Zara Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Zara is fresh off the release of her single, "Breathe Child". I was estatic she wanted to visit with us to discuss the single, her musical goals, and more!

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

You just released an outstanding new single. “Breathe Child”. What can you tell me about it?

I wrote Breathe Child while I was studying abroad at Berklee Valencia. I was in a long-distance relationship, which was honestly terrifying because it’s such a hard thing to navigate. There were so many doubts, like, Is this gonna work? Are we solid enough for this? But at some point, I realized, Oh, we’re actually doing this. We’re both putting in the effort, and I feel loved and not scared at all. That was such a beautiful and comforting feeling. So one night in my dorm room, I sat down and wrote Breathe Child. It’s about that moment when you finally let go of old fears and just trust that love can be safe and steady. It doesn’t have to be full of doubt.

What was your favorite part of the recording process?

One of my favorite parts was layering the vocals. I wanted the song to feel warm and intimate, so I stacked a lot of harmonies to create this soft, almost dreamlike atmosphere. It felt like painting with sound—each layer added more depth and emotion. I also loved working with the electric guitar textures; they brought this floating, nostalgic quality to the track that really captured the feeling of the song. 

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

Berklee felt like the perfect place for me because of the creative freedom it offers. I wanted to be surrounded by musicians who were constantly pushing boundaries, and Berklee’s environment is exactly that. The emphasis on collaboration was also a big factor—I’ve been able to work with so many different artists across genres, which has shaped my sound in ways I never expected. Plus, the opportunity to study in both Boston and Valencia gave me such a well-rounded experience as an artist. 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Wow, that is such a huge question because I feel like there are so many people and things that inspire me. Artists like Maro, Lianne La Havas, and Madison Cunningham have had a huge influence on me and my artistic view. I love how they blend jazz, folk, and indie elements in such an organic way. Their songwriting is so honest and vulnerable and they're storytelling is very transparent, which is something I really strive for in my own music. 

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

Well, first of all, I would like to say that performing is my favourite thing about my profession. I've been performing for as long as i can remember and every time I don't want to step off the stage. I love the connection that happens in the moment. There’s something really special about singing a song that comes from such a personal place and seeing people connect with it in their own way. It’s like this unspoken exchange of energy—I’m sharing my story, but the audience is bringing their own emotions into it too. I also love the spontaneity of live performance. No two shows are ever the same, and that keeps it so exciting.

What are your immediate music goals?

Right now, I’m focused on finishing my debut Album, which is set for release hopefully by the end of 2025. I want to continue playing more shows, especially outside of Boston and Montreal, and I’m looking for opportunities to open for artists I admire. I’m also planning to move to LA in September to pursue songwriting opportunities, collaborate with more artists, and really immerse myself in the music scene there. We'll see where life takes me .

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I am so excited to hear that album!

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