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!