New Music from Allison Leah, Alex Skye, Sarah Suarez, Ava Dallas, Haley Montelaro, Stephània, and Sabrina Ponte

"I Didn't Know I Was Growing Up" - by Allison Leah

Release Date: May 1 2026

What You Should Know: "I’ve had this song in my pocket for over a year now and have been waiting for the right moment, and grad season just felt right. This song is also the first single off my NEW EP, Mirror, releasing this summer. It’s a 5 song collection of reflections, musings on growing up, and self-identity. These five songs are some of the most vulnerable I’ve ever written & sharing them right now feels so right. "

Find It: Spotify, and Apple

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "It's 2026 in 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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"Never Have I Ever" - by Alex Skye

Release Date: April 30, 2026

What You Should Know: "This song is a hyper-pop, dance, house song that is for an upcoming project… BUT I am releasing it under my name first. Here is a break from the sad indie folk"

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple and Spotify

Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "It's 2026 in Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Alex Skye Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Hairline Fracture" - by Sarah Suarez

Release Date: May 1, 2026

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple and Spotify

Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "It's 2026 in Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

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

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"Easy" - by Ava Dallas

Release Date: May 1, 2026

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple and Spotify

Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "It's 2026 in Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Ava Dallas Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Out of Our Control" - by Haley Montelaro

Release Date: May 1, 2026

What You Should Know: "I cannot express how surreal this is. My younger self knew she wanted to be an artist and a songwriter, but didn't know how to get there. Every year of middle and high school I would say "This is the year I'll release music" but had no idea what steps to take.

Now at the age of 19 I can say I have 9 tracks out, 6 of which are in this EP. Life is crazy."

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple and Spotify

Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "It's 2026 in Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Haley Montelaro Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Every Kind of Way" - by Stephània

Release Date: May 1, 2026

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "It's 2026 in Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Stephània Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Back In Boston" - by Sabrina Ponte 

Release Date: May 1, 2026

What You Should Know: A version of this song like you've never heard before!

Find It: Spotify or Apple

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "Songs that Cover the Bases", "It's 2025 In Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

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

Alex Skye Releases "Less Sharp"!

By Alex Skye

Less Sharp is a euphoric indie rock anthem that tells the story of how easy it can be to lose yourself in an unhealthy relationship, whether that be one of romance or friendship. This was one of the first songs I wrote that I felt encompassed an entire relationship (or lack thereof) into one sonic story. Less Sharp is a song you can sing along to, burn your ex's hoodie to, and head bop in the car too. With influences like Lizzy McAlpine, Phoebe Bridgers, and Madison Cunningham, I wanted to write a song that had emotional weight to it just as all my favorite artists have done. The writing process for this song was simple and fast. It felt like every word I wrote came directly to me and fit like puzzle pieces exactly how I imagined it. 

I recorded this song with Chloe Appel and Shab Nourishirazi in my sixth  semester at Berklee and I have never had more fun creating a track. Chloe Appel is a young female producer at Berklee who I greatly admire and who I was honored to work alongside of. She has worked with Mark Ronson, a prominent producer in the music industry, and her talent never ceases to amaze me. Additionally, being at Berklee allows me access to some of the most gifted musicians in the world. I am so grateful for the time and creativity they put into this song. Recording with friends in studio sessions that have us coming in at dark and leaving as the sun rises felt symbolic of leaving the pain from the story and letting the song now speak for itself. I am forever grateful to musicians Max Globokar (Guitars), Chase Behar (Bass), and Diego Castrillo-Vilches (Drums) 

The process of taking and editing the cover art was very silly and fun but I learned a lot about my own ability as a graphic designer. I worked on the cover art for weeks and I gained a new appreciation for people who spend their time making every little detail perfect and for those who are wizards at photoshop. My two amazing friends Sacnicte Arriola and Nina Kauderer turned their home into a home studio and helped me bring my vision to life. The original idea was to create an image of a doll with dozens of pins stuck in (like a pin cushion) and it took me a painstakingly long time to edit this photo to get close to that vision. So much of the process of recording and producing this song felt personal to me, more than any other song I've written to date. 

Less Sharp will be out on all streaming platforms on February 28th and I can’t wait for you to hear it. 

New Music: From Alex Skye, Elliott Woods, Trinity Mei, and Sayaka

"Medicine" - by Alex Skye

Release Date: April 12, 2024

What You Should Know: "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!"

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple and Spotify

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

Previously on Section 36: "Alex Skye Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Your Soul" - by Elliott Woods

Release Date: April 12, 2024

What You Should Know: "MAYBE ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS I'VE WRITTEN???"

Find It: Everywhere, like  Apple or Spotify

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "Call My Name"

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

Previously on Section 36: "Elliott Woods Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Temporary" - by Trinity Mei

Release Date: April 19, 2024

What You Should Know: "this song is so special to me not only because of its meaning but because of all the incredible people who helped make my vision a reality! From the 2-4am sessions with @keeferofficial to the international calls with @joshbroughster this song wouldn’t have been possible without my amazing team!"

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple and Spotify

Pervious Notable Releases: "Ever Be Right", "More Time"

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

Previously on Section 36: "Trinity Mei Section 36 Music!"

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"Bite By Tongue" - by Sayaka

Release Date: April 19, 2024

What You Should Know: "this song is the first one @madirindge and I worked on together and I fell in love with it immediately. I had just gotten back from my Japan trip and I was telling her about it and how the Japanese culture is soooo different from that of American culture and that while I had a great time, it was definitely an adjustment lol I won’t disclose what exactly inspired the song but i’m positive all of us have had people we couldn’t totally be ourselves around!"

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple or Spotify

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "Would You Stay", "Will I Be OK?"

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

Previously on Section 36: "Sayaka Visits Section 36 Music!"

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!