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!