Tuesday, August 11, 2026

A Moment I’ll Never Forget: Singing the National Anthem at Fenway Park

By Jasslyn

7:00 PM on August 4th was truly one of those moments in my life that I know I will carry with me forever. I had the incredible opportunity to perform the National Anthem at Fenway Park, and even now, it feels surreal thinking about standing there, looking around the stadium, and realizing that I was actually living a moment I had worked so hard for.


Performing in a stadium is completely different from performing on a regular stage. One of the biggest challenges I experienced was dealing with the feedback and sound throughout the stadium. Hearing my voice come back to me while trying to stay locked into what I was singing was definitely difficult, but it reminded me just how important focus, concentration, and preparation are as a performer. Instead of allowing the sound to distract me, I trusted myself, stayed focused, and kept going. All the practicing, performing, and experiences that brought me to this point helped prepare me for that exact moment.


Of course, the nerves were THERE! It's Fenway Park! But underneath those nerves, my emotions were filled with so much joy, excitement, and gratitude. Knowing that my family was there watching and supporting me made the experience even more emotional. Looking out into the crowd and feeling that support was something I can't fully put into words. The Red Sox staff also treated me with so much kindness throughout the entire experience. They made sure I felt welcomed, comfortable, supported, and taken care of from beginning to end, which made such a huge moment feel even more special.


Once I finished singing, I finally felt like I could breathe again! The aftermath was honestly a breath of fresh air, the nerves disappeared, and I could finally take everything in and realize, "Wow, I just did that."


What happened afterward made the experience even more beautiful. Having people come up to me, congratulate me, show me love, compliment my performance, and genuinely support what I had just accomplished meant so much. I was also able to network and make new connections with people who were interested in my music and my personal projects. As an artist building my own career, moments like these remind me that performing isn't only about what happens while you're on stage. It's also about the relationships you build, the people you meet, and the opportunities that can come from simply putting yourself and your talent out there.


After everything was over, I got to enjoy my very first Red Sox game at Fenway with my family. Being able to sit together, relax, laugh, watch the game, and celebrate what had just happened was such an intimate and genuine experience. It wasn't just about performing anymore; it became a memory with the people I love.


And to make the night even better... the Red Sox WON!!


I walked away from Fenway feeling proud, grateful, relieved, inspired, and ready for whatever comes next. It reminded me why I continue to push myself as a performer, even when I'm nervous or faced with unexpected challenges. Sometimes you have to trust your preparation, trust your talent, stay focused, and allow yourself to enjoy the moment you've worked so hard to reach.


Singing at Fenway Park will forever be one of those moments for me.


One performance. One stadium. One unforgettable memory. ðŸ’œ


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Where to Find Jasslyn







 

Monday, August 10, 2026

EVA Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! EVA is fresh off the release of her amazing single, "Saturn". Once you're done here, be sure to go stream it as soon as you can. 
I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss the song, her future goals, and more!
 I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

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

Your recent single, “Saturn”, is absolutely wonderful. What can you tell me about it?

Thanks so much! To be totally honest, it was truly a labor to finally get it out of my computer, but such a cool process of seeing it come to life. It was initially birthed at a songwriting camp I did back in 2021, and was one of my first extensive music productions I've ever worked on. When I was younger, I definitely wished that I'd already have the proper knowledge to complete it all on my own, but I've come to learn that it takes a lot of time and effort to be able to do that--that was when I started allowing myself collaborate with others and get the help I needed to finish the song. With that, I recruited wonderful musician friends from my hometown to record on it and help with engineering, which was ultimately what brought life into the song! I think one of my best achievements was simply letting others into this world of creating music to bring a vision to life, rather than trying to do it all myself.


You have another release, “Stages” coming out soon. How do those play off each other?

My debut EP 'stages' is aimed to be out on August 29th! "Saturn" is set to be the opening track, with 3 other songs following it. The intention behind 'stages' is essentially to convey emotions that come after someone initially important to you leaves a mess in your life and then steps out of it, done so through 4 stages, hence the name. "Saturn" being the first song portrays a sense of innocence/naiveness, while the songs that follow portray the shock, confusion, and anger/confidence that follows.


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

Yes, I'm entering my fourth and final year at Berklee! I think that what stood out to me about this school over any other one that I applied to was its Independent Recording & Production program, which is what I major in. Since I was young and just getting into the technological side of music creation, my dad and I have been creating makeshift "studio" spaces throughout our house--this quite literally started in my closet and made its way to the guest room in our basement, which is where I work from now when I'm not in Boston. Berklee's IRP program encompasses the art of creating and working on music from anywhere you go, instead of a traditional recording studio, and as someone that's been doing exactly that since I was a teenager, the program really stood out to me and showed me that I was on the right track, and that I don't need a large, commercial recording space to succeed as an artist, producer, and engineer. Now, as I approach the end of my tenure in the major, I'm physically able to take my recording, mixing, and production assets anywhere I go, and make the best out of my work from virtually any location.


Who, or what, would you say are your biggest musical influences?

It's funny that you included "what" and not just "who" in regards to what influences me, because oftentimes I'm heavily influenced by super mundane, everyday things like people, nature, psychology, etc. For example, as much as "Saturn" mentions fantastical things like "walking on the rings", it circulates back to things like human nature and wonders with lyrics like "to the planets we are particles looking out on what's observable". Another song of mine that'll also be on the EP is called "Photographic Memory" talks about our brains often contradicting themselves after someone leaves you in the mud, ie. "my heart is trying to tell my memory to not force my eyes under your imagery". In terms of actual musicians, however, I'd say my biggest influences range from jazz/soul figures like Jacob Collier, Stevie Wonder, D'Angelo, and Amy Winehouse, to indie bands like Pinegrove and Vulfpeck.


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

Oooh this is a hard one. I'll probably go with "Ma Belle Evangeline" solely because I really love the soundtrack from The Princess and The Frog--it's definitely among the most innovative from any Disney movie and is so incredibly soulful and jazzy. Plus I'm a huge fan of New Orleans-inspired jazz so it works out!


What are your immediate musical goals?

My absolute-most immediate goal is to finish up 'stages' and have it be released on time! This summer has maybe been my hardest one in terms of my workload, as I'm also a studio intern, booking shows, traveling, and working. All of that unfortunately only left me so much time to mix my music and have it ready on time to distribute, so that's for sure my biggest goal as of this moment.


--


I am so excited for "Stages"!


As always, I want to thank EVA 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. Here are the best places to find her:


Thanks again EVA, and good luck reaching your goals!


Friday, August 7, 2026

New Music from Sofia Pargas and Lily Rhodes!




"Twice Over" - by Sofia Pargas


Release Date: August 7, 2026


What You Should Know: It’s a synth-dance-pop track capturing the dizzying spiral of loving someone to the point of obsession, and the desperate need to have them close without scaring them off. It masks love-drugged confessions with a flirtatious tone. Written by Sofia Pargas and Produced, Mixed and Mastered by Alex Zhong.


Find It: Spotify, and Apple




***




 

"I Don't Need You" - by Lily Rhodes


Release Date: August 7, 2026


What You Should Know: “I Don’t Need You” is inspired by acoustic and folk sounds fused with synth pop electronic dance music. Take this as a sign to share your art with the world because you matter. 


Find It: Everywhere, like Apple and Spotify

Previously on Section 36: "Lily Rhodes Visits Section 36 Music!"

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Una Visits Section 36 Music!

It's time for another visitor to Section 36! 
Una is an incredible artist, with a single "2 Sides of You" that would don't want to miss. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss the release, her future goals, and more!
 I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

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

I am absolutely in love with your single, “2 Sides of You”. What can you tell me about it?

When it comes to "2 Sides of You" as a song, I think it’s the most vulnerable song that I’ve written so far. It starts off with a prayer and really throughout the whole song it’s me wondering if I’m with the right person or on the right track in life. I decided to use a darker tone than my previous song because when I wrote it, I was very sad and broken. But when I released it, I really wanted it to be not just a song but a message to people that things work out and there’s a season in your life for things will happen and you might not know whether to keep going but it’s very important that you keep going. Not only that, but life puts you in situations that you don’t understand and you just have to push through them and accept them and that’s exactly what that song is about.


Do you see more studio work in your future?

Absolutely yes, you can expect my next single September 20th. I’m working on an album right now and I’m really excited. It will come out in the beginning of next year. It’s definitely experimental sound. I didn’t want to stick to one thing I wanted to kinda see where things go, but still have a strong message. I am super excited for the next single because it’s very 2000s inspired and more upbeat.


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

I think Berklee was definitely the right choice for me. It was not easy to leave my home and come. But I think that even through obstacles in life me and my parents stick together and overcome anything. I think that that’s the most important thing, have your own circle of people who uplift you and contribute to your energy, that’s what kept me going. Berkeley experience has just been wonderful and I have won an outstanding achievement award in the voice department. That moment felt surreal, and it was a confirmation from God that I should just keep going.


Who, or what, would you say are your biggest musical influences?

My biggest influences are definitely Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carrey. But when it comes to stage presence and visuals I will definitely say Britney Spears, Lady Gaga Madonna. However, I think when it comes to song that I played on a daily basis is definitely Britney. There’s something about her that I just can’t explain how connected I feel to her music. On another note, I love listening to R&B, hip-hop in so much more so I like to listen to variety of artists and genres as well.


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

Mother Knows Best and Mother Knows Best (reprise). I would cover that song  because I feel all my life I tried to fit in somewhere, and then as much as I try to fit in there were people who tried to hold me back and change the way I think. Trying to constantly fit and gets you nowhere you have to learn that you have your own identity and people that don’t think like you can’t really understand you, but that’s okay. And I feel like Rapunzel’s mother trying to hold her back and constantly tell her what to do and how to think because she just wanted to control her really resonates with me when it comes to my life and certain people


What are your immediate musical goals?

I would love to tour and record more music get signed eventually. And I would love write for other artists, collaborate and after that, I would also open my own business. I wouldn’t just stay in the music industry. I think I would love to expand more. I think I would love to do fundraising help people help other teenagers who would love to get the education that I’m having and not just in Berklee but somewhere else and I would love to fundraise and help them achieve their dreams. besides that I would love to have my own label, and just be a mentor later in life for young upcoming artists.



--


Those sound like incredible goals!


As always, I want to thank Una 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. Here are the best places to find her:


Thanks again Una, and good luck reaching your goals!


Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Alex Varvar Visits Section 36 Music!

Another visitor to 
Section 36 Music! Alex Varvar is an extremely talented artist, whose latest single, "SNITCH", is one that you won't want to miss. I was absolutely thrilled that Alex was willing to visit with us to discuss the release, her future goals, and more! I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

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

I am absolutely loving your recent single, “SNITCH”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much!!! SNITCH is a fun, unapologetic pop/R&B track about calling out someone who talks and acts one way in front of you, but then another way to others. I wanted it to feel playful and confident rather than bitter. I started writing it with a friend in my dorm probably 2 years ago now. It pulls from a lot of the pop and R&B music I grew up loving, but it also feels like one of my most authentic releases because it really reflects where I am as an artist right now.


Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

My favorite moment of recording everything was when we did the bridge section of the song. Those runs that were used in the final cut were all from the first take. The "you don't think I know" hook was my producer's idea and we just had so much fun recording this part. Everything just came together so well and so naturally so we were so hype for it. But also in general just sitting in my producer's studio all day and driving ourselves crazy with the beat was really fun. I came in with the song and we smashed out the track and added a lot to it in around 8 hours. We were very much just trolling for a lot of the session and kind of wanted that funness we had in the studio be infused into the song.  My producer Tauese Tofa is an actual GOAT. He's been my songwriting teacher since I was a kid so now finally getting to fully collaborate with him as an artist and a producer is so amazing and an honor.


How did you come up with the cover art?

I'll be so real, there wasn't a lot of planning regarding the cover art. I texted my friend who is a photographer and we booked a classroom and just played around with some red lighting as SNITCH has always had the aura of the color red for me. We experimented a lot but then we finally found what we were looking for by accident. Her camera flash was glitching out with the additional lights and made this really cool effect that split the lighting of the flash and the LEDs down the middle of the photo. Once I saw this I knew it was perfect for the cover as it hits that visual idea on the head of being two faced which is essentially what the song talks about.


What was your biggest challenge with the creation of the single?

Honestly, knowing when to stop. As an artist and songwriter it’s easy to keep tweaking little details forever. There comes a point where you have to trust your instincts and let the song be what it is. Learning to step back and say, “This is finished,” was probably the biggest challenge. 


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

Berklee felt like the perfect environment because everyone around you is just as passionate about music as you are. Being surrounded by talented musicians, songwriters, producers, and artists every day pushes me to grow creatively. It’s also given me opportunities to collaborate with people from all over the world and develop my sound in ways I never expected. Some may find this discouraging because there is a constant comparison to others especially when majority of people are trying to achieve greatness in the same field (and I have definitely fallen into that mindset before), but overall being at Berklee has 100% made me the most driven I have ever been and I am sure it will continue to do so in the future.


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

Growing up I loved to sing Zero to Hero from Hercules. It's actually such a bop. Another one I loved too was the John Legend/Ariana Grande version of Beauty and the Beast. I am biased as I am a Ariana fan but it genuinely is such a beautiful rendition.


What are your immediate musical goals?

Right now, my main focus is releasing more music and continuing to build a world around my artistry. Over the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time developing my sound, and I’m excited for people to hear what’s coming next. I also want to keep performing, connecting with listeners, and growing my audience one release at a time. Ultimately, I just want to keep creating music that feels honest and true to who I am.


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I definitely like the idea of more music!


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. Here are the best places to find her:


Thanks again Alex, and good luck reaching your goals!

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Sarah Sovak Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 had another visitor! 
Sarah Sovak is fresh off the release of her outstanding single, "I Wish You Were a Bad Guy". That's a song you need to listen to immediately. I was so excited when Sarah was willing to visit with us to discuss the release, her future goals, and more!
 I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

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

I adore your recent single, “I Wish You Were a Bad Guy.” What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support! “I wish you were a bad guy” is my debut single and the first track from my first EP, coming out later this summer. I wrote it last October during my first semester at Berklee, when I really found my love for songwriting and the healing that it brings me. It became a form of therapy for me, I’d journal about what I was feeling, and eventually those entries turned into songs. This one is about wishing someone had treated you worse so it would be easier to move on after a breakup. The EP expands on that idea through six songs, each exploring a different perspective and stage of the same breakup.


Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

I love this question! Recording was such a fun experience. My favorite part was experimenting with background vocals and harmonies after finishing the lead vocals. I also loved recording group vocals with my producer and recording engineers, Fooey Gomez and PTK5. We’d end up on different sides of the room just singing and jamming together, it was such a blast! We actually recorded everything during finals week in a practice room, so it was very last-minute and makeshift, but I’m incredibly grateful they showed up for me and helped bring these songs to life!


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

What made Berklee the right fit for me was its focus on contemporary music. During the last three years of high school, I trained in classical vocal performance and auditioned for majority classical music programs for college. Almost every weekend I was driving 3+ hours to sing in German and Italian, dressed head to toe in black, feeling like I had to be perfect. But when I finally auditioned for Berklee, I got to sing a pop song, wear what I wanted, and just be myself. That was the moment I knew I had found where I belonged. Choosing Berklee meant going against what some people saw as the safer path, but I knew I had to take the risk to pursue what truly excited me! 


As a member of the a cappella group The Nor’easters, what has that experience been like?

Being a member of the Nor’easters as a freshman was an incredible experience, but it also challenged me in ways I never expected. The group gave me lifelong friendships, unforgettable opportunities like performing in London, Fenway Park, winning ICCA Finals, and the chance to work alongside some of the most talented people I know! At the same time, balancing rehearsals, Berklee classes, and my solo career often left me burned out trying to keep up with everything. Looking back, though, I'm proud that I stuck with it because the experience helped me grow tremendously as both an artist and a person and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! 


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

The Disney song I would choose to cover is “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. The first musical I was ever in was The Little Mermaid in fourth grade, and I actually played Ariel. She was my favorite Disney princess growing up, so covering that song would be incredibly nostalgic for me! I’ve loved musical theater ever since. Most recently, I played Cinderella in Into the Woods, which was such an amazing experience. I love being on stage, and I’m so grateful I grew up in a public school with such a strong commitment to the arts.


What are your immediate musical goals?

My biggest goals right now are releasing my second single, “A Good Thing,” in the upcoming weeks and my debut EP later this summer. My producer and I have spent the summer putting the finishing touches on these six songs, and I’m so excited to finally share them with the world! I’m also studying abroad in Spain next semester, which I’m really excited about! I’m looking forward to writing more music, getting back into the studio, collaborating with new people, and doing more co-writing there!  


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I am incredibly excited about that upcoming music!


As always, I want to thank Sarah 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. Here are the best places to find her:


Thanks again Sarah, and good luck reaching your goals!