Melissa Mills Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Melissa Mills is a

Photo by Portraits of Humans

talented singer, and I was so glad that she wanted to talk with us about her music.

So, let's see what happens when Melissa Mills visits Section 36!

This summer you released your single, “Blueberry Daydream”. What can you tell me about that song?

Blueberry Daydream is about finding a place in my mind to escape the feelings of guilt and regret in my life. We all go through hard times and make questionable choices, so this song was born out that feeling.  Blueberry was a huge milestone for me as a solo artist because it was the first song I released as Melissa Mills that was fully my own and was a solid representation of my sound as a musician. Recording this song also led to me working with a drummer which was always the goal for my music, to be back in a full band. 

Is there any more studio work in your plans?

Photo by Quesi James

Yes!! My next single, Lose My Cool, will be released February 14th, Valentine’s day!! I’ve taken a song I wrote on my loop pedal, and with the help of my friend/producer Stone Komodo we’ve created something new and exciting! It’s a bit psychedelic with a pop twist. And I absolutely can’t wait to get it out there!  Following that, I hope to release a few more singles in 2020, as well as hopefully a few music videos!

I enjoyed the video for your song “Make Sense”. What was it like to put that together?

Thank you! It was a really fun and random project that was a lot more difficult to achieve than I had imagined while planning it.  I had some friends over just to play some music and this song came to life. Around this time I had made the decision to change my Instagram handle to MelissaMillsmusic and I wanted something a bit flashy to show off my new name.  Since we had recorded our jam session, I selected my favorite minute and then recorded my vocal tracks over top. Then I mixed those in Garageband.  Following that I set up my house to be the set, and filmed all the various scenes on my friends camera. I think the most difficult part was editing them in iMovie as I’ve never tackled something like this before. Knowing that I wanted it to be a bit extra I learned some cool tricks with editing and I am very very proud of how it all came together.  There’s something about taking a small idea and watching it blossom into fruition that really excites me. 

You’ve been able to perform live on several occasions. What do you like most about being on stage?

Photo by Portraits of Humans

Being on stage is a rush like no other.  There’s this pressure to carry the energy of the room, but it is a good kind of pressure.  When I’m on stage, especially when playing with a full band, I feel liberated. I like to take my shoes off and dance barefoot, singing and shaking it with everything I have. I’ve been told by many that I’m a passionate performer, and that is definitely what I’m aiming for.  I want to entice and engage the audience; if I’m singing a sad tune I want us to feel it together and when I’m happy I want the room to glow.  Being a musician is a powerful position but it’s one I take on humbly and with so much love.

Does any specific appearance stand out in your mind? Why?

Recently I played at the Lizard Lounge, and it was one of the best shows I had played in a while. When the crowd is quiet and hanging on your every note, it is so uniquely special.  It is rare to be in a “listening room” and to have the audience truly care about what you’re giving out.  It was a beautiful show, and I could feel all the love in the room. 

Right now, what would you say is your biggest career challenge?

Photo by Quesi James

Right now my biggest challenge is transitioning from a singer/songwriter into a full band. Since 2017 when my first band officially ended I have wanted to be back in that space.  Full bands are more easily hired, desired, and at the end of the day it is where I really want to be, so my biggest challenge is going to be finding the right opportunities to showcase that band.  I’ve been the band in the back of the room that’s almost background noise, and that is not where I want this band to go.  So there are many challenges, but I’m excited for a new journey. 

What are your immediate career goals?

In 2020 I have a lot of plans and intentions for my career as a musician.  I will be releasing my second single “Lose My Cool” in February and I hope that it will get to 1000 plays. I would like to get involved with Sofar sounds, and play one of their intimate shows. Also expanding the repertoire of the band with more original music, playing stages I’ve never played before, and returning to some of my favorite spots. Overall I want to gain traction as an artist and grow my connection to those in my music community and those that are into what I’m bringing to the table.  

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Hopefully she can accomplish those goals!

As always, I want to thank Melissa for visiting, and for allowing me to use the pictures that accompany the interview. They’re really wonderful.

Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Melissa to see what she's up to, I suggest you check out her website and follow her on Instagram. They’re the best ways to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting things she teased during the interview.

Speaking of not missing out, don’t miss her next live show. She’ll be at The Worthen Attic in Lowell, MA on Feb 14. She’ll be celebrating the release of “Lose My Cool” and I’m sure you’ll want to celebrate with her!

Of course you can also find her music directly on Spotify. 

You should also check out her Section 36 Music page. There you'll find more links, and pictures. It's a great way to enjoy everything Melissa has to offer.

Thanks again Melissa, and good luck in reaching your goals! 

Gabby Patrice Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Gabby Patrice is a

wonderful singer, and I was so glad that she wanted to talk with us about her music.

So, let's see what happens when Gabby Patrice visits Section 36!

In November you released your latest single “White”. What can you tell me about that song?

"White" is a song I wrote about a situation I was in. I was having nightmares about marrying the perfect man I had been with for five years, so I wrote about the nightmare. It was painful and I never expected to release it. I started singing the song out, and the reaction from how it helped audience members feel less alone in their relationships is the reason I released it. I opened up my diary for the world to see, and I haven't looked back. I am extremely proud of this song. 

I enjoyed your videos to “You” and “Good as Gone”. What was it like to put those together?

Well, as sad as this is, the "You" music video is not only about the man I wrote "White" about, but also has him in it. Life is a crazy thing. I always enjoy making music videos because I believe a visual for the listeners is important. Telling a story and showing a story are two different things. They are powerful together.Good as Gone was shot at the Omni, with a lot of my good friends. It was a blast, and that was what the song was meant to portray. I am GOOD when he is GONE. Funny enough, this one wasn't about a boy- I wrote Good As Gone thinking about a toxic friend. Being surrounded by healthy and loving friends in that music video meant the world. 

You made the move from your Massachusetts home to Nashville. How did that move affect your career?

I could not picture my career without Nashville. I was playing cover gigs in Boston for years before I made the move to Nashville. Once I moved, I learned more in one year than I had in 24 years. I was a small fish in a beautifully creative and hard working pond, and I was ready to swim. My writing has grown tremendously. I know more about the industry. I created a name for myself, a brand for myself. It changed my life and career 100% and I am so grateful that God gave me the courage to move all alone, and the strength to keep fighting, learning, and growing here in music city. 

You've been able to perform at several live shows. What have you liked about those experiences?

I love performing! I just love to sing and dance. This year I was able to sing at Bridgestone Arena! Those performances are incredible because it's a big crowd and fun energy. I love bringing happiness to a crowd through music. On the other end, I have performed at The Listening Room. This can fit 300 people, but the rule is to be silent and really listen to the performers. This is less about making people happy and more about telling your story. It is more about making people feel connected and heard. I love all kinds of performing! 

Do you have any upcoming appearances you’re especially excited about?

I am in Boston for a string of shows and I am excited for every single one of them! To be honest I am working hard on performing but more so on creating the music and writing. I want to keep growing as an artist, so I am always writing and trying to give my listeners something new to look forward to! 

Right now, what would you say is your biggest career challenge?

Finances. If I am being honest. I could spend 10 hours a day writing and not get paid. Then we are expected to pay for our own photos, recordings, mixes, putting the song out, marketing, promoting, etc. We need to pay for that as artists but we aren't getting paid to be artists. Most gigs in Nashville barely pay! I know a lot of musicians that have side jobs. I just don't necessarily feel that is fair. People outside of our world don't understand, and it is hard to ask for help financially without feeling small. I am blessed to be a full time musician with no side job, but it is definitely a struggle. 

What are your immediate career goals?

Release more songs. Tour the world. Collaborate with other artists and release that music. 

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Hopefully she can accomplish that goal!

As always, I want to thank Gabby for visiting, and for allowing me to use the pictures that accompany the interview.

Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Gabby to see what she's up to, I suggest you check out and follow her social media accounts: Instagram, and Facebook. They’re the best ways to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting things she teased during the interview.

Of course you can also find her music directly on Spotify. 

You should also check out her Section 36 Music page. There you'll find more links, pictures, and some of her music. It's a great way to enjoy everything Gabby has to offer.

Thanks again Gabby, and good luck in reaching your goals! 

Jennie Angel Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Jennie Angel is a

talented singer and performer. I was flattered that she wanted to talk with us about all of that, her music, and more!

So, let's see what happens when Jennie Angel visits Section 36!

In July you released your first single “Move On”. What can you tell me about that song?

I wrote “Move On” laying in bed one night after a show. I saw so many couples and heard so many stories that night of cheating spouses, I wrote a song to try to promote honesty in relationships. 

Have you been working on any other recordings, and when might we be able to hear the results?

Yes! May 2020 I recorded with Altercation Records, 3 songs will be on another band’s album. I also am working on releasing my own album.

Your social media feeds are full of wonderful informal videos of you singing anything from covers to original songs. What do you enjoy most about putting those together?

Thank you! I just love being able to connect to a song and share them with everyone. Kinda like “oh hey have you heard this song, but listen this is how I hear it”.

I enjoy learning new songs every week whether they are my own or covers. Tons of fun for me.

You've been able to perform at several live shows. What have you liked about those appearances?

I love playing for large noisy crowds, where that one song stops the talking for a few minutes at a time and I love the small intimate shows too where I have a more interactive audience.

Do you have any upcoming appearances you’re especially excited about?

Yes! 2/8 is a talent show at Eisenhower hall. The winner gets an entertainment contract! 

Right now, what would you say is your biggest career challenge?

Honestly it’s not challenging at all, I’m having fun doing every single opportunity that is thrown my way and I’m always having fun searching for more shows to play. I would travel the world forever playing music if I could.

What are your immediate career goals?

To get this album recorded and see one of my songs on that top 40 

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Hopefully she can accomplish that goal!

As always, I want to thank Jennie for visiting, and for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview.

Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Jennie to see what she's up to and how her career is progressing, I suggest you check out and follow her social media accounts: Instagram, and Facebook. They’re the best ways to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting things she teased during the interview.

Of course you can also find her music directly on Spotify. 

You should also check out her Section 36 Music page. There you'll find more links, pictures, and some of her music. It's a great way to enjoy everything Jennie has to offer.

Thanks again Jennie, and good luck in reaching your goals! 

Jessica Fletcher Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Jessica Fletcher is a talented singer, and current student at Berklee College of Music. I was excited that she wanted to talk with us about all of that, her music, and more!

So, let's see what happens when Jessica Fletcher visits Section 36!

How would you describe your vocal style or genre?

I would definitely describe my vocal style as modern Pop R&B/Soul.

When did you know that you wanted music to be a big part of your life?

Every time I would go through something rough, I’d write a song about it. It really helped me get my emotions out onto paper. That’s when I realized that I wanted to choose music as a career path and share my stories with others through music.

You came from Louisiana to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston. What led to that decision?

I went to Berklee’s summer programs a few times and fell in love with the school and the city. I love Boston, and my family is from there, so I feel like it’s my home away from home.

You were able to perform live as part of the Berklee Summer Program. What was that experience like?

It was a really great experience. I felt really grateful that I was able to perform alongside other amazing and talented musicians. Everyone doing that program was really dedicated to music, so it was nice to share that passion for music with others on stage. 

Do you have any upcoming work you’re especially excited about?

I’m planning on releasing some singles that I’ve written with a few friends I’ve met at Berklee. I’ve never released any music before so I’m really psyched for this. I also plan on releasing an EP that should be finished by mid 2020!

Right now, what would you see as your biggest career challenge?

One challenge I definitely face is not being able to play any instruments. It hinders a lot of things that I do. I would love to learn to play piano and guitar soon. Another thing I struggle with is music theory! 

What are your immediate career goals?

I would love to have a solid platform/fanbase to share my music with before I graduate college. I hope that my music will be received positively by its audience. I really want people to feel a personal connection to my songs. 

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I’d say those are some pretty solid goals. Hopefully this post will help with the fanbase portion!

As always, I want to thank Jessica for visiting, and for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview. Can you guess my favorite?

Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Jessica to see what she's up to and how her career is progressing, I suggest you check out and follow her social media accounts: Instagram, and Facebook. They’re the best ways to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting things she teased during the interview.

Of course you should also check out her Section 36 Music page. There you'll find more links, pictures, and some of her music. It's a great way to enjoy everything Jessica has to offer.

Thanks again Jessica, and good luck in reaching your goals!