nostalgic. 

“ I am a very nostalgic person,” states the singer/guitarist. “And indeed, hopelessly so, at times. I have to remind myself not to live in the past, whether it's my past or the comforting allure of music, fashion, etc, from times past. That nostalgia feels very conflicted, because when you peel back the layers of those times, you reveal very imperfect and problematic eras. Memory can be very deceiving.” 

Fans of Savoir Faire will recognize singles such as “Sweet” and “Think Twice,” songs that landed on year end “best of” lists in 2022, as well as the more recently released “Machine with a Dream,” which coincided with a music video conceived by Savoir Faire and directed by Blake Larson. Aided by the production skills of Dave Brophy, Hopeless Nostalgic highlights both Savoir Faire’s jazz training as well as her ability to shred, balancing lounge singer sensibilities with heavier instrumentation. This blend of genres has earned Savoir Faire nominations as singer-songwriter of the year (Boston Music Awards 2023), jazz act of the year (New England Music Awards), and post-punk act of the year (Motif Awards).

With songs like “Only Fools (Betarseed)”, in which the Iranian American singer addresses the “Women, Life Freedom Movement” (aptly assisted by the dark instrumentation of composer Via Mardot), Hopeless Nostalgic begs the question “what if a torch singer wanted to join the Riot Grll movement instead of serving the male gaze? The answer is Hopeless Nostalgic, an album that begins with the sardonic “Curtains Up,” a dramatic noir ballad, and ends with the album’s title track, a melancholic yearning for the comforts of the past. 

Hopeless Nostalgic’s title track, first released in April of 2023, also gets a new life for the album’s release with a music video directed by Kat Holms. Filmed mainly in an antique warehouse full of relics of the past, the music video aims for the jugular with its nostalgia, referencing notable album covers of the 90’s that will pull at the heartstrings of those whose formative years were accompanied by the era’s songwriters.  

Presave "Hopeless Nostalgic" now before its release on January 31!

Get to Know Treble On Huntington Better

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." 

What kinds of experiences to group members have? What are some of their favorite group activities? Which is their favorite memory? 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.

Some members really enjoyed the chance to bond as a group. Member Alyssa specifically called out a trip the group too when she said, “Recently we went on a retreat to New Hampshire and that was a great opportunity to get to know people better outside of the context of rehearsal and have fun together. I especially enjoyed playing board games with the other members.”. Sarah, another member echoed that by adding, “We went to a bed and breakfast in New Hampshire and it was so fun to get to bond with everyone.” Shir added onto that by including, “We got really close through the trip, joked around together, and made some incredible memories.” Mya mentioned that, “I felt like it brought us all so much closer and allowed us to make memories outside of our usual setting.”. Which is such an important part of any group outing, isn’t it? The chance to see everyone in a different light under differences and bond over that common experience. Especially when Mika included "Retreat in New Hampshire was definitely one of the most memorable experiences, especially our attempt to jump-start our car.”. That’s something I feel like I need a longer story about.

Other members recalled a specific performance the group had. Eve recalled, “The most memorable experience I've had with Treble has been performing at ICCAs last year for the first time. I was so nervous but the more experienced girls were there for me the whole time and encouraged me to go out and leave it all on stage! While we weren't successful competition-wise, that day grew my confidence in my performing abilities significantly, and made me feel so grateful for my a cappella community”. Edom seconded those feelings when she added, “I loved getting to sing with treble in a fun and relaxed environment.”. The tip even went beyond singing, when Abigail added, “It was a great trip full of masterclasses and music, and then some of us ended the weekend at Universal Studios, which was just so much fun.”. Another member added that going to NACC and, “gaining valuable experience from experts was amazing and really helped our group grow!” The trip was also a bonding experience of itsown, much like New Hampshire. Nat remembered, “We got to travel together, sing and perform, and take masterclasses as a group to perfect our techniques. We also spent time with other groups and overall had a great time.” Member Katia added one more element to the trip when she said, “We had so much fun singing with other groups and hanging out together at the pool and around Orlando. Hopefully we’ll raise enough money to come back next year.” I know I certainly hope they do too.

One last favorite moment came from Toni Rose. By the sounds of it, everything really fell together when she said, “This fall, we held a Friendsgiving at one of our members' houses, and at this point in the semester, we had all already gotten very close. When we sat down to eat our meal together, we decided to say things we were thankful for and try not to say Treble because that was the obvious answer. By the end of the meal, everyone was crying after we ended up talking about how much everyone at that table meant to us and I will forever remember how meaningful that dinner was.”

And that’s what it’s all about. I love the idea of the group spending so much time together and really forming those friendships that make Treble on Huntington so special. Hopefully that continues going on from here.

Thanks to all the members of Treble on Huntington 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: Instagram, Facebook, 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!

Keyaa Hira Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Keyaa Hira is fresh off the release of her EP "Chapter One", which you absolutely need to listed to as soon as you can! I was so thrilled she wanted to visit with us to discuss the EP, her musical goals, and more!

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

I’m a big fan of your EP, “Chapter One”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much, I’m so happy you like it!

‘Chapter One’ is my very first project, and it’s one that is always going to be close to my heart. The EP is a reflection of experiences I have undergone in my life. Each of the four songs in it speak on a different core experience in my life. 

‘Home’ is a song about embracing my sensitivity and speaking out about my mental health, even though through the years, I have been told to hide it from the world and change the way that I feel and express emotions. 

‘Convey’ is a song about a relationship that’s falling apart and unhealthy. I wrote the song by putting myself in the shoes of my parents (sorry mom and dad) as they experienced and reevaluated their marriage. It was hard, but a very important experience for me to have. 

‘All That’s Left’ is a song that I actually wrote while doing an object writing exercise on the topic ‘puddle’. It grew into something so relatable for me. I wrote it when I had recently turned 18, which was quite a confusing age. The song is one about nostalgia and wanting to be a child again, even though it’s impossible to go back. 

Finally, ‘Bittersweet’ is a song I wrote at the time of my graduation. I’ve never been great with endings or change, and was able to express the mixed emotions I was feeling at the time when I wrote it. 

‘Chapter One’ is like a window into my life and felt cathartic for me to share. Each song is an authentic expression of my emotions, and they also helped me process my own experiences with better self-awareness. 

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

Overall, the experience of recording this EP was amazing, seeing my vision come to life with the help of my producer was beautiful. I think my favourite part of the recording process was layering the harmonies in the studio! I’m a huge fan of layers and layers of harmonies, and incorporating that into my songs felt like a full circle moment for me. 

Do you see more studio work in your future?

Definitely! I have a lot of songs I’ve just written in the last year, and I am keen to share with the world soon. Stay tuned! :) 

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

The sense of belonging and seeing my audience relate to my music is so rewarding. It makes me realise that though intense experiences feel personal, they’re actually quite universal, and there’s something very healing about that because you see that you aren’t alone. 

When I perform for live audiences, I feel connected to my audience and music. It’s like we’re having an open and honest conversation with each other, and it’s really beautiful. It also reminds me about how music brings people together, and that’s what it’s all about for me. 

What is your biggest musical challenge?

I think it’s really hard for me to write about happier experiences, I usually write to express more intense and complex emotions. I also put a lot of pressure on myself as an artist to be perfect, and that can get overwhelming. 

What are your immediate music goals?

I really want to finish working on my songs I’ve written over the past year, and see the vision in my head come to life. I’m really excited about it and can’t wait to release new music as soon as I can.

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New music definitely sounds exciting to me!

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