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!

Kimaya Diggs Visits Section 36!

Photo: Steph Larsen

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Kimaya Diggs is a wonderful singer, whose recent EP, "Quincy" absolutely blew me away. I was so glad that she was willing 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 Kimaya Diggs visits Section 36 Music!

Your recent EP, “Quincy”, is just incredible beyond words. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much! I'm so happy to hear that people are connecting with the songs and enjoying them. I conceptualized the album as being a joyful way to process difficult emotions, and through the recording process, lots of difficult emotions came up when I lost my dog, my mom, and a lifelong friend. 

What was the best part of the recording process?

My favorite part of recording was the quiet moments in 2020 when we were recording in a home studio with all the time in the world. Lots of turmoil was happening in the world and in my personal life, but the studio was a safe and peaceful place. The absolute best part of recording was the way my dog Quincy would lean against my legs when I was tracking vocals. 

What is your favorite part about performing in front of an audience?

I love connecting with people. Live performances give me an opportunity to make contact with people who I don't usually cross paths with, and we get to share this moment that only happens once ever. Even if I do the same set another time, it's not the same show. It's about exchanging energy with the people who are there on that day, in that moment. 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Photo: Steph Larsen

One of my biggest musical influences is Corinne Bailey Rae. I love her songwriting, and the summery feeling that she captures in many of her recordings. Other folks I'm really inspired by these days include Raveena, Lianne LaHavas, Anita Baker, and Donny Hathaway. 

What would you say is your biggest career challenge?
Working in music is more challenging than ever before. There are more roadblocks and less money in the industry. It's challenging to find resources to work on new projects, and it's challenging to go on tour. But the community is home to many of the most generous, creative people I know, so I have hope. 

What are your immediate career goals?
I'd love to work up a solo act so I can have a little more flexibility while touring, and I'm already writing and planning my second album!

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I'm definitely excited to hear more music from her!

As always, I want to thank Kimaya for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview.

I'm sure you’ll all want to listen to Kimaya and follow along with her to see what she's up to. I would definitely follow her on Instagram, and/or Spotify. In fact, go do both right now! 

Thanks again Kimaya, and good luck reaching your goals!