Don't Call Me Lizz Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Don't Call Me Lizz is a incredible singer, whose recent single, "Sixteen" is one you absolutely need to listen to. I was thrilled that 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 Don't Call Me Lizz visits Section 36 Music!

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

Thank you!! Sixteen is a very personal song of mine. I wrote it while trying to sort out these intense, whirlwind emotions, so it comes from a very real place. This single  (along with my debut EP coming soon!!)  really plays with themes of change, regret, and growing pains. All while being groovy and enchanting. The arpeggiated 7th chords are a very intentional thing throughout the song, but that’s all I’ll say about that :)

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

I think the best and most significant part of Berklee is the people. I have met some of the most insanely talented and wonderful individuals in my two years here. It’s truly a privilege meeting and collaborating with so many different people who all share a passion for music. 

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

I LOVE performing in front of an audience! I am usually a very reserved, somewhat-shy person, but when I perform, it’s a rush like no other. To me, it feels so freeing :)

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Growing up, I loved powerhouse voices. When I started taking private lessons, I told my voice instructor I wanted to belt like Adele. Some other inspirations are Whitney Houston, and Hayley Williams from Paramore. 

Lyrically and musically, some of my idols include artists like Paramore, Death Cab For Cutie, Phoebe Bridgers, Mitski, Twenty One Pilots, and Ryan Tedder of One Republic. 

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

I think my biggest challenge so far has been putting myself out there. I spent so long overthinking every song and every small detail that I finally had to say F*** it and release something already!! Alongside juggling school, a job, AND this solo project. It’s stressful, but I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t love music :)

What are your immediate music goals?

My immediate goals are to keep promoting Sixteen and to finish up on my debut EP called “One Last Look, But Don’t Look Back.” To be released within the next 6 months or so!! :))

--

I'm definitely excited for that album!

As always, I want to thank Don't Call Me Lizz for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview.

I'm sure you’ll all want to listen to Don't Call Me Lizz and follow along with her to see what she's up to. I would definitely follow her on Instagram, and on Spotify. In fact, check her out everywhere! 

Thanks again Don't Call Me Lizz, and good luck reaching your goals!

"I'm Hot" by Lui$a

"I'm Hot" - Single by Lui$a

Release Date: October 25, 2023

What You Should Know: "Wrote this jam with the ICONS Emily Kruger and Carol Mak exactly this month last year and it’s finally hereeee!!!

If you wanna feel like a Valley girl that loves dirty Martinis,  go n’ stream I’m Hot BADDIESSSS!!!"

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2023 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Lui$a Visits Section 36 Music!"

Marilyn Eden Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Marilyn Eden is an incredible singer, fresh off her recent EP, "Sanguine Summer". I was thrilled that 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 Marilyn Eden visits Section 36 Music!

I absolutely love your debut EP, “Sanguine Summer”. What can you tell me about it?

(Thank you!) The concept of "Sanguine Summer" was something that started about four years ago. The title track "Sanguine Summer" originally began as a poem that I wrote in high school, and it stuck with me ever since. "Sanguine Summer" (the single) is about a special love, and such a simple one too. As a kid I always wanted to have a person who enjoyed the little things as I did, and just went with the flow; but at the same time, I love very hard, and even much so that if the world was to end, I'd love my person even after death, and that is something that I touch on in this song. As for the leading single "Red Religion" it was something that really spoke my truth about who I am. This song touches on my views on religion, and treating someone that you are so devoted to and so in love with, as a religious icon. The EP as a whole is all about a nostalgic romance focusing on the little things in a relationship, to the extreme promises you make to someone that you are so in love with. 

What was your favorite part of the recording process?

My favorite part of the recording process was definitely when my producer David Cloobeck, myself, and my dear friend Aidan Jensen were working on the guitar that is featured in "Red Religion." Aidan came into the studio that day with some general ideas in mind, but a lot of his work on this track was improvised. It was just so fun to be in the studio with my friends working on something that is so special to me. 

Do you see more studio work in your future?

Yes! I am currently working on a few projects that will be coming out later this year! 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Some artists who have influenced me are Lana Del Rey, Ethel Cain, Adele -- But my number one musical influence is my late brother Julian Martinez. He passed away when I was six years old, but in that short time we spent together, he showed me how to fall in love with music. He was a talented guitarist and drummer, who loved everything rock n' roll. Shortly after he passed is when I discovered that I could sing and actually hold a note! Not only is he my top influence but he is the reason why I do music in the first place. 

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

Personally, I think the biggest challenge so far is finding the right audience and getting that engagement. I know the right audience is out there, they just have to find me!

What are your immediate music goals?

Some of my immediate music goals are to start performing more shows (be on the lookout for information about that really soon!), and to really just dive headfirst into the music industry. I am so grateful for all the love I have received so far for my music, but I'm also ready to really spread my name out into the world! 

--

I'm definitely excited to hear everything she has on the way!

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

I'm sure you’ll all want to listen to Marilyn and follow along with her to see what she's up to. I would definitely follow her on Instagram, and on Spotify. In fact, check her out everywhere! 

Thanks again Marilyn, and good luck reaching your goals!

“Natural" by Kate White

 

"Natural" - EP by Kate White

Release Date: October 13, 2023

What You Should Know: This is Kate's debut EP. If you enjoyed their single "Good Thing", you're going to love this EP.

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

Preview Show: “Our Own Heroes” Oct 19, 2023, Red Room at Cafe 939

 

Don't miss this amazing opportunity to preview the New Works Musical Ensemble musical "Our Own Heroes". This work, is "a new musical, written by Didi Stewart, featuring upcoming stars Olivia Zemartis as social worker Abbey, and Andru Wilson as the personification of Covid 19. We can assure you that you have seen nothing like this before, and you do not want to miss it. With a balance between heart and comedy, warmth and tragedy, Zemartis' background in theater coupled with Wilson's experience in a variety of genres (rock, pop, alternative) creates an immeasurable chemistry that will enthrall you until the final curtain call"

This preview will take place on Thursday October 19, 2023 in the Red Room at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston MA.

Hope you'll be there!

Giovanna Khair Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Giovanna Khair is a fantastic singer, whose recent EP, "Habits" is one you should listen to on repeat over and over. I was thrilled that 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 Giovanna Khair visits Section 36 Music!

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

Thank you so much! I wrote almost all of Habits in the span of three weeks in summer 2022. I went to Rio de Janeiro - my hometown - for summer break, and I had absolutely nothing to do. The thing about changing hemispheres to go to school is that all of your friends are in school when you’re on break… So I really had nothing to do but sulk over my piano. The songs came about almost by accident; I was just writing because, as a songwriter, I need to write almost as much as I need to breathe. The title song, Habits, was based on a very upset note I wrote to myself after a fight with my mom, in which I regretted going through the same motions and making the same mistakes I did my entire life. I wrote the entire lyrics laying on my bed, and then the piano basically played itself the next day. I think Habits was meant to be, it was supposed to exist at that point in time, and it has taught me a million things about myself as an artist and as a person.

The concept of the EP was the theme of all the songs in it, since they all spoke of habits I had and was mostly trying to get rid of. The cover took me a long time to choose, because I wanted it to have as big of a meaning as the music, and it ended up being perfect. The picture was taken in a house my family owns in upstate Rio de Janeiro, in a town called Miguel Pereira. The colorful windows are in a shed separate from the house that used to have a grand piano when I was growing up, but it now stands completely empty. It still feels so familiar, although the emptiness doesn’t; it’s like a habit, except it’s not. It’s broken. So it became the cover for Habits.

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

Being at Berklee, there’s talent all around you; that means there’s something to learn everywhere you look. The Berklee community has people from all over the world, with all types of backgrounds, and they’re mostly excited to share their knowledge with each other! This means that, by interacting with other people, I get to learn things I didn’t expect and didn’t know. Also, the resources that Berklee offers - like the studios, where I actually recorded Habits - are spectacular if you know how to take advantage of them.

You had the opportunity to appear on The Voice Brasil Kids. What was that experience like?

This is actually a really funny story: I auditioned by accident. The producers came to the music school I took voice lessons in, and my teacher told me they were “auditioning for a TV show” and I should do it. My fourteen year old self didn’t even think of asking what show it was, didn’t practice, and just convinced a friend to accompany me five minutes before walking into the audition room. Long story short, I was on national TV just a few months after! I sang “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, and all the chairs turned. To be honest, I was so nervous I don’t even remember my Blind Audition, but I remember sitting in the dressing room after and just staring at the wall, trying to process what had happened.

Being on that show changed how I saw music. I was surrounded by people who saw it as a career, not a hobby, as I was used to. Besides, the backstage was always crowded: makeup artists, hairdressers, wardrobe, stage managers… There was never a dull moment. That’s when I realized that I could pursue music as a career, and that the industry was much more than what happens onstage. It pushed me to research more about the different areas, which led me to falling in love with Songwriting and Music Business.

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

I grew up listening to classic rock with my dad, so I would be lying if I said Queen, Guns ‘n Roses and Aerosmith haven’t influenced my music, but as I’m heading towards a more pop/singer-songwriter path I have to highlight Taylor Swift. She is definitely my biggest influence, her lyrics push me to find deeper meanings and metaphors anywhere I look. My love for her is even a bit of a joke among my friends at this point; when she released a 10 minute song, I got it banned from my dorm within two days, because I would just play it on repeat. When Spotify Wrapped came out, it turned out I listened to that song almost 800 times (yes, that’s about 8,000 minutes of the same song). Besides her, I am a big Louis Tomlinson, Conan Grey and Niall Horan fan, which automatically makes Amy Allen one of my favorite songwriters, especially considering she graduated Berklee in 2015.

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

Personally, I have an issue with putting myself out there and following through with my plans. Sometimes, I get paralyzed by the importance of things I want to do and let my fears overcome me, so I freeze and don’t do things I planned on. This happens especially with marketing and social media: I get anxious about possible repercussions - be them good or bad - and end up not posting. I think most artists go through this in this time where social media presence is so important, and it makes it a little bit easier knowing I’m not alone in this struggle.

What are your immediate music goals?

Although I want to keep marketing Habits and enjoy this “era” of my music, I’m already working on my next album! I want it to be considerably longer, and I already have five songs that will be in it. It’s been refreshing to work on some new stuff and I’m hoping to release a single next spring!

--

I'm definitely excited about a new album!

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

I'm sure you’ll all want to listen to Giovanna and follow along with her to see what she's up to. I would definitely follow her on Instagram, and on Spotify. In fact, check her out everywhere! 

Thanks again Giovanna, and good luck reaching your goals!

“Love On Me" by Emily Rodriguez

 

"Love on Me" - Single by Emily Rodriguez

Release Date: October 16, 2023

What You Should Know: Fans of Emily's previous work, especially the amazing single "Made of Glass" are definitely going to want to check this one out as soon as possible. Trust me.

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2023 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Emily Rodriguez Visits Section 36 Music!"

“Burning Bridges" by Laney Lebo

"Burning Bridges" - Single by Laney Lebo

Release Date: October 15, 2023

What You Should Know: "this song has been kicking around in my head for a few years and it means so much to me. I'm so thrilled with how it turned out. Thanks so much to @deanandreades for bringing it to life and to Alex Williams for playing the ACTUAL REAL LIFE DRUMS I never thought a song of mine would have"

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify

Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2023 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Laney Lebo Visits Section 36 Music!"

“Bite" by Sydney Mira

"Bite" - Single by Sydney Mira

Release Date: October 13, 2023

What You Should Know: If you enjoyed her debut single, "Bad", you'll love this one too.

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

“I Wont Let Go" by Madelyn Grace

 

"I Wont Let Go" - Single by Madelyn Grace

Release Date: October 12, 2023

What You Should Know: If you enjoyed "This Boy", which I'm sure you did, you'll love this one.

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

“Sanguine Summer” by Marilyn Eden (Sep 1, 2023 Release)

 

“Sanguine Summer” - EP by Marilyn Eden 

What You Should Know: “Sanguine Summer” transports listeners into a mystical world of alternative dark pop. Starting out as poems, Eden’s lyrics capture the deep, raw emotion of love and devotion to someone while indulging in summer nostalgia. Leading single “Red Religion” plays with this idea of devotion while describing the feeling of being worshiped by a person. The hot and steamy lyrics of “Know Just What to Do” leave listeners with a yearning passion for love. Eden takes inspiration from Lana Del Rey, Ethel Cain, and Adele, and she flawlessly awes listeners with dark and sexy “Sanguine Summer.” “I see these songs as something I personally reflect on with my love for my person, and it is something we will treasure for years to come.”

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

About Marilyn: "With ethereal tones and poetic melodies, Marilyn Eden is on the path to dominating the musical world of alternative dark pop. From Santa Fe, NM, Eden began singing at the age of six, shortly after her brother passed away. She was inspired by his love for music and feels close to her brother as she shares this passion with him. Eden started creating music in her sophomore year of high school as she added melodies to her sensual, yet mystical poetry, and she aspires to both empower and soothe her listeners by telling these poetic stories. Through her art, Eden shows that the darker the story, the more the emotion is felt through the music."

“Sixteen" by Don’t Call Me Lizz

 

"Sixteen" - Single by Don't Call Me Lizz

Release Date: September 22, 2023

What You Should Know: "It’s a very personal story about growth, heartache, and being stuck in the past."

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify