Chloe Key Visits Section 36 Music!

Another incredible artist visited Section 36 Music! Chloe Key released a single, "Never Stop Saying I Love You", a few months ago that you need to stream as soon as you can! I was so flattered that she wanted to visit with us to discuss the single, her musical goals, and more!

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

Your latest single, “Never Stop Saying I Love You”, is simply outstanding. What can you tell me about it?

This song was very special and important for me to write, as it was inspired by the loss of someone incredibly close to me. In June of 2024, I found out that the mother of one of my lifelong best friends had passed away. Because she had been such a constant presence throughout my childhood, she always felt like a second mother to me.

Her passing brought a wave of complex and confusing emotions, and I knew I wanted to write something that not only served as a memory of her, but also honored the kind of person she was to everyone around her.

I eventually performed this song at her memorial that October, as well as at the finals of the annual Bernard Ebb Songwriting Awards. In both moments, it felt right, like I had truly honored her in the end.

What do you enjoy most about performing on stage in front of an audience?

I’ve always struggled with stage fright. Especially as a kid. Public speaking has consistently been one of the most anxiety-inducing things for me. Every time I do it, I feel like I might choke up and cry. But somehow, I can’t help but get up on that stage. I want to live there.

Every time I step in front of an audience with just my guitar and my voice, I feel complete. It’s something I can’t shy away from, no matter how scared or overwhelmed I am. Despite all the overthinking, I love that stage, whether it’s a spotlighted theater, a gazebo, or even a sidewalk.

Sharing what I love with others fills my heart with a joy I can’t even begin to explain.

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

Before my senior year of high school, I never imagined myself attending a four-year college, especially not a prestigious music school like Berklee. The cost and scale of it all felt intimidating and out of reach. But once I discovered I could apply, and realized I had people in my life who truly believed in me and were willing to support me, everything changed. With my family, I created a plan I could believe in. I’m beyond grateful to now have the opportunity to attend such an incredible school.

One of the biggest turning points for me was attending Interlochen Arts Camp back in the summers of 2023 and 2024. The environment there was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. An entire place filled with creative, driven people who lived and breathed music and collaboration. It was a place where art felt sacred and community-driven. That experience reminded me how transformative it can be to surround yourself with people who share your passion. I’ll always be thankful for the inspiration and friendships I found there.

From then on, Berklee felt like a natural next step. I know that Berklee will not only challenge me musically, but also help me grow as a storyteller, performer, and collaborator. It’s where I’ll learn how to shape my voice and dreams into something meaningful and sustainable.

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

I consider my biggest musical influences to be artists like FINNEAS, Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Adrianne Lenker, Foo Fighters, and Cavetown. Lately, I’ve also been deeply inspired by Faye Webster and a lot of rock from the ’90s which are sounds that continue to shape the way I approach songwriting and performance.

But above all, my greatest sources of inspiration are my family and my incredible friends. Their support and encouragement  have carried me through every step of my musical journey, and for that, I’ll always be beyond grateful.

What is the most challenging part of your music career?

One of the most challenging parts of my musical journey so far has been building a stable and consistent audience for my work. As an emerging artist, it can be difficult to break through the barriers, especially in a world where content is constant, and attention spans are short. I pour so much of myself into each song I write, and while the creative process is deeply fulfilling, there’s always that vulnerable moment of release, truly wondering if anyone will really hear my words and connect with them.

Because that's the purpose. Cultivating a genuine connection with listeners who resonate with my music, who see themselves in my stories. That kind of connection takes patience and trust which are things that can feel daunting when you’re still trying to find your place in the industry. But I’ve come to realize that it’s a slow burn. Every person who takes the time to really listen, who comes to a show or sends a message about a lyric that meant something to them, that’s what really keeps me going besides my passion.

I know that with honesty, persistence, and community, my audience will continue to grow, and even when it feels uncertain, I hold on to the belief that if I keep creating from a real and vulnerable place, the right people will find it.

What are your immediate music goals?

My immediate goals are to inspire others and move people through my music. I want to continue writing songs that come from an honest place, ones that make people feel seen, understood, and less alone. At the same time, I want to keep improving my craft, both as a songwriter and performer. Writing more, experimenting with new sounds, and pushing myself creatively are all things I’m focused on right now. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings me closer to the artist I want to become.

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Hopefully we can help her build that community!

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

Announcing "Be Free" from Drèa Solène

Berklee College of Music graduate Drèa Solène is set to debut her first official single, Be Free, a smooth, soul-bending expression of inner conflict, hope, and emotional release. Written and first recorded a year prior (2024), Be Free marks the beginning of a new era for the emerging singer-songwriter. With roots in neo-soul and emotional honesty, the track was born during a deeply personal moment of frustration — a longing to break free from internal and external expectations, and to step into a vision of life that felt painfully out of reach. “At the time, I was overwhelmed,” says Drèa. “I wanted to work hard and show up as an artist, but not at the cost of feeling like I had to sell myself to do it. I just wanted to be free — to feel like I could chase my dreams and still be myself.”

Even now, as she prepares to officially launch the song, Drèa reflects on how far she’s already come since its creation. “When I listen to it now, I can hear how much I’ve grown. This isn’t the peak for me at all. It’s the beginning.” Be Free is more than just a song — it’s a moment of truth for anyone who’s felt stuck between the life they have and the life they envision. It’s for the dreamers still in process, for those quietly trying, for those learning to keep going even when the road is long.

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Drèa Solène is a 2023 graduate of Berklee College of Music with a bachelors degree in Film Scoring and Songwriting. With a deep love for music that feels, she blends heartfelt lyricism, vintage textures, and genre-bending soul into a sound that is both timeless and deeply personal. More music is on the way — this debut is just the beginning

Aditi Releases Incredible New Single "No One Likes Me"

No One Likes Me is a sharp, catchy Pop single with a fierce duality. Its viciously upbeat melody and anthemic chorus contrast lyrics about the fear of failure. The song reveals the gap between our harsh thoughts and the carefree way we want to be perceived. It was produced with the help of Ryan Benyo, an LA-based producer.

That offering nicely compliments her recent single, Under the Roses. That is a sinister dark pop single about the dangers of people pleasing and perfectionism. It advocates for an acceptance of our deepest flaws in order to get past them. With strong vocals complemented by a cinematic orchestral arrangement, Under the Roses offers a dynamic listening experience. It was produced with the help of Ryan Benyo, an LA-based producer. 

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Aditi is a compelling songstress bringing an energetic vulnerability to her music. Studying in Berklee College of Music in Boston, Aditi emphasizes that the heart of her catchy yet raw ballads are their exploration of complex human emotions. This is shown in releases like her latest single, ‘Under the Roses’, delving into the dangers of chronic people pleasing and perfectionism, and ‘Deleted Your Number’, an upbeat song going over the highs and lows of cutting toxic people out. 

Two of Aditi’s releases, ‘Deleted Your Number’ and ‘The Queen’ achieved simultaneous number 1s on two international Indie Music charts. Another one of her singles, ‘Some Call It Jealousy’ reached nearly 100,000 Spotify streams. This reveals that Aditi’s soulful approach to Pop has a home in the indie music scene. 

More from Madóc

I am definitely still streaming the recent debut EP from Madóc, "Adrenaline Demos" as much as I can. I still want to learn even more about this incredible artist. Luckily Madóc was willing to help us all out again by answering some more general questions about herself and her career.

Hope you enjoy what she has to say!

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

Ahhhh. I love performing. It is infectious and sparkly and just feels so natural. For as long as I can remember, I have had this energy inside of me that ignites when performing - like electricity. I actually used to be a gymnast and had felt the same way when I would perform my routines back in the day. So I think it just has to do with the way I get to fully express all the different emotions I feel. I get to tell a story to those around me through art - connecting with the audience by creating a space of wonder, sparkle, care and power. It’s such a special part of being a musician and is something I hope to always enjoy.

What is the most challenging part of your music career?

Right now the most challenging part about my music career is self-funding everything as an independent artist. It’s easy for me to get in my head about feeling behind or late to the game given that I didn’t go to music school and therefore haven’t had the resources to put out work of the highest quality. But I also feel like it sets me apart as an artist doing it differently. I’ve had a very fulfilling career in youth work and public health which I hope to continue to do in some capacity and so music hasn’t always been my entire life. I am surrounded by some really

amazing DIY independent artists in the Boston music scene and we all help each other out in finding ways to make a name for ourselves. So although I may not have all the resources and

things may take longer to put out, I’m really grateful for this amazing community.

What are your immediate music goals?

My immediate goals with music are to end this tour with a bang! Just have fun and enjoy connecting with my west coast audiences. I’ve been learning a lot on tour so far about the kind of artist I want to be as well as what challenges and excites me as a performer. After the tour,

I’d love to release a song or two that is full band. Besides that, I hope to one day open for an artist I admire.

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Be sure to follow Madóc on Instagram, and stream Adrenaline Demos to be sure you won't miss it! Also, be sure to check out all of here appearances her on Section 36 Music!

Thanks again Madóc!

The Story Behind "Familiar Places"

I just love the recent single from Aasmi, "Familiar Places". As someone who enjoyed her previous release, "KHOJ", I had high hopes for her next offering...and it didn't disappoint. If you're anything like me, when you love music you want to learn all you can about it. Luckily, Aasmi was willing to help us all out with that by answering some questions about the release for us. 

Hope you enjoy what she has to say!

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

“Familiar Places” is a song about nostalgia, those moments when a place, a smell, or even a passing memory brings you back to a time you thought you’d outgrown. It’s a reflective piece about how the places we’ve been continue to shape us, even as we change and move forward.

Did you have a favorite part from the recording process?

Definitely the layering of the harmonies. There’s something magical about watching a song fill out sonically, hearing it transform from a simple idea to something immersive that feels alive.

How did you come up with the name for the song?

The title came pretty naturally. As I was writing, I realized the whole song revolved around the way certain places hold memories like bookmarks in a story. “Familiar Places” felt like the simplest, most honest way to capture that feeling.

Do you have a favorite lyric from the song?

The song is pretty minimal when it comes to lyrics; it’s meant to feel almost like a passing thought or memory rather than a full conversation. One part that resonates with me is:

“I breathe you in me
though I cannot remember your name
and even if I try you could never stay.”

Those lines capture the fleeting, almost ghostlike feeling of remembering someone or something you can’t quite hold onto. It’s about how memories can feel close and distant at the same time, which is really at the heart of “Familiar Places.”

How did you come up with the cover art?

The cover feels like a snapshot of the song itself, nostalgic and a little dreamy. It’s styled like a postcard because I wanted it to feel like a memento you might tuck away in a drawer, something you’d rediscover years later and feel everything all over again. The candid shot at the playground mirrors the theme of finding beauty in simple, familiar places.

Do you see more releases in your immediate future?

Absolutely! “Familiar Places” is just the start. I’ve been writing a lot, and there are more songs. works that explore different sides of my sound. I can’t share too much yet, but new music is definitely on the horizon.

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Be sure to follow Aasmi on Instagram, and stream Familiar Places to be sure you won't miss it! Also, be sure to check out all of her appearances here on Section 36 Music!

Thanks again Aasmi!

Alex Amber Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Alex Amber is a wonderful singer that just released a single, "Three Weeks", that you need to stream right away! I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss the single, her musical goals, and more!

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

You recently released an outstanding single, “Three Weeks”. What can you tell me about it?

I wrote this song in a school practice room at midnight after returning from a day trip to my hometown. I initially recorded it for a project for my Music Technology class and considered maybe making it a B-side or a TikTok, but I didn’t think it would go anywhere. However, I had to present it for the final, and after the presentation multiple people were humming the melody for the rest of the 2-hour class. I also showed it to a producing club for feedback, and I noticed the same thing; people humming it for hours after. When I mentioned I might throw it on a record as a B-side, one of the club leaders asked, “if that’s what a B-side looks like, what on earth does a lead single look like?” At that moment, I realized I needed to make “Three Weeks” a real, released single. And now, here we are.

What do you enjoy most about performing on stage in front of an audience?

Onstage, I get to be unapologetically expressive to the audience. I can express my emotions and the emotions of a song with a strength that would normally be impossible in any other form of communication, and I get to witness people receive that in real time. I've fallen in love with how performing can touch other people. A few weeks ago, I was singing an original song in The Lockheart, a local restaurant in my town. When I got offstage, a stranger came up to me and told me, “you made me cry.” Although I have always loved performing, that moment truly made me understand how much of an impact music has.

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

I grew up in Massachusetts and wanted to go far away from home, to Nashville or New York, so I didn’t consider Berklee for most of high school. However, I attended the Berklee Songwriting Summer Workshop in June 2023, which completely changed how I think about songwriting and music creation. I always knew I wanted to pursue music right after graduating high school. After that experience, I felt like Berklee was the most direct way for me to get into the music industry and expand my skillset.

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

My biggest musical influences are my friends. I'm friends with some of the most talented people I’ve ever met, and their creativity and work ethic push me to strive for excellence more than anyone else. In particular, two of my friends, Mehlani and Ashley Joy, are people I truly look up to. They helped me record “Three Weeks,” and working with them showed me their incredible attention to detail and, frankly, musical genius. Their original songs and creative ingenuity inspire me, and I apply elements of their songwriting and production techniques to my art.

What is the most challenging part of your music career?

Trying to find a balance between my personal life and my career. Many of my close friends know that I find it very hard to relax and take time to smell the roses when there’s music to record, content to film, schoolwork to complete, etc. Before I went to college, my younger cousin actually sat me down and said, “Alex, I know you’ll work hard this year, but you also need to remember to lock out. You need something to write your songs about.” Those words have really stuck with me; they’ve served as a reminder to include other things in my life besides music. It’s still something I’m working on getting better at, but it’s a goal of mine.

What are your immediate music goals?

To deliver more to my fans. I’d love to have more performance opportunities and release more music, because my priority is to give people art. I am so incredibly lucky that there are people who want to listen to my music and watch me sing, and I’d love to make sure they have the chance to do that.

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Work-life balance is certainly a challenge!

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

I Am Snow Angel Reimagines Two Deeply Personal Songs on Ethereal Double Single “Prey of My Own” – Out July 25

 

New York, NY 

 
Alternative electronic-pop artist I Am Snow Angel I Am Snow Angel returns with a haunting and intimate new release. “Prey of My Own” drops Friday, July 25.  This is a double single featuring reimagined, stripped-down piano versions of two tracks from her 2019 concept album MOTHERSHIP — the title track “Prey of My Own” and the sweeping ballad “I Love You.”

For these new renditions, I Am Snow Angel — the project of composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Julie Kathryn — headed into the studio with longtime friend and collaborator Charles Newman of Mother West to record new vocal tracks and simples piano parts, exploring the emotional layers of the original compositions. The productions were polished off with I Am Snow Angel signature ethereal vocal textures.

“Prey of My Own” is a dark, cinematic ballad about surviving trauma and becoming fiercely self-reliant. The song is written from the perspective of a literary heroine, akin to Kirsten Raymonde from Station Eleven or Feyre from A Court of Thorns and Roses. The second track, “I Love You”, is a heartfelt love song. Set in an imagined, icy landscape, the song describes a journey to find a lost lover in a frozen world. 

These re-recorded versions distill the songs to their emotional core while introducing a new sonic palette that invites listeners to experience them in a fresh light. The result is emotionally resonant and otherworldly. 

“Prey of My Own” (double single) is available on all major streaming platforms Friday, July 25.

Prey of My Own - Double Single