Isabella Aristy Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Isabella Aristy is an incredible artist whose upcoming debut album is one you won't want to miss. I was so thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss her music, her future goals, and more! I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Isabella Aristy visits Section 36 Music!

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

I love seeing people come to my shows and genuinely have a great time. I want people to connect with my music, feel good, dance, and just enjoy themselves. More than anything, I want them to feel the passion and dedication that I put into every performance. There’s something really special about being able to share that energy with an audience and feel it come back to you.

Do you see any studio work in your future?

Absolutely, I love being in the studio. I had the opportunity to record vocals in the studio for my upcoming self-titled debut album. Working with analog gear and collaborating with the sound engineers to bring the record to life was magical and something that I hope to do again with future projects.

If you could cover any Disney song, which would you choose? Why?

I would probably choose “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog. I really connect with the message of working toward something you’ve dreamed about for a long time, especially at this point in my life and career. I think it would be really fun to put my own spin on it.

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical inspiration?

I think my biggest musical inspiration comes from wanting to connect with people through my songs. I’m really passionate about telling stories that people can resonate with and see themselves in. Knowing that something I create can make someone feel understood, or simply bring them joy, is what inspires me to keep creating.

What would you consider your biggest challenge with your musical career?

I think one of the biggest challenges for me has been finding my distinct sound. I’ve spent the past four years experimenting with different styles and going through a lot of trial and error to find something that really encapsulates who I am and what my music sounds like. I’m really excited to be releasing this album under my own name because it feels like an introduction to the music that I think best represents me.

What are your immediate musical goals?

My most immediate musical goal is releasing my debut album on November 6th. I also just had my first gig in NYC with Breaking Sound at The Speakeasy, which went amazing, so I would love to keep performing live and playing more shows with my band.

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I can't wait for that album!

As always, I want to thank Isabella for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures (by @matte_han) to accompany the interview. 

I'm sure you’ll all want to follow her and see what she has going on. Here are the best places to find her:

Instagram

Merch

Thanks again Isabella, and good luck reaching your goals!

Saida Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Saida has an upcoming single, "lie", that you definitely don't want to miss. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss the song, her future goals, and more! I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

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

I am incredibly excited about your upcoming single, “lie”. What can you tell me about it?

My upcoming single, in my opinion, is overall very different from anything I’ve ever made. This is one of the first projects that I produced completely on my own, and I had total control over the creative aspect. That alone is something to be proud but I also think that I haven’t had a song that is this deep-cut and blunt about how I’ve felt. 

Do you have any favorite memories from the recording process?

Some of my favorite memories from recording my single “lie” were my moments of solitude. I believe there’s always beauty in making and recording songs collaboratively, but with this recent project, doing the recording process on my own felt different, and I felt even more vulnerable. I think because this project was made in mostly solitude, it allowed for more burdened parts of myself to be uncovered. Even though it felt scary, I love that I was able to do that and make something that I am so proud of. 

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

The community at Berklee definitely sets it apart from other schools and made it feel like the right fit for me. Every day I am here, I’m always astounded by the talent and passion that everybody has. Being surrounded by so many driven individuals keeps me hungry for music and pushes me to want to achieve more. 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical inspiration?

My biggest inspirations in music tend to fluctuate a lot, but my core artists throughout my life have been Ariana Grande, SZA, and Ethel Cain. Even though I would say they are very contrasting artists in the sense of genre, I think they all spoke to me in a way I where I felt understood during difficult times in my life. Not only that, but they are very powerful woman who never lets their audience dictate their artistic vision, which I appreciate and love about them.

If you could cover any Disney song, which would you choose? Why?

If I were to cover any Disney song, I would most likely do “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)” from Hercules. This song was definitely one of my favorites out of all the other songs because in the movie, Megan was a very powerful woman who didn’t need male validation, but this is the one moment where she’s being vulnerable saying she might be in love. That song has always been so powerful for me because it shows that even strong woman can be vulnerable sometimes and that it can be a beautiful thing.

What are your immediate musical goals?

As of right now, I want to concentrate myself on honing in my craft at Berklee and utilizing as much resources and opportunities as I can while I’m here. My main focus as an artist is to continue staying true to my authentic self and to trust my artist vision, even if it seems blurry right now. 

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I'm definitely excited for that vision!

As always, I want to thank Saida 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. Here are the best places to find her:

Instagram

TikTok

Spotify

Youtube

Thanks again Saida, and good luck reaching your goals!

Thursdays With Una: The Story of Planeta

By Una 

As I talked about in the video what are the 5 things you should know about Planeta, here is the story of why I wrote it. When I was younger all through out middle school and high school I felt like I never belonged and the hardest obstacle was to accept who I am.  I feel like if you do any sort of art it’s natural to feel like you’re an outsider. But I had this drive I had to build something stable for myself internally. I started making music and getting my voice out there, but of course, even that was uncomfortable because now I was showing myself and parts of myself that weren’t seen before. I think there’s constant battle whether you’re showing too much or is this good enough? When I was a kid, I was in this TV music competition it wasn’t really easy on me because I was so young. I was eight when I started filming the show and just turned nine when the show was on the air. Nevertheless, that was the beginning of building my own world. 

That was when I knew what I wanted to do, that I wanted to live in the United States and make music for a living. I feel very proud that I am someone who comes from such a small region country and town but I continue to dream big and build my own world. If you’ve ever felt mistreated, misunderstood or felt like no one was listening. I’m listening because I understand. Continue to build what you believe in. That is the only way to live your life. 

That’s the only way to build your Planeta.

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Una is a Serbian born singer-songwriter based in Boston, where she studies at Berklee College of Music. 

Be sure to follow along with all of the "Thursdays With Una".

To keep up with everything else going on in Una's life, check out her Section 36 Music Homepage.

Looking Back at “Purgatory Road” by Nina Blu

Purgatory Road is the culmination of a four- and-a-half-year healing process through grief.

Starting at the traumatic experience of a serious accident, Nina recalls the night as something she wasn’t sure she would survive, often wondering what could have been. The accident led to a long recovery, including relearning how to walk. Nina turned to music and embarked on a journey of bravery, bringing her inner artist to life as Nina Blu. She found solace and camaraderie at Berklee, collaborating, making lifelong friends, refining her songs, and seeking a healthy way to express her emotions. Purgatory Road was born during this time, each track becoming a road map of grief in her personal life. It addresses themes of self-discovery, the loss of her dearest friend Blu, her beloved pup for which her project is named, overcoming unexpected setbacks, and navigating your 20s and 30s. Purgatory Road is an emotional soundtrack for all the millennial and Gen Z women facing their own challenges.

Nina hopes to remind listeners that healing is not linear; there isn’t a one-way road map to life; it’s okay to embrace whatever stage you’re in. Her songs serve as companions for anyone searching for hope or clarity amid uncertainty. As Nina continues to evolve as an artist, she invites fans to share in her ongoing journey and find light even in the darkest chapters.

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Nina Blu discovered her voice in the quiet depths of Texas nights, where each note became a whisper. She crafts melodies that evoke empathy, warmth, and humor, inviting listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities and connect through shared
human experiences. Ironically, she spent most of her life trying not to make music. It was only after a serious accident that left her bedridden and unable to walk that the midnight writing sessions caught up to her, revealing her true purpose.

Her musical journey took her to Berklee College of Music, where she earned her Master’s degree in songwriting. There, she truly found her artistry and continued to ignite the same spark in other young artists.

Nina Blu draws inspiration from her lived experiences and distills them into universal emotions.

Nina currently calls NYC a temporary home and is eager to share her music with a new audience.

Nina’s music is a letter to anyone going through those stages of life: rediscovering joy, standing firm in their boundaries, and coming to a resolution of acceptance.

(Photos by Nicola Gell)

New Music From Opal Gibbons, KOKO DYNSKI, and Morgan Gold!

 

"THE GiRL WITH NO ONE" - by Opal Gibbons

Release Date: September 18, 2026

What You Should Know: “This is actually a song I submitted to apply for my major at Berklee. I couldn’t be more thrilled to get this song out into the world and I could not be more thrilled for what’s about to come."

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple and Spotify

Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "It's 2026 in Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Opal Gibbons Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Cutting My Ties" - by KOKO DYNSKI

Release Date: September 18, 2026

What You Should Know: “This single has changed its meaning in the past week. The beautiful thing about writing lyrics is even though the words are still the same, they are ever evolving. A few months ago, I quit a serving job that treated me like working was the end all be all to life and where everyone felt like they were going to get fired at any moment. I felt like I was going through the motions and not feeling understood. Cut to last week, I felt like I had to break off a relationship of multiple years for the same reasons. I felt like my feelings weren't being understood from someone who claimed to know me so well. Looking back at my own lyrics about quitting my job, it felt a lot like I was subconsciously telling myself I needed something more in my relationship too.

Breakups and quitting jobs suck but staying in something that doesn't fulfill you sucks even more. As I figure out how to navigate all this, I hope my music resonates with people feeling the same way. "

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple and Spotify

*****

"Crimes" - by Morgan Gold

Release Date: September 18, 2026

What You Should Know: “"Crimes" is a collaboration between 1P4E Music Collective and songstress Morgan Gold of Austin, Texas. 1P4E helps artists bring songs to life through A&R services, high-quality audio engineering, music licensing, and songwriting. "Crimes" explores themes of longing, heartbreak, and betrayal, contrasted by a poetic and emotional charm through the transcendent vocals and production. Fans of Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Clairo, or Olivia Dean will fall in love with this track and Morgan Gold's hypnotic voice through storytelling."

Find Crimes on Spotify

Find Morgan:  Apple and Spotify

Opal Gibbons Visits Section 36 Music!

Photo: Grace Abdayem 

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Opal Gibbons has an upcoming EP, "Pilot", that you won't want to miss. I was so flattered that she wanted to visit with us to discuss the song, her future goals, and more! I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Opal Gibbons visits Section 36 Music! 

I am incredibly excited about your upcoming EP, “Pilot”. What can you tell me about it?

Hehe thank you for the compliments!!! The EP is 4 songs and I like to describe it as dark wave & synth pop. The single off the EP, GiRL WiTH NO ONE comes out Sept 18, and the EP comes out the 22nd! Two of the songs were actually products of my required music technology 101 class at Berklee (which sparked my love for production)! The song “Adrifting” was written on piano during quarantine (sooo long ago!!!), and then produced by my dad. When people say their albums have taken a long time to release I chuckle a little because sitting on this song for 6 years has genuinely been torture. I feel incredibly lucky to have my best buds feature on this project. My amazing friend (and guitar teacher!) Ryker Savage plays guitar for the single “GiRL WiTH NO ONE”, I have my friend Lincoln Rasmussen playing guitar on “Adrifting”, and my dad is actually the one who finished all the mixing and mastering for me! I also have the anarchist-run electronic/indie label eMERGENCY heARTS helping me with this release. I highly recommend everyone checking out their website, it’s just a hub of outlier and underdog music for all the weirdos in the world.

Do you have any favorite memories from the recording process?

Photo: Liliana Watkins

GiRL WiTH NO ONE was definitely a fun one. I produced it entirely with Logic Pro presets that I opened and mindlessly fiddled with. I probably spent weeks staring at my computer screen cluelessly turning knobs in bewilderment. I asked a classmate from my music tech class to come record a guitar solo for it, and then spent the following 4 days chopping his takes up and placing the notes where I wanted them to be. That classmate ended up becoming one of my closest friends, and I hold those early memories with him very close to my heart. Shoutout Ryker! 

I also had the idea of placing whispering/crying/gossiping in the background of the song which lead to some fun memories. My dad engineered the whole vocal recording session, and had to pull some real mean tricks to get my BGVs to sound.. not cringe? I am not an actor… It all sounded pretty awkward before my dad stepped in. If you listen closely you can hear us talking about my cat, Sita, pooping during the laugh tracks, as well as her meowing later in the crying tracks. My crying tracks sounded especially fake and embarrassing!!! My childhood cat, Tink, had died just a month or so before this recording session. My dad pulled out the memorial we had made from her ashes for the first time in our session to get some real cries from me. I love my dad, he’s so cruel to me. But damn it got the job done.

Is there a favorite song of yours on the EP?

“Hostility” has been the crowd favorite so far. The production is definitely the most advanced, given it was the last song I wrote for the EP. I think the selling point for that one is the vocal layers. I suffered a vocal injury before doing all the vox recordings and it makes me joyful as hell that I sound so good despite the obstacle. I personally am a big fan of “Afterwards”. I produced it as my final project for the music tech 101 class, and my professor approached me after presenting and told me I HAD to apply for the sound design major (EPD) at Berklee. I was prepared to be a vocal performance major prior to this interaction, but he genuinely changed the course of my life with that statement. Every time I listen to that song I feel insane that my beginner level skills were able to output such an awesome product. 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical inspiration?

Oh my goodness I am going to name one bajillion artists. The artists I listen to tend to rotate as time goes on. I really deep dived into goth culture and music during the time I was working on this EP. My main rotation was Skinny Puppy, Depeche Mode, Cabaret Voltaire, Bjork, and Goldfrapp. The music I’m creating now is heavily influenced by Scott Walker, New Order, Yaz(oo), and Gary Numan. The only constants in my music rotation are Elliott Smith, Fiona Apple, and David Bowie. I will never stop listening to them no matter how depressed it makes me. Y’all will have to cut my ears off before I go cold turkey on my boy Elliott. 

What is the biggest challenge with your musical career?

Honestly, the biggest challenge has just been myself. Not to get all emotional, but after almost a decade of misdiagnoses and years of unnecessary antipsychotics and useless mood stabilizers, I finally got my freaking ADHD diagnosis!! I spent years thinking my lack of motivation and intense exhaustion and outbursts were just a broken factor of what makes me Opal. I finally found a psychiatrist that was willing to meet with me for more than 15 minutes and he saw through the 21 years of professional masking. That diagnosis absolutely changed my life, and I think this album would’ve come out MUCH sooner if I had been properly diagnosed all those years ago. This is a PSA to all mental health professionals to treat your women differently! Our symptoms are not the same as men and we deserve better than years of carelessness and ignorance to our issues.

What are your immediate musical goals?

As of lately, I’ve been focusing a lot of my DJ career! I started DJing like 8? months ago. I decided to post some of my mixes on instagram and they blew up pretty fast- I went from 1.5k followers to over 10k in less than 2 weeks! Fame is incredibly scary and intimidating to me, being a “pop star” is definitely not a goal I have. I think all the attention would make me go actually insane. And that bar is pretty high for the life I’ve lived. My ultimate dream is to get hired by a game animation studio and write music for video games. All of the music I’ve written with code is very game reminiscent, and I hope I get to use it in that context soon! As for the school year, my goal is to just write and release as much music as possible, play as many gigs as possible, and enjoy the remaining time I have with my friends and professors. I’ve been treated with so much love and compassion at this school, and I’m really going to miss all my buddies. 

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I'm so excited to hear all this new music!

As always, I want to thank Opal 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. Here are the best places to find her:

Instagram

YoutTube

Website

Thanks again Opal, and good luck reaching your goals!