Maia Luna Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Maia Luna is an incredible artist whose recent single, "Signal" is simply a masterpiece. I was so honored that Maia 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 Maia Luna visits Section 36!

I absolutely adore your latest single, “Signal”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much!!! Well, I wrote it around a year ago, and I really spent a lot of time thinking about the production and arrangement. I wanted it to sound like I had heard it in my head: ambient and airy, with plenty of floatiness and enough space for the lyrics to shine through. I tried to match the message of the song to the instrumentation—someone sending out a signal not knowing if the other person’s listening. There’s lots of reverb, gradual fading in effects, and ambient undertones.

I also feel like I really played around with the lyrics on this song. I’m a big fan of experimenting with internal rhyme, so the line: “I’ve been stuck in the middle of indifference / and a part of my heart is still marked by your imprints” really stood out to me. I love the way the lyrics echo each other without being an exact rhyme. It creates this little thread between lines that, to me, helps pull the whole song together.

What do you enjoy most about performing live on stage?

My favorite part about being onstage is definitely feeling connected to my audience! When I go to watch live music, I always feel so strongly present and immersed in the moment whenever the performers are good at creating atmosphere. In my own performances, I really try to emulate that, and I love sharing little pieces of backstory in between songs! I’d rather the shows feel like a dynamic conversation, and I think the exchange of energy between myself as a performer and people in the crowd is so important.

You were able to attend the Berklee summer program. What was that experience like for you?

It was honestly one of the best weeks of my life! I got the opportunity to become friends with and make music with so many incredibly talented people from all over the country. On one of the first nights, I ran into two other girls in the practice rooms (shoutout @cate_re_music and @willashamie !!!) and we sat down to write a song that still gets stuck in my head to this day. I think you can learn a lot about someone through making music with them, there’s this deep connection that comes with feeling safe enough to be able to tap into your imagination. 

The feeling of being immersed in such creative energy really pushed me to grow as a musician and tap into my own creativity, and I felt really at home being surrounded by people who are just as on fire about music as I am.

I was also in a band! Any little sliver of free time we could find, we grabbed our instruments and set out for Newbury Street to busk. If you asked me to describe what kind of music we played, the only category I would be able to pin down is “music played from the heart”. From ska versions of Nirvana, to classic Grateful Dead jams, to DIY kazoo solos over folk standards, these guys really expanded my repertoire.

The whole experience reminded me that music is about connection more than perfection. We weren’t there for the polished presentation of it all, we just wanted to jam. In the beginning, we were so eager for the music that, when Guitar Center said they didn’t rent box drums, one of my bandmates and I jogged two miles across town to get some trash cans from Target we could bang on. That’s one of my favorite memories of my time there, for sure.

Who or what are your biggest musical inspirations?

Growing up, my parents were always big fans of the Grateful Dead, and I think being surrounded by their songs from a very young age taught me to have a more improvisational and flowy approach to music.

I would say I’m less interested in labeling myself with a specific genre, but I definitely draw lots of inspiration from country music and staple singer-songwriters (Jason Isbell and Joni Mitchell are favorites!) 

However, lately, I’ve been trying to lean more into a new sound. I take a lot of inspiration from wide open desert landscapes and I’m really fascinated with writing about the American West. I think my music carries a lot of motifs of exploration, adventure, and discovery, which are also really popular throughout America’s and my home state of California’s history.

There’s more western-style stuff from me on the horizon, but here are some of my biggest inspirations for my upcoming work:

Album: Communiqué by Dire Straits

Book: Desolation Angels by Jack Kerouac

Song: Astrovan by Mt. Joy

Movie: Asteroid City

Bonus: The view out the plane window over the Nevada plains

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

I’ve been thinking about doing one for a long time, actually! One that really stands out to me is “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas; my grandmother and I used to sing it together when I was little, and to this day it’s still one of her favorites, so it holds a lot of really special memories for me. 

I’m also totally on board with its message of choosing to cherish our relationship with the natural world instead of having a one-sided, exploitative view of it. A cover of the song itself would be really on brand for me: like I said before, I love incorporating images of nature into my writing and taking inspiration from landscapes.

Being from Northern California, I feel really blessed to have grown up surrounded by forests, mountains, and beaches. Those landscapes have always been a huge part of my life, and I think they naturally find their way into my music. There’s something about that much open space that really makes you notice the little things, every movement and subtle sound, not to mention it’s great for creativity! When I have some time on my hands, one of my favorite creative rituals is to drive up a little while into the Santa Cruz Mountains, find a nice quiet bench or picnic table, and just spill out all my thoughts into my songwriting journal!

What are your immediate musical goals?

Something I’d really like to carry with me into the rest of the year is the collaborative mindset that Berklee gifted me. I’d love to see what kind of music there is to create if I work with a whole bunch of different people (especially those whose musical backgrounds are completely different from mine) to combine our ideas.

I’d also love to keep the momentum of recording and publishing new releases!! 

Again, right now I’ve got something in the works, so stay tuned…

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I will absolutely be staying tuned!

As always, I want to thank Maia 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

Apple Music

Thanks again Maia, and good luck reaching your goals!

Fiona Marais's Favorite Things!

I'm sure you all know Fiona Marais from her incredible music, including her single "The Kids We'll Never Have", which I assume you have on all your playlists to listen to over and over.

I thought it would be fun to learn a little bit more about this artist, by learning a few of her favorite things! Let's see how it goes.

What is her favorite...

Animal? Fox 

Disney song to sing? When Will My Life Begin (Tangled)

Crayon color? Indigo

Coffee order? Latte with oat milk

Baseball team? Red Sox 

Vacation spot? Anywhere with a beach

Place to shop? Target

Star Wars character? Han Solo 

Winter activity? Christmas movie marathon 

Beverage? Coke Zero with lemon

Restaurant? Italian place called “caloré” in Denver 

Book? The Road - Cormac McCarthy 

Song? WAY too many to pick but rn What the Hell by Avril Lavigne 

City? Valencia 

Ice cream flavor? Mint chocolate chip

Shape? Equilateral triangle 

Article of clothing? Jean jacket that my mom made me

Place to walk? Charles river

Season? Summer

Cookie flavor? Snickerdoodle

String instrument? Cello

Color rose? Yellow

Superhero? Wonder Woman 

Body piercing location? Nose

Candle scent? Cinnamon and vanilla

Thing you did in the last 24 hours? Went thrifting

Cheese? Brie 

Female musician? again WAY too many but rn  Hayley Williams

Disney character? Mulan

Social media platform? Insta

Type of big cat? snow leopard 

Summer activity? playing mermaids in the pool 

Toy as a child? Stuffed Tigger (from Winnie the Pooh)

Smell? Vanilla

Souvenir to bring home? Jewelry or postcard

Section? 36!

Finding Fiona Marais

 Instagram

Spotify 

Apple

Previously on Section 36

"Fiona Marais Visits Section 36 Music!"

Playlists with Fiona Marais

Songs that Cover the Bases

It's 2025 in Section 36

Women Going Places, from Section 36

One Week of “Up to Fate (The Tarot Card Song)” By Sydney Stevenson

Sydney Stevenson charms fans with an insightful folk-pop single, “Up to Fate (The Tarot Card Song),” in which she delves into life in her 20s. After moving to London, she did some soul-searching to find her current friend group and her way around a new, exciting city. She recalls weekly tarot card readings with one of her now-best friends and channeling this ritual to process life’s events as they transpired. In tarot, you “have to take what resonates with you,” which Sydney emphasizes in the song. “Strong things take time; don’t leave it all behind- at least that’s what the tarot cards say. Pour the tea, close the door, see what’s in store and take what resonates; at least that’s what the tarot cards say; at least that’s what I’ll leave up to fate.” The lyrics pour the energy of hope, passion, and a future of love and fulfillment. You can hear her emotions come through in every note, as she longs to be in the place she envisions but questions herself along the way. 

Sydney says the writing process seamlessly clicked because “so much of your 20s is about finding yourself, but also trusting the process. Tarot cards are a popular trend right now because people want something to hold onto, a sort of guidance.” The song is a call to all dreamers who would love to have some power or control over their love connections and in figuring things out, but who learn to embrace the journey.

“Up to Fate (The Tarot Card Song)” comes in with big production, a folky vocal, a catchy pop chorus, and lush guitars. The track closes with an intimate outro featuring Sydney and her friends laughing and chatting as they do tarot card readings. “Up to Fate” truly captures the energy of being together and navigating life, still playing the cards, but leaning into the here and now. Produced by Nina Sundstrom, mixed by Sophie Ackroyd, and mastered by Izzy McPhee, this team of women has packaged a poignant and witty single.

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Sydney Stevenson is a Canadian singer- songwriter from Toronto, currently based in London, UK. With a growing presence in the local music scene, Sydney captivates audiences with her soulful, folky vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Her music blends folk and pop, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with listeners through emotive songwriting and a warm, engaging presence. 

Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the world around her, Sydney continues to craft songs that explore love, self-discovery, and resilience. After performing at Camden Assembly and other venues around London, she aspires to make an impact on the music scene through authentic storytelling and performances. Her recent singles, “Nostalgia,” and “Up to Fate (The Tarot Card Song),” may draw fans of Gracie Abrams, Noah Kahan, or Lizzy McAlpine, while her magnetic, poised, and alluring energy sets her apart. Her music creates an atmosphere that feels like a best-kept secret, poised to ignite the indie scene as she blossoms in her musical career.

Photos by Sarah Plenge

Jasslyn Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Jasslyn is a talented artist whose EP, "Love Tapes" you won't want to miss. I was so excited that Jasslyn 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 Jasslyn visits Section 36!

I absolutely adore your recent EP, “Your Love Tapes”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much! Your Love Tapes is honestly like a look into my personal diary. I wanted to capture the heavy, beautiful, and sometimes dark layers of love and heartbreak. Sound-wise, we leaned heavily into an atmospheric, soulful pop space, lots of moody textures and deep grooves. It’s all about creating a vibe that people can lose themselves in late at night.

You were able to play Mimi in a production of Rent. What was that experience like?

Playing Mimi was an absolute whirlwind and so incredibly liberating. She is such a complex, fierce, and vulnerable character, and tapping into her energy every night pushed me completely out of my comfort zone. Theater demands a different kind of stamina, and bringing her story to life with the Berklee Musical Theater Club is something I’ll never forget.

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

Berklee just felt like the ultimate sandbox for a creative. Being surrounded by so many insanely talented musicians, producers, and writers forces you to level up every single day. I wanted an environment that wouldn't just teach me technical skills, but would challenge me to refine my unique sound and understand the music industry from the inside out.

Who or what are your biggest musical inspirations?

I'm deeply inspired by strong, independent women in music who aren't afraid to speak their truth through their art. As an R&B artist, I'm especially drawn to music that blends raw emotion, vulnerability, and powerful storytelling. Artists like Karol G, Ariana Grande, and Jazmine Sullivan have had a major influence on me because they each bring confidence, authenticity, and emotion into their music in their own unique way. I'm also inspired by artists who know how to create an entire visual and sonic world around their work. I love the emotional depth of R&B and classic soul mixed with modern, atmospheric production that feels cinematic, classy, and a little mysterious. The music I connect with most feels like a late-night confession, honest, soulful, intimate, and powerful.

 

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

I would definitely choose "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" from Hercules. First of all, Megara has that perfect, cynical, classy attitude. But sonically, I would completely strip it down,

 slow it down, and turn it into a moody, atmospheric soul ballad. It would be so fun to flip the energy of that track into something darker and more emotional.

 

What are your immediate musical goals?

Right now, I’m focused on diving back into the studio to write and produce the next chapter of my sound. I'm also really excited about performing live more, connecting with listeners face-to-face, and expanding my visual branding. I want every single release, video, and show to feel like a seamless experience for the audience.

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I am so excited for that next chapter!

As always, I want to thank Jasslyn 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

Apple Music

Thanks again Jasslyn, and good luck reaching your goals!

Ava Franks Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Ava Franks is releasing a single this week that you absolutely won't want to miss. I was thrilled that Ava was willing 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 Ava Franks visits Section 36!

I am so excited about your upcoming single, “Can’t Help It”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much for having me at Section 36 Music, and thank you for being excited about the song! “Can’t Help It” is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever made, because it’s so happy and upbeat. It makes me want to dance around or stick my head out of the sun roof of a moving car. It started out as a chorus I wrote a while ago in my dorm room in college, and then I brought it to Jackson Hoffman and Ryder Stuart, and they helped me shape it into the song it is now. I love storytelling, and being colorful with the visuals I include in songs, and it was fun writing those kinds of details into this one: the willow tree, the navy bike, fireworks. To me, it sounds exactly like that joyful and giddy feeling when you’re around someone you really like. It’s just fun.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

Making this with Jackson and Ryder was a blast, because they’re the most open-minded and talented collaborators you could imagine. I think our first day in the studio together making this, which also happened to be the first day we ever worked together, was one of the best memories. When the chorus started to sound the way it does now, with all of the percussive layers and vocal stacks, I remember the three of us just kind of looking at each other with the unspoken realization that we were writing something we were going to be really proud of. It’s always awesome to have that feeling while working on a song. 

How did you come up with the cover art?

The cover art is the work of Karson Eaton! She also shot and directed the music video for the song! She’s so creative and imaginative, when it comes to utilizing accessible environments to tell a story. We shot the cover art and the music video in Prospect Park. The goal was to have the whimsy and romance of the song come through in the visuals, and I think we definitely achieved that. I feel really lucky to work with someone so talented on my visuals.

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of singer songwriters: Sarah McLachlan, Erin LeCount, Olivia Rodrigo, Sombr, and Billie Eilish. I also love Michael Jackson, Coldplay, LÉON, and the musical Hamilton.

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

Hmm, any Disney song… I do remember singing “Part of My World” from The Little Mermaid A LOT when I was younger, so I’d probably choose that one! Plus, I can definitely relate to Ariel since I was a swimmer for most of my life lol!

What are your immediate musical goals?

My immediate goal is for my music to reach all of the people who need it, or didn’t know they wanted it. I became a singer-songwriter because of the ways artists and their songs have impacted me. Music is really powerful, in that it can make someone feel seen. I want to give that to as many people as possible, so any manifestation of that outcome is what I want for my artist career in the immediate future!

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Hopefully more people keep finding her music!

As always, I want to thank Ava for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures (by Karson Eaton) 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

Apple Music

TikTok

YouTube

Thanks again Ava, and good luck reaching your goals!

Now Available: “Outer Space” by Olivia Zegers

Chilean singer-songwriter Olivia Zegers began writing Outer Space with a vivid goal in mind. “I was sitting on my bed in my childhood room and remembered the wise words a music teacher once told me, “don’t be afraid to write the words you’ll never say out loud”. Zegers embraced that feeling and realized she had been censoring herself based on what others expected from her. Outer Space came from that realization of not being able to express herself under her fear of imperfection. The first verse “My lips are sealed when I need them the most, afraid of causing chaos, afraid to see the ghosts” determines the emotional journey of this song, inviting the listener to be sitting on that bed, feeling what she felt alongside her. 

The 4:35 minute song explores every stage of that emotional journey the musician had been afraid to express. From an intimate, whispery, vocal line during the first third of the song, the instrumentation and power of Zegers’ voice burst into a cinematic and expansive experience for the next section, and finally ending with a sense of reflection, shown with fragility and vulnerability in her vocals and instrumentation.

The recording of this song was one Zegers will never forget. As a multi-instrumentalist herself, she played the main acoustic guitar, and violin tracks, which allowed her to immerse herself into the song even more and portray her emotion through various mediums. This song represents the sound of an artist who embraces every version of herself, and wants to share that with the world. 

CREDITS:
Olivia Zegers - vocals, acoustic guitar, violin
Jackson Perry - drums, bass, acoustic guitar, keyboard
Song and Lyrics by: Olivia Zegers
Produced by: Jackson Perry
Mixing Engineer: Francisco Victoria
Mastering Engineer: Chalo González

Cover Photo: Faith Nguyen

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Olivia Zegers is a 21 year-old singer-songwriter born and raised in Santiago, Chile. Now based in Boston MA, her music is deeply rooted within the alternative folk and pop genres. Her sound is both intimate and expansive, With a voice that balances fragility and power, Olivia creates a sonic space that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant. 

Spotify

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Section 36 Music Interview