New Music from Cece Benz, Allison Leah, Sarah King, NIKOLE, and Sabrina Ponte

 

"Growing Pains" - EP by Cece Benz

Release Date: March 29, 2024

What You Should Know: "there are no words to describe how excited i am to have this project out in the world. it’s been a long time coming, a goal i’ve had for years. these 5 songs mean the world to me and each give a little glimpse into my life over the last 4 years in which they were written.

none of this would have been possible without @brunjomusic!! not only did they help bring these songs to life, but they created such a fun and safe environment to be able to experiment so freely with each of these songs. their knowledge is unmatched and they are just the coolest people i’ve ever met. thank you thank you thank you for taking on this project and working with me until everything felt right. there will never be enough thank you’s!

i hope these songs can find a place in your life like they have in mine. thank you for listening"

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "End Us", "Growing Pains"

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

Previously on Section 36: "Cece Benz Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Sunsets" - by Allison Leah

Release Date: March 29, 2024

What You Should Know: "I wrote "Sunsets" years ago and it has grown and evolved into the song it is now.  
 
I’ve played this song for audiences in Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville, New York, Connecticut, DC, Austin, Houston, Arizona, and more. 
 
It is one of the most vulnerable songs I have ever written and I am so happy to release it into the world.  
 
I often say that I write songs to make sense of what I’m going through, and I release them in hopes that they will reach the person that needs it most. "

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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"When It All Goes Down" - by Sarah King 

Release Date: March 29, 2024

What You Should Know: "It’s been a long journey to get here - one of the songs was even originally written in 2020 for my 2021 EP! - and sometimes along the way it’s easy to forget why you started. Playing live is my fave thing in the world. All the “behind the scenes” work offstage is not my fave, and I’ve been working hard behind the scenes for the last 6 months to make sure this is my best release yet."

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify

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

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "War Pigs", "Nightstand"

Previously on Section 36: "Sarah King Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Ode to Goob" - EP by NIKOLE

Release Date: March 29, 2024

What You Should Know: "February of last year I went to Boston for a week to finish up the project with @coldspringmotel . It was a crazy beautiful emotional week, working on songs that I wrote 2-4 years ago and having to revisit feelings I hadn’t even thought about up until that point. These songs truly feel like diary entries and it was a lil scary to think that anybody at some point could hear these and I’d feel so vulnerable, but I do think that’s the beauty in creating art. There were moments where I didn’t wanna continue working on them or felt like they’d never get released because the process felt so long and draining sometimes. What’s funny is.. that week we finished all the songs, we had even mixed and mastered them and I got back home and they still didn’t feel ready. I felt that pressure even more so then, like “oh yeah these are never gonna be ready”. Finally, I got my stuff together, pulled through and we got it to its full potential. This project taught me so much as an artist and I feel like I’ve grown so much ever since. Patience was what I really learned and trusting my intuition and ideas and learning that art takes time and even if I just spent a whole week finishing up this EP and then coming back and still not feeling satisfied, it was going to be OK. No one is rushing you but yourself when it comes to art.
It almost feels weird releasing these songs now because they’re so old but it’s time they see the light of day, they’re so special and mean so much to me."

Find It: Apple or Spotify

Previous Noteworthy Singles: "Love After Death", "90 Days"

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"Mascara Stains" - EP by Sabrina Ponte 

Release Date: March 30, 2024

What You Should Know: As a fan of all of Sabrina's previous work, I could not be more excited about this song. It's one you won't want to miss.

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: "January", "Gaslight", "The Good Guy", "Rodeo Heart", "Head Over Heels", "Chance of Whiskey", "Black Roses", "U-Turn"

Previously on Section 36: "Sabrina Ponte Visits Section 36 Music!"

Mehlani Announces Debut EP “Hurt People” With Upcoming Single "If I Could I Would" Produced by Hyperpop Artist Ryan Hall

Boston, MA – Mehlani, the dynamic vocalist known for her captivating performances, is set to release her latest single "If I Could I Would” on April 5th, 2024. Produced by hyperpop artist Ryan Hall, who also collaborated on Mehlani's previous singles "Down Bad" and "Anyone Else," this track offers a glimpse into Mehlani's evolving sound and style.

If I Could I Would

With "If I Could I Would," Mehlani ventures into new sonic territory, showcasing a fusion of her heartfelt and introspective lyrics, reminiscent of the storytelling prowess of artists like Lizzy McAlpine and Noah Kahan, with folk-inspired melodies.
The song captures the essence of Mehlani's introspective journey, weaving together poignant narratives with acoustic elements that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. It's a sonic tapestry that invites listeners to immerse themselves in Mehlani's world and resonate with her deeply personal reflections.

"If I Could I Would'' serves as a precursor to Mehlani's upcoming

Hurt People

6-track EP, “Hurt People'', the date is TBD. Promising listeners a journey through different facets of her artistry while maintaining a cohesive and authentic sound.

For the single, fans can anticipate a visual experience that offers a fresh perspective on Mehlani's musical narrative.

"I am so excited for you guys to hear this one," says Mehlani. "Working with Ryan on this track has been an incredible experience, and I can't wait for everyone to hear what we've created together. This single is just a taste of what's to come with my upcoming EP.”

Stay tuned for more updates on the release of "If I Could I Would" and Mehlani's forthcoming EP, “Hurt People”. For more information and to stay updated, visit www.linktr.ee/mehlani  and follow @mehlanip on instagram.

Alex Skye Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Alex Skye is an incredible singer whose upcoming debut single is definitely one you won't want to miss. I was so excited that she wanted 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 Alex Skye visits Section 36 Music!

I am incredibly excited about your upcoming debut single. What can you tell me about it?

My upcoming single is a song I wrote called Medicine. This song I began working on last year and brought to a producer at Berklee who helped bring the entire idea and image to light! It’s been a really fun process seeing this song transform into something I’ve never done before. I’m primarily a jazz and R&B artist and this single definitely took a turn from my usual writing style which has been a very fun change for me! It is going to be released to the world on April 12th and I’m so excited for this next step in my career and journey as a musician! 

What was your favorite part of the recording process?

My favorite part of the recording process was working with Julian Villegas my producer and pushing limits that I had previously set on my vocals and my artistry. I felt that I had been playing it safe with my writing for a while and Julian really encouraged me to try new ideas which developed my skills as a songwriter. Additionally all of the small details, harmonies, add libs, muffled conversation, voicemails, were all added and implanted secretly throughout the song so that every listen of the song you’d hear something new. 

You’re currently attending Berklee College of Music. What makes Berklee the right choice for you?

I am currently in my fourth semester at the Berklee College of Music and I have been loving my time here. Berklee was my top choice when choosing a college because of the resources, community, and connections. I have met so many wonderful people here who inspire me to be a better musician and who uplift and encourage me to be authentic to myself. I’m very grateful for the opportunity Berklee has given me to attend the college and I’m excited for what is to come as I progress in my years here! 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

My biggest musical influences I would say are my dad and grandfather. I grew up playing and singing traditional Hispanic music with my grandfather and that was one of my largest inspirations that got me into music. My grandfather is from Mexico and him and I had a hard time communicating because of the language barrier but one way we always understood each-other was through music. This experience bonded him and I and inspired me to write my own music. My father and I began to write music together and perform in my 8th grade year and this was another pivotal moment that made me realize how much I enjoyed performing. Both my grandfather and father are two of my largest influences and two of my biggest supporters! 

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

My biggest challenge with my music career is something I have just began to solve! I’ve found that not having any music available on all different streaming platforms has been holding me back from propelling my career forward. When I had began writing I knew I wanted to release music but never felt ready. I was worried I’d never feel ready and struggled with trying to be “perfect” and appease everyone but through the writing and recording of Medicine I realized I wanted to write for fun again and begin to share my story. 

What are your immediate music goals?

My immediate goals are to continue to release music as well as perform live with my band in Boston! I have a full 8 piece band with all Berklee students and we have been performing around the city for a couple of months! We have our next shows in the following weeks, two this upcoming Friday March 29th on Tufts radio station and at the Warehouse XI in Somerville MA! The Warehouse XI is a venue I’ve been wanting to perform at since I first went last year and I’m so excited for this upcoming show! It is open to everyone and there will be three amazing bands playing! Aside from music release and live performing I also hope to begin writing music for other people and advancing as a songwriter and arranger! 

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I am definitely excited to follow along as she reaches those goals. 

As always, I want to thank Alex 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 Spotify and Instagram to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

Thanks again Alex, and good luck reaching your goals!

Mehlani: Community Engagement/Future Plans

Outside of my personal artist projects, I am exploring different areas that can help me build my skill levels outside songwriting. At Berklee I am studying IRP (Independent Recording & Production), and have gotten a lot of support from upperclassmen who can help lead me and answer my questions. I have been practicing vocal engineering for myself and others, and have been playing around on different DAW’s to get a feel for how things work. I’ve had a couple of friends let me practice engineering with them and it has been so great! In addition, I put together a fun little band with a few of my friends where we perform under the name ButterKn!fe– fun I know!

I have also been a part of very large musical events at Berklee. I decided to create Berklee’s first ever Lizzy McAlpine Ensemble. I recruited my good friend, Jorden Amir, to be the music director, and since then we have had a blast working out logistics, reviewing applications, and planning for upcoming performances! I’ve even had the joy of being able to practice with our amazing band to prepare for our show March 30th in the Loft on Berkelee’s Campus. This along with my experience as President of Berklee’s 150 Hall Council and helping sponsor “The Museum'', a student-run performance event held once a month, has helped me broaden my experiences in business-like settings where I get to manage groups of people in my community so that they have the opportunity to perform and showcase their talent in a safe space!

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Be sure to stream Mehlani's latest single "Blood Money" wherever you can. To learn more about Mehlani, check out her November 2023 interview with us here at Section 36 Music.

Kelsey Blackstone Releases Bittersweet Single ‘Leaving Boston’

The latest from the award-winning songwriter is a portrait of an artist in transition.

With the passionately performed, piano driven ’Leaving Boston,’ Kelsey Blackstone looks back on six and a half years spent in a city famous for leaving a permanent mark on the people who call it home. And while Boston’s lively arts scene has been pivotal for her personal growth, the song’s message of gratitude and new beginnings will resonate with anyone going through a major life change.

“This song is about what it feels like to move to a new place to chase a dream, and to leave who and what you love behind to do so,” she explains. “It’s a bittersweet feeling where you're grateful for everything that you've experienced in the old place, but excited and confident about where this new place is leading you.”

To help capture the intimacy of ‘Leaving Boston’, Kelsey decided to release it as a live recording and video. Working in collaboration with Boston-based producer Jeff Wang from Model Peril Sounds, she decided to forego autotune and endless overdubs, instead allowing her powerful voice to bring the song’s raw emotions to life. Kelsey will appeal to fans of Sara Bareilles, Rett Madison, and Allen Stone

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If you want to learn more about Kelsey, check out the interview she did with us here at Section 36 Music in March 2022 as well as her Tips for Going on Tour.

‘Mehlani’s’ Latest Single "Blood Money" Set to Captivate Audiences Worldwide

Boston, MA – Mehlani, the dynamic and innovative force in the music scene, is thrilled to announce the release of her latest single, "Blood Money". Bursting with infectious energy and captivating melodies, this track is poised to make waves across the music industry.
It is available now for streaming on all major platforms including

Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more.

New Music From Effy Marella, Geena Gangi, Kelsey Blackstone, Delilah Brao, and Shreya Pujari

"Sincerely" - by Geena Gangi

Release Date: March 22, 2024

What You Should Know: "My favorite songs are usually the ones I write quickly. Everything flows all at once. That’s what happened with “Sincerely”, and although it feels strangely extra vulnerable to release a song with my heart on my sleeve, I’m really proud of this one."

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify!

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

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "Sugar Stained"

Previously on Section 36: "Geena Gangi Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Leaving Boston (Live)" - by Kelsey Blackstone

Release Date: March 22, 2024

What You Should Know: "This song is about what it feels like to move to a new place to chase a dream, and to leave who and what you love behind to do so. It’s a bittersweet feeling where you're grateful for everything that you've experienced in the old place, but excited and confident about where this new place is leading you."

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: "505"

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

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"Shiny Boys" - by Delilah Brao 

Release Date: February 9, 2024

What You Should Know: "Not all that glitters is gold"

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify

Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "What 2023 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "Seats for Ghosts"

Previously on Section 36: "Delilah Brao Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Bleachers" - EP by Effy Marella 

Release Date: March 22, 2024

What You Should Know: "i’ve been working on this project for so long and it means the world to me, i hope it’ll mean something to you too"

Find It: Apple or Spotify

Previous Noteworthy Singles: "Shoes"

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"Castaways" - Single by Shreya Pujari

Release Date: March 22, 2024

What You Should Know: It's my version of the song "Castaways" from the Backyardigans" 

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "Fire In You"

Previously on Section 36: "Shreya Pujari Visits Section 36 Music!"