Monday, February 17, 2020

Lexi Jordan Visits Section 36!


Photo by Justin Mayotte
Section 36 Music has another visitor! Lexi Jordan is a wonderfully talented singer, and I was excited that she wanted to talk with us about her recent single and the rest of her music.

So, let's see what happens when Lexi Jordan visits Section 36!

I really enjoy your single, “Highway”. What can you tell me about that song?
Thanks so much! “Highway” is my first original single so it will always be very special to me. I wrote the song back in 2017 with the help of Whitney Doucet and Jared Hancock at Surefire Studios. I wanted to write a fun and uplifting summer song that anyone could jam to. The song was also inspired by a past relationship back in high school as well. I wanted the story of the song to have meaning and relatability for my fans. The song is meant to remind you of that person you once loved and did everything with. All you need is them and it does not matter what the final destination is. At that point in my life, I was sixteen and just starting to experience a lot of freedoms that I never had before. From getting my license to my very first boyfriend, I feel that “Highway” represents growing up and experiencing those freedoms along the way.I am extremely grateful for all the love and support I have received sing releasing the song. 

Is there any more studio work in your plans?
Yes! I am very happy to say that I have been writing a lot recently and I plan to start recording again very soon. I am extremely excited to start announcing some secrets that I have been keeping from my fans. There is so much I want to say with my music and I cannot wait for everyone to hear more. With all the love and support received from “Highway”, I am beyond ready to show the world more music. My main goal of my singing career is to be someone that can help my fans through any situation. Music has always been my best friend ever since I was little. So many amazing artists have helped me through just about every single aspect of my life. I want to be an artist that can do that for others as well. 

Who or what would you say has had the biggest influence on your music?
Kelsea Ballerini and my mother have definitely had the biggest influence overall. Kelsea Ballerini is a woman in country music that writes such amazing stories. She has moved so many people of all ages with her music. I was fortunate enough to meet her back when she was a little less well-known. I was able to sing outside her tour bus and she actually opened the window to tell me I had a good voice. I had always wanted to be an artist but I never had the confidence to do so. I think that night really showed me that this is something I am meant to do. She is the type of artist that I want to embody and she inspires me everyday.

Photo by Justin Mayotte
My mother is the reason why I love country music so much. It was always her favorite genre and she always played it whenever she could. In the car, it was always the local country stations that she was playing. I grew up listening to so many insanely talented country artists because of her. My mom always said that she listened to it because each song had a meaning or story behind it. I have continued to love country music because of that. When I was about seven, my family took me to my very first concert. It was Keith Urban and Taylor Swift as an opener. As I was watching the show, I vividly remember all of the energy inside that venue. I listened to the audience sing along to each and every song. I remember looking into the crowd and wondering what it would be like to be on that stage. This very first concert I went to ensured me that I wanted to be an artist too.

You’ve been able to perform live on several occasions. What do you like most about being on stage?
I love being able to see the audience singing along to the songs. It is so much fun to be able to be on stage doing what I have always loved. Seeing fans that have come to multiple shows always means so much to me. Entertaining others with my music is something I will always enjoy doing. I used to have stage fright until I was sixteen and before then I never thought I would step on a stage. Fast forward a few years and I have played at so many amazing venues. Overall, I love being able to perform no matter what the venue and no matter how big the audience. 

Does any specific appearance stand out in your mind? Why?
Photo by Justin Mayotte
I was able to perform at Country 102.5 as Carolyn Kruse’s Local Catch of The Week. I sang the acoustic version of “Highway” as well as one of my unreleased songs. This appearance really sticks out to me because Country 102.5 is one of the radio stations that I listened to almost everyday. It was almost like I was dreaming when I was asked to come to the studio. It was such an amazing day and I loved being able to meet Carolyn Kruse. Hearing my song on the radio for the very first time is something I will never forget. It was an honor to play for them and be Kruse’s Local Catch. 

Right now, what would you say is your biggest career challenge?
I would say my biggest career challenge is that I am still in college. I go to school in Rhode Island and I am originally from Massachusetts so it is not the easiest to travel down to Nashville. I am beyond excited to move there after I graduate and start playing my music there. However, It is not the biggest challenge as I am still able to record, write, and play around here. I am happy to be able to go to a great school and also work on my music at the same time. I have these next couple of years to write and gain a larger audience near my hometown. 

What are your immediate career goals?
My immediate career goals are to be recording again very soon. I cannot wait to get new music out into the world. I had the best time recording my first single and I am very ready to continue with more. I also plan on getting together a full band as well which I am so excited about. I have so many ideas and plans and I cannot wait to share some very soon!

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Hopefully she can accomplish those goals!

As always, I want to thank Lexi for visiting, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview. They’re fantastic.

Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Lexi to see what she's up to, I suggest check out all her online locations: her website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Soundcloud!

You should also check out 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 Lexi has to offer.

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

Friday, February 14, 2020

"Lose My Cool" by Melissa Mills Released February 14th!


The latest single, Lose My Cool, from budding singing superstar Melissa Mills released on February 14! 



And I know you want it!

What can you expect from it? Let’s see how Melissa described it in her recent interview with Section 36 Music.

"I’ve taken a song I wrote on my loop pedal, and with the help of my friend/producer Scott Bowers we’ve created something new and exciting! It’s a bit psychedelic with a pop twist."

That sounds simply amazing to me. You won't want to miss this, so be sure to check it out any way you can!

You can find “Lose My Cool" just about everywhere. Look at these options! 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 Melissa, 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 recent interview right here on Section 36 Music. That will give you an opportunity to learn more about this amazing singer.

Be sure to give “Lose My Cool" a listen!

Monday, February 10, 2020

Abby Kenna Visits Section 36!


Section 36 Music has another visitor! Abby Kenna is a fantastic singer, and I was excited that she wanted to talk with us about her recent single and the rest of her music.

So, let's see what happens when Abby Kenna visits Section 36!

You recently released your fantastic single “Black Coffee”. What can you tell me about that song?
I wrote “Black Coffee” two years ago in a fit of complete and utter exhaustion. Every aspect of my life at the time was just absolutely draining - every relationship, feeling, and goal I was working towards felt out of reach and I was stuck in this state of bitter fatigue. I was spent, simultaneously burned out in a mental, emotional, and physical sense. So, I wrote this sort of anthem for all of us who are trudging through the day with bloodshot eyes and an attempt at a smile.

That was on the heels of the August release of your album “From the Bathroom Floor”. Is there more studio work in your future?
Definitely! I may or may not have a couple more singles up my sleeve… I’m so excited for this next era of my music - it really feels like me and I’m starting to find my voice through these new tunes that I’ve been writing and releasing.

You’re currently a student at Berklee. What is the most important thing that is doing for your career?
Oh, boy. That’s a hard one to answer. If I had to choose one,
I would say the connections are the most valuable part about studying at Berklee. It’s a crossroads for thousands of amazingly talented and driven musicians from all walks of life, and every single one of those people can help you in some way, and visa versa. For example, while you might be searching for studio time, the production and engineering students are always looking for a project. While the composition majors are cooking up beautiful arrangements to be performed, the performance students are aching for a chance to get on the stage. Every connection and collaboration expands the career of each person involved, so it’s important to just get out there. For all you know, the person sitting next to you in Ear Training could co-write your first hit single. The chance is there.


You've been able to perform at several live shows. What have you liked about those appearances?
I’ve been performing for most of my life, but as a solo artist my favorite things about my shows has been the variety in environment, but consistency in reciprocation. I mean, there have definitely been gigs where only a few stragglers are watching, but even so, I’ve found that there are good people everywhere, and just one kind comment from a stranger is enough to keep me going until the next show. Trying to rise in the music industry is ruthless, but there’s always at least one genuine person in the crowd that latches onto what I’m trying to say, and that gives me so much hope for my music and just life in general.


Does any one particular appearance stand out in your mind?
Definitely my EP release, which was August 2019 at the Saint
in Asbury Park, NJ. That whole day was like a movie. I had been chilling in the green room with my band while the place was filling up, and when I walked out it was PACKED. I had to push through people to get to the stage. All of my friends and family and teachers and even some random people had completely filled the venue, and the energy was just insane. Somehow they knew all the words to the songs I had released not 18 hours ago, and screamed them back at me the whole show. I still watch those videos and get choked up. Oh, and my best friends brought me a cake with my face on it. I honestly don’t think it gets better than that.


Right now, what would you say is your biggest career challenge?
Sometimes it’s hard to keep giving myself the creative liberty to write what feels right while still maintaining rigidity in pursuing learning and career opportunities. Especially at school, wherein all of my homework and class time revolves solely around music, it gets difficult to not fall into the trap of viewing music as “work”. Also, if I start to filter myself or think only about what people “want” to hear, my songs feel so much less genuine. So I’ve been putting a lot of work into just enjoying the process of creating music in all aspects of my life, whether for myself or work - and I’m really happy with the songs I’ve been writing as a result!


What are your immediate career goals?
Right now I’m really focused on writing non-stop and trying
to play out as much as possible. I want to keep releasing music and exploring my songs with different bands because every time I do I feel like I get a step closer to the sound that really feels like me. So, I’m just working towards whatever comes next, and I can’t wait!


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Hopefully she can accomplish those goals!

As always, I want to thank Abby for visiting, and for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview. They’re really perfect.

Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Abby to see what she's up to, I suggest you follow her on Instagram. Also be sure to go listen to her music on Spotify!

You should also check out her Section 36 Music page. There you'll find more links, and pictures. It's a great way to enjoy everything Abby has to offer.

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

Monday, February 3, 2020

Alyssa Dodge Visits Section 36!


Section 36 Music has another visitor! Alyssa Dodge is a wonderful singer, and I was thrilled that she wanted to talk with us about her music.

So, let's see what happens when Alyssa Dodge visits Section 36!

I really enjoyed your EP “Temporary Nothing”. What was it like to put that together?
Working on “Temporary Nothing” was a lot of fun! I began writing the first song for it, Materialistic, when I was 13 and finished writing the last song, Temporary Nothing, the day I went into the studio. Recording the EP was my first experience in the studio and I defiantly learned a lot from the experience.

Do you have a favorite song from that EP? 
Yes, my favorite song from the EP is Back to You. This song is about how I fell in love with a guy and I kept getting hurt, but I would keep going back to him time after time and I feel that because this occurred over a longer period in my life, it means more to me. This song is also a fan favorite as it was picked up by radio station WDSD and gets the most plays on streaming sites.

Is there more studio work in your future, and when might we be able to hear the results of that? 
Yes, I’ve actually been in the studio a lot lately! I am currently working on a full-length album of all originals that I have written over the past year. I have a few singles coming very soon and the full album out in the Spring!

You’ve been able to perform live on several occasions. What do you enjoy most about being on stage? 
When I am on stage I love being able to connect with the audience and share my experiences through my songs. I also like to have fun with the crowd and share stories and have them sing along.

Is there one appearance that stands out in your mind? 
Yes, one of my favorite performances was part of a concert series in Delaware. I got to sing alongside Hayley Orrantia who has a major role on “The Goldberg’s”. There was a bunch of people there who were all very loving a supportive and being able to share my music with them was so amazing!

Right now, what would you say is your biggest career challenge? 
Right now, I would say my biggest career challenge is simply my age. I feel that when I try to book shows or just when I’m talking to someone about my music, they don’t take me seriously because I am so young.

What are your immediate career goals?
At the moment, I am trying to finish up my next album and release it and I am also trying to book some more shows for the Spring and Summer to promote and share my new music.


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Hopefully she can accomplish those goals!

As always, I want to thank Alyssa for visiting, and for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview. They’re really perfect.

Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Alyssa to see what she's up to, I suggest you check out her Facebook page and follow her on Instagram. They’re the best ways to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting things she mentioned during the interview.

You should also check out her Section 36 Music page. There you'll find more links, and pictures. It's a great way to enjoy everything Alyssa has to offer.

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

Monday, January 27, 2020

Melissa Mills Visits Section 36!


Section 36 Music has another visitor! Melissa Mills is a
Photo by Portraits of Humans
talented singer, and I was so glad that she wanted to talk with us about her music.

So, let's see what happens when Melissa Mills visits Section 36!

This summer you released your single, “Blueberry Daydream”. What can you tell me about that song?
Blueberry Daydream is about finding a place in my mind to escape the feelings of guilt and regret in my life. We all go through hard times and make questionable choices, so this song was born out that feeling.  Blueberry was a huge milestone for me as a solo artist because it was the first song I released as Melissa Mills that was fully my own and was a solid representation of my sound as a musician. Recording this song also led to me working with a drummer which was always the goal for my music, to be back in a full band. 

Is there any more studio work in your plans?
Photo by Quesi James
Yes!! My next single, Lose My Cool, will be released February 14th, Valentine’s day!! I’ve taken a song I wrote on my loop pedal, and with the help of my friend/producer Stone Komodo we’ve created something new and exciting! It’s a bit psychedelic with a pop twist. And I absolutely can’t wait to get it out there!  Following that, I hope to release a few more singles in 2020, as well as hopefully a few music videos!

I enjoyed the video for your song “Make Sense”. What was it like to put that together?
Thank you! It was a really fun and random project that was a lot more difficult to achieve than I had imagined while planning it.  I had some friends over just to play some music and this song came to life. Around this time I had made the decision to change my Instagram handle to MelissaMillsmusic and I wanted something a bit flashy to show off my new name.  Since we had recorded our jam session, I selected my favorite minute and then recorded my vocal tracks over top. Then I mixed those in Garageband.  Following that I set up my house to be the set, and filmed all the various scenes on my friends camera. I think the most difficult part was editing them in iMovie as I’ve never tackled something like this before. Knowing that I wanted it to be a bit extra I learned some cool tricks with editing and I am very very proud of how it all came together.  There’s something about taking a small idea and watching it blossom into fruition that really excites me. 

You’ve been able to perform live on several occasions. What do you like most about being on stage?
Photo by Portraits of Humans
Being on stage is a rush like no other.  There’s this pressure to carry the energy of the room, but it is a good kind of pressure.  When I’m on stage, especially when playing with a full band, I feel liberated. I like to take my shoes off and dance barefoot, singing and shaking it with everything I have. I’ve been told by many that I’m a passionate performer, and that is definitely what I’m aiming for.  I want to entice and engage the audience; if I’m singing a sad tune I want us to feel it together and when I’m happy I want the room to glow.  Being a musician is a powerful position but it’s one I take on humbly and with so much love.

Does any specific appearance stand out in your mind? Why?
Recently I played at the Lizard Lounge, and it was one of the best shows I had played in a while. When the crowd is quiet and hanging on your every note, it is so uniquely special.  It is rare to be in a “listening room” and to have the audience truly care about what you’re giving out.  It was a beautiful show, and I could feel all the love in the room. 

Right now, what would you say is your biggest career challenge?
Photo by Quesi James
Right now my biggest challenge is transitioning from a singer/songwriter into a full band. Since 2017 when my first band officially ended I have wanted to be back in that space.  Full bands are more easily hired, desired, and at the end of the day it is where I really want to be, so my biggest challenge is going to be finding the right opportunities to showcase that band.  I’ve been the band in the back of the room that’s almost background noise, and that is not where I want this band to go.  So there are many challenges, but I’m excited for a new journey. 

What are your immediate career goals?
In 2020 I have a lot of plans and intentions for my career as a musician.  I will be releasing my second single “Lose My Cool” in February and I hope that it will get to 1000 plays. I would like to get involved with Sofar sounds, and play one of their intimate shows. Also expanding the repertoire of the band with more original music, playing stages I’ve never played before, and returning to some of my favorite spots. Overall I want to gain traction as an artist and grow my connection to those in my music community and those that are into what I’m bringing to the table.  

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Hopefully she can accomplish those goals!

As always, I want to thank Melissa for visiting, and for allowing me to use the pictures that accompany the interview. They’re really wonderful.

Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Melissa to see what she's up to, I suggest you check out her website and follow her on Instagram. They’re the best ways to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting things she teased during the interview.

Speaking of not missing out, don’t miss her next live show. She’ll be at The Worthen Attic in Lowell, MA on Feb 14. She’ll be celebrating the release of “Lose My Cool” and I’m sure you’ll want to celebrate with her!

Of course you can also find her music directly on Spotify

You should also check out her Section 36 Music page. There you'll find more links, and pictures. It's a great way to enjoy everything Melissa has to offer.

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

Monday, January 20, 2020

Gabby Patrice Visits Section 36!


Section 36 Music has another visitor! Gabby Patrice is a
wonderful singer, and I was so glad that she wanted to talk with us about her music.

So, let's see what happens when Gabby Patrice visits Section 36!

In November you released your latest single “White”. What can you tell me about that song?
"White" is a song I wrote about a situation I was in. I was having nightmares about marrying the perfect man I had been with for five years, so I wrote about the nightmare. It was painful and I never expected to release it. I started singing the song out, and the reaction from how it helped audience members feel less alone in their relationships is the reason I released it. I opened up my diary for the world to see, and I haven't looked back. I am extremely proud of this song. 

I enjoyed your videos to “You” and “Good as Gone”. What was it like to put those together?
Well, as sad as this is, the "You" music video is not only about the man I wrote "White" about, but also has him in it. Life is a crazy thing. I always enjoy making music videos because I believe a visual for the listeners is important. Telling a story and showing a story are two different things. They are powerful together.Good as Gone was shot at the Omni, with a lot of my good friends. It was a blast, and that was what the song was meant to portray. I am GOOD when he is GONE. Funny enough, this one wasn't about a boy- I wrote Good As Gone thinking about a toxic friend. Being surrounded by healthy and loving friends in that music video meant the world. 

You made the move from your Massachusetts home to Nashville. How did that move affect your career?
I could not picture my career without Nashville. I was playing cover gigs in Boston for years before I made the move to Nashville. Once I moved, I learned more in one year than I had in 24 years. I was a small fish in a beautifully creative and hard working pond, and I was ready to swim. My writing has grown tremendously. I know more about the industry. I created a name for myself, a brand for myself. It changed my life and career 100% and I am so grateful that God gave me the courage to move all alone, and the strength to keep fighting, learning, and growing here in music city. 

You've been able to perform at several live shows. What have you liked about those experiences?
I love performing! I just love to sing and dance. This year I was able to sing at Bridgestone Arena! Those performances are incredible because it's a big crowd and fun energy. I love bringing happiness to a crowd through music. On the other end, I have performed at The Listening Room. This can fit 300 people, but the rule is to be silent and really listen to the performers. This is less about making people happy and more about telling your story. It is more about making people feel connected and heard. I love all kinds of performing! 

Do you have any upcoming appearances you’re especially excited about?
I am in Boston for a string of shows and I am excited for every single one of them! To be honest I am working hard on performing but more so on creating the music and writing. I want to keep growing as an artist, so I am always writing and trying to give my listeners something new to look forward to! 

Right now, what would you say is your biggest career challenge?
Finances. If I am being honest. I could spend 10 hours a day writing and not get paid. Then we are expected to pay for our own photos, recordings, mixes, putting the song out, marketing, promoting, etc. We need to pay for that as artists but we aren't getting paid to be artists. Most gigs in Nashville barely pay! I know a lot of musicians that have side jobs. I just don't necessarily feel that is fair. People outside of our world don't understand, and it is hard to ask for help financially without feeling small. I am blessed to be a full time musician with no side job, but it is definitely a struggle. 

What are your immediate career goals?
Release more songs. Tour the world. Collaborate with other artists and release that music. 

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Hopefully she can accomplish that goal!

As always, I want to thank Gabby for visiting, and for allowing me to use the pictures that accompany the interview.

Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Gabby to see what she's up to, I suggest you check out and follow her social media accounts: Instagram, and Facebook. They’re the best ways to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting things she teased during the interview.

Of course you can also find her music directly on Spotify

You should also check out her Section 36 Music page. There you'll find more links, pictures, and some of her music. It's a great way to enjoy everything Gabby has to offer.

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

Monday, January 13, 2020

Jennie Angel Visits Section 36!


Section 36 Music has another visitor! Jennie Angel is a
talented singer and performer. I was flattered that she wanted to talk with us about all of that, her music, and more!

So, let's see what happens when Jennie Angel visits Section 36!

In July you released your first single “Move On”. What can you tell me about that song?
I wrote “Move On” laying in bed one night after a show. I saw so many couples and heard so many stories that night of cheating spouses, I wrote a song to try to promote honesty in relationships. 

Have you been working on any other recordings, and when might we be able to hear the results?
Yes! May 2020 I recorded with Altercation Records, 3 songs will be on another band’s album. I also am working on releasing my own album.

Your social media feeds are full of wonderful informal videos of you singing anything from covers to original songs. What do you enjoy most about putting those together?
Thank you! I just love being able to connect to a song and share them with everyone. Kinda like “oh hey have you heard this song, but listen this is how I hear it”.
I enjoy learning new songs every week whether they are my own or covers. Tons of fun for me.

You've been able to perform at several live shows. What have you liked about those appearances?
I love playing for large noisy crowds, where that one song stops the talking for a few minutes at a time and I love the small intimate shows too where I have a more interactive audience.

Do you have any upcoming appearances you’re especially excited about?
Yes! 2/8 is a talent show at Eisenhower hall. The winner gets an entertainment contract! 

Right now, what would you say is your biggest career challenge?
Honestly it’s not challenging at all, I’m having fun doing every single opportunity that is thrown my way and I’m always having fun searching for more shows to play. I would travel the world forever playing music if I could.


What are your immediate career goals?
To get this album recorded and see one of my songs on that top 40 

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Hopefully she can accomplish that goal!

As always, I want to thank Jennie for visiting, and for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview.
Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Jennie to see what she's up to and how her career is progressing, I suggest you check out and follow her social media accounts: Instagram, and Facebook. They’re the best ways to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting things she teased during the interview.
Of course you can also find her music directly on Spotify. 

You should also check out her Section 36 Music page. There you'll find more links, pictures, and some of her music. It's a great way to enjoy everything Jennie has to offer.

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