Friday, October 24, 2025

Mia McIntosh Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Mia McIntosh is fresh off the release of her recent single, "The Tree". I was so excited that she wanted to talk to us about the song, future goals, and more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say

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

I love your recent single, “The Tree”. What can you tell me about it?

I wrote "The Tree" during my first year of college and recorded it the year after that, when I was studying abroad in Valencia, Spain. Part of what inspired me to write this song was the idea that even if you don't think people will care if you disappear, there will always be someone who does.


Do you see more studio work in your future?

Yes, I hope to get back into the studio soon to record some songs for my EP, which is coming out next year. I also want to record some live performances in the studio, which I have never done before.


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

I chose Berklee because I wanted to be surrounded by people who cared about music as much as I did and wanted to do it for the rest of their lives like I do. When I was looking at colleges, I felt like I would really benefit from an environment where everyone took music very seriously so I could focus on it as much as I wanted. I attended the five-week summer program in 2022 so I could actually experience what it would be like to be a music student, and I had a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the environment of Berklee and thought it would be a great place for me to get an education in music and make connections with people.


You were able to sing the national anthem at several Cape Cod League games this summer. What was that experience like?

The first time I sang the national anthem at a baseball game last summer, I thought it was really scary. I had never done it before, and the whole time I was nervous that I would make a mistake and everyone watching the game would notice. The second and third times I did it, though, it wasn't as scary and I liked that everyone in the stadium could hear my voice. I still haven't gotten used to that because it's a very strange feeling, but I enjoyed getting that experience and I hope to get to do more of that in the future. 


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

If I could cover any Disney song, I would pick "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid because I watched it so many times as a kid (I have a lot of the movie memorized) but somehow have never gotten around to covering it. I love old Disney music because it has such a charm to it and it reminds me of old showtunes, like the ones written by Rodgers and Hammerstein.


What are your immediate musical goals?

My immediate musical goals are to perform more around school and in Boston, record some Christmas covers for this holiday season, and keep working on my upcoming EP.


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An upcoming EP sounds pretty exciting to me!


As always, I want to thank Mia for visiting with us, and for sending along the picture 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, Mia, and good luck reaching your goals!


Thursday, October 23, 2025

Svitlana Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Svitlana was kind enough to visit with us fresh off the release of her latest single, "I Need a Reason", and talk to us about the song, future goals, and more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say

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

Your recent single, “I Need a Reason” is just incredible. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much! It's a very special song for me. I started writing it at the end of my first semester at Berklee, and was inspired by -and dedicated to- one of my best friends. I consider myself a very sensitive person - I feel things quite intensely. It applies both to what I experience and to what my family, friends and people close to me went through. My best friend was in a quite toxic relationship for a long time and I got to see it go from absolute heaven, her being in love, in that magic land to absolute disaster where she was emotionally abused, mistreated and manipulated into staying in a relationship by being told she would never find someone who could love her more. It was devastating to see and my heart was aching for her. As much as I wanted her to leave and advised her to let go of this person, we all know that it's up to the person to do so  when they're ready. 


The name of the song reflects how she was always looking for a reason to prove her partner right and to hope that one day they would love her the same way they did in the beginning. Over time, she started realizing that this place was bad for her, this person was bad for her, and she couldn't let herself be treated that way any longer. The outro of the song shows her decision to finally leave, even when there was a part that still wanted to believe things could be fixed. She couldn't find any more excuses and forgiveness. Even though it was extremely hard at that moment, it was her happy ending. Lyrics of the song reflect the whole story. 


Musically, I wanted to express that love, hope, and belief mixed with sadness, anger, and nostalgia for how things were in the beginning. It's a constant push and pull - an emotional rollercoaster. With the dynamic growth of the song, I wanted to express how suppressed emotions and trauma surface through anger and devastation, and in the end turn into acceptance, and a bittersweet decision to leave. I wanted to make this a powerful ballad, with an emotional arrangement that would support the story so that even if there were no lyrics you could still feel it through the strings, piano, harmonies, and dynamic growth. At its core, I Need a Reason is about reclaiming your strength and that's a topic I try to explore in a lot of my songs - finding beauty and hope even in painful moments.


I really hope this song reaches people who might see themselves in it. Sometimes we stay in places that no longer help us grow simply because they once felt safe. We love so deeply that we forget we deserve to be loved just as much in return. In a healthy relationship, you shouldn’t feel constantly drained or uncertain of your worth. It takes courage to leave, but it also takes self-love to recognize that real love is shown through actions, not promises. I’m so happy this song is finally out and hope it speaks to those who need it most and maybe it helps someone feel understood.


Do you see more studio work in your future?

Absolutely!! I would spend 24/7 in the studio recording and creating music if I could do so. It’s one of the most fun parts for me. I love getting into the emotion of the music and just capturing it in the recording, experimenting, trying things. I love the creative process, making things up on the spot, trying out new sounds, capturing moments you didn’t plan and coming back to comping later, finding tons of creative ways to use it. It’s such a great feeling when I’m singing or playing myself, but also I LOVE to collaborate with other musicians and experience how they connect with what I wrote. There’s always something magical happening in the room. 


You’re a graduate of Berklee College of Music. What’s the biggest thing Berklee did for your career?

I am beyond grateful for Berklee because it definitely got my skills on a whole another level. First of all, I did CWP which taught me variety of different skills, from arranging and composing to producing, mixing and mastering. Those skills allow me to create independently as well as collaborate with other people and be able to explain exactly what it is I want to capture and express, using proper terminology and being professional. It gave me a great strong base that I use in my career and I am looking forward to developing it further. Second of all, it's amazing friends and fellow professionals I met. It’s a pool of like-minded and extremely talented people, and I feel honored to know them and to have had the opportunity to collaborate with many of them - featuring them on my songs, producing for them, or writing arrangements. I’m continuing to work with many of the same people, and I know those connections will last a long time because there’s already so much trust and understanding between us. There are so many people I’m sure we’ll soon see on big screens and hear about everywhere - I’m certain of it, and I can’t wait for their talent and the heart they put into their work to be heard.  And last but not least, a huge shout out to the incredible professors who guided me through and constantly inspired me to keep writing and growing as a musician.


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

Lana del Rey without a doubt!!! I am a huge fan of her music and lyricism. I’ve been obsessed with her music for years. There’s just something about the way she writes that is emotional, poetic and honest. Her music really influenced the way I write and think about songs. She always has a mix of beauty and sadness in the same space. I’ve learned a lot from her about letting things breathe, not rushing, and just allowing emotion to lead instead of trying to make everything perfect. I admire the "imperfections" in her production like a slightly untuned vocal or uneven layering. It adds honesty and highlights what she’s trying to say. Vocally too - I love how she uses her voice, soft and vulnerable, almost like an instrument. I try to do that in my songs too, to let the emotion come through naturally. I also love love love how visual her world is. Every song feels like a little movie: you can see it, it's very vivid. That’s something I think about a lot when I write or produce, how to make people feel like they’re inside the song. Definitely the biggest inspiration and influence.


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

Immediate answer - "Part Of Your World"! First of all, I just have an obsession with mermaids:) I always connected with any mermaid story in a special way (that's exactly why I have a song about it). Stories, legends and myths about them always drew my attention, and it, of course, includes "The Little Mermaid". I loved it as a child but also fell in love with it watching live action - which I think was brilliant. And I always connected to the song - the longing of Ariel to get to the place she has never been before and have these new experiences. 


What are your immediate musical goals?

Right now, my main focus is finishing and releasing my upcoming singles and album. I’ve been working on it for a while during my studies at Berklee, and I really want to make sure every song feels true to the story and emotions behind it. There’s a blend of different genres and topics on the album, so I’m trying to find the best way to approach the promotion and really show how everything connects. Right now, I’m just focused on all the last touches and making sure it feels complete. In my plans, I want to release two or three more singles and then launch the full album. At the same time, I’m continuing to write new music, collaborate with other artists, and grow as a producer and a composer. I want to keep developing my sound and keep learning with every project I do. 


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I am so excited about this new music!


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


Photos by Anzhela



Thursday, October 16, 2025

Upcoming Show: Jack of All Trades: Diamonds vs Spades featuring Angelina Cara

 


Jack of All Trades: Diamonds vs Spades

Featuring: Angelina Cara, and others

Date: October 19, 2025

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

What You Should Know: Jack of All Trades: Diamonds vs Spades is a special themed night part of a two-part concert series promoting Angelina Cara’s card-inspired album, Jack of All Trades. This dynamic performance will feature an eclectic mix of original music spanning multiple genres whilst showcasing three distinctive featured artists/collaborators.
Through this project, Angelina aims to challenge the societal expectation of choosing a single path or defining oneself by one talent, skill, or occupation. The music celebrates the human urge to be curious, explorative, and creative, encouraging audiences to embrace the diversity of their potential and passions.
After all, we only get one life—why not experience everything it has to offer?

Tickets: 
$12 Doors open 10:30, 11pm start. Ends 12:45am

More About Angelina Cara: 
Angelina Cara is an artist of many different facets, known for blending genres in unexpected and captivating ways. Her sound defies conventional boundaries, drawing inspiration from jazz, folk, R&B, and electronic genres, resulting in an ever-evolving, genre-fluid style. With a signature blend of rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and meticulously crafted production, she creates a sonic landscape that is both innovative and immersive. You can find her interview with Section 36 Music here.

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Kate Moore Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Fresh off her debut EP, Kate Moore visited with us to discuss the project, future goals, and more. I hope you like what she had to say as much as I did.

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

I really enjoy your recent EP, “In Between”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much! "In Between" is my debut EP that was released on September 19th of this year. It was such an exciting and bittersweet moment for me when this came out, but I am so proud of it. I wrote most of these songs when I was 15-17, in high school, and trying to figure out what my future plans were, whether I was going to pursue music in college etc. I was riddled with so many feelings and going through such a pivotal and transitional point in my life and this EP truly feels like a time capsule for me. I hope everyone who listens to these songs can reminisce on a time in their life that they felt these feelings that come with growing up. 


How did you come up with the cover art?

The cover art actually has a fun backstory. When I was 13 or 14 I wanted to write my first song. I asked my mom for three things that reminded her of me and she came up with Peonies (my favorite flower), Pearls (because you couldn't take my pearls off of me when I was a kid, I LOVED them), and Flip flops (because no matter what, I am a San Diego girl through and through). So my first song was called  "Peonies, Pearls, and Flip Flops." Since then, I've tried to include these things in some capacity in all of my music projects as a nod to my first song and the start of my songwriting journey. With that said, it only felt right to include my beloved pink peonies in my cover art for this EP. 


Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Oh dear, this is a rough one. I have so many. Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Linda Ronstadt,  Dolly Parton, and Brandi Carlile are probably my top musical influences for a myriad of different reasons... songwriting, vocals, stage presence, genre bending and industry navigation, and more. Their journeys and legacies inspire me.  


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

I am! I love Berklee and am so grateful to be here. It was a difficult decision to go to a school on the opposite side of the country from my family but after a college trip with my high school, I knew it was the place I needed to be. The curriculum structure gave me the freedom to cultivate a major with different concentrations so I can be as well-rounded in the music industry as possible which stood out among all of the other music programs I looked into and was definitely a priority. I instantly felt connected to the community and was blown away by the opportunities available to students. 


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

Haha I love this question. One of my favorite Disney songs is probably "I Won't Say (I'm In Love)" from Hercules. I love that movie so much and it is a great song. Another great one is "Almost There" from The Princess and The Frog. I love that whole scene when Tiana is singing to her mom about her big dreams. My mom is my best friend and is so supportive of my big dreams of being an artist. 


What are your immediate musical goals?

My music goals for the immediate future are to take the rest of the year to focus on writing and recording new music and to perform more in Boston as well as back home. 


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I like the sound of new music!


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


Photos by Kaitlyn Krikorian Photography



Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Alexa Picillo Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! I'm sure you all love the latest single from Alexa Picillo as much as I do! I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss the song, her appearance on The Search, and more! 
I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

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

I really enjoyed your latest single, “Broken, Jaded, Wasted”. What can you tell me about it?

Broken, Jaded, Wasted is a song I originally started writing on my own. The lyrics started out as a one sided story. Then I met a friend at Berklee who helped me enhance my ideas and we were able to create a two sided storyline. This song is to bring awareness of the horrible effects of drunk driving, and I hope to reach as many people as possible with the song. 


Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

My favorite memory is how fast we were able to get the song recorded and produced. I remember we were just finnishing up writing it , there was only a day  left of the Berklee program and I only had 15 minutes to record my vocals until I had to be home for a show. We spent many hours of those last two weeks writing and staying late working on the song. Tamir Dinar and I were able to find a Berklee student walking through the hallways- named Noah Seren to help us produce the song last minute. 


You made the top 25 at The Search. What has that experience been like?

I am very excited to be a part of The Search. I met Kara McKee and Ed Brady at an open mic in East Providence, Ri. - at Myrtle. After I sang a couple songs including the first song I ever wrote called “ Don’t Lose Him”  they granted me the Golden Anchor and I automatically advance into the Top 25. Everyone I met and connected to during this journey have been the sweetest , most passionate , people ever! I’m looking forward to what is to come and I am very grateful for the opportunities they have given me. 

 

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

A few of my biggest musical influences would be people like Avery Anna, Carrie Underwood , Dolly Parton etc. Another local artist that has inspired me, who is from Boston ma, is Lilly Fitts.  Seeing someone local accomplish their dreams and keep working hard at what they love has pushed me to strive for more when it comes to my music. 


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

If I could cover any Disney song I would want to cover “ I see The Light” from Tangled. This has always been my favorite movie as child and this song carries deep emotion.  I relate to the lyric “ All those days watching from the windows , All those years outside looking in”. My whole life I have felt like I have been on the outside, looking in. Music is my escape and allows me to carry my emotions and gives me a sense of hope and comfort. I hope to reach people with my songs and give them the same sense of hope. 


What are your immediate musical goals?

My immediate music goal would be to get to Nashville and connect with as many artists as possible. I would love to meet everyone I can in the industry. As much as I enjoy doing shows locally in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the dream is to play bigger shows- bigger venues doing what I love and reaching  as many people as possible. 


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Excited to see her in the biggest venue possible as soon as possible.


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


Monday, October 13, 2025

Nejma AlKoor Visits Section 36 Music!

I am thrilled to have another visitor to Section 36 Music! 
Nejma AlKoor is fresh off her latest single "False Promises", and talked with us about the song, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

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

Your recent single, “False Promises”, is just outstanding. What can you tell me about it?

False Promises was honestly something I wanted to record for a while because it's a very painful experience I had to go through. I just wanted to put my feelings out there so if anyone else is feeling this way or if they’ve been through something similar they can relate to it. I also tried not to make it super sad. I tried to add some major chords in there to show how I had hope for something that was not really what I thought it was going to be.


Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

I remember being in the studio and the producer is telling me to feel what I'm saying. The lyrics are very intense, and I could not really feel my feelings at the time because it’s kind of hard in a studio setting to put your feelings out there. So I think my favorite memory is him telling me to just close my eyes and just to live the present moment and to just forget about like technicality or anything like that and just focus more on how I’m feeling and portray that in the song. That’s exactly what I did and I felt very free as I was singing it, especially the chorus


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

I’m in my fifth semester at Berklee. As a professional music major, I focus mostly on music business and performance and a minor in production. I think, to be honest, Berklee is the right place for me because it's not just a music school. It's more of a community. I get to see a lot of different cultures, a lot of different backgrounds, religions. I just love learning so much from other people here. Also is like the education I gained here is a lot. I didn’t know I would gain this much. Another thing would be the experience and just exposure in the music industry. I’d say that Berklee finds you as an artist, and that's why I think like Berklee is the place for me.


You have twice appeared on MBC The Voice. What were those experiences like?

I appeared twice on The Voice Kids, the Arabic version. The first time I was 10 and would only sing western and the second time I was 14. I would say both experiences were good and bad. The good reason was gaining the exposure and the experience. I would say it was just a lot of pressure for a 10 year old or 14 year old. You, with these shows, kind of have to be in their point of view “perfect” condition, and that’s a lot of pressure to put on someone at those young ages. But I'm just very grateful for the experience overall because it was something I needed to do.


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

It would be Almost There from Princess and the Frog. It’s a powerful song but yet beautiful and upbeat. I love it.


What are your immediate musical goals?

It would be just to keep making music as much as I can and reaching people who can relate to the music I do and people who can feel safe from listening to it or watching me perform it. And also, because I am studying business, in the future I’d like to do something for music like teaching Middle Eastern music specifically for women. Just, honestly, the music I do is filled with love and I would always love to portray that and to make people feel loved and comfortable with everything I do.


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I'd say that's a wonderful goal.


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