Olesya Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Olesya is an incredible singer whose single "you know the truth" is one you'll have on repeat for a long time. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us and discuss her music, future goals, and more. I’m sure you’ll enjoy everything she has to say.

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

I really enjoy your latest single, “You Know The Truth”. What can you tell me about it? 

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I love “you know the truth” so much! I think that this is my best work right now, and this song is very special to me. I started writing this song back in December of last year, and it is fully about my personal experience. I really love writing songs, turning stories from my life into music and art! Also, it is such a perfect way to heal! 

“You know the truth” is about a person who lies all the time without any hesitation, but at the end of the day, I still know the truth, and it’s impossible and useless to make me believe in everything that person says. 

It’s very interesting how the melody and lyrics of this song were popping up in my head from almost nowhere. Here’s a little story about how I started creating this song. I was in the music tech class at Berklee when the idea of the main synth melody came to mind. It was so spontaneous, that was crazy. When I recorded and replayed it on the spot, I felt like this is how my new song should exactly sound! This idea just randomly came to my head in the middle of the class, and it turned out to be a very catchy lead melody. 

This song is so inspired by 80s, 90s, and 00s music. Especially by Michael Jackson and Madonna. The main synth melody that you can hear at the beginning of the song, as well as in the rest of it, is mostly inspired by Michael Jackson’s songs from the “Bad” album. 

An interesting fact about me is that I have a colour association with every song I create. I can’t explain how I get these ideas, but before or while creating a song, I already see what colour my new single cover art will be and what aesthetic my song will have in general. For me, all the single cover art that I do for my songs is very important. It’s not just pictures, that’s a whole visual. For instance, at the very first step of creating “you know the truth,” I already knew that it would be orange. I have no idea why, I just saw it like that. That’s how my 00s-inspired photoshoot for this song was born! 

The lyric video for the song is also outstanding. What was it like putting that together? 

Thank you a lot! Actually, this is my first lyric video that I have ever done, so it was very creative and interesting putting my song and video together! All of my previous singles that I put out had nothing but one picture in the video, which was the cover art of that single, so I thought that it would be more interesting to have something visual while listening to the song. 

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

Berklee was my dream school for a long time. Berklee is a magical, wonderful place filled with love and musical passion, where a lot of talented people connect with each other and create a lot of beautiful, amazing art together! I have an opportunity to practice and grow with amazing professors and students, and it helps me in my craft a lot. 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences? 

Oh my god.. I don’t know where to start! I’m such a musical person! I listen to every musical genre in the world, love a lot of artists and bands! It’s very hard for me to choose, there are so many! 

The first person that caught my eye in my early childhood was Katy Perry. 

Later, I fell in love with Ariana Grande’s music and voice. 

They were the first artists who inspired me to be a singer/artist in the future! 

In 2018, one of the most successful biopics in history came out in movie theaters. It was a “Bohemian Rhapsody” movie about the rock band Queen. This movie changed everything for me and started a new chapter of my life. When I came back home from the movie, I tried writing my first original song after being inspired by Freddie Mercury doing it in the movie. After that day, I couldn’t stop writing my original songs. That’s where my songwriting journey started, I was just 14 years old back then. 

My other biggest inspiration is Michael Jackson and everything that relates to him. A king of pop, a legend, a perfection, a literal God of music! A lot of my music is inspired by him! He is an example of what an artist should be. 

I am such a big fan of real showmen and performers on stage. I cannot mention Elvis Presley and Britney Spears! Another giant inspirations of mine! I really love how Elvis was not afraid to be himself on stage. The way he moved on stage was impossible for anyone else. He was ahead of his time. Britney is also a phenomenal performer and a wonderful artist. The energy that these artists put out in their songs and on stage deserves enormous praise. 

What would you say is your biggest challenge with your music career? 

For me, one of the biggest challenges right now is promoting my music. To be honest, I really enjoy promoting my songs, but unfortunately, sometimes it feels like results still stay the same after many tries to do so. At the same time, I hope that it’s so far from the truth! I love to experiment with different types of promotions, and I’m sure they can be original and organic! 

What are your immediate music goals? 

I really want to inspire people as an artist. I want to share my emotions, stories, support, and personal experience throughout my music and performances. I want to be really connected with my audience! I enjoy being on stage, I feel like it’s my second home. Nothing compares with the happiness on people’s faces and their applause after performing. This is what I was born for. 

Right now, I’m working on several new projects, and I can’t wait until I share them with the world!

---

So excited for those new projects!  

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

New Music From Jessica Woodlee, Charlie Weld, Adia Clark Lay, and Sarika

 

"Rainy Day" - by Jessica Woodlee

Release Date - May 3, 2024

What You Should Know: Another wonderful addition to her must-listen music catalog

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "Dude", "Whiskey", "By Now", "Dairy Aisle"

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "What 2023 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Jessica Woodlee Visits Section 36 Music!"

***

"What Is Now" - by Charlie Weld

Release Date: May 3, 2024

What You Should Know: "you know what was, you know what can’t be, now you’ll know what is now. these two songs are the prologue and epilogue of the same story. they’re a year of reflection tied into a neat bow. i hope u love them!!!"

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify

***

"Wanna Go Back (Remixes)" - by Adia Clark Lay

Release Date: May 3, 2024

What You Should Know: "We kept getting asked about releasing the sped-up version of Wanna Go Back…so we decided to record an acoustic version with @tonyychavezz and release them together! We hope you like these as much as the original:) Keep streaming!!!"

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "Wanna Go Back", "Not My Fault", "Brown Eyes"

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

Previously on Section 36: "Adia Clark Lay Visits Section 36 Music!", "Adia Clark Lay Makes 36 Decisions!"

***

"Something Blue" - by SARIKA

Release Date: April 26, 2024

What You Should Know: "I wrote “Something Blue” my senior year of high school, inspired by an ig caption @alex.maree posted that said “@ eligible bachelors, i look good in white” hahhaha. I sent it to a few friends, i think posted it on a music ig page I had at the time (or my finsta?), & i ended up recording a version of it for a school project later that year and putting it on spotify (didn’t even sing on it myself bc I was self conscious af). the school project songs have since been wiped from the internet but this one has been a fan (ok, close friend)(ok, @welcomingsaturn) favorite ever since. for the past 5 years ive had the voices in my head screaming “release something blue” at all times. i am a simple woman and I do as the voices tell me. Something Blue (song + video) is now out everywhere"

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

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

Previously on Section 36: "SARIKA Visits Section 36 Music!"

Ashley Leyva Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Ashley Leyva is a fantastic singer whose debut single "Change With You" is definitely one you need to listen to right away. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us and discuss her music, future goals, and more. I’m sure you’ll enjoy everything she has to say.

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

I absolutely love your recent single “Change With You”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you! I wrote this song a few months back, and it was picked up by my now producer on tiktok. The song was a slow guitar ballad however my producer had the idea that we can speed the song up and give it a more pop/rock feel. 

What was your favorite part of the recording process?

I had so many ideas for this song when we decided to change the feel, but my favorite part was recording all the different harmonies for the chorus and pre chorus. I don't know why but harmonies are so fun for me and probably come the easiest. It was just so cool listening to everything come together!

You are currently studying at Berklee College of Music. What made Berklee the right choice for you?

I'm in my freshman year at Berklee so I have just picked my major which is Pro Music with a performance and songwriting track. I auditioned for Berklee on guitar and I immediately knew I loved it from my first week here. Although I consider myself a better songwriter, studying guitar at Berklee has been so fun and challenging. It has also definitely made my songwriting better because I write all my songs on guitar. 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

This is such a hard question to answer. Songwriter wise, I really adore Adrianne Lenker, Phoebe Bridgers, Stevie Nicks, Taylor Swift and so many other admirable female songwriters. However, my favorite band of all time and my usual answer to this question is always Paramore. They have gotten me through so much and have been my favorite since I was probably like 10 or 11. 

What would you say is your biggest challenge with your music career?

The biggest challenge that I have faced so far is social media. I love posting and making content and things like that but the algorithms are so hard. To get any sort of a following these days it's like you have to already BE famous on tiktok or instagram. In today's music world record companies, agents, and managers won't even consider looking at you without a huge following which is not as easy as it seems to obtain. It's also very discouraging as a musician to try so hard with social media and not see immediate results, but like anything else, it's another grind and I'm here for it.

What are your immediate music goals?

I've been making music since I was like 4 years old and the answer to this question has always been the same. My only goal ever with music is for my songs to make people feel something. Whether it's 1 person or 1 million people listening to my music, if I can make one person smile, one person cry, or just help someone who's in a dark place with my music then I feel like I'm doing something right. Success for me does not equal fame or fortune, while of course that does sound nice. If my music can make people feel something, I have done my job as an artist. 

---

That is definitely the perfect goal!  

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

Mehlani Unveils Tracklist for Debut EP "Hurt People," Featuring Collaborations with Ryan Hall and Lavend3r's John Raidt, Alongside Music Video for "Just Like This"

Boston, MA – Mehlani, ready to make a significant mark on the music scene, has unveiled the tracklist for her highly anticipated debut EP, "Hurt People'' which she has announced to come out Friday, May 3rd. This 6-song EP promises to showcase Mehlani's raw talent and emotive storytelling, with each track offering a unique glimpse into her personal journey of love, loss, and resilience.

The tracklist for "Hurt People" is as follows:

1. Sober

2. The Breaking (ft. Adam Hirose)

3. Anyone Else

4. i believe You

5. If I Could I Would

6. Just Like This

Collaborating primarily with hyperpop artist Ryan Hall, Mehlani infuses her signature vocals with Hall’s unique production techniques, resulting in a sonic landscape that is both captivating and evocative. The pieces on this EP are the perfect representation of the two artists' versatility. Additionally, it is expected to see singer-songwriter Adam Hirose on Track 2, “The Breaking”.

Stay tuned for more updates on Mehlani. For more information visit www.linktr.ee/mehlani and follow @mehlanip on Instagram.

--

Be sure to stream Mehlani's latest single "If I Could I Would" wherever you can. And be on the lookout for her EP "Hurt People". You won't want to miss it. To learn more about Mehlani, check out her November 2023 interview with us here at Section 36 Music.

Mehlani: Behind the Music

Almost every single one of my songs stems from personal experiences I have had. Most of the times that I have motivation to write is when I am sad or angry about something, but one thing I am trying to expand on as an artist is writing about the beauty in the little things. Especially in the Hurt People EP I have coming out this May, you will notice happier themes as the EP goes on! A lot of people ask me what I usually start with, the lyrics or the melody? And honestly my answer is different every time. For example, there is a song I am working on right now where I just randomly shouted out the lyrics with the melody while I was alone in my room before I moved to Boston. Other times I will beat myself over the head because I can’t think of good lyrics to a melody that I hummed. I will say however, that since my recent projects where I’ve collaborated with Lavend3r, I have found myself starting out a lot more songs with a topline & coming up with lyrics as I go since they tend to hand me a beat instead of my usual method of playing around on the guitar!

---

Be sure to stream Mehlani's latest single "If I Could I Would" wherever you can. To learn more about Mehlani, check out her November 2023 interview with us here at Section 36 Music.

GIGI Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! GIGI is a wonderful singer whose debut single "Won't Be Me" is definitely one you want on your radar. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us and discuss her music, future goals, and more. I’m sure you’ll enjoy everything she has to say.

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

I am incredibly excited for your upcoming debut single. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much, love to hear it! I am thrilled to finally be able to have it out in the world. The title of the single is “Won’t Be Me” . It is an upbeat trap pop type of vibe. Definitely a song you would wanna dance to but also something that could play in the background while you’re getting ready to go out with your girls. I was inspired to write the song after an experience I had while out at the club. Now let me just say,  I don’t go to the club to talk to men. I go to have fun with my friends, dance, and most importantly NETWORK. Believe it or not, the club is a great place to network if you’re a musician. On this particular night, the moment I walked into the club, I had this one guy lurking around me. I kept brushing him off and ignoring him because I truly just wasn't interested. After about 2 hours of me ignoring him he finally got the message. This really made me think to myself, why is it that women can simply just exist and men will STILL be all over them. The recurring motif in the song is the idea that just because I’m a pretty girl doesn’t mean that I want to talk to you. There are guys out there who have that mentality of “I can have anyone that I want to”...well so can I, and at the end of the day you can flirt as much as you want, but no matter what you do…It won’t be me. It’s so cheeky and fun and I really hope people will resonate with the message and have fun singing along. 

What was your favorite part of the recording process?

Without a doubt the late night recording sessions. There were times when my team and I were laid up in the studio all night and I would have to take little power naps on the floor. I absolutely adore that creative energy that forms when you find a group of people that work well together. Since we were all spending so much time together in the studio,  there was this natural flow and we were able to create this really great vibe in the work environment that helped foster my creativity, even when times were tough. There were lots of nights where I would start getting really sleepy in the booth and it was obvious to my producers, so whenever this would happen we would have mandatory dance parties just to get the blood flowing and the good energy up.  It sounds cliche, but magic really does happen in the studio. Since the song is finished I have been much more focused on the business side of things, which is very important, but I truly cannot wait to get back in the booth. 

You’re attending Berklee College of Music. What makes Berklee the right place for you?

The reason why I feel so good about being at Berklee is because of the strong sense of community that I have built here. My song is fully produced and engineered by Berklee students. Being able to work and grow with others is the most rewarding part of attending school here. It pushes me to work harder and become the best version of my artistic self. There is also something to be said about the plethora of opportunities available here at Berklee. I have made more industry connections in my 2 semesters here than I have my whole life before attending. Berklee is what you make it. I have taken every opportunity presented to me and that is why I find myself to be successful here. That and a whole lot of hard work. 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Right now I am loving Sabrina Carpenter. I think she has done a beautiful job of building her brand. She has this really fun cheeky element to her music that I am super inspired by. I also love Kendrick Lamar. I remember my older brother would always play his stuff while growing up so his music has always been a part of my life. Though our genres are different, I think it is amazing how poetic he is in his songs, they really do tell a story. I’m inspired to be a storyteller like that and really get through to people using my music as a medium. I also love his flow. It is just so satisfying to me. I truly think that he is one of the best lyricists of our generation.

What would you say is your biggest challenge with your music career?

I grew up in the world of classical music, particularly in the world of opera. My whole life I was put into this box musically. Since I was a little girl, I was told that the only way I would ever make it in that industry was if I were to “tone down my personality.”  I studied classical voice and opera at The Boston Conservatory for a semester. It was during my time there when I truly came to terms with the fact that I was completely neglecting my true passion for writing my own songs and performing music in a contemporary setting. Dropping out of Conservatory was the best thing I ever did to myself.  I needed some time to reflect on what I really wanted. Walking away from something that was once a dream come true was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but I am so grateful every single day that I trusted my gut and did what I felt was right for me, and now I am doing what I’ve always wanted to do in the way that I want to do it. At the end of the day, my classical background taught me so much about hard work and discipline…but the most important lesson I learned from my experience is that I am not willing to change to uphold the standards of others. In the contemporary world, my outgoingness and bubbly personality has gotten me so far, and I am so grateful that I get to do what I love and be my true self while I'm doing it. 

What are your immediate music goals?

I really just want my music to resonate with others. There are so many artists that are motivated by acquiring fame and fortune. I’m not saying that those things aren’t lovely and wonderful things to want, but for me it’s more about personal fulfillment. After pretending to be somebody I wasn’t for years and years, it feels so good to put out the kind of music that I want to make. I want to start playing more live shows in the coming months because I love performing for an audience. I want people to sing and dance to my music and just love it as much as I do.  The ultimate goal for me in my journey is to be able to support myself and my family while doing something that I love, everything else is just considered a bonus!

---

I can't wait to hear that single!  

As always, I want to thank GIGI 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 to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

Thanks again GIGI, and good luck reaching your goals!