Zaida Rio Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music is thrilled to have another visitor! Zaida Rio is an incredible singer with a music catalog you have to check out immediately. I was thrilled she was willing to visit with us and discuss her music, her goals, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Zaida Rio visits Section 36 Music!

You were featured on takenonote’s recent single, “Matcha”. What can you tell me about that collaboration?

Collaborating with Mark, aka Takenonote, was a dream come true. Last Fall, he sent over the mix and I got in the studio to start freestyling the hook. It was then that the “boy you on my mind” part came to me. We put it all together, shot a music video (coming out soon) and got to perform it for 2 concerts on campus.This is the first fully R&B song I've ever been on and I’m super excited for more people to bop to it. Huge props to Mark for his insane flow and production. If you haven’t checked out Takenonote, you definitely should.

Your recent single, ‘Tell Me” has a wonderful music video. What was it like putting that together? 

I had the best time jumping around on my bed lol. I sent the song to my friend Linden Skalak, by far the coolest videographer ever (definitely check out her page). She put together a pitch within a week and we blocked out an entire Saturday for bedroom shots and performance shots at a nearby blackbox theater. My favorite frame is the silhouette against my window with a mixed color temperature and blue lighting to go with the dark mood of the lyrics. While jumping on my bed and stomping on my journal, I did lose a ring in the process... but it was all worth it for the vision!

What would you consider your biggest musical challenges?

I really want to elevate my music with the textures of my live performances and preserve its authenticity. I’ve started almost all of my songs on my guitar and don't want to lose this in my music. Prioritizing live instrumentation and rawness is really important to me.

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

Nothing tops the deep emotional connection of sharing my music to a room full of strangers. My favorite part is after a performance and hearing people’s stories of how my lyrics may have resonated with them, allowing us to connect through shared experience. This deep intimacy and community building is what I live for. Whether I’m singing, dancing, or acting, I love being able to reconnect to my inner child through performance. I got my first taste of this when I performed “Fallin” by Alicia Keys for my 4th grade talent show. I became addicted to the psychic journey of singing and have been in love with it ever since.

If you could cover any Disney song, which one would you choose? Why?

Anything by Miley Cyrus to be honest. “The Climb” definitely defined my childhood. I was obsessed with anything and everything to do with her and her journey. I owe a large part of my drive to pursue music to her.

What are your immediate musical goals?

The overarching goal is to further establish my emotional foundation through my internal brand, visuals, and artistry so I can connect with wider audiences that relate to my music. This upcoming calendar year, I plan to release a song a month, leading up to an EP in the spring, and continue growing my online presence. I want my listeners to be able to associate a color, a smell, an outfit, or a genre to my identity as an artist. I hope to do this through deep internal branding of my Neosoul alt R&B vibe and help listeners recall an unforgettable feeling and memory through my music.

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A song a month sounds amazing! I can't wait!

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

Sabina Beyli Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Sabina Beyli just released a wonderful single that you should stream right away. I was thrilled she was willing to visit with us and discuss her music, her goals, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Sabina Beyli visits Section 36 Music!

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

“Bad Habits” is a song I wrote when I was in a really difficult headspace, I felt trapped in this cycle of self-destructive patterns and never feeling good enough. It’s about that battle between wanting to change but constantly falling back into the same habits because they feel familiar. 

It’s not just about one specific situation; it’s more about that universal feeling of being stuck with yourself — knowing you need to grow but also being scared of what that means. Writing it was kind of therapeutic for me, like finally being honest about things I’d been avoiding. It was produced by Mike and and co-written with Kate J.Brink 

Do you have any new studio work on the horizon?

Absolutely, I got a couple singles lined up, which i'm really excited about! 

You’re a graduate of Berklee College of Music. What’s the biggest thing Berklee did for your music career?

Berklee gave me the opportunity to meet and work with so many talented artists who are huge inspirations and the future of music. 

What’s the biggest challenge with your music career?

The biggest challenge with my music is I tend to be too detail oriented and a perfectionist when it comes to my art, which can definitely slow me down at times, but I've been working very hard to overcome these challenges and learn to trust my gut and intuition.

If you could cover any Disney song, which one would you choose? Why?

"Reflection" by Mulan I definitely grew up relating to her character and was always obsessed with this song both lyrically and melodically.

What are your immediate musical goals?

I am currently working on my EP, which I am so thrilled about! I just want to make as much music as possible and share it with the world. That brings me so much joy!

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I can't wait to hear that EP!

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

Hadley Johnson Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music is thrilled to have another visitor! Hadley Johnson just released a fantastic single that you should have on repeat immediately. I was so glad she was willing to visit with us and discuss her music, her goals, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Hadley Johnson visits Section 36 Music!

What can you tell me about your incredible debut single, “Just So You Know”? 

“Just So You Know” just came out this past Friday (November 7th) on streaming platforms! An indie/pop folk song, it includes layered vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars, piano, violins, bass, and drums. I wrote it last winter while reflecting on a relationship I knew to be flawed, but still yearned to go back and experience again. I recorded “Just So You Know” at Acadia Recording Company in Portland, Maine this past summer along with several other songs from an EP that I’m looking forward to releasing soon.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

I grew up playing classical violin, but that world has always felt a bit separate from songwriting for me. While I’m used to accompanying myself on guitar and piano on my songs, this is the first time I’ve recorded a violin part as well, so I’m really excited to share that!

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

Berklee offers so many different options for music study which allows me to dive deep into all my interests. I’m majoring in Songwriting and Contemporary Writing and Production, while also exploring music theater writing and conducting. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by like-minded students and professors. After studying so many different subjects in high school (some of them preferred and some not), I can’t get over the fact that I get to go from one music class to another and still go home to write and produce music for homework. While it can be overwhelming, it’s also a dream come true and I’m incredibly grateful to be able to thoroughly immerse myself in my passion.

What should I know about “Afterthought” the musical?

In addition to songwriting, I grew up in theater, and became interested in musical theater writing. During high school, I wrote, composed, directed and starred in a musical, called Afterthought, which premiered during my senior year (fall 2023). It explores the story of two childhood friends whose paths diverge before they coincidentally meet again in New York City as adults. It addresses unprofessed love, pursuing dreams, and family drama. Live performance videos of the show are available on my youtube channel, and the live performance soundtrack has been released on streaming platforms. Though I’m excited to share more of the music I’ve been working on recently, I hope to always remember and honor the pure passion and excitement of the girl who worked on that show years ago. 

If you could cover any Disney song, which one would you choose? Why?

I’d choose “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana! I saw that movie at just the right time in my life when I resonated with Moana’s journey, finding her independence and following her heart, I remember being inspired by her strength and resilience.

What are your immediate musical goals?

I’m looking forward to releasing the rest of my debut EP in the next few months! All these songs deal with themes of love, coming-of-age, and vulnerability and I really hope that people can relate to them and feel seen. I’m also excited to perform more around the Boston area, and in and around Cape Elizabeth, Maine, my hometown. 

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I'm so excited about that EP!

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

Zaida Rio Releases "Tell Me" for Everyone who Deserves Better!

What started as a breakup song from my first high school relationship, I’ve been sitting on ‘Tell Me’ for 5 years. It was only Fall of 2024 that I picked it back up and decided to finish what I started. This one’s for all the baddies that deserve better:) Huge thanks to Ayden Williams for helping bring this song to life, to Maxx Shearod for seeing this through all 10 different versions, (EDM and all) and for all the incredibly talented creatives that have glued this project together with me, piece by piece.

Song creds:
-composition, acoustic guitar, and singing by me!
-electric guitar by Christian Sese @chris.sese_ (rip PHAM)
-bass guitar by Nico Upegui @nicolas.upegui (rip Soulstice)
-drum programming, keys, horns, production, mixing and mastering by Ayden Williams @a.jaceyyy

Music Video creds:
Director and DP: Linden Skalak @lindenskalak
Assistant Cameras: Bronwen Pailthorpe & Yevgeniya Regent @bronpailthorpe @regent_yevgeniya
Colorist: Bronwen Pailthorpe @bronpailthorpe

Album Cover creds :

Photographer: Bronwen Pailthorpe @bronpailthorpe
Creative Directors: @quincy.diallo @princhinchin

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Singer-songwriter, dancer, and actor Zaida Rio began her music journey in high school, channeling her emotions into lyrics that blend R&B, Neo-Soul, and Latin Pop. She released her debut album, Leaving, in 2022—a collection of songs rooted in heartbreak and self-redemption, and most recently dropped her single, “Tell Me”.

Indie-Pop Artist Luli Moon Returns with Second Single "What Do You Need", an Anthem for Those Stuck in a Situationship!

Photo Credit: Wrenn Bartlett

Boston based indie-pop artist, Luli Moon, releases her second single “What Do You Need,” about the realization of wanting your ‘situationship’ to turn into a real relationship. Luli effortlessly pairs reflective and honest lyrics with a soundscape that emulates the feeling of butterflies and excitement. “What Do You Need” tells an all too familiar story of yearning and uncertainty.

“What Do You Need” is based on Luli’s real-life experiences during college. The title is inquiring what the other person needs in order to emotionally get to the same place. She reflects the anxiety and inner monologue of wanting something more from a casual romance that is dancing around a label. Despite acknowledging that there are “a thousand ways that this could blow up in [her] face,” she sets her fears aside and ultimately is successful. Luli is a true advocate for getting out of your head and being vulnerable. 

Raised on guitar from a young age, Luli quickly fell in love with experimenting and diving into guitar pedals and gear which soon translated into her songwriting and production. What began as sonic curiosity has evolved into a signature sound: dreamy bedroom pop with a funky, guitar-driven edge. Inspired by the bedroom-pop styles of Beabadoobee and Clairo. Luli layers her tracks implementing expressive guitar work with a rhythmic flair. Her songs are filled with lyrical punch and rich arrangements that paint vivid emotional landscapes. Her new single is no exception. 

Beyond her own music, Luli has made a name for herself producing and playing for other artists in the Boston scene. In July, she released her debut single, “Take Your Time,” marking the beginning of a string of planned releases. Her live shows have drawn strong local support, with performances at iconic Boston venues. Whether she’s on stage or in her bedroom studio, Luli Moon is crafting a world where groove, vulnerability, and imagination meet. 

Stay tuned for more to come from Luli Moon soon.

MORE INFO ON LULI MOON 

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Nicole Ash Releases Olive Branch Single "Stitch the Thread"!

If Nicole Ash’s recent single, “Villain (in your eyes),” is a friendship funeral, then “Stitch the Thread” is the olive branch to patch the pieces together. “Villain” wept of anger and the realization that it was time to walk away from something not serving you anymore. On “stitch the thread”, Nicole Ash is ready to move on to a stage of acceptance. The friendship may have unraveled, but the pieces of it that mattered still linger — shaping her into the person she’s become.

“Stitch the thread” is about finding peace, appreciating what once was, and quietly cheering that person on from afar, even if they aren’t around to see it. The song brings layers of nostalgia,Y2K visuals, an anthemic chorus, and a true sense of peace. The wildly catchy guitars, storytelling, and quintessential pop punk vocals take you right back to the days of chatting on AIM or a landline phone with your best friend from middle school.

“Stitch the Thread” is the third single off Nicole Ash’s debut EP — a total ear-candy drop you’ll have on repeat all day.

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Nicole Ash is a solo artist originally from New Jersey and now based in North Carolina. She started her musical journey as a songwriter and guitarist, gaining recognition for her guitar covers on social media and her band, Wayne Avenue. Her social media following has now surpassed 85k followers, thanks to her signature energetic guitar covers and alluring performance personality. In 2022, Nicole took a bold step into singing with her solo project, a true testament to her dedication and artistic evolution.

Her influences of pop punk and alternative rock are evident in her music, particularly from artists such as Avril Lavigne, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, and Blink-182. Nicole is set to release her debut EP in 2025, a milestone in her journey, and hopes to inspire others with her mantra of relentlessly following her dreams.

Be sure to look for her other appearances on Section 36!

Wendy Lucas Visits Section 36 Music!

Photo Cassidy Riley

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Wendy Lucas just released her debut album, which you should stream immediately. I was so excited she was willing to visit with us and discuss her music, her goals, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Wendy Lucas visits Section 36 Music!

Your debut album, “You Can Probably Guess”, is just outstanding. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you!! It was such a fun project to work on. I learned SO much. It seriously takes a village to make an album. So much collaboration went into it and I’m so grateful to everyone who believed in it and poured into it. You Can Probably Guess would not be what it is without my band. They played everything on the album. Even the drums are real drums. I’m so lucky to have really cool, creative people on my team. A lot of the really groovy ideas were from my co-producer Andy Stilson who is just such a strong creative. Truly couldn’t have done it without my team!

What was the cover photoshoot like?

Photo Steph Larsen

The cover photoshoot was so so so fun, but so much work! This was the first time I’ve done a project that coincided with a visual world and I absolutely loved it. I had such a specific vision for the cover art. Immediately, my photographer, Steph Larsen, understood the vision. And she really went off. We wanted dreamy pink visuals, with a bit of an edge and she definitely understood the assignment. All of the pink in the photos is just from lighting. She’s like a light magician, it’s insane. Also, she is such a joy to work with. But yeah, SO much planning went into it. We actually did 2 separate photoshoots. One for all of the single cover arts, and one for the front and back of the full album. Each of these shoots quite literally took ALL day. This was also my first time designing a set. It was really cool to go out and find all the furniture and pieces that would make my vision a reality. 

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

I love everything about playing live. There’s just something about sharing such a vulnerable moment with a group of people. I mean, I’m singing songs that I’ve written alone in my bedroom. I’m sharing thoughts that were once only mine. I also just love playing live with a band. There’s no other feeling like it in the world. You’re all in sync and you’re all just on the same page without even speaking. Everything is understood. It’s just a really cool experience. 

What is the biggest challenge facing your music career?

Photo Zoe Hopper

Cutting through the noise. There are so many ways to be entertained these days. There’s so many artists on social media. It’s really tough to stand out. But at the end of the day, longevity is my goal. I care more about the quality of my art, so low numbers don’t get me down. Plus, a quick come up usually ends with a quick crash down. I want to do this for life, so I’m happy to continue chugging for as long as it takes. Slow and steady wins the race! And if I’m making music I love with people I love, I feel I’ve already won. 

If you could cover any Disney song, which one would you choose? Why?

I really love the song “Almost There” from The Princess And The Frog! I just relate to it so much. Tiana had such a clear vision and dream, and she never gave up on it. I like to think I’m “almost there” too.

What are your immediate musical goals?

I really, really want to go on tour. That’s a huge goal of mine. I’m hoping to plan something soon. For now, you can catch me playing live in New England! I just want to keep making cool music with cool people, and then I want to play it live! 

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Hopefully we can help her cut throught that noise!

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