Kelsey Blackstone Releases Bittersweet Single ‘Leaving Boston’

The latest from the award-winning songwriter is a portrait of an artist in transition.

With the passionately performed, piano driven ’Leaving Boston,’ Kelsey Blackstone looks back on six and a half years spent in a city famous for leaving a permanent mark on the people who call it home. And while Boston’s lively arts scene has been pivotal for her personal growth, the song’s message of gratitude and new beginnings will resonate with anyone going through a major life change.

“This song is about what it feels like to move to a new place to chase a dream, and to leave who and what you love behind to do so,” she explains. “It’s a bittersweet feeling where you're grateful for everything that you've experienced in the old place, but excited and confident about where this new place is leading you.”

To help capture the intimacy of ‘Leaving Boston’, Kelsey decided to release it as a live recording and video. Working in collaboration with Boston-based producer Jeff Wang from Model Peril Sounds, she decided to forego autotune and endless overdubs, instead allowing her powerful voice to bring the song’s raw emotions to life. Kelsey will appeal to fans of Sara Bareilles, Rett Madison, and Allen Stone

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If you want to learn more about Kelsey, check out the interview she did with us here at Section 36 Music in March 2022 as well as her Tips for Going on Tour.

"Machine with a Dream” by Savoir Faire

 

"Machine with a Dream" - Single by Savoir Faire

Release Date: November 13, 2023

Video Release: November 13, 2023 on YouTube

What You Should Know:

“Machine with a Dream” is a response to the idea that a woman doesn’t reach her full potential without procreating: that being childless is empty and selfish, among other things people often say to childless women. Rather, the song offers ways in which women use their bodies and minds (their machine) to contribute to society and birth movements and ideas to others. It asks the listener: is a woman’s body enough if it lives for its own sake, and not for the sake of others?

The song was produced and mixed by Dave Brophy, who also plays drums and auxiliary instruments on the track. Andrew Moreau plays bass, with myself on guitar and vocals. “Machine with a Dream” started as a draft email of song lyrics, started on a flight back from Texas as women all over the nation braced for the eventual overturn of Roe vs. Wade. The lyrics eventually came to meet a guitar riff. From there, the song took form. The vocals of the song are heavily influenced by 60s girl groups, with vocal melismas and guitar lines borrowing from Persian pop music of the same era. Introducing the song, synthesizers lurk in the background of the production as a nod to the literary work that influenced both the lyrics and the video.

Find It:  Spotify

Previous Noteworthy Releases: “Only Fools (Betarseed)”

Michelle Rose Visits Section 36!

Photo by Amanda Ferguson Photography

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Michelle Rose is a talented singer, and current student at Berklee College of Music. You may be familiar with her recently released music video. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss that, and everything else having to do with her budding music career. I'm sure you'll enjoy what she had to say.

So, let's see what happened when Michelle Rose Visited Section 36!

You recently released a fantastic video for your song “Angel in Disguise”. What was that like to put together? 

It was a dream-come-true.  We planned and finished it within a month.  I’ve always wanted to put together an edgier music video with a motorcycle and lots of leather, and I finally had the opportunity to do that.  I’ve also always loved colored eye contacts and wanted to use them for a project, and I’m so happy that I could use them for this video. I tried to incorporate many different “disguises” in the video, so I had a brunette wig, gray/white wig, red contacts, red cat eye contacts, and white contacts.  I really wanted to surprise people with the different costumes. We filmed it in one long fifteen-hour filming day, and it was amazing! We were all exhausted by the end of it, but I’m so proud of that video. It’s my favorite one that I’ve ever worked on. 

Does the video release mean a single for “Angel in Disguise” will be on the way?  

It depends!   I’m currently trying to finish a full album with my producer, so it will definitely be on that album.  I’m just not sure if I’ll also release it as a single, or just with the the full album. 

You have several other amazing original songs on your website. Are there plans to release those in the future?

 Thank you so much!  Yes, and I’m so excited about it!  I started working on this album with my producer two years ago, so I’m really anxious to finish that once these next few songs are recorded.  My voice and music style has matured a lot over these past two years, so I think it will be fun to hear that progression when you listen to the album. 

You’re currently a student at Berklee. What is the most important thing that is doing for your career?

It’s giving me an amazing education and making me a better musician.  Most of my favorite singers only focus on singing in their careers, which is great, but for me, it was really important to have a well-rounded music education so I can better communicate with other musicians and have more control over my career.  I really love learning, and Berklee has been incredible for that. Berklee was my dream school for years, so I really feel honored to have the opportunity to walk around this campus and be surrounded by talented musicians everyday.

You have had the opportunity to perform live in various locations. Does any specific appearance stand out in your mind? Why?

Every year for the past five years, I’ve had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Walk, in front of 40,000 people.  Like many performers, the bigger the crowd, the more comfortable I feel; so it’s the ideal crowd size for me. When I was little, I dreamt about performing in front of crowds of this size, and it’s crazy to think that I’ve already accomplished that goal. 

Right now, what would you say is your biggest career challenge?

Getting noticed by more people.  I feel that I’ve been doing all that I can to set up this career for myself, and the next step is to have more people viewing my videos and listening to my music.  Sometimes it can be frustrating, feeling like not many people have access to what you’re putting out into the world. But I know that, with time, more people will see it and hopefully want to keep following my music career. 

What are your immediate career goals?

Photo by
Amanda Ferguson Photography

I have many, but I don’t give secrets away. :)  Realistically, I want to have more people listening to my music, grow a bigger following with that, and eventually start touring.  That’s been my dream my whole life.  

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Hopefully we can all help Michelle reach those goals!

As always, I want to thank Michelle for visiting. I also want to thank her for sending along so many amazing pictures to accompany the interview. Stay tuned to see even more pictures featured on Section 36 in the future!

Since I'm sure you want to follow along with Michelle to see what she's up to and how her career is progressing, I suggest you check out and follow her social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. You should also be sure to visit her website. As I mentioned, she has a lot of great music stored there, among other things!

Of course you should also check out her Section 36 Music page. There you'll find more links, pictures, and some of her music. It's a great way to enjoy everything Michelle has to offer.

Thanks again Michelle, and good luck with your next endeavor! 

Morgan Dzicek Sang at Fenway for Childhood Cancer Awareness Night

Previously posted on Section 36

On Saturday, the Red Sox held Childhood Cancer Awareness Day at the ballpark. As part of Childhood Cancer Awareness month, the Sox took the opportunity pregame to honor survivors of, or those dealing with, childhood cancer, as well as those helping to find a cure. With their long-standing relationship with the Jimmy Fund, it was certainly a cause the Sox are familiar with.

As part of the ceremony, Morgan Dzicek was given the opportunity to sing the national anthem. 

Morgan was the perfect choice, for a few reasons. For one, she is a childhood cancer survivor herself, having been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the age of 13. It took 40 rounds of radiation over the next four years before she was declared cancer free at 17.

Morgan is also currently a member of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders. With the Patriots opening their season the following night, the crossover appeal is obvious.

Finally, Morgan is simply an amazing singer. She's a graduate of Berklee College of Music, and even has her own single on her resume. Released last fall, “Every Step of the Way” is an incredibly beautiful song about her battle with cancer. The video for the song was just released a few days ago. Check it out below.

As we continue to celebrate Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, there are naturally several ways you can help out.

Morgan herself is personally passionate about “Make-a-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island”. It was with their help that she was able to record “Every Step of the Way”. But, certainly do whatever you can to help those suffering from the effects of childhood cancer, whether that's through Make-a-Wish, the Jimmy Fund, or another option of your choosing.

I also assume that you're going to want to hear "Every Step of the Way" over and over. I know I did. In that case, you're in luck! It's available on Spotify, apple music, and basically anywhere else you get your favorite music.

Be sure to go find it now!