Lexi Leal Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Lexi Leal just released an amazing single, "S.T.A.Y.", that you will want to stream as soon as you can. I was so glad that she was willing 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 Lexi Leal visits Section 36 Music! 

You just released an incredible single, “S.T.A.Y.”. What can you tell me about it?

The idea of my song "S. T. A. Y" came to me five years ago, but last year I decided to go back to it and realized it had so much potential. I already had an idea for the chorus, so I just needed to make some adjustments to it and figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of the song. On the other hand, my song is inspired by a situationship I had, and it was my way of finding closure.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

My favorite memory from the recording process is when I was recording vocals because, since it is my debut single, I felt a lot of pressure. However, talking with my producer helped me, as she reminded me the purpose of my song and the connection I have with it. After that, I allowed myself to enjoy the process and be excited about it.

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

I knew I wanted to attend Berklee because it aligns with my musical career goals. I wanted to be able to learn how to compose modern music. I already knew how to write melodies and lyrics, but adding instruments was hard for me. I also wanted to attend a college where I could learn more about different cultures and connect with people from all around the world because I think that everyone brings something unique based on their backgrounds, beliefs and experiences.

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical inspiration?

I have different sources of musical inspiration. The main artists who inspire me are Olivia Rodrigo, Michael Jackson and a Colombian band named Morat. On the other hand, I usually get inspired by personal experiences or by the experiences of my closest friends. 

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

That's a tough question because I love all Disney songs! But if I had to choose only one song, I would choose "Speechless" from the live- action movie Aladdin. The first time I heard it, I got goosebumps because I didn't expect Jasmine to have a solo in the movie. I thought the live- action was going to be the same as the animated movie but I was really surprised by how they were able to give Jasmine a more prominent role, allowing us to hear her internal thoughts, which many women can relate to. I love that this song empowers women to speak up and not let anyone treat them inferior.

What are your immediate musical goals?

Since the semester is about to start, I want to take advantage of being back at Berklee. I want to participate in open mics, collaborate with other Berklee students, and maybe form my own band. I also plan to work on new songs.

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Those are great goals. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for her music!

As always, I want to thank Lexi for visiting with us, and for sending along the picture 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

Spotify

Thanks again Lexi, and good luck reaching your goals!

Britney Flores Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Britney Flores has a fantastic recent single, "Forever Your Bunny", that you need to listen to as soon as you can. I was so excited that she was willing 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 Britney Flores visits Section 36 Music! 

I really enjoyed your latest single, “Forever Your Bunny”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much! I hope to inspire listeners to embrace romance, healthy relationships, and enjoy the simple magic of a date with someone they love. The chorus, “Forever your bunny, forever your honey,” is an affirmation of devotion— staying by your side, and appreciating the simple moments together like getting ice cream or going for a summer swim. I want to celebrate the beauty of intentionally choosing someone every day. I compare choosing love to choosing how we accessorize ourselves. You deserve to choose the love that feels right for you. I hope listeners feel a sense of peace and warmth through the song’s lyrical affirmations. Forever Your Bunny is my first ever ’50s-inspired pop song and Easter song created to be enjoyed all year round.

Do you see any more studio work in your future?

Absolutely! I plan to continue writing for the rest of my life. I’m starting to fall in love with the songwriting process. Everyday moments inspire me to keep creating and seeing my community in action has sparked so many ideas within my music. I am thrilled to invite others into my creativity, and share the voice I’ve spent the last four years developing as a full-time Berklee student. 

You are a graduate of Berklee College of Music. What made Berklee the right choice for you?

I was especially drawn to the driven and supportive nature of the Berklee community. My peers constantly inspired me at rehearsals and performances. Berklee taught me to create fearlessly and bring my ideas to life. I also began building meaningful relationships with my voice professors and couldn’t wait to continue learning from them over the next four years. Massachusetts is my home state and I’ll always love getting to experience all four seasons here. Knowing that I could stay close to home while attending college was incredibly comforting. 

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

I am influenced by the craft of storytelling and by the beauty of being present in the moment. I admire artists like Taylor Swift because of the authenticity in her lyrics and the way she never shies away from expressing genuine feelings. At the same time, everything I create is still very much my own sound. I’m working on creating heartfelt lyrics that are authentic within my life. I’ve also been inspired by Thomas Rhett. As a pop-country artist, he celebrates his love for his family and the relationships in his life. I find it so special that I can highlight everyday moments through my songwriting and I truly feel like I’m heading in the right musical direction by allowing my heart to guide me.

What is the biggest challenge with your musical career?

My current challenge is finding themes to write about. There are so many to choose from, but I’m learning to ask myself which ones are worth taking the time to explore. Once I choose a theme, I sit down with my notebook and gold pen then let myself write for the next one to two hours. I’m proud of myself for dedicating hours to my songwriting. The more I do it, the more I feel myself getting the hang of creating a song. I seriously can’t wait to see what my next singles or albums will be centered around and how I’ll choose to share them with my community. It’s an honor to know my music comes from the life I’m building in Massachusetts. 

What are your immediate musical goals?

My immediate goal is to release at least three new singles before we reach 2027. I’m also having so much fun getting my photos taken for my music, and I truly feel like I’m beginning to bring my vision to life through my photoshoots. I’ve started dipping my toes into modeling, which has been one of my goals this year. I am becoming more playful with how I approach each shoot. Another goal of mine is to continue creating content around my music that aligns with the same values as my listeners. I’m looking forward to building a community that sees the vision and finds comfort in my story. A special thank you to my darlings, who listen in and continue to follow along on this journey with me. 

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I'm pretty excited about those singles!

As always, I want to thank Britney for visiting with us, and for sending along the picture 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

Spotify

Thanks again Britney, and good luck reaching your goals!

Kylie Joy Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Kylie Joy is an immensely talented classical soprano. Her performances on stage are not to be missed. I was so honored 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 Kylie Joy visits Section 36 Music! 

When did you first realize music was going to play an enormous part in your life?

I first realized music would be a huge part in my life after I was cast in my first show! I remember little 8 year old me writing on the audition sheet that I only wanted a small part because I was so nervous, but after being a part of the Music Man (which FUN FACT was written about my hometown Mason City, IA,) I was completely addicted to all things music and theater! 

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

I think what I love most is the energy of a live audience. You can rehearse something a hundred times, but the moment you step onstage, it becomes something completely different. There’s an electricity that comes from sharing that moment with other people, and I love the challenge of being fully present and letting the performance unfold organically.

You are attending grad school at Berklee College of Music. What made Berklee the right choice for you?

I chose Berklee because I didn’t want to put myself in a box. My classical training will always be a huge part of who I am, but I also love musical theater and exploring different styles of music. I’m excited to cross-train my voice, expand my skills as a performer, and become a better voice teacher while learning from some of the best in the industry!

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

I’ve been influenced and inspired by so many incredible artists, including Kelli O’Hara, Kristin Chenoweth, Julie Andrews, Nadine Sierra, Renée Fleming, Sabine Devieilhe, Diana Damrau, Audra McDonald, and many more of the greats! However, my biggest musical influence has been my fabulous voice teacher, Gail Pearson. She has completely transformed not only my voice, but also my artistry and the way I approach music. I owe so much of who I am as a singer and artist to her, and I’m incredibly grateful to have had her guidance throughout my journey.

What is the biggest challenge with your musical career?

One of my biggest challenges is learning how to create a sustainable career while still pursuing all of the things that excite me artistically. There are so many opportunities and directions you can take as a musician, and I’m learning how to balance ambition with taking care of myself so that I can have a long, fulfilling career.

What are your immediate musical goals?

My immediate goal is really to give myself permission to explore. I’ve spent so much of my education becoming a stronger classical singer, and now I want to see what happens when I take that foundation and put it into different musical worlds.

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I'm excited to hear the results of that exploration!

As always, I want to thank Kylie 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

Website

YouTube

TikTok

Facebook

Rita Valldeperas Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Rita Valldeperas is an amazing singer, who just release a single, "No me hagas volver", that you will not want to miss. I was so thrilled that she was willing 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 Rita Valldeperas visits Section 36 Music! 

Your recent single, “No me hagas volver”, Is absolutely outstanding. What can you tell me about it?

Oh my god! Thank you so much. It means a lot. “No me hagas volver” is such an important song for me. It talks about the doubts and pressures I had while deciding whether I wanted to pursue music as a career. There are so many opinions that can get in the way, and I think it’s really important to trust your gut and know what you want.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

It’s kind of a fun fact, but since we were running out of time in the studio, I recorded the vocals in just one take, which is something I’m sure all producers would not recommend, haha. I’m so glad it happened that way, though, because I felt so connected to my lyrics, and I sang every single word with the intention it deserved.

You have some live shows coming up. What do you enjoy most about performing on stage in front of an audience?

I absolutely love connecting with people. I love playing my songs and feeling like they have a place in people’s hearts. I have written in a diary every night for as long as I can remember, and my songs are literally all those feelings put into music. Being able to see how people can relate to them heals something in me.

I would love to see you at one of my next shows! On September 21st, I’ll have my second recital at Berklee in Room 1A at 7 PM. I’m also so excited to share that I got the opportunity to have my Berklee Caf show on November 12th at 10 PM.

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

I have so many musical influences, but I would say Alejandro Sanz and Pablo Alborán are two of the artists who have influenced me the most. I really admire the way they tell stories through their music and how emotional and honest their songwriting is.

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

“Let It Go” from Frozen. I absolutely love that song and that movie. It reminds me of my sister Diana, (“Didi”). She is the person I love the most in this life. We would always watch Disney movies together, so that song brings back a lot of really special memories.

What are your immediate musical goals?

My main goal right now is to keep writing lots of music and releasing it as much as I can. I also want to do as many shows at Berklee as possible and keep growing as an artist and performer. Most importantly, I want to enjoy the process and keep creating music that feels honest and true to who I am.

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If you can be at one of those shows, you definitely should attend!

As always, I want to thank Rita 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

Spotify

Website

Thanks again Rita, and good luck reaching your goals!

Donna-Marie Smith Visits Section 36 Music!

Donna-Marie Smith is a fantastic photographer focusing on concert photography. And she focuses extremely well. I'm so excited she was willing to visit with us so we could all learn a little bit about her. I'm sure you'll love to hear what she has to say.

So, let’s see what happens when Donna-Marie Smith visits Section 36 Music!

When did you realize that photography was something that you loved?

I've always had a love for taking photos since I was a kid. My aunt used to give me her camera just to keep me busy. Then getting older taking photos and videos helps me remember the moments I was in, it helps especially that I don't have the best memory sometimes. 

How did that lead to specializing in concert photography?

I love going to concerts and just capturing the moment of things, whether that's photos or videos. Like I said I like remembering the moment of things, and watching a video or looking at photos from the show helps me remember what that day was like.

How would you describe your photography style?

My style is raw photos. Maybe because I haven't learned 100% how to edit my photos yet but they come amazingly unedited. I would like to know how to fully edit photos soon. 

What has been your favorite photography experience thus far?

I have a few; capturing Tate McRae at her last Boston show, getting my first paid gig for a small artist I met at another show and making friends with his opener and hanging out with them both and the band after the show. Lastly, going to a show on my birthday this year might have been the best because I was in my element on my birthday and it was the best birthday ever. I have too many memories from shows, it's hard to pick just one.

What would you say are your biggest photography career challenges?

Some of the biggest challenges in this career in general is just trying to find gigs, and finding that one person that will take a chance on you. Another one is learning how to edit photos so they come out cool but that's something I'm not worried about right now. 

Do you have any specific photography career goals?

Learning more about how certain cameras work, finding that one artist that will take a chance on me and it working out in the end. And just living the life I dreamed about; working as a photographer for an artist. 

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That would definitely be a great opportunity!

As always, I want to thank Donna-Marie 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's the best place to find her:

Instagram

Thanks again Donna-Marie, and good luck reaching your goals!

Katie Joy Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Katie Joy is an incredible singer, with a single, "Reliving You", that you need to listen to right away. 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 Katie Joy visits Section 36 Music! 

Your recent single, “Reliving You”, is just outstanding. What can you tell me about it?

Reliving You came from a really hard place. For a long time, almost all the music I wrote was about grief. A year after they passed, I realized I was still stuck in that same headspace, like I couldn’t write about anything else. So I decided to write about being trapped in those feelings instead. The song is about the exhaustion of feeling like you’re going in circles. I wanted people who’ve been through something similar to hear it and feel less alone, even if only for a second.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

The highlight of my experience was working with my producer, Gabby Harwood. She is a Berklee alum, and she made the entire process nearly stress-free. In addition to providing great advice about Berklee, I appreciated the late-night texts and brainstorming sessions we had. Gabby really understood what I was trying to express in my music. She not only helped me enhance the song's sound but also significantly boosted my confidence in my artistry. This is something I will always remember about the recording process for this song. 

You will be attending Berklee College of Music. What made Berklee the right choice for you?

I didn’t even think about music seriously until a couple years ago. I was listening to Lizzy McAlpine’s “Older”, and it completely changed how I saw my own path. Then I found out she went to Berklee, so I applied on a whim. When I got in, it felt like the universe was pointing me in this direction. I wasn’t even looking at other schools because it never occurred to me that something like this would just fall into place. Now that I’m going, my goal is to grow as a musician, learn from people who’ve been where I want to go, and just soak it all in.

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

Lizzy McAlpine is my biggest influence. Her album “Older”, and the deluxe, “Older and Wiser” showed me that music can be both beautiful and honest at the same time. She writes about hard things in a way that makes them feel okay, like she’s giving people permission to feel those emotions without shame. Watching her process in the documentary about the album, how she worked with her friends and other musicians, it lit something in me. I realized that’s exactly what I want to do. Create music that helps people feel seen while pushing myself to grow.

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

I’d cover “I See the Light” from Tangled because Rapunzel has always been my favorite princess. I loved her as a kid; she’s curious and determined. I sang this song a lot back then, and it's definitely a favorite of mine. Plus, it has a theme of hope, which connects with what I want to express in my music.

What are your immediate musical goals?

Right now, I’m focused on releasing more music. I recently signed a distribution deal, so I’m hoping to put out more tracks while figuring out how to produce them affordably. Performing live is also a big goal. I want to get more comfortable on stage and connect with audiences in a real way. I’m also hoping to meet other musicians who vibe with my style and maybe collaborate with student producers who can help bring my ideas to life. Mostly, though, I want to improve my lyrics and gain confidence performing. It’s intimidating, but I know it’s where I need to be.

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Those are goals I can get behind!

As always, I want to thank Katie 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

Spotify

TikTok