“Ever Be Right” By Trinity Mei (August 4, 2023 Release)

 “Ever Be Right" is the incredible debut solo single from Trinity Mei! 

If you enjoyed her in Heiressy, you'll love her here and need to listen to this song immediately. The beautiful music combines with Trinity's vocals to make musical magic.

What else can you expect from the song? Here's some more about it from the release:

With her highly anticipated debut single. "Ever Be Right" Trinity Mei unveils a deeply introspective narrative. Through poetic lyricism, she fearlessly explores the complexities of opening oneself up in a new relationship, revealing her struggles, triumphs, and unyielding quest for authenticity.

Trinity Mei's artistry encapsulates storytelling prowess, a highly emotional and refined vocal delivery, and innovative musical instincts. Prepare to be captivated as she fearlessly opens a window into her soul, revealing her vulnerabilities and triumphs, while finding strength in authenticity.

You can find “Ever Be Right" on Spotify, so there's no reason why you won't be able track it down…which I highly suggest you do.

Right now!

MEL. Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! MEL. is an incredible singer, whose recent EP, "Consequences of Love" should be listened to again and again. 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 MEL. visits Section 36 Music!

I’m a big fan of your EP, “Consequences of Love”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you for the kind words about “Consequences of Love”. This project is what I call my “baby project” - it was my very first EP, and it was my first experience releasing my work as a singer-songwriter and arranger. And I call it my “baby project” because when I still listen to it today, I can hear my teenage voice trying to share my truth and my story in my own words. You know, as teenagers, we go through a bunch of different emotions - first heartbreaks, first fights, and first realizations. So I guess this EP is about all these conflicted feelings. For example, “17” is about dreaming about becoming a musician and sharing art with listeners, “consequences of love” is about being in love with someone you can’t have and all these life episodes we all go through during our teenage years. By creating this project, I simply wanted to share my truth with my audience, and remind them that they are not alone going through similar situations. And despite the fact that most songs were written when I was a baby songwriter (I was 15), with broken words at times, these songs are a sincere testimonial of my story as a teenage girl. 

What is your favorite part about performing in front of a live audience?

It is a really good question! I think musicians have similar and different answers to this question. For me, it is about feeling the music, and seeing the audience reactions when performing. I chose to become a musician because music is the most beautiful language we all share, and seeing happiness, joy, sometimes passion and at the same time sadness on so many faces shows me that music, my music, touches people. Sometimes this world is a very lonely world, but music always brings people together. And performing live makes me feel like I am bringing some smiles on faces, some warmth for a short moment in peoples’ lives. And this feeling is everything. 

You are a graduate of Berklee College of Music. What’s the biggest thing Berklee has done for your career?

Berklee is a wonderful institution that showed me that all dreams come true if you put your mind and heart into it. There are so many students coming from all over the world to become professional musicians, and this industry is challenging for all of us. But Berklee gave me the tools and opportunities and I proved to myself that I was capable of big things as a musician and individual. No dream is ever too big as long as you put hard work into it. But the best thing Berklee gave me was to meet my mentors, my friends and peers, and a great access to the American music industry. And yes, my time at Berklee as a student is over, but as an alumni, I will always be part of this amazing community. 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

This question is always the one I know I will have trouble answering simply because there are so many musicians I admire. As a pop/classical artist, voices that always inspired my work are Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Ariana Grande. These amazing vocalists are to me the best in their field, and always inspire me to discover even more about vocal technique and experiment with vocal textures. Sara Bareilles, Birdy and Billie Eilish inspire my songwriting, especially Sara Bareilles with her pop songwriting, and her musical theatre career. As a composer, producer and arranger, composers like John Williams, Alexandre Desplat and songwriter-composer Alan Menken are maestros I am incredibly amazed by. Their art makes me dream, and was part of the soundtrack of my childhood and teenage years. Finally, I am a huge admirer of Khatia Buniatishvilli, and her musicianship inspires my piano playing when I arrange and write my songs. 

What would you say is your biggest career challenge?

I guess right now I am going through my first big career challenge. I just finished my undergraduate degree, I am starting my OPT as a self-employed singer-songwriter, composer, and I am simply trying to figure out my next move. As an international student, it is more challenging to navigate post-graduate life in a country you weren’t born into. But I am working on new projects, and I am excited to give my career a thousand percent. You just have to believe in yourself, even when life seems uncertain most of the time. Being a musician is not a stable path, but it is magical and humanly rewarding. 

What are your immediate career goals?

I want to finally start releasing new music, gigging in Boston and New York, flying to Los Angeles to meet new people and work with wonderful musicians. I am also interning at AME Studios in Boston, shadowing composer Jerome Leroy, teaching, and learning even more about the industry. I am thinking about going to grad school but also building a sustainable career - it takes time but with hard work I am sure it will turn out to be the most amazing experience of my life. 

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I'm definitely excited to see where her path takes her!

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

I'm sure you’ll all want to listen to MEL. and follow along with her to see what she's up to. I would definitely follow her on Instagram, and/or Spotify. In fact, check out her whole linktree! 

Thanks again MEL., and good luck reaching your goals!

Kelsey Blackstone and Gōst Pepper - “With a Little Help From My Friends” Tour - Introducing the Friends

As she embarks on her "With a Little Help From My Friends Tour, Kelsey Blackstone was kind enough to bring us behind the scenes and show us how an independent artist pulls off a tour like this. I hope you enjoy it. -S36.

I’ve wanted to go on tour like this since I was a little kid, so this is kind of like a dream come true. I originally started my band back in January of 2020 - little did I know what the future had in store. We had plans at that time to go on a tour for the summer of 2020 as well, and when that looked like it definitely wasn’t in the picture anymore, we knew that it would be a long time until we got that opportunity again. 

Some of the friends that I work with in the band now are friends that I’ve had since my very first months in Boston in 2018. It’s been so special to get to experience their growth and see the development of their own art over the years - they’ve seen mine too and we really support one another.

So let’s first start with how I figured out what to call the tour. When you don’t have a tour set up around a new or upcoming release, then it becomes more of a: ‘how can I introduce my music that’s already out there and my music that I’m going to be putting out to as many new faces as possible?’ As I was thinking about why I make my music and what it’s like to perform on stage, I was reminded that I would not be able to make this work without my friends in the band. But this also includes friends like you, Ron, helping to spread the word about my music and what I’m trying to do in Boston and beyond. It also includes the people that I get to meet in the audiences we perform to. But it doesn’t just stop there: our friends on this tour also include the very lovely people who have agreed to host us. Most of our lodging is provided by our friends in different cities, venue owners, friends of friends - just kind individuals. This tour would definitely not be possible without them either, and so, the ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ tour was born!

The friends on stage for this tour include Sean Marcelin on guitar, Elliot Rick on bass, Anderson Jno Baptiste on keys and synth, Kaylin Frisaura on trumpet, Matome Phala on drums, and Aidan Donnelly on saxophone. Gōst Pepper (that’s his stage name, he also goes by Adam!) is the other band on tour with us. Adam/Gōst Pepper is the one that produced my song, ‘My Superstitions’! This will be both of our first times touring and it’s going to be really exciting to have everybody with us. 

Last but not least, I can’t forget to thank our friend, Pat, and the Save the Cat Agency for helping us book this tour. Pat has worked with a lot of local bands and helped send them on tours, so we thought that going to someone like them, with their experience, would be really helpful for us. I’m happy to say that we were absolutely right and Pat is the best.

You can catch our tour kickoff show on Wednesday, 8/2, at O’Briens Pub in Allston! NY favs Seeing Double will be there too.

Thank you to Kelsey for sharing this with us. And for sending along the tour poster, designed by Anna Ferrari, and the picture by Sam Melanson If you want to learn more about Kelsey, check out the interview she did with us here at Section 36 Music in March 2022.

Kimaya Diggs Visits Section 36!

Photo: Steph Larsen

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Kimaya Diggs is a wonderful singer, whose recent EP, "Quincy" absolutely blew me away. I was so glad 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 Kimaya Diggs visits Section 36 Music!

Your recent EP, “Quincy”, is just incredible beyond words. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much! I'm so happy to hear that people are connecting with the songs and enjoying them. I conceptualized the album as being a joyful way to process difficult emotions, and through the recording process, lots of difficult emotions came up when I lost my dog, my mom, and a lifelong friend. 

What was the best part of the recording process?

My favorite part of recording was the quiet moments in 2020 when we were recording in a home studio with all the time in the world. Lots of turmoil was happening in the world and in my personal life, but the studio was a safe and peaceful place. The absolute best part of recording was the way my dog Quincy would lean against my legs when I was tracking vocals. 

What is your favorite part about performing in front of an audience?

I love connecting with people. Live performances give me an opportunity to make contact with people who I don't usually cross paths with, and we get to share this moment that only happens once ever. Even if I do the same set another time, it's not the same show. It's about exchanging energy with the people who are there on that day, in that moment. 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Photo: Steph Larsen

One of my biggest musical influences is Corinne Bailey Rae. I love her songwriting, and the summery feeling that she captures in many of her recordings. Other folks I'm really inspired by these days include Raveena, Lianne LaHavas, Anita Baker, and Donny Hathaway. 

What would you say is your biggest career challenge?
Working in music is more challenging than ever before. There are more roadblocks and less money in the industry. It's challenging to find resources to work on new projects, and it's challenging to go on tour. But the community is home to many of the most generous, creative people I know, so I have hope. 

What are your immediate career goals?
I'd love to work up a solo act so I can have a little more flexibility while touring, and I'm already writing and planning my second album!

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I'm definitely excited to hear more music from her!

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

I'm sure you’ll all want to listen to Kimaya and follow along with her to see what she's up to. I would definitely follow her on Instagram, and/or Spotify. In fact, go do both right now! 

Thanks again Kimaya, and good luck reaching your goals!

The Music Pushes Me and I Punch Back: The Life of a Local Rock Star - By Rob Kleiner

"The Music Pushes Me and I Punch Back" is an electrifying and heartfelt memoir that takes readers on a roller-coaster journey through the captivating world of a local rock band. With a perfect balance of raw emotions, triumphs, and challenges, this book offers an intimate look into the lives of the band members and their relentless pursuit of musical greatness.

The author skillfully portrays the protagonist's musical evolution, beginning from their humble piano lessons to the discovery of their true passion for the guitar. The transformative power of music is beautifully depicted, and readers can easily resonate with the protagonist's dedication and determination to pursue their musical dreams.

One of the most commendable aspects of this memoir is the band's undying passion for music, which transcends genres and fuels their creativity. This insatiable appetite for different musical styles keeps their artistry fresh and dynamic, making for a fascinating read for music enthusiasts.

The excitement reaches its peak when the band signs with a prestigious New York label, and readers are taken on a thrilling ride as they work with a Grammy-nominated producer to refine their sound and take it to new heights. The description of their recording sessions and the emotions involved in sharing their music with the world is truly enthralling.

However, just as the band seems to be on the cusp of stardom, an unexpected twist derails their journey. The mysterious disappearance of the label owner adds an intriguing element of suspense and uncertainty, leaving readers wondering how the band will handle this unexpected setback.

Throughout the memoir, the author's writing style is engaging, evocative, and immersive, successfully bringing the reader into the world of the band and their music. Whether you're a music lover, aspiring musician, or simply someone who appreciates tales of perseverance and passion, "The Music Pushes Me and I Punch Back" is a must-read.

While the book is undoubtedly captivating, it might leave some readers yearning for a more comprehensive exploration of certain events or deeper insights into the band members' personal lives. Nevertheless, this minor flaw does not overshadow the overall impact of the story, which remains inspiring and engaging from start to finish.

In conclusion, "The Music Pushes Me and I Punch Back" is an exhilarating ride through the ups and downs of a local rock band's journey. It offers a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music and the resilience of those who dare to chase their dreams. This memoir is a testament to the indomitable spirit of musicians and is sure to strike a chord with readers of all backgrounds. 

You can find "The Music Pushes Me and I Punch Back" on Amazon, where you should grab your copy today!

“Rumors" by Duda (July 21, 2023 Release)

“Rumors" is the incredible debut EP from Duda! 

You need to check it out right away.

I’m sure you remember Duda from her interview with us, where we discussed her single “Lost Messages", the first song on this EP. That fantastic song is the perfect introduction to this EP!

You can find “Rumors" just about everywhere you usually find your music, like Spotify, and 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 Duda, check out her interview right here on Section 36 Music. That will give you an opportunity to find out about this amazing singer.

Be sure to give “Rumors" a listen!

“Stranger's Bed" by Maxine (July 12, 2023 Release)

 “Stranger's Bed" is the fantastic new release from Maxine! 

Be sure to check it out right away.

I’m sure you remember Maxine from her interview with us, where we discussed her single “Gasoline". That song was part of a long stretch of amazing releases, which "Stranger's Bed" absolutely continues.

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

***

If you want to learn more about Maxine, check out her interview right here on Section 36 Music. That will give you an opportunity to find out about this amazing singer.

Be sure to give “Stranger's Bed" a listen!