Drèa Solène Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Drèa Solène is preparing to release her debut single, "Be Free", and you won't want to miss it. I was so flattered that she wanted to visit with us to discuss the single, her musical goals, and more!

So, let's see what happens when Drèa Solène visits Section 36 Music!

You’ll soon be releasing your debut single, “Be Free”. What can you tell me about it?

“Be Free” is one of the most honest songs I’ve ever written. I was in a really tough place emotionally — stuck between the weight of where I wanted to be with my music career and where I actually was. It came from feeling lost, discouraged, and questioning whether my vision was even possible. But writing it became a way of fighting for myself — for hope, for healing, and for the freedom to keep going without burning out. It’s a song about trying to hold onto belief when everything feels heavy.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

I recorded this song over a year ago, so some of the memories are fuzzy — but what always stands out to me is that feeling when you finally hear something you imagined in your head come to life. Whether it’s a vocal run or a harmony idea — when I hit play and it sounds just how I hoped? That’s always magical to me.

You’re a graduate of Berklee College of Music. What’s the biggest thing Berklee did for your career?

Berklee gave me access to the tools I needed to create independently — especially Logic Pro X, which I still use to record all my music. But more than that, my time there taught me the importance of trusting my voice. I had to learn how to stand firm in my artistry, even in spaces where I didn’t always feel seen or understood. That lesson has stuck with me ever since.

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Michael Jackson is my number one influence — his music, his vision, his character, and his relentless pursuit of excellence shaped everything for me. I also draw a lot of inspiration from the Yellowjackets, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Erykah Badu. Each of them brought something bold and emotionally honest to the table, and I want my music to do the same.

What is the most challenging part of your music career?

Honestly, the climb. When you’re a big dreamer like me, the gap between your vision and your current reality can feel huge — and not everyone around you will understand what you’re trying to build. That can be lonely and emotionally taxing. It takes a lot of inner strength to keep going, especially when you’re doing it independently. But I remind myself why I started and keep pushing forward.

What are your immediate music goals?

Right now, I’m building what I call my “vault” — a catalog of songs, whether it’s full lyrics or just ideas, that I’m developing and shaping into future releases. My goal is to create music that connects — songs that hit people deeply and stay with them. I’m also focused on finding my core collaborators — a team of people who understand the vision and want to build something timeless together. 

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That sounds like a great goal!

As always, I want to thank Drèa 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 to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

Thanks, Drèa, and good luck reaching your goals!

Inspiring Madóc

As I continue streaming the recent debut EP from Madóc, "Adrenaline Demos"I still want to learn more about this incredible artist. Luckily Madóc was willing to help us all out again by answering some questions about what inspires and influences her. 

Hope you enjoy what she has to say!

How did the Irish influences make their way into your music?

I have always felt connected to my Irish roots as my mom is from there. I grew up going back all the time to visit family and over the years have gone on several solo Ireland trips too -  it’s my home away from home. In terms of music, the soundtrack of my childhood was primarily a mix of U2, The Cranberries and traditional Irish music. With my Irish family, we’re the ones closing out the bars with a traditional Irish “sing-song,” harmonizing with cousins in the car or on a stage, or dancing til the morning to Irish music. When making my own music, I hadn’t intended to have Irish influence in them, it sort of just happened naturally. I feel empowered when I get to sing a riff or a celtic wail similar to Dolores O’Riordan or Hozier, and even stronger when I get to storytell in my songs like my ancestors would have. This is an incredibly important part of who I am that I will always cherish.

How has your music been influenced by your upbringing in the Pacific Northwest?

My PNW upbringing definitely influences my nature-esque

metaphors in my lyrics. But also, even in my aesthetic as an artist, I feel like I try to encompass the colors and feelings of being pulled into the forest and met with your deepest truths. My song, “The Creek” is about the literal creek behind my house where I spent so much time feeling free and imaginative. So when I think of the PNW in my music, I think of coming home to my real honest self and just being grounded by nature.

Who would you consider your biggest musical influences?

By far my biggest musical influences are Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries, Maggie Rogers, Chappell Roan and King Princess. I’ve always been drawn to big powerful singers but also those who bring an edge to their performance. I love hearing the emotions in Dolores’s and Maggie’s voices and how they go back and forth from ethereal falsetto, to a powerful chest voice. Maggie’s lyrics have always entranced me with how she brings in nature into her songs. Chappell and King Princess don’t shy away from writing about the queer experience in all of its color. I think they also both bring a commanding and sexy stage presence to their performances and much of that I know is influenced by drag queens. My hope is to take pieces of influence from each of these artists and make my artistry my own!

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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!

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!