Amie Wren Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Amie Wren is a fantastic singer whose recent single "Stay" is beyond incredible. I was so glad she was willing to visit with us and discuss her music, future goals, and more. I’m sure you’ll enjoy everything she has to say.

So, let's see what happens when Amie Wren visits Section 36 Music!

I was blown away by your recent single, “Stay”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much! So, ‘Stay’ is essentially about unrequited love, that kind of love that totally consumes you and destroys you when it ends. I wrote it about a year ago, and putting it together with my producer was truly an amazing experience, as it was exactly what I wanted it to be, and it perfectly encapsulated what I’d been feeling when I wrote it.

That was on the heels of your self-titled debut album. What has been your favorite part of the recording process?

I’d have to say working with the musicians featured on my album. One song I want to pick out is ‘Hanging Tree’. That was such an undertaking to put together, as I arranged the song for nine vocalists, including myself. I really enjoyed teaching them the parts, working with them as a choir, seeing how their voices worked together. I’d never recorded anything to that scale before, and it was a truly amazing experience.

You are currently attending Berklee College of Music. What’s the biggest thing you can see Berklee doing for your career?

I can see Berklee really refining my music. Right now, when I compose either music or songs it feels very raw, and whilst something can be said for that, I really want to develop my skills, using more complex harmony or melodic ideas. I just really want to be a music nerd for the next four years, and I’m so glad that it’ll be at Berklee - the sheer talent of students and professors alike is outstanding, and it’s a privilege to be a part of that.

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

That’s a great question! For singing, I’d probably say Cara Dillon, Enya, Kate Bush and Alanis Morissette. I have always loved Irish and Scottish folk music, and in ‘Amie Wren’ I featured several traditional folk songs, which were a joy to put together, as I love the music and the genre so much.

What would you say is your biggest career challenge?

Honestly, imposter syndrome. I, and many musicians, struggle with the simple feeling that we’re not good enough, especially in comparison to other musicians. It’s crucial to remember that no one can be ‘better’ than you because you are unique. You are you, and they are them, and both of you are fantastic in your own way. It’s something I tell myself every time I sing or perform to alleviate the anxiety - you can only do your best, and remembering that is really important.

What are your immediate career goals?

I’m currently working on a new album! It’ll be completely made up of original songs, and will hopefully explore some new genres that I’ve been less comfortable singing in in the past. I really want to push myself, and I hope that this new project can do that!

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I can't wait for that new album!

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

I'm sure you’ll all want to follow along with her to see what she's up to. I would definitely follow her on Instagram, and/or Spotify. In fact, go do both right now!

Thanks again Amie, and good luck reaching your goals!

“Not The Way You Want It" by Victoria Barral (November 25, 2022 Release)

"Not The Way You Want It" is the latest single from the talented singer Victoria Barral! 

You'll want to listen to this song as soon as you can! What can you expect from the song? Here's some great info from the press release...

Victoria Barral is coming back with an epic and experimental song. Victoria never ceases to surprise us with her ability to write and produce versatile music. With R&B and electronic vibes, her 3rd single off her upcoming album, “Not The Way You Want It” embodies deep and vulnerable moments of anxiety and universal themes that many people can resonate with. Victoria opened up to us about her anxiety and struggles with depression. The artist says: “It’s been a really tough year and I’ve gone through some really hurtful experiences that caused me to be anxious and be fearful of the future. I really had to take some time to write about what I was going through and process a lot that was going on.

During the beginning of this year, I got really committed to posting my production process on TikTok. I would just go for it and put out anything I had. I scoped through different plugins to find the sounds that I was looking for that best represented what I was experiencing. I found the most dope sound to use in production that fits so well with this theme of being anxious and restless.”

Victoria also shared about her process making the music: “The production process was a long one. Since the song and lyrics meant so much to me, I didn’t want to rush it. I spent over 8 months revising it and knew it needed changes, I knew I had most of the production down, but definitely needed someone to hop on co-production. Really recently, a phenomenal artist and DJ, Hagen from the Netherlands who had previously remixed a Christian parody I made of Unholy, was down to add production on it. I just sent him the demo I had and Hagen went beyond what I expected and contributed to so much of the beats in the song. After that, it was set. I was super happy that it fit my vision.”

“Not The Way You Want It” opens with an amazing fade in with lofi vintage sound recording and light vocals. Victoria’s verse starts with some solid and real songwriting:

It’s been a long night

A long fight with thoughts in my mind

That don’t even play out in real life

Been running in circles trying to find purpose

I know that’s not the way You Want It.

Victoria’s songwriting addresses something that her audience can relate to: We are all stressed about the future at one point or another and think we need to make expectations for ourselves to be satisfied or successful in life. Victoria shares: “We all get anxious, but living in fear and anxiety is not what God wants for our lives.It is easier said than done, but we need to trust Him more that He has it all planned.”

Later on in the Chorus it says:

“I’m exhausted, I’ve lost it.

Without You I don’t know who I am

And my heart has been hardened.

Without You I am Nothing

Victoria is not hesitant about her relationship with God. She explains that doing things in your own strength doesn’t work and without Jesus, we are nothing. Victoria continues to spread light and truth through her music hoping her music can be her ministry and way to tell people about Jesus.

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You'll be able to find “Not The Way You Want It" just about everywhere you usually get your music like Spotify or Apple! So, there's no reason why you won't be able track it down. 

If you want to learn more about Victoria, check out her interview right here on Section 36 Music. That will give you an opportunity to learn more about this fantastic singer. There are also any number of great places to find out about Victoria's work.

Be sure to give “Not The Way You Want It" a listen!

Brooke Sanders Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Brooke Sanders is a fantastic singer whose debut single "So What" is simply amazing. I was so glad she was willing to visit with us and discuss her music, future goals, and more. I’m sure you’ll enjoy everything she has to say.

So, let's see what happens when Brooke Sanders visits Section 36 Music!

I thought your recent single, “So What” was outstanding. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much! I wrote “So What” the first summer I lived in Boston. It started as an assignment for a songwriting class

at Berklee and from there it grew to a full-length song I’m really proud of. I wanted to write a fun song that people could dance to. I felt like a lot of the breakup songs I was hearing at the time were very sad (which of course there’s absolutely a time and place for) but I wanted to write something different. I wanted to say ‘we were together and now we’re not and I’m better off without you.’

That was your second single in the last few months, following your debut single “The Best Part of Me” Is there more studio work in your future?

Yes!! I have another single in the works right now and an EP that I’m hoping to release in the next year!

You are currently attending Berklee College of Music. What’s the biggest thing you can see Berklee doing for your career?

Berklee has taught me so much about different sides of the music industry. Career routes I never knew existed I’m now considering pursuing. I’ve also gotten to meet so many talented students and listening to their music has expanded my musical vocabulary and inspired me. Berklee’s given me tools to be able to -hopefully- have a sustainable career in the music industry.

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

My biggest musical influences are The Goo Goo Dolls, Fleetwood Mac, The Lumineers, Harry Styles, Alanis Morisette, and Hal Ketchum. I’m influenced by the pop, rock, and country genres.

What would you say is your biggest career challenge?

I think the hardest part for me is trying to figure out where to start and deciding what lane is best for me to go down. Figuring out my sound and what route makes the most sense for me and music is often hard. It’s also hard to not compare yourself to others, but something I actively try to remember is that my journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. We’re all on our own paths and that’s the way it’s supposed to be! Also definitely marketing. Social media is hard for me!

What are your immediate career goals?

I’m excited to put on my first show of all original music backed up by a band on Berklee’s campus next semester. A goal of mine is definitely to continue putting on shows of my original music and release new music.

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I definitely want to hear new music!

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

I'm sure you’ll all want to follow along with her to see what she's up to. I would definitely follow her on Instagram, and/or Spotify. In fact, go do both right now!

Thanks again Brooke, and good luck reaching your goals!

“Help Yourself" by Lina Cooper (November 18, 2022 Release)

 “Help Yourself" is the new single from the amazing singer Lina Cooper!

Go listen to it right now!

Here's what Lina says about the song...

"This song came to me at a really dark time and it felt like a breath of fresh air. I started writing it by myself at the kitchen table with a broken guitar, and then finished it with Leonardo Porro who was half a world away the entire time.

This song is starting to believe in yourself again, it is telling everybody that doesn’t like you to f*** off, it is enjoying your life and cutting off the ones that don’t let you do that."

That definitely sounds like a special song to me.

You can find “Help Yourself" just about everywhere you usually get your music like Apple and Spotify. So, there's no reason you won't be able to find it.…which I highly suggest you do.

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If you want to learn more about Lina, check out her Section 36 profile page. It has samples of her music, links to where you can find her, and more.

You can also hop directly to her interview right here on Section 36 Music.

Be sure to give “Help Yourself" a listen!

“RIP to Love" by Serena Z (November 18, 2022 Release)

“RIP to Love" is the new single from the incredible Serena Z!

And you should stream it right now!

You probably remember Serena Z from her interview with us, and her numerous outstanding releases since then. It's always exciting to see a new release from her. This one certainly lives up to expectations, and more. 

You can find “RIP to Love" just about everywhere you usually get your music like Apple and Spotify. So, there's no reason you won't be able to find it.…which I highly suggest you do.

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If you want to learn more about Serena Z, check out her Section 36 profile page. It has samples of her music, links to where you can find her, and more.

You can also hop directly to her recent interview right here on Section 36 Music.

Be sure to give “RIP to Love" a listen!

Ruby-Sage Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Ruby-Sage is an singer whose debut single "Mad @ You" is simply fantastic. I was so excited she was willing to visit with us and discuss her music, future goals, and more. I’m sure you’ll enjoy everything she has to say.

So, let's see what happens when Ruby-Sage visits Section 36 Music!

I loved your recent debut single “Mad @ You”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much! This song was so fun to work on! I wrote in when I was a senior in high school after going through my first break up. I didnt really know how to deal with the feelings it had left me with and all I really know how to do was write. The relationship didnt end badly or anything like that, but I was still so sad and hurt for what felt like no real reason at all. I am so happy I wrote it, though it doesn’t feel very applicable in my life these days. It was very therapeutic to create and looking back, definitely helped shape my music going forward. 

What was your favorite part about the recording process? 

My favorite part of recording the song would have to be when I went in to do the vocal takes. My then guitarist, Nate, and I went in to record our respective parts for Mad @ You as well as another song we were working on at the time and right before I went in to do the vocals for the song, I just kind of broke down to him. I had a really grueling semester and I just allowed myself to feel all of it all at once. Something about sobbing and then going in to record this song made it more special and powerful to me. I dont think the song would have sounded the way it does if I hadn’t let those emotions out right before.

You are currently attending Berklee College of Music. What’s the biggest thing Berklee is doing for your career? 

The biggest thing Berklee is doing for my career is the networking. I have gotten to work alongside some of the most talented musicians I have ever met. Not only am I working with them, but I am seeing shows of other Berklee students and we all kind of work off of each other in a way. I am so grateful to be at Berklee and getting all of the experience I have got thus far. I also have found that its kind of a trial run for my career. I am learning things that are really helpful so after college I won’t feel like I'm starting from scratch. 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Right now some of my biggest musical influences are Peach Pit, Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, Regina Spektor and Origami Angel. Two Berklee students I have had the honor of working with who also have inspired me are Robo Pumpkin and Cameron Lane.

What would you say is your biggest career challenge?

My biggest career challenge is marketing, I really hate being on social media.

What are your immediate career goals?

My immediate career goals are to keep putting out music, playing shows and taking it all in. I am so grateful and humbled for where I am at in my life and if you had told me even a year ago that this is where I would be, I wouldn’t have believed you. I really am just so grateful for all of the support. 

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Let's see if we can help Ruby-Sage reach those goals!

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

I'm sure you’ll all want to follow along with her to see what she's up to. I would definitely follow her on Instagram, and/or Spotify. In fact, go do both right now!

Thanks again Ruby-Sage, and good luck reaching your goals!

“Sugar Stained" by Geena Gangi (November 11, 2022 Release)

"Sugar Stained" is the recent single from the incredible singer Geena Gangi!

Streaming this song really needs to be the next thing you do today! I assume you remember Geena from her interview with us, where we discussed her single, "The Nice Guy". Thankfully, we didn't have to wait for another masterpiece. She says this song "really sounds like [her] right now". I think it sounds amazing. Go stream it now.

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You'll be able to find “Sugar Stained" just about everywhere you usually get your music like Apple or Spotify! So, there's no reason why you won't be able track it down…which I highly suggest you do. Right now!

You can also go check out Geena's full interview with us to see everything she had to say.

Go give “Sugar Stained" a listen!

“Crush" by Lui$a (November 7, 2022 Release)

 "Crush" is the recent single from the amazing Lui$a!

If you haven't already, be sure to go listen to it now! You probably remember Lui$a from her interview with us, where we discussed her debut EP, "Limelight". If you're like me, you've been eagerly waiting for something new from her ever since. I know I was thrilled to see this new release. She says she wrote this song "back in Prishtina after stealing a bag of chips and watching Star Wars". I don't know if I've ever heard a better background to a song. Go stream it now.

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You'll be able to find “Crush" just about everywhere you usually get your music like Apple or Spotify! So, there's no reason why you won't be able track it down…which I highly suggest you do. Right now!

You can also go check out Lui$a full interview with us to see everything she had to say.

Go give “Crush" a listen!

“States Between" by Kilough (November 4, 2022 Release)

"States Between" is the recent EP from the incredible singer Kilough!

You'll want  to listen to these songs as soon and as often as you can! You probably remember Kilough from her interview with us, where we discussed her debut EP, "Latitude". Since then, every one of her releases has been a must listen. She called this release her favorite to date, and that's really saying something. If you haven't already, you owe it to yourself to go stream it now.

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You'll be able to find “States Between" just about everywhere you usually get your music like Apple or Spotify! So, there's no reason why you won't be able track it down…which I highly suggest you do. Right now!

You can also go check out Kilough's full interview with us to see everything she had to say.

Go give “States Between" a listen!