Fiona Marais Visits Section 36 Music!

Another visitor to Section 36 Music! Fiona Marais is a fantastic artist whose recent EP, "Lovely, Bejeweled, & Messy", is one you should be listening to on repeat. I was thrilled she was willing to visit with us to discuss the EP, her musical goals, and more!

So, let's see what happens when Fiona Marais visits Section 36 Music!

Your recent EP, “Lovely, Bejeweled, & Messy”, is simply wonderful. What can you tell me about it?

After graduating high school, I took a gap year to experience work, travel, and pursue my love of music. The first half of my year, along with working retail, I started to write music. I’ve always loved poetry and writing, and with more time on my hands I combined it with my love of singing. That’s when I wrote my first single, “Bonnie,” inspired by my grandma. This project was what made me realize music is truly the thing that fulfills me and while studying abroad, I decided to apply and audition for Berklee. The summer of 2024, I wrote and composed the rest of my EP. I’m extremely grateful for my dad who has a passion for music and recording, as he helped me to record and produce the EP. “Lovely, Bejeweled, and Messy” is a snapshot in time of my mind and creative process in that part of my life, and a starting point I will use to improve and grow with my music.

What was your favorite part of the recording process?

My favorite part of the recording process was really seeing and hearing what I had in my mind come to life in the studio. Some songs are very simple, with only voice and piano, while others we experimented with more pop and drum beats. Being able to explore and try new sounds is such a high, and being able to have a timeless recording of your voice is a treasure that you are able to look back upon. 

What should I know about "Brunch"?

Being at Berklee College of Music is such a cool experience, as I am constantly surrounded by other creative minds. Mid October 2024, I was reached out to by a peer who was starting a band and had a professional recording session coming up and needed a lead singer. The band would be jazz, indie, and pop, and I agreed as it was such a cool experience I will forever cherish. The band consists of 9 members, with a horn section, piano, guitar, drums and bass. We always rehearse every Sunday, and that’s where the name Brunch comes from. We’re currently writing and composing some original songs, and will be releasing the rest of the covers from the recording session. We’re also going to be doing gigs staring in January, so we’d love for people to come hear us perform!

Who or what would you say are your biggest musical influences?

I have had so many musical influences throughout my life, but my biggest ones are probably Sara Bareilles, Amy Winehouse, Stevie Nicks, Lizzy Mcalpine, and from a personal standpoint, my dad. Sara Bareilles has forever been a vocal hero to me, I’ve been listening and loving her music for as long as I can remember. For songwriting, Lizzy Mcalpine’s style and creativity are what I aim for. Both of my parents are teachers, but my dad is a musician on the side and watching him perform at intimate restaurant gigs, or play music around the house definitely fostered who I am today as a musician. 

What is the biggest challenge you face when it comes to your music?

The biggest challenges for me at the moment are probably being seen, but I recently started working with Goathead Records in LA, who are helping to teach me how to produce and release my music and actually be seen. I’ve never wanted ultimate fame, but connecting people through my voice and my music are something I love and I want to do for the rest of my life.

What are your immediate music goals?

Currently I am working towards a second EP or album, and will release a few singles in the next few months. I’m very excited for everyone to hear what I’ve been working on, these songs are close to my heart.

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A second EP sounds amazing. I'm definitely excited to hear it!

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

New Music from Sophia B

"Old City (Live)" - by Sophia B

Release Date: November 19, 2024

What You Should Know: "This song is a love letter to Boston and I am so grateful to be here at Berklee. I wrote this song in my LENS class and decided to record it and perform with the help of my amazing friends much love!"

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

Asmi Aderay Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Asmi Aderay is a wonderful artist with a single, "Met Me First", that you should be streaming over and over. I was so excited she was willing to visit with us to discuss the single, her musical goals, and more!

So, let's see what happens when Asmi Aderay visits Section 36 Music!

Your recent single, “Met Me First” is simply outstanding. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much! “Met Me First” dives deep into that feeling of longing for someone who’s already taken. It’s about the intense chemistry you can’t ignore, even though you know it’s not right. The song captures that bittersweet moment where you wish you could give in to what you’re feeling, wondering if things would have been different if they had met you first. It’s a mix of desire, heartache, and those unspoken ‘what ifs’ that we all go through at some point, and I’m really proud of how it turned out.

What was your favorite part of the recording process?

Honestly, the best part was collaborating with my friends from Berklee. There's something so special about creating music with people who just get you. Their input made the song so much richer, and the whole process was just so fun and inspiring.

You currently attend Berklee College of Music. What made Berklee the right fit for you?

Choosing Berklee was a no-brainer for me. Growing up in India, I always dreamed of coming to the States and immersing myself in a place where music is everything. It's this amazing melting pot of talent, creativity, and opportunities. Being around so many passionate musicians pushes you to level up your own game too. Plus, there's always someone to jam with, experiment with new sounds, and just vibe out together. It's been an incredible journey so far.

Who or what would you say are your biggest musical influences?

I’d say my sound is shaped by the soulful storytelling of Adele, the emotional depth of Alicia Keys, similar grooves to Fleetwood Mac, and Michael Jackson. I love artists who can make you feel something real, and that’s what I aim for in my music. But when it comes to performing, I’m inspired by the electrifying stage presence of Beyoncé and the high-energy showmanship of Bruno Mars. I want my performances to be unforgettable, where the audience feels just as connected to the music as I do.

What is the biggest challenge you face when it comes to your music?

One of the biggest challenges for me is trying not to make my music sound all the same. It’s easy to fall into a pattern, but I love experimenting and trying new things. I’m always adding a little extra spice, whether it’s a unique chord progression, a different vocal approach, or even sampling city sounds that I hear from my apartment. I never want my listeners to get bored, so I’m constantly pushing myself to explore new territories with my sound.

What are your immediate music goals?

Right now, my focus is on getting more gigs across the States and opening for some well-known musicians. I think there’s so much to learn from sharing the stage with established artists, and I’m excited to put myself out there. I also want to release more music, hopefully with a few songs that really catch on and become hits. My dream is to build a fanbase that’s excited to hear what I have to say and create unforgettable live experiences for them.

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Those are great goals. let's get to work building that fanbase!

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

New Music From Elle Sera, Liya, Kiara Skyler, Olivia C. Dacal, Kimaya Diggs, and Cece Benz

"White Christmas" - by Elle Sera 

Release Date: November 22, 2024

What You Should Know: "I love when a last minute idea for sharing some holiday vibes come through - I got this together about a month ago to help the holiday spirit take shape this ‘24 and if you love holiday music I know you’ll want to add this to your listening playlist + pleasure."

Find It: Apple or Spotify

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "It's Christmas in Section 36", "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Elle Sera Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Naughty n' Nice" - by Liya

Release Date - November 22, 2024

What You Should Know: "were you naughty or nice this season? either way, get ready for a festive treat!"

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple and Spotify

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "It's Christmas in Section 36", "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Liya Visits Section 36 Music!", "Liya's Thrift Store Creation!"

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"Collision" - by Kiara Skyler

Release Date: November 22, 2024

What You Should Know: "recorded this in one session with @kayla.pichichero. super stoked to share this one with you guys :) ”

Find It: Spotify or Apple

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Kiara Skyler Visits Section 36 Music!" 

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"I AM" - by Olivia Dacal

Release Date: November 19, 2024

What You Should Know: "This album has helped me heal and learn about myself. it’s filled with love, hurt, frustration, forgiveness, longing and my heart. I have so so much love to give and I am so grateful I get to give it all to you.”

Find It: Spotify or Apple

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Olivia C. Dacal Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"I'm Sad Again" - by Kimaya Diggs

Release Date: November 22, 2024

What You Should Know: Another fantastic song from this talented artist.

Find It: Everywhere, like Spotify and Apple

Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Kimaya Diggs Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"We're Over Now" - by Cece Benz

Release Date: November 22, 2024

What You Should Know: "I first started writing this song back in the fall of last year, but didn’t finish it until this summer. I texted @luke11giles asking if he’d want to produce it and when we got back to Boston this fall, we got to work. With life and busy schedules, we actually ended up doing most of the recording and tracking within a week. This meant back to back studio sessions, mainly between the hours of 12am - 4am. I’m so proud of the way this song turned out and can’t thank @luke11giles enough for helping me bring my vision to life and putting up with me while I figured out what I wanted to do with the song."

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Cece Benz Visits Section 36 Music!"

                                             

Maeve Zamuner Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Maeve Zamuner is an absolutely amazing artist, whose single "Snow in July" should be on all of your playlists. I was so thrilled she was willing to visit with us to discuss the single, her musical goals, and more!

So, let's see what happens when Maeve Zamuner visits Section 36 Music!

I absolutely love your recent single, “Snow in July”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much! I wrote Snow In July just under a year ago. Coming back home to my childhood bedroom after being away for my first semester of college was kind of a weird feeling. Obviously my hometown was still home, but all the sudden I had these different ties to different people and places. It sounds a bit cliche, but home really is a feeling, and this song is about navigating that. It was produced and mixed by Danny Rivera who did an amazing job, and mastered by Harris Newman who has been mastering my music for over a year. My neighbor and good friend Benedikt can be heard on backing vocals and another one of my good friends Jorden Amir is playing violin on the track. It is truly a labour of love filled with the talent of so many people that I love. 

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

I grew up doing Musical Theatre and so it was always such an adrenaline high to be a character and put on a show for the audience. As I have transitioned to performing my own music live, I feel that I have found a new rush of joy through being myself on stage. Connecting with audiences has proved itself to be my absolute favourite thing about being in a room performing with people. It’s all about the people, whether it's 5 or 500, if you can connect with at least one person in the room, then that’s a small victory to carry with you. 

You currently attend Berklee College of Music. What made Berklee the right choice for you?

I applied to Berklee as an early applicant, meaning I got accepted in October of my senior year of high school. I knew I loved Boston and I knew I loved Berklee so it was meant to be that I was accepted and didn’t apply anywhere else. It’s kind of a strange thing, pursuing a degree in an art form, for many reasons. It’s easy to get lost in comparison and swept up in an impending sense “oh my gosh I’m turning 20 and I am not headlining TD garden” when you are surrounded by people who have decided to pursue music for a living. But it’s really all about the perspective and flipping that narrative to an outlook that centers on the fact that I get to be inspired and motivated and learn from people who are masters at their craft. I am so unbelievably lucky. It’s so cool to be sitting in a history class next to a lifetime trombone player and a singer who played a sold out show last night. It’s unconventional and super weird which is why I love it. 

Who or what would you say are your biggest musical influences?

I love listening to anything and everything. I always say I'll try anything at least 3 or 4 times (one time surely isn’t enough). Artists like Lizzy Mcalpine, Holly Humberstone, Phoebe Brigders, Maggie Rogers, and Madi Diaz have inspired me to see music through a lyrical perspective and like hello they are all geniuses. I saw Raye perform this summer and that changed my life. I feel like everytime I find a new artist or see a new show I am newly inspired. 

What is the biggest challenge you face when it comes to your music?

I feel like a big challenge I have faced, that I think a lot of small artists are facing right now, is trying to cut through the wall of noise and stand out. I love the music that I make and I hope that it will resonate with people, but getting it to the right ears to hear can sometimes feel impossible. I feel so lucky that I have a wonderful group of family, friends, fellow artists, and a small but mighty following that have been so lovely and supportive. 

What are your immediate music goals?

That’s a tough question. I feel like I have a million ginormous and minuscule goals swirling around my head 24/7 365. Just taking it one day at a time, playing live when I can, and keep writing music that I love that hopefully falls into the loving hands of others so that they can love it as well. 

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Might I suggest letting "Snow in July" fall into your hands ASAP?

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