Sarah King Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Sarah King is a fantastic singer, and I was excited that she wanted to visit with us and discuss her music, her goals, and more. I’m sure you’ll love everything she has to say.

So, let's see what happens when Sarah King visits Section 36!

I really enjoyed your album (with The Guilty Henchmen) “What Happened Last Night”. What was it like to put that together?

This record was SO much fun to put together. I flew down to Georgia (where I used to live) and recorded with my former bandmates. We hadn't been in a room together in eight years and it was a blast just to hang out again. We worked harder than I think any of us had ever worked since we only had 4 days to do everything - setting up, tracking, and mixing - but it didn't feel like work. We were exhausted but so proud at the end, and I am thrilled we pulled off the logistics to make it happen.

You have a single releasing on October 2nd. What can you tell me about it?

I sure do! This track is a whole different beast from WHLN.

WHLN was a solid blues-rock record, top to bottom. My new single, Nightstand, has a totally different feel. For this track, I worked with Simone Felice and David Baron (the producers for the Lumineers, Jade Bird, Matt Maeson, Bat for Lashes, etc) in the Catskill Mountains. It's got much darker overtones than the songs on WHLN, and it was produced with more of a trip-hop, dark alternative vibe. I loved being able to incorporate some different influences into this track and utilize different instrumentation than I've worked with before.

Nightstand is a slow but powerful burn, and it builds. It starts off casually enough, but if you listen to the words, it's a warning not to underestimate women. By the end you can hear the edge in my voice, especially in a line talking about how "the world's been trying to take me out since the day I first arrived." It wasn't written to be a political statement or anything, but it's certainly become a timely theme, and I'm looking forward to sharing it. 

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

The energy and the feeling. Being able to share my stories - or interpret other stories - and have listeners feel something. From the time I started playing my own music, my goal has always been for listeners to feel something. I'm not up there to sing the loudest note or whatever. I want my stories to resonate with people so they know they're not alone.

Who/what would you consider to be your biggest musical influences?

I like to joke around that my biggest musical influences are bourbon and bad decisions, but that's not entirely a joke - I once read something like "bad decisions make good stories" and I totally agree. Who wants to hear a song about everything going perfectly? There's got to be some sort of challenge, some sort of growth or change in any good story, and songs are simply stories set to music. 

In terms of artists I'm into, the ones you'll hear on WHLN are the Black Keys and Jack White. On Nightstand we got a little deeper and you'll hear some Portishead, Alabama Shakes, and if you know him, maybe a little Greg Dulli. 

Other than COVID, what would you say is your biggest career challenge?

My biggest career challenge is probably figuring out where my music belongs. I've played and studied a variety of styles - literally from opera on up - and I enjoy getting out of my musical comfort zone. Right now, finding the right niche for my music, the right listeners is a challenge. My songs are catchy but the lyrics are often a little dark for mainstream pop/rock music. I like to say I have a good time singing about hard times, and it's true. My music isn't going to lift you up or inspire you - there are plenty of other musicians out there doing that - but it will help you feel like you're not alone. Now I need to find those people who need to hear my stories!

What are your immediate career goals?

My immediate career goals are to get Nightstand out to as many ears and eyes as possible on October 2nd! I'm then headed back to the Catskills to finish the EP with Simone and David, and those songs will be released over the coming months. 

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I’m sure we can help her reach those goals!

As always, I want to thank Sarah for visiting, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview.

I know you’ll all want to follow along with Sarah to see what she's up to. Especially with all the new releases coming up! The best way is to follow her online on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. You should also be sure to listen to her music on Spotify as often as you can. It’s the perfect way to make sure you don't miss a thing.

You can also visit her Section 36 Music page. There you'll find more links, pictures, and samples of her music. It's a great way to enjoy everything Sarah has to offer all in one place.

Thanks again Sarah, and good luck in reaching your goals! 

“Violet Silence" by Serena Z (Release date September 19, 2020)

 “Violet Silence" is the latest single from the incredible singer Serena Z!

And you won’t want to miss it!

You probably remember Serena Z from her interview with us, and her amazing previous single “Absence of Color". Since then, like me, you've been eagerly awaiting the release of her next single, and I wasn't disappointed! I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I do.

You can find “Violet Silence" just about everywhere you usually get your music like Apple and Spotify. So, there's no reason you won't be able to find it.…which I highly suggest you do.

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If you want to learn more about Serena Z, check out her Section 36 profile page. It has samples of her music, links to where you can find her, and more.

You can also hop directly to her recent interview right here on Section 36 Music.

Be sure to give “Violet Silence" a listen!

Mae McCoy Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Mae McCoy is a wonderful singer, and I was thrilled that she wanted to visit with us and discuss her music, her goals, and more. I’m sure you’ll love everything she has to say.

So, let's see what happens when Mae McCoy visits Section 36!

I really enjoyed your recent single “I Don’t Want My Heart To Break”. What can you tell me about it?

IDWMHTB is a song about loving someone to the point of needing to leave them. Sometimes, relationships can get toxic. And sometimes it’s important to realize when it’s time to let the person go so you both can move on, especially when you don’t want your heart to break. 

You’re currently a student at Berklee College of Music. What is the biggest thing that is doing for your career?

Berklee influences who I get to network with in the industry. I

met Justin Meyer, who I wrote IDWMHTB with, and he produced the song with me as well. I also met Stephen Trischitta and Alexander Wright through Berklee. So really, the school has helped me make connections that are ultimately going to benefit me in my career.

What would you consider your musical style or genre?

I would say my primarily genre is pop simply because that’s one of the most inclusive genres. You can have pop-rock, pop-rap, pop ballads, etc. I don’t really like to constrain my songwriting to a genre. I just write and sometimes it sounds more poppy and sometimes it sounds more like R&B or hip-hop, etc. But pop would be the closest one word answer :) 

Who or what would you consider to be your biggest musical influences?

Ed Sheeran has always been my biggest influence. Before I knew about his music, I focused on classical piano and choir music. But then I discovered Ed Sheeran and I was really inspired by the fact that he wrote his own songs. So then I took up songwriting as a way to cope. I consider myself a songwriter before anything else :) I was also very inspired by Christina Grimmie though while growing up. I loved her singing and piano playing. I think it’s one of the main reasons I belt in a lot of my songs. 

Other than COVID, what would you say is your biggest career challenge?
I would say the biggest challenge for me is writing for both me and the people. Writing for me started as a way to cope with my emotions, but once I knew I wanted to be a singer-songwriter, that’s when I realized I had to turn it into an actual career for myself. And in order to do that, I have to write something that the people want to hear. So sometimes it’s difficult to balance my own passions and what will be trendy. I still haven’t quite found that balance, but I’m hoping it’s something I’ll develop as I continue to release singles :D

What are your immediate career goals?

I would like to be big enough to go on tour and not have to

worry about money. I don’t need millions, but I don’t want to end up needing a second job that ends up turning music into just a hobby for me. I would love to find my niche and get connected with fans. I really hope my music can move someone the way artists I love move me with their music.

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Hopefully we can help her reach those goals!

As always, I want to thank Mae for visiting, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview.

I know you’ll all want to follow along with Mae to see what she's up to. The best way is to follow her on Instagram. It’s the perfect way to make sure you don't miss a thing.

You can also visit her Section 36 Music page. There you'll find more links, pictures, and samples of her music. It's a great way to enjoy everything Mae has to offer all in one place.

Thanks again Mae, and good luck in reaching your goals! 

“Things I Never Said” by Jemima (Release Date September 12)

“Things I Never Said” is the debut EP from the talented Australian singer Jemima! 

And you're definitely going to want to check it out!

What can you expect from this EP? Well, here's what Jemima herself has to say about it in her release...

 

“Jemima’s upcoming EP, “Things I Never Said”, features five tracks. While each song differs in mood, they all share commonalities: a distinct eagerness to tell a story. Jemima’s unwavering desire to connect with people has been evident for years; she began busking at 15 and has since performed up and down the east coast of Australia and around London in the UK.

The EP features Jemima’s ’60s-inspired track“As You Are”. In July, the song debuted at #1 on the iTunes singer-songwriter chart for Australia. The EP’s first single, a folk-pop ballad called “Patient”, reached #2 on the same chart when it was released in March.“Patient” also won the approval of folk musician Angus Stone.After hearing the song, Stone invited Jemima to his home studio to sing backing vocals on his Dope Lemon release, "Streets ofYour Town”

 

Recorded at Rockinghorse Studios Byron Bay, "Things I Never Said" was written by Jemima, mastered by Paul Blakey, and recorded and mixed by Paul Pilsneniks, who has engineered acts like Angus and Julia Stone, Pete Murray, Silverchair, and Powderfinger.”

I obviously couldn’t have said it better myself. While the two singles need no introduction, I can confirm that the rest of the EP falls together exactly as promised. The songs, while different, all play off each other to create an album that shows off the beauty of Jemima’s vocals. Each song makes you want to hear the next, and the last one makes you want to start all over again. The story-writing draws you in, and carries you right through the end. It’s a wonderful experience.  

You'll be able to find “Things I Never Said" just about everywhere you usually get your music like Spotify or Apple! So, there's no reason why you won't be able track it down…which I highly suggest you do. In fact, why not go presave it now?

 

Right. Now!

Delia Brennan Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Delia Brennan is a talented singer, and I was thrilled that she wanted to visit with us and discuss her music, her goals, and more. I’m sure you’ll love everything she has to say.

So, let's see what happens when Delia Brennan visits Section 36!

I really enjoyed your recent album “People Leave”. What can you tell me about it?

I wrote this album over quarantine when I was feeling really defeated in many areas of my life. I was missing a lot of people from Boston, feeling disconnected from folks at home, and feeling like I’d lost myself in some way. Creating this album helped me get over that hump and express my feelings and struggles in a way that I could better understand; through music. It helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel and create healthy relationships again in my life- with people, with music, and with myself. I had so much fun creating it and it’s now available on all streaming platforms!

You’re currently a student at Berklee College of Music. What is the biggest thing that is doing for your career?

Berklee has provided me so many connections with amazing

musicians from all over the world who specialize in different things, whether it be production, performance, songwriting, etc. I have collaborated with so many amazing people within the semester and a half that I lived in Boston, and I can’t wait for 3 more years of knowledge and collaboration and connections.

You have a history in musical theater. What do you enjoy about performing on stage?

Musical theatre is where I found that my passion for music wasn’t really a hobby, but what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I love performing onstage because I love being in a live piece of art with other artists, and I love that every performance is different. You’ll never give the same exact show twice, which I think is so much of the beauty of theatre. I love musical theatre, and I really hope to find it again someday in my career or as a hobby.

Who or what would you consider to be your biggest musical influences?

Some of my biggest influences as a songwriter are Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, and Sara Bareilles. I love that all 3 of them have the ability to create such vivid imagery with their lyrics in very few words, and such memorable and unique melodies with only a few notes or that are only a few seconds long. I really hope to capture that essence in my music.

Other than COVID, what would you say is your biggest career challenge?

I think the nature of the music industry makes finding a career in music a challenge for anybody. It’s all about forming connections and accepting and embracing rejection, and that makes it very difficult for a lot of people. I think Berklee prepares their students really well to find careers in the “real world”, so I think I’ll feel a bit better about it 3 years down the line, but it is slightly daunting to me. 

What are your immediate career goals?

I would love to keep creating in any capacity, whether it’s

creating entirely original music and making money off of streams and gigs (whenever those are commonplace in my area again), or arranging for other groups, I would just love to make a career of freelance writing and arranging while I’m a student. It’s a great way to make some money while getting better at my craft.

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Hopefully she’ll be able to reach those goals!

As always, I want to thank Delia for visiting, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview.

I know you’ll all want to follow along with Delia to see what she's up to. The best way is to follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or visit her website. They’re great ways to make sure you don't miss a thing. You should also be sure to check out her music on Spotify, or anywhere else you choose!

You can also visit her Section 36 Music page. There you'll find more links, pictures, and samples of her music. It's a great way to enjoy everything Delia has to offer all in one place.

Thanks again Delia, and good luck in reaching your goals! 

“Unbreakable” by Stephanie James (Release Date August 14, 2020)

When Stephanie James interviewed with us at Section 36 Music, she teased an upcoming debut album. I, along with the rest of you, have eagerly awaited the chance to hear the results of that production. That opportunity came last month, and I can definitively say it was worth the wait.

First, a little bit about the album itself. Here’s how Stephanie describes it on her website:

 

“James released her debut album “Unbreakable” in collaboration with Grammy-nominated producers Jorel Corpus and Simone Torres. The album explores vulnerability, self-reliance, themes of growing up, and learning from the past. Maya Angelou’s poem, “Caged Bird” is featured among songs with hints of country and soul. Stephanie hopes to empower her listeners to overcome their struggles and discover that we are all “Unbreakable”.”

 

Of course, we were all given a taste of what the album would be like with the release of the first single, “Throw Me A Rope”. That release made me eager to hear more!

Stephanie was nice enough to answer a few questions for us about the album...

 

What did it take to put the album together?

Lots of patience - patience I never knew I had in me. I’m still learning how to remain persistent while being patient with myself and the process. It’s always been a goal of mine to have my own album. I knew that I needed to write A LOT of songs, find my sound, and collaborate with producers and musicians who could elevate my vision. It took about 3 years to make the record from the beginning writing stages to launching a Kickstarter campaign to releasing the album.

What was the recording and production process like?

It was such an honor to have Jorel Corpus produce the album - we had so many laughs and he really put his whole heart into every single detail. I can’t thank him enough for that. I really wanted the album to have warm energy with real instruments but also have that polished pop sound. Jorel worked with my references and really understood my vision. It was such a pleasure to have Simone Torres onboard to engineer and produce the vocals. The whole team brought so much to the table and really made the entire process so special.

What does it feel like to finally have your album out?

It’s such a relief - I’ve been anxiously waiting to share this music with the world. I never thought I would release my debut album during a pandemic but we need music, change, and positive energy to get us through these difficult times. These songs came to me during painful moments of growth and reflection when I really had to rely on myself to process my emotions and keep moving forward. Personally, these songs have gained more depth and meaning with the current state of the world. I’m so honored to share my personal experiences and I’m proud of how my visions came to life from my little notebook. The lyrics in the title track “Unbreakable” state “nothing can ever be too small unless you put it in a box”. I believe this so much and hope listeners will feel inspired to keep growing and moving forward. Music has helped me so much during this past year and I hope these songs can inspire, empower, and bring listeners joy. 

 

The album did not disappoint. From the start with the beautiful “Caged Bird” to the unforgettable beat of the “Unbreakable” title track, this album drew me and wouldn't let me go. Each new song serves its own delicious treat.

You can find “Unbreakable" just about everywhere you usually get your music like Spotify or Apple! So, there's no reason why you won't be able track it down…which I highly suggest you do.

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If you want to learn more about Stephanie, check out her Section 36 Music profile page. There you can find links to her full interview with Section 36 Music, her social media accounts, as well as more samples of her incredible singing.

You can also hop directly to her interview right here on Section 36 Music. That will give you an opportunity to learn more about this amazing singer.

Be sure to give “Unbreakable" a listen!

“Toxic Love" by Lupyn (Release date September 1, 2020)

“Toxic Love” is the latest single from the incredibly talented Lupyn! 

 

And you're definitely going to want to check it out!

What can you expect from this song? Well, here's what Lupyn herself has to say about it...

 

“This song is a testimonial to the healing power of music - because making this song was a form of therapy for me and helped me to overcome past trauma. As part of my candidacy for Miss Vermont 2021 and being the current title holder of Miss Grand Isle, I am trying to spread this message of the importance of music, especially in the lives of children. If you'd like to know more about this initiative and how you can help, please visit: www.takenoteVT.org.”

Such a wonderful concept for a song like this one.

You can find “Toxic Love" just about everywhere you usually get your music like Spotify! So, there's no reason why you won't be able track it down…which I highly suggest you do.

 

This instant.

 

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If you want to learn more about Lupyn, check out her Section 36 Music profile page. There you can find links to her social media accounts, as well as more samples of her incredible singing.

 

Be sure to give “Toxic Love" a listen!