New Music from Allison Leah, Wendy Wang, and Riddhi Vikamshi

"Meet Me in the Garden" - by Allison Leah

Release Date: July 19, 2024

What You Should Know: This is a simply incredible song that you're going to want to listen to over and over

Find It: Spotify, and Apple

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounds Like From 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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"Maple Tears" - by Wendy Wang 

Release Date: July 19, 2024

What You Should Know: "This song is about the fear of losing a pet. It was inspired by my dog maple. I’m sure a lot of you can resonate especially if you also have/had a pet. If you don’t, you must have someone or something you love so dearly that you cannot fathom losing. This is the song to listen to when you think of them. Even though you might cry when you feel these emotions, I think they are good tears because they’re for a special someone. Crying from pure love makes me feel like the tears are so sweet like maple syrup !!!"

Find It: Spotify or Apple

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "Sunlight", "If I Told The Truth"

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Wendy Wang Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Kaahe" - by Riddhi Vikamshi

Release Date: July 12, 2024

What You Should Know: "Born from the creative melting pot of Berklee College of Music, "Kaahe" represents a harmonious blend of cultures and influences. What started as a simple bass line I created evolved into a dynamic composition featuring Sumer's flamenco guitar, Antony's melodic piano, and a diverse ensemble including tabla, bass, drums, and a string quartet.

This song reflects our passion for exploring new musical horizons. It's about bridging traditions and discovering unexpected harmonies. Recorded across continents—from Berklee's studios to Nagpur, India—each note resonates with our dedication and artistic integrity.

"Kaahe" captures both the playful energy of Latin music and the soulful depths of Hindustani vocals. The heartfelt lyrics speak to themes of longing and aspiration, making it relatable and emotionally impactful."

Find It: Spotify or Apple

New Music from Ceci Reyes, Kimaya Diggs, and Whitney Doucet

 

"Twenty" - by Ceci Reyes

Release Date: June 29, 2024

What You Should Know: "i can’t help but be grateful for everything and everyone around me 🫶🏻 im so so lucky and that’s what this song is all about :)"

Find It: Everywhere, like Spotify and Apple

Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Ceci Reyes Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"everything is not lost" - by Kimaya Diggs

Release Date: July 5, 2024

What You Should Know: "it's for anyone who's secretly shy. It's for the people who feel like they take up too much space and not enough space all at once, for former and current theater kids, big sisters, imposter syndrome-havers and lucky scammers and pessimists who can't help but have a little hope. It's for the folks who feel too old, or like they've missed their chance for something they deeply desire. It's for drama queens and secret-keepers and gossipers and people who watch their friends closely and quietly. And it's for anyone who likes good music and summer."

Find It: Everywhere, like Spotify and Apple

Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Kimaya Diggs Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Sunset Boulevard" - by Whitney Doucet 

Release Date: July 4, 2024

What You Should Know: "I wrote this song about summertime on PLUM ISLAND MASSACHUSETTS! So naturally I had to have the photo shoot for album cover taken at The Cottage Creamery 🍦"

Find It: Everywhere, like Spotify and Apple

Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Whitney Doucet Visits Section 36 Music!"

AnneMarie Shawi Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! You all streamed AnneMarie Shawi's recent single "Cigarette" already, right? Now's your chance to learn a little bit more about this incredible artist as we talk about the song, her goals, and more!

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

I absolutely love your recent single, “Cigarette”. What can you tell me about it?

I wrote this song over a year ago, at a time where I was in the anger stage of my first heartbreak. I wrote it on the flight back to Boston from visiting my mom. On that trip I told her that my ex was a smoker, a secret I had been keeping from her while I was in the relationship because I knew she wouldn’t like it. Telling her that cut the ties mentally between me and him. I was feeling so much anger.I felt very vulnerable because even though I thought I was being the perfect girlfriend, he still broke up with me. There were times where I pitied him and knew it was his loss, and times where I just wanted to scream. This is reflected in the lyrics of Cigarette, especially in the Chorus: “When you realize I was the hope you had found and thrown away, you’ll be begging me to stay, but I’ll be long gone”. The heavy contrast to this and in the mentality in the song is in the bridge: “Go on and choke on your cigarette, come home again at 4am wondering why the time keeps flying by”. I feel like a lot of people can relate to the feeling of wanting to look down on someone and keeping your power, but sometimes it just feels so good to stoop to their level and tell them what you think. 

What was your favorite part of the recording process?

Seeing a song come together for the first time is a surreal experience. I loved hearing what additions the musicians on the song had and how they interpreted it. My producer, Noah Jezyk, was just as excited as I was about it and it was so great to know that he cared about it as well. I remember during one of the sessions, as soon as the take was done I started kicking my feet and giggling like a crazy person and I accidentally scared him!

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

I first attended Berklee as a 5-week summer program student when I was 17. That was absolutely the best summer of my life. I met so many amazing and talented people from everywhere in the world. It is so inspiring to be surrounded by a constantly evolving scene that is influenced by different backgrounds and cultures. It motivates me to really express myself and I don’t have to feel self conscious about any of the art I put out, because everyone else is too. The classes are amazing and teach me things I couldn’t have dreamed of. I fell in love with going to school for the first time and would actually get upset when classes were canceled! This hasn’t changed since then and I am so incredibly grateful to be able to go to Berklee!

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Ever since I was 4 years old I have been a choir kid. I love the use of multiple harmonies and choirs on my songs. I love the drama that it brings. I am also part Egyptian, which I feel is reflected in my style of singing as well as in the Cello part in “Cigarette” and string parts in my other tunes. I love incorporating the culture into an otherwise western tune. 

What inspires me more than anything are the people I get to meet and the huge range of shows I get to see performed here at Berklee, as well as my friends who amaze me every day. 

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

I live for shocking an audience with the lyrics. It’s so fun to watch people’s faces when I sing a lyric I’m proud of, especially when they know who it’s about. I love to really put on a show and make sure everyone in the audience knows how I’m feeling!

What are your immediate music goals?
This was my debut single and now I just feel addicted to the feeling of releasing music! I am currently working on recording and mixing a couple other songs, which will see the light of day soon. I wish I could release new music every day!

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Excited to hear that new music!

As always, I want to thank AnneMarie 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. And, be sure to listen to "Cigarette" wherever you usually find your music.

Thanks again AnneMarie, and good luck reaching your goals!

New Music From Kelsey Blackstone and MANU XAVIER

 "Willow" - by Kelsey Blackstone

Release Date: June 14, 2024

What You Should Know: "this song is about growing older, things changing & accepting them even if it’s painful, and appreciating the important things that remain the same <3 if you’ve ever felt like Willow does in our song & you’re missing some of the magic from simpler times, I hope this music inspires you through it"

Find It: Spotify or Apple

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "Leaving Boston (Live)", "505"

Previously on Section 36: "Kelsey Blackstone Visits Section 36 Music!", "Tour Tips from Kelsey Blackstone"

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 "Shelf" - by MANU XAVIER

Release Date: June 28, 2024

What You Should Know: "MANU XAVIER is a Brazilian multi-instrumentalist who has already become a beloved figure in the Boston scene. Representing the Modern Rock genre, Manu’s original songs delve deeply into self-discovery, exploring sexuality, facing coming-of-age issues, and finding her own artistry. With inspiration ranging from Led Zeppelin to the Arctic Monkeys, she has created a signature sound characterized by her metaphorical lyrics and clinging motifs. If you’ve been waiting for a female rock’n’roll artist worth your attention, you should definitely listen to SHELF, which is available on all streaming platforms!"

Find It: Spotify or Apple

Previously on Section 36: "Introducing Rock Artist Manu Xavier..."

Julia Adrian Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! I'm sure you have all listened to Julia Adrian's recent single, "Elephant in the Room". Now you get to learn a little bit more about this inredible artist as we talk about the song, her goals, and more!

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

I absolutely love your recnt single “Elephant in the Room". What can you tell me about it?

I actually wrote it a few years ago, when I was thinking about a pretty uncertain situation. I had a friend and didn’t know where we stood, and the phrase ‘elephant in the room’ kept popping into my head.  It was both exciting and anticipatory, and I wanted to create the production ideas to mirror a ‘whisper’ and the tension-filled situation.  I decided to write about it from a playful lens, and that’s how we got here!

What was your favorite part of the recording process?

I loved recording this song and seeing how it progressed from the first day to where it ended up.  My favorite day of the process is always vocal day because we really hone in on the vocal artifacts and the detail of how I sing each line.  I love finding unique harmonies to support the lead vocal.  We tried to make the vocal edits and the breathiness reflect the suspense filled vibe of the song.  The best feeling is the last day when all the finishing touches come together and we do the first listen through of the final song.

Originally from the Northeast, you’re now based in Nashville. What has that move done for you and your career?

It’s been incredible.  Nashville is such a wonderful community of people that support and help each other.  There’s such a high concentration of creatives whether that be artists, writers, musicians, photographers, etc.  Nashville has changed the way I view this path and has made me feel so incredibly supported.  

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

I have so many.  I love the style and vocals of Amy Winehouse and Norah Jones.  I grew up being inspired by Ariana Grande’s harmonies and vocals, and Taylor Swift and Julia Michael’s lyricism.  More recently, I enjoy listening to artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Renee Rapp, Olivia Rodrigo, Maisie Peters, and Chappell Roan.

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

It’s definitely difficult to decipher advice and constructive criticism from opinion.  I’ve learned to listen, but take everything with a grain of salt.  Music is so subjective and there will always be someone who connects with your music and loves it. You just have to find that community.

What are your immediate music goals?

I would love to create a live show that people are excited to come to, with songs people want to sing to, but also feel both fun and cathartic. Similar to the live shows, I want to create a community of people who understand my sense of humor and relate in some way to the words I am singing.  I also love writing for other artists and connecting with them as people. 

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Love her attitude about finding her community. Perhaps it's with Section 36!  

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