Ella Loretta Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Ella Loretta is releasing a single this week that you won't want to miss. I was so excited that Ella wanted to visit with us to discuss the release, her future goals, and more! I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Ella Loretta visits Section 36!

I am incredibly excited about your single “Really Do”. What can you tell me about it?

Really Do is a song about loving someone so much that you don’t understand how they could ever doubt it, and wanting to show them how worthy and special they are. It’s romantic, danceable, and feel-good. I write mostly on guitar, and this song started out the same way, in my childhood bedroom last year with a month left of summer to kill and my journal in front of me. The verses happened quickly over the same accoustic guitar part you hear in the final song. Then I reached a turning point and decided to think past writing the entire thing accoustically, as is usually my style, in favor of sitting down in front of my laptop to start producing the song as I was writing the rest of it. I was fresh out of my first year of music production classes in college and spent the rest of the summer working on the best demo of the song possible. The accoustic guitar, synth, and most of the background vocals from the final version of the song were all recorded that month in my room in Raleigh. The drum groove and many of the instrumental parts you hear are also based directly on my initial production. I sat on the demo for a few months, sending it in for different pitch opportunities and applications, until I got an email in January from Matt Rollings, a Grammy Award winning producer who wanted to produce my song during his visit to Berklee. That’s when everything was set into motion.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

This is where I have to give the biggest thank you to Matt and to Berklee, because what made this process so special is the trust, resources, and opportunity I was given. Recording in Berklee’s Studio 1 was surreal, it’s enormous (2,200 sq feet) and the piano you’re hearing is a Steinway Grand. I was the artist, writer and coproducer in an environment where so many people were there to participate in making my vision come to life. It was really pinch-me moment after pinch-me moment, everyone was so kind and phenomenally talented at what they were doing. We had the space and the equipment, so what you’re hearing is me and the band playing together on the same take, with very minimal editing. In the mixing room with Matt and Django Beaudoin, who was also wonderful to work with, my opinions and ear were valued and it was such an exciting creative back and forth to watch the whole thing develop and take shape. I really could not be more grateful.

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

I was very close to pursuing a theatre degree, because musical theatre is and always will be a huge part of my life. I applied all over the place and was accepted into some great programs that focused on musical theatre, voice, or songwriting along with Berklee, but while coming to accepted students day here in Boston, Berklee really won me over. I was incredibly drawn to the opportunities here, I love the city, and what sealed the deal was that Berklee was ready to support every facet of my creative identity, without making me choose or sacrifice a part of what makes me the artist that I am. Fittingly, I’m now double majoring in Vocal Performance and Songwriting with a double minor in Musical Theatre Performance and Musical Theatre Writing.

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical inspiration?

Such a hard question, and I have so many, but Billie Eilish is someone I have absolutely idolized and looked up to for a really long time. Her first album came out on my thirteenth birthday when I was on a choir trip to Disney World and I listened for every second of the bus ride to Florida. I find her career so inspiring and the way she chooses to navigate the industry is extremely admirable. I could go on and on, but she is absolutely brilliant. I tend to gravitate towards multi-hyphenates, creatives who can kill it at more than one thing, since that’s the dream career for me as a singer, songwriter, and actress. Billie is in that camp for me along with other amazing artists like Reneé Rapp, Sarah Bareilles, Lizzy McAlpine, Lin Manuel Miranda, Barbara Streisand, and honestly, a large swath of the Stranger Things Cast.

You had the chance to play Ursula in a theatre production of The Little Mermaid. What was that experience like?

I love that you asked me this! I played Ursula in 2023 and it’s one of my all time favorite chracters I’ve ever stepped into. I had incredible hair, makeup, and costuming during that production, which is why you can find pictures of me as Ursula on my website. Shoutout Koko Thornton, the best director and costumer out there. I always say playing Ursula was like being a celebrity; I got to walk out onstage to applause before having done a single thing because people already have such a strong connection to the character. It was amazing, and I had so much fun being evil and fabulous. I was also a finalist for Best Actress at the Triangle Rising Star Awards (now the DPAC Rising Star Awards) for my performance, which was its own awesome experience.

What are your immediate musical goals?

I’m really excited to be achieving a big one with this release and want to make the most of it. I’m ready to play more gigs of my own music in Boston and in Raleigh this summer. I’m finding my rhythm with social media, and I’ve got the song coming out after this one lined up so I’m gonna work hard to make that happen next and record some more songs while we’re at it. Every day that I have the opportunity to train at Berklee is a day I’m preparing for the world outside of it, and I’m so thankful for everyone who is supporting me and my artistry along the way. You won’t regret it!

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I know I don't regret it!

As always, I want to thank Ella 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:

Website

Instagram

Spotify

Apple Music

TikTok

YouTube

Thanks again Ella, and good luck reaching your goals!

New Music from Allison Leah, Alex Skye, Sarah Suarez, Ava Dallas, Haley Montelaro, Stephània, and Sabrina Ponte

"I Didn't Know I Was Growing Up" - by Allison Leah

Release Date: May 1 2026

What You Should Know: "I’ve had this song in my pocket for over a year now and have been waiting for the right moment, and grad season just felt right. This song is also the first single off my NEW EP, Mirror, releasing this summer. It’s a 5 song collection of reflections, musings on growing up, and self-identity. These five songs are some of the most vulnerable I’ve ever written & sharing them right now feels so right. "

Find It: Spotify, and Apple

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

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "What I'm Missing", "24 Years Down", "Sorry For Myself", "i gave u my number"

Previously on Section 36: "Allison Leah Visits Section 36 Music!", "Allison Leah's 36 Favorite Things"

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"Never Have I Ever" - by Alex Skye

Release Date: April 30, 2026

What You Should Know: "This song is a hyper-pop, dance, house song that is for an upcoming project… BUT I am releasing it under my name first. Here is a break from the sad indie folk"

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: "Alex Skye Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Hairline Fracture" - by Sarah Suarez

Release Date: May 1, 2026

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: "Sarah Suarez Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Easy" - by Ava Dallas

Release Date: May 1, 2026

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: "Ava Dallas Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Out of Our Control" - by Haley Montelaro

Release Date: May 1, 2026

What You Should Know: "I cannot express how surreal this is. My younger self knew she wanted to be an artist and a songwriter, but didn't know how to get there. Every year of middle and high school I would say "This is the year I'll release music" but had no idea what steps to take.

Now at the age of 19 I can say I have 9 tracks out, 6 of which are in this EP. Life is crazy."

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: "Haley Montelaro Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Every Kind of Way" - by Stephània

Release Date: May 1, 2026

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify

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

Previously on Section 36: "Stephània Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Back In Boston" - by Sabrina Ponte 

Release Date: May 1, 2026

What You Should Know: A version of this song like you've never heard before!

Find It: Spotify or Apple

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "Songs that Cover the Bases", "It's 2025 In Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Sabrina Ponte Visits Section 36 Music!"

Sarah Lampsa Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Sarah Lampsa is fresh off the release of her debut EP "Something Blue". I certainly imagine you've all been streaming that non-stop. I'm thrilled that Sarah wanted to visit with us to discuss the EP, her music, and more! I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Sarah Lampsa visits Section 36!

I am absolutely loving your debut EP, “Something Blue”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you! My goal as a songwriter has always been to help my listeners feel less alone in their feelings, so my songs are intimate, honest, and oftentimes evocative. I like to say that “Something Blue” contains my most prized pieces of my heart from the past few years. The EP revolves on themes of love, whether in relationships, friendships, grief, or family. The songs are most easily labelled as alt-pop, but span the genres of pop, alternative, contemporary, and rock. Thank you again for listening and I’m glad you enjoyed it! 

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

My good friend, Isa Abadia, produced the EP, so the whole recording process was a fun time! My favorite memories were made in the studio recording vocals. Isa and I have a great banter so we basically laughed our way through, even with technical hiccups or late night recording sessions. I love working with my friends whenever possible, so this whole process felt like a big group hangout, and I think that that collaborative energy reflected in the songs! “Something Blue” is a culmination of the hard work of so many talented musicians and I’m so lucky to have had the team that I did. 

How did you come up with the cover art?

My sister took the cover photos. Her and I are five years apart, but we’re practically twins. We run marathons together and share a social media account (@lampsarunningsistas), so we’re used to working together! I played a few songs for her and described my general vision. I knew it needed to be blue (of course), and wanted to include a grand piano. From there, we collaborated on a Pinterest board to narrow down our idea. We took the photos at the Palmer House hotel in Chicago. I’m super super happy with how they turned out!

What was your biggest challenge with the creation of the album?

At times, my songs feel like my children, and bringing them into the studio feels like dropping them off on the first day of kindergarten! I knew the songs would have to change, but a lot of the development was out of my hands. I touch on this in “Dirty Laundry”, but I’m admittedly a bit of a control freak, so my biggest challenge was letting them grow without being a helicopter parent! Luckily, my producer Isa is fantastic and she did a great job of sharing my vision and adjusting based on my wants. I think we raised a great kid! 

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

Growing up, I always had a natural inclination to the arts and to writing. I learned to sing and play violin, piano, guitar, and bass while in high school, and started writing poetry as a kid. I was really active in my high school’s arts department and started releasing music when I was seventeen, so no one was surprised when I decided to pursue music as a career. My family has always made education a priority, so Berklee was the perfect place to get a degree while studying the arts and working towards my dreams! My best friend from childhood also studies in Boston, at Northeastern, so she was a major help in preparing to make such a big move. I’ve met so many incredible people at Berklee and I’m so glad I made the choice that I did!

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

I absolutely adore “When She Loved Me”, from Toy Story. I’ve been compared a few times to Sarah McLachlan, and I’m really inspired by her storytelling ability. “When She Loved Me” is similar to my music in its emotional authenticity and intimacy, so I think it would be a cool cover!

What are your immediate musical goals?

I’m graduating Berklee in spring of 2027 and am planning to move out to Los Angeles. Until then, I’m going to do lots of co-writing and, of course, release more music! The songwriting talent at Berklee is truly insane and I have so much to learn from my peers. In Los Angeles, my goal is to have a calendar packed full of songwriting sessions, studio time, performances, and collaboration. I like to say that I’m happy doing whatever I can with a pen and a piano. To me, a successful life is a life that contains music in any way possible. 

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That sounds successful to me! 

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

Ceci Reyes Talks About "Monterey"!

In January, Ceci Reyes released her incredible single, "Monterey". It's a beautiful song that I can assume you've listened to multiple times since then. I thought it would be fun to learn more about this release, and thankfully Ceci was willing to answer some questions for us to help with that.

Let's see what she had to say!

What do you want listeners to know about “Monterey”?

I think I want people to know that “Monterey” isn’t about a place— it’s about someone you love making a place feel like it belongs to them. I’ve never been to Monterey, but through them, it started to feel like a memory I didn’t actually have. This song is about the push and pull of wanting to hold on to something, but also knowing you have to stay away from it to protect yourself. I think “Monterey” is for anyone who’s ever felt tied to someone through a place, a song, a smell, or a version of the future that never ended up happening. Writing this song was my way of moving forward when things still felt unfinished.

Do you have a favorite lyric from the song?

“Never cared for California, now it’s a thought I can’t escape. You made it sound like forever, but forever couldn’t wait.” 

How did you come up with the cover artwork?

Since I’m nowhere near Monterey, I had to settle for the next best thing; Miami. The cover was actually shot in my backyard by my amazing mother, Marinet. I wanted it to feel really simple and nostalgic, and I had just been gifted a digital camera, so we made a nice morning out of it and just captured what felt right to us. 

What was the biggest challenge when creating the song?

The biggest challenge was writing about a place I’ve never been to. Monterey only exists to me through someone else’s eyes, so I wasn’t just writing about Monterey itself— I was writing about their version of it. It was really hard to make that feel real without having experienced it myself. 

And because the song is about a real person, I was really trying to approach it with care. I was trying to be honest about what Monterey meant to me, while also respecting someone else’s space. I didn’t want to misrepresent something that wasn’t just mine. It came from a place that was so meaningful to me, and almost felt like a conversation of sorts. The challenge was being honest about my feelings while still honoring that connection.

Do you have any favorite memories of the recording process?

Honestly, my favorite memory from recording “Monterey” is just being in the room with everyone. I was really lucky to work with a band and engineers who I trust and care about, and that made such a difference. There’s something really special about being surrounded by people who understand what you’re trying to say and who care about the song just as much as you do. It felt like a shared experience rather than just my own song.

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Where to find Ceci Reyes:

    Spotify

    Apple Music

    Instagram

    Section 36 Interview

    Elsewhere on Section 36