Introducing "Never Better"!

If you remember the amazing recent single from Nicole Ash, "Stitch the Thread", then you know that was the third single off an upcoming EP. Well, that "upcoming" timeframe is now considerably shorter! Nicole will be releasing her first EP, "Never Better" in just one week! You definitely won't want to miss it.

In order to let us all learn a bit more about the release, Nicole was nice enough to answer a few questions for it. I hope you love everything she had to say as much as I did.

What do you want listeners to know about the EP?

"Never Better" is an ironic title for an EP that taps into nearly every emotion (love, confusion, anger, resentment, confused, hidden, greif, depression, etc.) that you feel in tumultuous times. It tells a story of losing yourself, even when you're not sure how to re-discover yourself. The final track "Better Off Alone" really locks in the uncertainty and is meant to leave the next chapter open for myself and the listener, showing that you don't need to have everything figured out to move forward.

How did you come up with the EP cover artwork?

I'm actually pretty into tarot and would practice reading the cards in my free time. I always loved the art and deeper meaning in it, especially with custom decks. I had the idea of each song being represented by its own card while not saying the title. It seemed like a really cool and unique way to represent the full collection of songs. The cards read "the city" "the grave" "the mask" "the needle" and "the ghost", showing an artistic glimpse into the story of the EP from the cover art. I asked an artist in my network to design the cards and knew they would be the focal point.

Do you have any favorite memories of the recording process?

One of my favorite memories was creating the music video for appreciating the good moments together, even when the friendship had ended. We ordered pizza, blew up balloons, and pulled out every nostalgic item we could find including an old TV, gaming consoles, and VHS tapes. It completely encapsulates the song, and was such a fun video to create with friends.

What was the biggest challenge with creating the EP?

The biggest challenge is probably releasing the final 2 songs. I have no problem writing incredibly vulnerable music, but these are my first releases truly diving into mental health and the uncertainty I tried to hide, even from myself. At the same time, these songs are the ones I feel like need to reach people the most because of the story behind them.

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Nicole Ash is a solo artist originally from New Jersey and now based in North Carolina. She started her musical journey as a songwriter and guitarist, gaining recognition for her guitar covers on social media and her band, Wayne Avenue. Her social media following has now surpassed 85k followers, thanks to her signature energetic guitar covers and alluring performance personality. In 2022, Nicole took a bold step into singing with her solo project, a true testament to her dedication and artistic evolution.

Her influences of pop punk and alternative rock are evident in her music, particularly from artists such as Avril Lavigne, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, and Blink-182. Nicole is set to release her debut EP in 2025, a milestone in her journey, and hopes to inspire others with her mantra of relentlessly following her dreams.

Be sure to look for her other appearances on Section 36!

Learning More About "The United States of SARIKA"

Last week, SARIKA was nice enough to answer a few questions for us about the creation of her latest EP,  "The United States of SARIKA". Today she has even more to say, as we dive into some of the specific details of the project. I knoe behind the Scenes is my favorite place to be, and I hope you'll agree.

Here's what she had to say!

How did you come up with the EP cover artwork?

The EP cover is from a photoshoot I did with makeup artist Jordyn Klegraefe and photographer Mayker Duran in Providence! Jordyn and I met on TikTok and knew we wanted to collaborate on a fun makeup look and shoot. I originally didn’t know what I was going to do with the photos, but I felt like it ended up being a perfect fit for this EP between the dramatic pose, the glittery makeup, and the purple lighting (the EP feels very purple to me because of the red + blue = purple metaphor in “Violet” plus the United States references throughout the project).

Do any of the songs on the EP stand out in your mind?

I can honestly say I love them all equally! Each song became my favorite when I finished it, and I think that is super special. 

Do you have any favorite memories of the recording process?

My engineer and I had a lot of fun recording the gang vocals in the bridge of “High School”! I also really liked receiving submissions from listeners for the boarding call at the beginning of “Passport”. It was really cool getting to involve listeners in the creation of the song in a way that I’ve never done before. 

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I want to thank SARIKA for taking the time to share this look at her EP with us. 

Be sure to follow her on Instagram, and Spotify to be sure you won't miss anything! You'll also want to check out every other time SARIKA has appeared here on Section 36 Music!

Thanks again SARIKA!

Shreya Pujari Unveils a Cross-Cultural Folk Anthem Bridging Nordic Myth, Assamese River Songs, and Rajasthani Poetry

Singer, songwriter, and global folk artist Shreya Pujari releases her latest single, a rhythmically daring and emotionally rich song that weaves together Nordic folk tradition, Assamese river music, and Rajasthani lyrical poetry, creating a story of longing, crossing, and devotion across cultures. 

Built in an uncommon 7/8 time signature, the song draws inspiration from Nordic seafaring folk songs, often associated with Viking-era imagery of crossing open seas, while grounding itself in Bhatiali, the river folk tradition of Assam. The song also incorporates Rajasthani lyrical imagery, adding an earthy, intimate dimension rooted in desert folk traditions of waiting, devotion, and romantic certainty. 

At the heart of the song is the recurring call “naoriya”, a plea to the boatman, a figure found in folk traditions across South Asia that symbolizes fate, time, and the passage between separation and reunion. The boatman becomes a shared archetype, connecting the Nordic sailor, the Assamese river guide, and the lover waiting on the far shore. 

“Calling out to the boatman felt universal,” says Pujari. “Whether it is a Nordic sailor crossing the sea or an Assamese boatman navigating the Brahmaputra, the image is the same. Someone asking to be carried toward love, home, or destiny.” 

Lyrically, the song explores waiting for love, emotional distance, and the urgency of crossing obstacles, while the Rajasthani section introduces moments of tenderness and resolve, where longing gives way to faith and belonging. Together, these elements place the listener inside a journey that feels intimate, poetic, and mythic. 

Sonically, the track fuses traditional folk instrumentation like the “Dotara” with modern global pop, allowing regional influences to coexist within a contemporary production framework. 

A Berklee College of Music graduate and Fulbright-Nehru Research Scholar currently based in Assam, Pujari’s work is deeply informed by her research into Indigenous and folk music traditions, as well as her lived experience navigating identity, migration, and belonging. Her music centers global sounds within contemporary contexts, creating space for underrepresented musical languages in modern indie and sync landscapes. 

This release continues Shreya Pujari’s mission to present folk traditions not as relics of the past, but as living and evolving forms capable of carrying deeply human stories across borders and generations. 

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Where to find Shreya Pujari

Webiste

Instagram

Spotify

Apple

YouTube

Facebook

Section 36

New Music From Alexis Bleu!

"Ashes & Embers" - by Alexis Bleu

Release Date - January 23, 2026

What You Should Know: "The Ashes, the Embers, the In-Between… these aren’t places, more like states of being. 

The Embers is where I want to be. It’s a place for those of us who have decided to follow our dreams; the metaphoric candle still burning, lighting the way.

The in-between is like being in limbo. There’s no path, no guiding light, just darkness. 

However, the Ashes is a place for those who have lost their way in life. 

I knew I wasn’t meant for the path I was following but I kept going, anyway. After a while, I found myself creeping out of the Ashes, back to the Embers, and following that light through even the darkest of nights.

I found my light, so I share it with you, hoping you can find your light to guide you, too."

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "Swing and a Pop Up!", "It's 2026 in Section 36", "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Alexis Bleu Visits Section 36 Music!"

Introducing "The United States of SARIKA"

I'm sure that you've all been listening to the latest EP from SARIKA, "The United States of SARIKA". I know that I can't stop. It makes me want to learn more about the EP, and I can only assume that you feel that way as well. Thankfully, SARIKA was willing to answer a few questions about the EP so we could all appreciate it even more.

Here's what she had to say!

What do you want listeners to know about the EP?

Something listeners might not know is how long this project took to come together and how much of a journey these songs were from start to finish. Much like my previous EP, some of the songs were written several years ago and have been previously released in other forms. I wrote the first verse and chorus of “Back In Time” in middle school, then finished the song in college a few years ago. “Violet” and the chorus of “High School” were written when I was actually in high school. I’ve released versions of “Back In Time,” “Violet,” and “California King” in the past (which I later took down with the intention of improving and re-releasing them). It took many iterations (and many talented collaborators) to get them to the more polished state that you hear on the EP!

How does this EP compare to your previous work?

It’s more glittery, synthy, and dance-y than anything I’ve released before! I feel like my previous EP drew a lot of inspiration from music I listened to as a young kid (in the early-mid 2000s), and this one kind of comes next chronologically—it reminds me a lot of the music from when I was in middle school in the early 2010s. It’s also a lot more queer, both in lyrical content and musical influence, representing my coming to terms with my sexuality throughout my teenage years and even in the past few years.

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I want to thank SARIKA for taking the time to share this look at her EP with us. 

Be sure to follow her on Instagram, and Spotify to be sure you won't miss anything! You'll also want to check out every other time SARIKA has appeared here on Section 36 Music!

Thanks again SARIKA!

Ruby Mac Visits Section 36 Music!

Ruby Mac is the latest visitor to Section 36 Music! She is a wonderful singer who has released a single you won't want to miss. I was so excited she was willing to visit with us and discuss her music, challenges, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Ruby Mac visits Section 36!

Your recent single, “I hate you", is just outstanding. What can you tell me about it?

I wrote I hate you about a breakup I was going through last year. The relationship had felt pretty serious to me and I was looking forward to continue to grow together but I found out that the feeling wasn’t mutual. The breakup was really tough on me and I wrote I hate you about the fine line between love and hate. I’m really excited that it’s finally out in the world and I hope that it can help other people who’re going through the same thing.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

I record everything myself in my home studio :) I love getting in a good groove with recording and I especially love producing. I’m fairly new to producing and I feel like I learn something new with each song. I love the trial and error of creating and the feeling of satisfaction when I know I’ve come up with a great idea.

What would you say is the biggest challenge with your music career?

At this point, I think the biggest challenge is social media. It’s a lot to juggle alongside the creative process. In a perfect world, I would just be able to make music and play live shows and grow from that… but a huge aspect of success nowadays is becoming popular through social media. Social media and I have a love/hate relationship hahaha.

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

I love being able to connect with the audience and play my songs for them in person. It’s such a different atmosphere compared to social media because I get the see the people who are fans of my music and put a face to the name and feel the energy in the room.

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

Ooo this is a great question. I was such a theater kid and I remember when I was younger I sang “I won’t say (I’m in love)” from Hercules in a group and I would love to give that song a shot by myself. I just think it’s such a fun and beautiful song and every time I hear it, it makes me want to sing along.

What are your immediate musical goals?

I’m currently in the process of producing and releasing music for my upcoming EP and I hope to continue learning more and getting even better at producing my songs in the coming months. I’m also trying to find ways to enjoy posting on social media (since it can feel mundane at times) so, that’s a goal I have for the new year!  Stay tuned!!

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An upcoming EP sounds amazing! And maybe we can help her with that social media burden by following her everywhere we can!

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

Liv Pamp Visits Section 36 Music!

Liv Pamp is the next visitor to Section 36 Music! She is a fantastic musician with a recent single you won't want to miss. I was so thrilled she was willing to visit with us and discuss her music, challenges, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Liv Pamp visits Section 36!

I adore your recent single “Hurt People Hurt People”. What can you tell me about it?

Writing this song was cathartic to me, as I explored the concept of how people who have been hurt in the past may perpetuate their trauma, what it’s like to be on the receiving end of that pain, and how it feels to release it. I wrote and produced the instrumental all in one night when I couldn’t sleep, and then proceeded to take several months to record vocals and mix it to my liking. The songwriting and production process was inspired by water imagery, such as being underwater, the darkness of the ocean, and tears. 

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

Experimenting with vocal production techniques in my bedroom was quite fun! I had a clear vision for the vocal recording and production, so executing that was satisfying, although it took a while to perfect. Everything was done by me alone in my bedroom, so unfortunately there aren’t any entertaining stories!

What would you consider your biggest challenges with your music career?

I’d consider my biggest challenge to be taking things over the finish line. I have so many songs and so much to say and express, but I’m such a perfectionist that I labor and deliberate over everything I make for far too long. I think the remedy would be collaborating with other musicians and producers more, which I’d love to do. The only difficulty occurs when considering schedules and resources. I’m impressed by how people can record, produce, and release music so quickly!

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical inspirations?

My biggest musical inspiration doesn’t resemble the kind of music I make, but the production styles of Travis Scott and Mike Dean hooked me when I was 14 years old and became my ultimate sonic inspiration. The sound design featured in their productions is so cinematic and impactful. One of my ultimate goals is to be able to produce music with that same level of impact. 

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

I’d have to choose “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid! That was always my favorite Disney Princess movie as a little kid, and getting to play Ariel in The Little Mermaid when I was 10 years old was such a big deal to me. If I covered it, it definitely would come with a bit of an edgier twist, which would be fun to figure out. 

What are your immediate musical goals?

Currently, my biggest focus is just to release more music! I have only released two songs so far, and I’m so excited to put out more. My immediate goals include releasing several singles and a debut EP. It’s definitely my priority, and a necessity as an artist to create and share more art!

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A debut EP sounds amazing!

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