Tara Sunne Visits Section 36 Music!

Let's meet another visitor to Section 36 Music! Tara Sunne is preparing to release a new single, "I Don't Know", that you won't want to miss. 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 Tara Sunne visits Section 36 Music!

You’re currently working on a single, “I Don’t Know”, that I’m very excited about. What can you tell me about it?

I wrote "I Don't Know" during my fall semester of senior year (Fall 2024) because I realized that I'd be graduating, moving out of state, and leaving my current friends behind at the end of the school year. This song reflects what a big change your early 20s are, because before then, everything revolved around our school and hometown. However, once you graduate school and grow up, you're on your own for the first time, and that abrupt welcome into adulthood is a very scary thing! That's what I wrote this single about, and I'm so excited to release it soon.

You recently put together a band for live performances. What has that process been like?

I've always wanted a band - it's something I've thought about for years in the back of my mind. Now that I'm moving to Boston in a few weeks, I thought that this would be the perfect time to finally form one! I'm putting together a group of musicians to be a part of "Tara Sunne + The Band" for gigs and more. Most of my music predates the musical growth I've had as a singer/songwriter and as a performer. So, while my band will be playing gigs with me in Boston this fall/winter, I am also going to re-record some old songs and release some new ones with the band.

I enjoyed the music video you made for your incredible single “Little Dreams”. Do you see more music videos in your future?

I would love to release more music videos in the future. The Little Dreams music video was a more quirky and fun project I put together with my friend in high school. However, in recent months, I see my artistry, aesthetic, and songwriting style evolve, and I'm hoping to put out some new music soon that matches this shift. With these new singles, you will definitely see a new music video or two! :)

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

My biggest musical influences that shape my aesthetic and songwriting are Lizzy McAlpine, Noah Kahan, and Gregory Alan Isakov. But I listen to all types of music, and although my other favorite artists like Renee Rapp and Couch the Band aren't necessarily my musical influences, they're big inspirations for me! I love how Renee pours her whole personality in her music, and I especially love Couch's energy on stage. I got to see them perform and had the privilege of meeting some of the band last month and it was such an incredible experience. Couch has and continues to inspire my new era as an artist with a band!

What is the most challenging part of your music career?

I would say that it's having to balance music with my jobs and education. I am about to start grad school at Boston University and work two part-time jobs all the while, which will be time consuming and crazy for sure. Although I do find time here and there to work on my music, it's hard to really grow without the time and the money to put into your career. Nonetheless, undergrad and grad school have been extremely helpful in me making connections and forming friendships with other talented musicians that I can jam with or ask for musical advice. I know so many musicians like me who are just college students trying to find the time for their music, and these people (who are some of my best friends) are always the kindest musicians who are always down to help!

What are your immediate music goals?

My current music goals are to start playing gigs with my band in the Boston area and put out some new music with them. I'm so excited to put some more time into my career during this new chapter in my life!

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Very solid goals if you ask me. Be sure to catch her out performing if you're in the area!

As always, I want to thank Tara 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 and visit her website to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

Thanks, Tara, and good luck reaching your goals!

Isabella Paris Visits Section 36 Music!

Another visitor to Section 36 Music! Isabella Paris recently released an incredible single, "Over The Garden Wall". I was so thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss the single, her musical goals, and more!

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

I am incredibly excited about your single, “Over the Garden Wall”. What can you tell me about it?

Over the Garden Wall is an exciting song, like when it was written. It tells the story of a girl who is almost being taunted or tortured in some way. However, it's a reflection of you, almost looking at yourself (out of body) and seeing all of these things you don't like about yourself, and making fun of it. 

Did you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

My favorite memory is probably just being able to do it with my mother. She has helped me with every single pisces acoustic session and is the backbone for keeping me sane and calm during the process. I love her very much, and she is so inspiring to me. 

I also love the music video for your debut single, “Under the Willow”. What was it like putting that together?

Thank you!! Under the Willow was the first pisces acousticnsession I filmed! The process was super difficult because we had to maneuver recording outside, being in a public park, and dealing with noise. At the end of the day, we made do with what we had and ordered a couple of things to make it easier on ourselves. However, it turned out exactly the way I wanted it to, and I am so, so happy with it. 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

My biggest musical influences would have to be Twenty One Pilots, Phoebe Bridgers, The Marias, Melanie Martinez, Paramore, The Paper Kites, and honestly so much more. They inspire me lyrically, visually, and instrumentally!

What is the most challenging part of your music career?

The most challenging part of my music career is just having to take on so many different roles. Songwriter, content creator, editor, booking agent, manager, and any other positions that a bigger artist has the privilege of having! However, I love doing it. It helps me be a well-rounded musician! 

What are your immediate music goals?

My immediate music goals are to build community. I want a "family" in a way. I want more people to find my music (if they choose to or come across it) and just ride along on this journey with me.

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Those are great goals, and I definitley want to be part of that community...don't you?

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

Madóc Talks About "Adrenaline Demos"

Like most of you, I absolutely adore the recent debut EP from Madóc, "Adrenaline Demos". And, if you're anything like me, when you love music you want to learn all you can about it. Luckily Madóc 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!

What can you tell me about your debut EP, “Adrenaline Demos”?

Adrenaline Demos is a collection of six songs of mine in their stripped down form. I have been performing my original work for a little over a year now as a solo acoustic artist. I wanted to capture this time in one EP to cherish these songs in their original form before building them into something more with my band. In terms of the EP storyline, I write about a lot of things but when choosing which songs to include, I wanted to focus on the most introspective songs that have been my foundation over the last year - the ones that just tell the story of me as a person. The EP was recorded primarily in one live session during an adrenaline rush, so any emotions, whether tender or powerful, are all there. I’m really proud of this project and I hope others feel connected to it too.

What do you remember most about the recording process?

The recording for this EP all happened during a really intense time of my life. I was super busy with work and I had a lot going on personally. When I look back, it feels like a blur. My friend Morgan and I had tried recording a few of the songs in different sessions but my voice would be shaky or tired, and it just wasn’t coming out how I wanted. Then, one day I ran into the studio and said “I have so much adrenaline, we have to record everything now!” We recorded five out of the six songs in that one session. Morgan was super supportive in powering through that with me and I think it just goes to show how these songs have helped me work through my own struggles. Music is healing, so I just want my listeners to know that as much as these songs may help them get through tough times, that’s how it felt for me when writing and recording them.

Do any of the songs on the EP stand out in your mind?

I have a personal attachment to my song Rewind. It’s my favorite by far. I wrote it after my first real heartbreak which was also my first time being in a lesbian relationship, so it was a very powerful experience. I remember writing it literally in tears on my bed within two hours - it just poured out of me. But I think why I love it so much is because up until that point, I had never understood what everyone around me was experiencing when it came to romantic love and loss. So as much as it was crushing to experience, it was also heartwarming because I felt like I could understand others so much better and I felt more human. I started to understand lyrics and songs in ways I never could before because I actually related to those feelings and emotions. So everytime I play this song, I’m brought back to that moment and filled up again with all of the same emotions. This song is about longing to restart with a person, wishing the circumstances could be different so you could be together or just wanting to rewatch the movie of us over and over again. I think especially in regards to a first love, it is about always holding love for that person even as time passes.

What was the photo shoot like creating the EP artwork?

The EP artwork was all done by my friend and band-mate,Madison McGrory! She is soooo talented. We took the photos at Revere Beach on this beautiful evening when the sun was bright red. The concept came to be because the beach is where I find peace. I always feel like I can completely let down there. And so we took pics of me running, spinning, being pensive, and more. This was to try and capture the adrenaline rush met with deep grounding I get when I’m at the beach in my happy place. I chose the final EP pic as that one because I actually couldn’t stop looking at it and thinking, “Wow, I really am beautiful.” It felt like a nod to my younger self in saying yeah, pick the photo of your whole face even if it’s scary! There’s a lot going on behind my eyes in the photo and I think the EP gives my listeners some insight into what that is.

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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!

Lizi Aquilina Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! I'm sure you all know Lizi Aquilina from her incredible recent single, "Set Me Free". 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 Lizi Aquilina visits Section 36 Music!

I just love your recent single, “Set Me Free”. What can you tell me about it?

First off, I am beyond overjoyed you like Set Me Free! Set Me Free in many ways is my personal anthem and reminder to myself. I have been in quite a few relationships where I let a lot of things slide which I now realize I shouldn’t have. Me and my dad joke a lot that we tend to overlook people’s flaws and shortcomings to the detriment of ourselves. We forgive and forget but at some point, it becomes too much and you feel like you're forfeiting a bit of yourself every time. So- this song for me is in many ways a reminder to myself to fight for my own peace and seek out what I want, not bend myself to give other people what they want from me. 

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

For me, performing is the reason why I decided to pursue music. Connecting with an audience especially whilst performing original material is something truly out of this world, and to be able to pursue that as a full time career has been nothing short of wonderful. Besides that, another aspect of performance for me is self expression. As a kid, I would burst into song and dance at any time of the day- when I was feeling happy and joyful to when I felt sad. Once I grew up, talking about my thoughts and feelings became a lot more difficult and so my outlet for expression went to music. Although I’ve grown and better understand my feelings, music for me continues to be my favorite and most authentic form of communication and expression. 

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

I am! But in the beginning, I was unsure if Berklee was the right choice for me. During my first semester, I struggled a lot with the distance from home, my personal relationships and handling the coursework on top of having my first job. After my first semester, I was really tempted to transfer and go back home. But after coming back for the spring, I met some wonderful fellow students and faculty who have made my experience at Berklee the best thing for me. Their support means the world to me and I am so beyond grateful for everything they’ve taught me and let’s just say I am feeling a lot of emotions entering my senior year here at Berklee. 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

This is a really hard question- I think one thing I am so grateful to my parents for, besides taking care of me and everything, is the amount of musical exposure they gave to me all throughout my childhood. I grew up listening to classic rock, musical theatre, blues, jazz among so many others thanks to them. And I think you can really hear it in the music that I create. For instance, my newest single, “Set Me Free,” has a lot of influence from 70s rock especially in the later half of the song. If I were to name a couple of artists who come to mind that have really shaped my sound, I would say The Doors, Joni Mitchell, Sarah Kinsley, Don Mclean, & Cass Elliot among a lot of others haha!

What is the most challenging part of your music career?

The thing that I am struggling with the most since I’veI started my career is knowing who I am as an artist. Being an independent artist in today’s world, we have to wear a lot of different “hats,” something my professor kind of put it as. Because we don’t have the backing of a management company, we are in charge of everything we produce and put out into the world. It's been very daunting as I am not as knowledgeable in marketing, editing, and content creation. I am slowly learning and am very grateful for the knowledge that I do have but it’s definitely still a challenge.

What are your immediate music goals?

My immediate music goal after Berklee is definitely performing and writing/releasing more music! I hope to either move back home to LA or move to New York and just live! Experience the music scene, meet other like-minded musicians, work with the wonderful people I know now and just keep doing what I love. One idea my dad mentioned to me this past summer was the idea of applying to perform at the Olympics in LA and while I know it may not happen, I want to try anyway! Cause why not!! Regardless, I know I am only just getting started so to whoever is reading this, I hope you can join me on this wonderful journey that is yet to come! 

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I'm wishing her the best of luck on that goal!

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

Singing the National Anthem at Fenway Park for the Savannah Bananas Game!

 By Whitney Doucet

OK… where do I even start?! Singing the national anthem at Fenway Park for the sold-out Savannah Bananas game on July 6th was seriously one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.

If you’ve never seen the Bananas play—let me just say, you are missing OUT. They are the most fun, over-the-top baseball team out there, and people go crazy trying to get tickets. So when I opened my inbox and saw a message asking if I was available to sing the anthem for their game, I immediately said YES. Thankfully, I had the day off. 

It wasn’t until I started telling people that I realized how big of a deal this actually was. Everyone was freaking out, telling me how awesome the Bananas are and how they’ve been trying to get tickets forever. That’s when it really hit me—I got super lucky.

I threw on my white pants and a bright yellow Savannah Bananas jersey (obviously had to dress the part), and headed to Fenway with my husband, who came along to film the day—and he crushed it, by the way. When we got there, we were greeted by the sweetest girl named Chloe who took us down to the Red Sox dugout—I’m talking, the dugout where legends have sat. Just being in that space felt surreal.

We ended up right near the owners of the Bananas who were so kind and welcoming. And then it was time—I walked out onto the field and sang the national anthem in front of a completely packed stadium. Right after I finished, I literally walked by Doug Flutie. Like… no big deal, right?! 

After that, we found our seats, grabbed a massive slice of pizza, and just soaked it all in. The game was absolutely wild in the best way—nonstop entertainment from start to finish. I’m officially a huge Savannah Bananas fan now and I really hope I get to go to another game in the future, whether I’m singing or just cheering in the stands.

Seriously, what a day. One I’ll never forget. 

Watch the Anthem here!! https://youtu.be/B3qeJem7FOc

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This story has been posted simultaneously here and on the Section 36 Music blog.

Lizi Aquilina’s New Single “Set Me Free” — A Bold New Sound in a genre all on its own, Ethereal Rock.

Lizi Aquilina, an artist based in LA and currently attending Berklee College of Music, is back with an evocative new single, “Set Me Free” released on June 6th to all major streaming platforms. Lizi Aquilina delivers an emotionally charged, sonically rich song that showcases a new chapter in her musical journey.

“Set Me Free” blends acoustic classical guitar with disruptive electric elements and a classic rock groove with Lizi’s signature ethereal vocals. The track is produced by Ethan Strubbe, Lizi Aquilina and featuring Dylan Embring. Check out liziaquilina.com to see more of what Lizi is up to!

EMMA HARNER REVEALS DEBUT EP, TAKING MY SIDE

July 11, 2025 — Rising singer-songwriter and guitarist Emma Harner reveals her highly anticipated debut EP, Taking My Side.  The 5-track collection—featuring previously released singles "False Alarm" and "Do It" alongside three new songs, "Yes Man, "Lifetimes," and "Again"—is a coming-of-age body of work shaped by emotional upheaval, self-examination, and quiet resilience. Known for a distinctive sound that fuses the intimacy of folk with the complexity of math rock, Harner brings a rare mix of technical mastery and emotional honesty to everything she creates. "'Taking My Side' is a collection of songs from a time in my life when I was going through some big changes,” Harner shares. "The title is a reference to the song 'Yes Man,' which is about a friendship gone awry. To me, 'taking my side' means putting myself first, not being such a pushover, and recognizing when someone is working against me. In many ways this record is a mantra for myself." Across the EP, Harner showcases her signature blend of intricate guitar work and emotionally direct songwriting as she navigates the highs, lows, and growing pains of young adulthood. "False Alarm" captures the disorientation of homesickness, while "Do It" unpacks miscommunication and emotional fallout. "Lifetimes" floats through memory and existential doubt, and on "Yes Man," she reckons with people-pleasing and the slow, steady act of reclaiming power. The closing track, "Again," explores the quiet, repetitive ache of heartbreak and the difficulty of letting go. Through it all, Harner emerges with a clearer sense of self and a sound that’s entirely her own. Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska and now based in Boston, Harner has developed a distinctive sound that fuses the intimacy of folk with the complexity of math rock. She first gained attention through a series of viral videos on Instagram and TikTok, quickly building a devoted following drawn to her virtuosic playing, harmonic sophistication, and emotionally resonant songwriting. In 2024, her debut single "When You Mean It" premiered as a Zane Lowe World First. Since then, she has toured as direct support for Orla Gartland on both her 2024 U.S. and 2025 European runs, and has opened for artists including mxmtoon, Tiny Habits, and The Bygones. With the release of Taking My Side, Emma Harner emerges not only as a gifted guitarist and songwriter but as an artist coming into her own with clarity, purpose, and heart. Taking My Side Track List: 1. False Alarm 2. Do It 3. Yes Man 4. Lifetimes 5. Again Taking My Side is out on all streaming platforms on July 11

Photo Credit: Sydney Tate (@sydneytateb)

Follow Emma Harner: Website Instagram TikTok Substack Spotify YouTube

Smriti Sankar Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Smriti Sankar is a wonderful singer, fresh off the release of her single, "Escape Artist". I was flattered she wanted to visit with us to discuss the single, her musical goals, and more!

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

I really enjoyed your recent single, “Escape Artist”. What can you tell me about it?

I started producing the song in early September when I took a gap semester. Although I was producing and mixing for other people, I felt quite underconfident about producing my own music because I am a perfectionist, and sometimes too much of a perfectionist with the songs I write. However, with this song, I put my perfectionism aside and just had fun producing the song with Ableton Live. I also documented my process along the way. I had the chorus written out based on a friend’s personal experience. After going on a solo trip to Prague and meeting my partner in October, I got inspired to write the verses and the rest of the song. I consider this song a big step in my learning process and it has taught me to have fun with making music, drawing inspiration from life, and learning as I keep trying to get better at writing and producing.

Did you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

I really enjoyed playing around with the vocal chops heard in the song on the choruses and especially at the end of the song. I was visiting my brother in California at the time. I remember sitting with him at his workplace where I accompanied him and I remember unleashing my creative energy and having fun with the effects on my voice. I also recorded all my vocals on a cheap condenser microphone and interface all in my brother’s acoustically unideal living room. I set up a pillow fort around myself to record which was actually quite fun and allowed me to be more comfortable with recording my vocals! It also taught me to make use of what I have around me when I do not have access to the ideal recording environment.

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

I first heard of Berklee when I was fourteen years old and I was looking for a music school that taught music production and contemporary/pop music. I was also thrilled to find out that Charlie Puth and some other artists I grew up listening to attended Berklee. I did a few summer programs at Berklee while in high school before joining for my undergraduate degree in 2022. I remember that the first day I had classes at the Day Sessions program, I felt so inspired and felt like I found my first step into making a career out of music and doing what I love. In addition to the classes and the knowledge from the amazing professors, the network and opportunities is something I am grateful for from Berklee.

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

I have had so many musical influences while growing up, but if I had to narrow it down to my top three, I would say Sara Bareilles, Julia Michaels, and Lizzy McAlpine. Ed Sheeran’s orange album also inspired me greatly with my songwriting. I also have to mention that I grew up listening to Pink Floyd, Sting, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson because my mom loves these artists.

What is the most challenging part of your music career?

As cliche and counterintuitive as it sounds, always being myself is one of the most challenging parts of my music career. Sometimes, I am afraid of being unauthentic or trying too much to sound like an existing artist. I am continuing to improve on this by frequently asking myself “is this what I want to say to the world or am I writing this to please someone or fit a certain mold?”. One of the key aspects about my personality is that I like making the choice that most people would go against. I hope to bring this boldness (in some ways, stubbornness) and confidence to my music by making crazy and authentic choices to convey the message.

What are your immediate music goals?

That is still something I am figuring out. I know in the long term, I want to land a sync deal or write/produce with major artists in the indie/pop scene. At the moment, I am working on new music for myself, freelance producing for other artists, DJing and creating my own tracks, and finding gigs near me. All I know is that I am going to keep making music and I am excited to share it with the world!

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I'm excited for her to share music with us!

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