Going Behind the Scenes of "Should've Known" with Duda

Once again, Duda has brought us behind the scenes and shared the story behind her newest release. I'm sure you enjoyed is as much as I did when she did this for us with her hit EP "Rumors". Now she's back with her newest single, "Should've Known" and everything that went into it. 

Here's what she had to say!

Everything has been a wile ride and I’m grateful we could make it work. It is my best and greatest release yet. I know everyone says their latest release is their best. But I mean it. This one has so much heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears in it from so many amazing human beings.

I wrote the song over winter break, in December 2023. My life was chill at that moment and I wasn’t feeling very inspired to write songs. But I wrote this one based on a college friend from Berklee. It was the first time I wrote something not from my point of view. It was just a very interesting exercise. Honestly, when it was done, I didn’t really like it that much. I wrote it the same day I was inspired to write a couple other songs. All in different aspects that I’m used to doing. This one I wrote in the Point of view of one of my closest friends who keeps going out with guys who don’t treat her right. And, in the end she keeps saying that she should have know. And we keep telling her but she never listens. This is shown in the first verse when the first thing I say is “I should’ve listened to my friends”. 

So it talks about friendships, break-ups and relationships in the current times we’re living in. I feel like it’s current and relatable for women these days, and especially for friends. So I really like that about this song. But, funnily enough, I didn’t really like the song when I finished it. I didn’t put many expectations on it. So I kept it in the depths of my voice messages because I never saw a future for the song. I thought the melodies were cheesy and for some reason I didn’t really connect with them that much, so I never saw potential in it. But one day I received a call from my producer, who also produced Criminal, and he asked if I had any songs to produce for a school project. I showed him multiple songs, but he was unconvinced. So I sent him Should’ve Known but told him I don’t really like this one, just so you know. But he really loved it and made me believe in the song which took some time because I still really didn’t like it for some reason.

 

But, we took five months to produce it, which is the longest time I’ve taken to complete a song. It took so long because we were making sure the song was perfect and nothing was missing. And we were constantly updating and changing things to make sure it was perfect. And, honestly, I remember when I received the final demo I was in shock because the song was so good. I’m not saying this because it’s my song. It’s genuinely so good. And a lot of my friends who have heard the song are obsessed with it as well.

You can definitely include me on that list too! "Should've Known" is such a great song. You should definitely listen to it for yourself.

Thanks again, Duda, for sharing this story with us.

Jenna May Visits Section 36 Music!

Photo Charlie McIlwrath

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Jenna May visits with use to talk about her newest single "Little Thoughts", how it feels to perform live, and more! I'm sure you'll love hearing everything she has to say.

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

Your recent single, “Little Thoughts” is absolutely incredible. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you! I started writing this song last summer when I was questioning if a friendship might have reached an end. One of the main aspects of the song is the idea that even writing the lyrics, or just thinking the words in my head, was so unbearably difficult and unthinkable. What’s ironic is that while I couldn’t get myself to say the words out loud, I also wasn’t medically allowed to sing them as I wrote the song because I was recovering from TMJ surgery. (Ha!) After I finished the song, I was so nervous about playing it for my friend because I feared having that difficult conversation, and didn’t want to hurt her. But I did play it for her, and we talked and we cried. In the end, this song is what allowed us to start patching the wounds so we can re-connect and move forward in our friendship. 

Do you have a favorite lyric from the song?

I love this question! I’m a bit torn between two lyrics: “I can’t keep playing telephone across the town” and “Does the silence cause the sinking?” I really love the lyric about the telephone because I love the metaphor, but it also helps tie the theme together of the song being about a childhood friendship. “Does the silence cause the sinking?”, though, has such a tragic eloquence to it. 

What do you enjoy most about performing in front of an audience?

If I’m really honest, that is something I’m still trying to figure out. Performing has always been difficult for me because I have such massive anxiety. I think what motivates me to keep building and growing as a performer, though, is the desire to share my work and hopefully have someone in the audience connect to it. The more I perform, the more I’m learning how to enjoy it.  

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Taylor Swift, of course - the way I think about my music would be entirely different without her influence. In different ways, the same can be said for Ariana Grande’s influence on me. Right now, I am constantly and endlessly inspired by Gracie Abrams and Aaron Dessner, which I think is really helping me discover what path I want to go down in my music. In general though, I’m super drawn to poetic lyrics. My mind is at all times contemplating deep thoughts and emotions, especially pertaining to my existence and the universe, and that all heavily impacts my songwriting.

What would you say is your biggest challenge with your music career?

Photo Charlie McIlwrath

The biggest challenge in my career right now is probably a lack of confidence. It takes a lot of work to be your own biggest fan when you’re also your own biggest critic. I think most, if not all, artists can relate to that. 

What are your immediate music goals?

I’m looking to build a solid base in my career, and focusing on making and releasing more music! I have some songs I’m really excited about. My biggest goal at the moment is to keep growing my audience and reach as I create and put out that new music. 

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Let's see if we can help with that goal, and ger her audience to grow!  

As always, I want to thank Jenna 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 as well as visit her website to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

Thanks again Jenna, and good luck reaching your goals!

New Music From Alexa Name, Duda, Elle Sera, Sierra Levesque, Syd Rose, Wendy Wang, and TRISTIA

"TENSION HIGH" - Alexa Name 

Release Date: May 28, 2024

What You Should Know: "TENSION HIGH is all about that electrifying moment when you both know there’s something there, but no one takes the first step. If you’ve ever felt that spark, this track will hit home! Get ready for a fun, sexy, chill vibe that’s perfect for those sultry summer nights. Can’t wait for you to vibe with it!"

Find It: Apple or Spotify

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

Previously on Section 36: "Alexa Name Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Should've Known" -  by Duda

Release Date: May 31, 2024

What You Should Know: "I wrote this one based on a college friend, and it was the first time I wrote something from someone else's point of view. It tells the story of someone who keeps going out with guys who don't treat her right, and she always says she Should've Known."

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple and Spotify

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "Criminal"

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

Previously on Section 36: "Duda Visits Section 36 Music!", "More Rumors From Duda", "Duda Makes 36 Decisions", "Duda's 36 Favorite Things"

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"All over Again" - single by Elle Sera 

Release Date: May 31, 2024

What You Should Know: "I’ve been so excited to release this song and video since last fall & THIS IS IT! I’m digging hard into pop for this one which has been a dream of mine for many years. More on the way so stay tuned, my friends!"

Find It: Apple or Spotify

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

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "Beautiful Girl (Acoustic Version)", "Covers Only"

Previously on Section 36: "Elle Sera Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"U ARE MY DRUG" - Single by Sierra Levesque

Release Date: May 28, 2024

What You Should Know: "I'm so excited for you to her this one!"

Find It: Everywhere, like Apple and Spotify

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "Wrong About You", "Get Off My Stage", "Run Run Rudolph"

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "What 2024 Sounds Like From Section 36", "What 2023 Sounds Like From Section 36", "Women Going Places, from Section 36", "It's Christmas in Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Sierra Levesque Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Half the Things I Said" - Syd Rose 

Release Date: May 15, 2024

What You Should Know: "I don’t have many words that I can say to express how grateful I am for all of the people who worked on this project with me, put up with all of my revisions (@maxwbelkin patience level 100), and encouraged me every step of the way 🥹❤️ Thank you so much to every one of you for your patience, kindness, generosity with your time and talent, and your honest and valuable feedback 🫶 You all made these songs so much better than I ever could have imagined, and honestly the files would probably still be in my laptop rotting without each and every one of you 😂 Thank you for everything, and I hope you enjoy these finished songs as much as I do!"

Find It: Apple or Spotify

Her Spotify Playlist Inclusions: "Women Going Places, from Section 36"

Previously on Section 36: "Syd Rose Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"Secrets" - by Wendy Wang 

Release Date: May 31, 2024

What You Should Know: Another song you just have to stream from this amazing artist

Find It: Spotify or Apple

Previous Noteworthy Releases: "Sunlight", "If I Told The Truth"

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

Previously on Section 36: "Wendy Wang Visits Section 36 Music!"

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"This is NOT a Hopeful Beginning" - TRISTIA 

Release Date: May 31, 2024

What You Should Know: "So much blood, tears, and hours were put into this EP- and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it with me. A year and a half- but really, a whole life in the making."

Find It: Apple or Spotify

JØRDYN Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! JØRDYN is an amazing singer whose debut EP "i didn't ask for this" is one masterpiece after another. I was thrilled that they wanted to visit with us and discuss their music, future goals, and more. I’m sure you’ll enjoy everything they have to say.

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

Your debut EP, “i didn’t ask for this” is simply outstanding. What can you tell me about it?

My debut EP ‘i didn’t ask for this’  is about the realities, struggles, and unfairness of life. I speak on my struggles with loss, grief, jealousy, and displacement over the course of the past few years while experimenting with harmony, vocoding, and soundscapes to create my own unique sound. It was written and recorded over the course of 2 years total. 

What was your favorite part of the recording process?

My absolute favorite part of the process was recording the title track/closer "i didn't ask for this'. It was the only song recorded in a formal studio (most of the EP was recorded in my friends and I's dorms/bedrooms). I really love my band and getting everyone in one room to record was so much fun. There was such positive energy all around. 

What do you enjoy most about performing in front of an audience?

One fun fact about me is that I am a classically trained opera singer. Majority of my work and music at the beginning of my career was on stage. It is where my heart lives. When transitioning into becoming a recording artist most of my work is off the stage. Writing, Recording, Photo Shoots, Emails etc. When I get to perform on stage I really cherish that. I get to experience the energy of my band and the audience.

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Number one is Phoebe Bridgers. She is truly such a formative artist for me and my sound. Her writing is outstanding and she is so secure in her sound and identity as an artist. I really look up to her. 

What would you say is your biggest challenge with your music career?

Exposure, I think music today is very dependent on social media, paid advertising, and stream counts. I struggle getting the numbers and I think that sucks because I am very proud of my work with this project. I just hope people listen.

What are your immediate music goals?

To tour/open with a larger artist or hero of mine. Even if it's a 3 stop tour I would love to tour and see different people and places. It is such a fundamental thing for a small artist. I also would love to play my first festival! 

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Those sound like great goals!  

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

I'm sure you’ll all want to follow them and see what they have going on. I would follow them on Instagram, and Spotify as well as visit their website to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

Thanks again JØRDYN, and good luck reaching your goals!

Linda Z Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Linda Z is a wonderful artist with a recent single "Fairytale" that is simply magical. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us and discuss her music, songwriting, and more. I’m sure you’ll enjoy everything she has to say.

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

I absolutely love your recent debut single, “Fairytale”. What can you tell me about it?

Thank you so much, I truly appreciate that! Yea Fairytale is my first serious release as an established Songwriter. I wrote the song over the summer last year and it was really a therapeutic process for me while I was getting out of a relationship. The song embodies this reality where to the outside world the relationship you’re in might look perfect, might look like it’s full of love, passion, and understanding, when really you know it’s not, you know it’s been fake and you’re sort of stuck in this cycle of battling that truth in your mind. Certainly a very special song to me and I hope people can relate to it. 

What was your favorite part of the recording process?

My favorite part of the recording process was definitely getting to work on this project with my friends and just spending hours in the studio with all of them. I am lucky to have such amazing people to help out! My producer Julian Villegas and I were super committed to having a great sounding record but the sessions were never short of love, passion, and fun. I had some of my best friends play on the song and that was the best part by far, getting to share this piece of myself and my music with them. 

What do you enjoy most about performing in front of an audience?

Hmm, I think honestly whenever I perform this song live it feels like we’ve all entered this space where time stops and we all get to enjoy the moment together. It really feels as though everyone is in the story with me and feeling what I’m feeling. It is amazing to sense the audience’s energy while performing a song you poured your heart into. 

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

That’s a hard question because I have so many musical influences, but right now I would without a doubt say Noah Kahan(if not any of my friends). His songwriting is just so truthful yet poetic at the same time and I really love that. I have seen his music evolve over the years and become what it is today. He genuinely inspires me to write every day. Other than him though, definitely the group of friends I have around me—I always learn from them and they are just the best people I know. They inspire me to be in this business for the long haul. 

You’re currently a student at Berklee College of Music. What made Berklee the right choice for you?

Yes, I am currently about to be in my 5th semester! Berklee was the dream school for me since I was in Middle School but I don’t think I was convinced it was the right choice until this past semester. There was definitely imposter syndrome and a lot of questions about my future I had to weigh. Ultimately it was the Songwriting department, especially Mark Simos, that made me feel like I belonged in this school and it was exactly where I had to be. I always wanted to be a Songwriter and Berklee has the only Songwriting program of this size that is so versatile and offers so much to its students. I have also found my place within the Roots community here at Berklee and I think that that’s when I knew, last semester, when I had no second thoughts about anything I was doing, and absolutely loved it!

What are your immediate music goals?

My immediate music goals especially for this summer are to learn Fiddle which I picked up a few months ago now, but other than that just write a bunch of songs, perform and make content. I think my real main goal is to begin truly writing for other artists at Berklee and become those artists Songwriters! Apart from that, I am just beginning to establish myself outside of the Berklee Community as a Songwriter. 

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That's definitely a great goal!  

As always, I want to thank Linda Z 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 as well as visit her website to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

Thanks again Linda Z, and good luck reaching your goals!