Amanda McCarthy Visits Section 36

Photo by Cannafarina Photography

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Amanda McCarthy is a talented singer and performer. It was wonderful to have her visit and discuss her past recordings, her appearances, and more! I'm sure you'll enjoy what she had to say.

So, let's see what happened when Amanda McCarthy Visited Section 36!

This summer you released your first album “Road Trip”. What was it like putting that together?

Putting together Road Trip was, quite literally, a journey from start to finish. It started out as a 2-single project, which then turned into a 6-song EP, but while the songs on the EP were strong, there were definitely pieces missing to tell a full story. Aat that point I decided to bite the bullet and go for a full length album. Road Trip certainly tells a story. With the new decade coming, and people asking me to sum up my life from this current decade, I jokingly tell them to listen to Road Trip. It includes songs written in 2011/2012 to songs that were written right before recording them. It's a mix of my influences in pop, rock, and country. A mix of serious, fun, and snarky. I'm proud of it because it really showcases who I am as an artist and a person.

Have you been working on any other recordings, and when might we be able to hear the results?

My 2020 promise is to debut at least one new song a month, though that may not necessarily be as a formal single. I'm trying to really focus on writing right now, and cutting my teeth as a professional songwriter for others as well as really deciding what I want my next personal artist project to sound like. I'm really loving both country and pop right now, but I want my next project released as myself to be somewhat cohesive in genre. So 2020 will include me exploring those genres, a few cuts in the works for other artists to be recording songs I've written, and me sharing at least one new song a month. I struggle with perfectionism, but I want to share even SoundCloud demos or live-video recordings so I'm not leaving fans in the dark and they can hear what I'm working on.

You recently went to LA for the Hollywood Music in Media Awards. What was that experience like?

Photo by MB Padfield

The HMMA ceremony was very cool. A friend of mine who lives in LA and came as my "date" described it as the "Baby Grammy's." I was able to walk a red carpet with tons of cameras going off and was part of a few different interviews. The red carpet and all the photography flashes reminded me of something you'd see in a movie, it was definitely something I don't do every day haha. It was so cool being nominated and getting to be part of the whole process and ceremony.

You've been able to perform at several live shows. What have you liked about those experiences?

I love live shows because, at least for me, I'm always doing something different. I might be playing acoustic or with my band. I might be delivering my heart playing all original songs, or in a more restaurant/bar environment singing cover songs. Some venues want all rock, some want all country. I'm able to wear a lot of hats and I never feel like I'm compromising myself, even at the cover shows, because it still puts me in front of an audience, still gives me a chance to deliver some (if not all) original music, and I'm so versatile as an artist that I never feel as if I'm being someone I'm not. I have my rock side, my country side, and it's cool to have different places where I can show different pieces of me. Connecting with people, hearing them enjoy my music and hearing them tell me that my original music really resonated with them is my all time favorite feeling as a songwriter.

Do you have any upcoming appearances you’re especially excited about?

Photo by CJ Boulais

New Year's Eve, my band will be in Woodstock NH at the Woodstock Inn for their huge NYE bash. We played last year and it gets pretty intense up there, lol. Definitely a party environment and a real good time. Boston fans can hear some originals at the Middle East Corner on 12/30, Maine fans at Elements in Biddeford on 1/11, and South Shore fans at C-Note in Hull on 1/12.

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

My biggest career challenge...oh boy lol. I think first off I really need to decide on a primary genre, which has always been a challenge for me because I'm all about authenticity and being true to yourself. Some days my authentic self is a pretty country girl in flower dresses, and some days my authentic self plays alt-rock music and wears Converse and beanies. Recently, my authentic self also includes pop music. I will continue to strive to make all parts of myself work, but also striving for a more cohesive blend as not to confuse audiences who don't already know me.... I think my current audience is pretty aware that I can't make up my mind LOL. That's also part of why I want to explore writing for others more, I think it will give me a chance to show off those different strengths. 

What are your immediate career goals?

My next-step I'm working on is to secure some better opening slots for bigger artists. I've done a lot of side-stage stuff, which has been AWESOME for meeting and engaging with newer bigger crowds with similar music taste to me, but unfortunately a lot of talent-bookers, management etc. only want to know who you've been on the MAIN stage with. So that's my next step is to be able to grow that list, and hopefully find some solid dedicated management for myself as an artist as well. As I said earlier, 2020 will have some artists recording songs I've written for or with them and I hope to expand that list. And you heard it here first folks.... I'll be moving to Nashville during late summer/early fall of 2020.

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That’s some exciting news. I bet she’ll love it there!

As always, I want to thank Amanda for visiting. I also want to thank her for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview. They’re the perfect addition to the discussion.

Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Amanda to see what she's up to and how her career is progressing, I suggest you check out and follow her website and social media accounts: Instagram, and Facebook. You should also be sure to check out all of her music on Spotify. They’re the best ways to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting things she teased during the interview.

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 Amanda has to offer.

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

Stephanie James Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Stephanie James is a Berklee grad currently living on the West Coast. It was great to talk about her music, her upcoming album, and more! I'm sure you'll enjoy what she had to say.

So, let's see what happened when Stephanie James visited Section 36!

You’re a graduate of Berklee College of Music. What was that experience like?

Berklee College of Music was my dream school and sometimes it felt like a dream. I was surrounded by some of the most incredible musicians from all over the world. My teachers, mentors, and classmates really helped shaped the musician and artist I am today. After the first few weeks of school I remember calling my Mom and crying tears of joy on the phone. I was so happy and felt like I was finally surrounded by my people and was in the right place for the first time in my life. Music was always my calling but now I was in an environment with people I could grow and thrive with. The Berklee community is strong and I am forever grateful for the relationships I made at school.

I really enjoyed your videos for your songs “I Deserve Better’ and “You Fill Me Up”. What was it like to put those together?

“You Fill Me Up” was my first music video. A friend referred me to Danny Chamberlin, a film major she knew at Emerson. We met at the popular Berklee coffee hang, Pavement, and we brainstormed some ideas! It’s funny because we filmed the first half of the video on a very warm fall day in Boston and weren’t able to finish filming until November when it was a windy and cold 20 degree day. For continuity, I had to wear the same outfit which consisted of shorts, a tank top, and high heels. I remember people on Boylston street yelling at me that I was going to catch a cold but we had to do to finish filming.

I wanted to collaborate with dancers and have their movements help tell the story for “I Deserve Better”. The dancers were students at Boston Conservatory and the music video was made by friends at Emerson, Grayson Kohs and Zaji Zabalerio. The dancers, Santiago MacLean & Jenna Mitchell, improvised over the entire song and we filmed from a few different angles. I learned so much about making music videos from these experiences and loved the creativity that comes from collaborating.

Have you been working on any recordings, and when might we be able to hear the results?

I’ve been working on my debut album with my producer, Jorel Corpus. I’ve recently launched a Kickstarter to help fund the album and all the different costs that are involved. If the Kickstarter goal is reached, I am hoping to release the album in March or April. I will also be releasing 2 singles before then in the next coming months.

You've been able to perform at several live shows. What have you liked about those experiences?

What I love most about performances is that it’s always different. Even if I am singing some familiar material or I’m at the same venue, the energy and the audience is always different. I love connecting with people with my music but also having conversations with the audience in between sets. I treat all performances the same no matter how big or small. People make the effort and take the time to come out to see live music and they want to be moved, they want a story, they want to connect to something. 

Do you have any upcoming appearances you’re especially excited about?

Right now I am deciding when and where I want to have my album release show. I am really looking forward to performing my new music with a full band out in Los Angeles. I’ve spent so much time in writing sessions and at the studio so I am really looking forward to breaking into the live music scene out here. 

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

My biggest career challenge right now is building my audience and building a team who can help me further my career goals. 

What are your immediate career goals?

I honestly can’t wait to release my album! This album is so personal and special to me and I can’t wait to share my baby with everyone! I want to play more shows, collaborate with writers, brands, and other creatives in the industry. I want to get representation so I can do more of the music making and have more guidance while navigating such a fast paced industry.

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Hopefully Stephanie can reach that goal and release that album! If you want to help her do that (and I'm sure you do), be sure to visit her kickstarter and help in any way you can!

As always, I want to thank Stephanie for chatting and for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview. They’re perfect.

Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Stephanie 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, YouTube, and Facebook. You should also be sure to check out all her music on Spotify. You also will want to visit her website often. It’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting things she teased during the interview.

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

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

Taylor O'Connor Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Taylor O'Connor is a talented singer and Nashville resident. It was great to have her visit and talk about her past recordings, her appearances, and more! I'm sure you'll enjoy what she had to say.

So, let's see what happened when Taylor O'Connor Visited Section 36!

In May you released your latest single “Wine Again”. What can you tell me about that song?

“Wine Again” was one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written because I feel like the base of the song is something everyone has had to deal with.. asking for advice from people, not listening, and wondering why nothing is changing. 

Have you been working on any other recordings, and when might we be able to hear the results?

Recently I have been really grinding on my songwriting.. I am hoping to set up some dates to record an EP that will be released in 2020!

You recently made the move from your Massachusetts home to Nashville. How did you decide to make that change?

I decided to make the move to Nashville because I was going to school at Berklee College of Music and though I enjoyed my time there I felt like I kept wishing time would fly by so I could finally move to Nashville and be in the atmosphere that is Music City, so I decided to take a break from school, move down here and dive right into it! 

You've been able to perform at several live shows. What have you liked about those experiences?

My favorite thing about live performances is really feeling connected with your audience, wether it’s them singing along, or them just watching you, you can feel the engagement and it makes you feel like you’re giving them something important 

Do you have any upcoming appearances you’re especially excited about?

I am in the process of planning gigs for 2020

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

My biggest career challenge as of late is definitely pumping out songs fast enough, my personal writing style is slow and steady but I wish I could just pump out 10000 songs a day, but who doesn’t! 

What are your immediate career goals?
My immediate career goals are to get a publishing deal with a label 

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Hopefully Taylor can reach that goal!

As always, I want to thank Taylor for visiting. I also want to thank her for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview. They’re fantastic.

Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Taylor 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, and Facebook. You should also be sure to check out all the ways to hear her single "Wine Again". It’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting things she teased during the interview.

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 Taylor has to offer.

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

Lyssa Coulter Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! Lyssa Coulter is a

talented singer and Nashville resident. You may be familiar with the performances she’s done across the country. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and everything else having to do with her music career. I'm sure you'll enjoy what she had to say.

So, let's see what happened when Lyssa Coulter Visited Section 36!

This summer you released your latest single “Cruisin’”. What can you tell me about that song?

My single “Cruisin’” was written by myself and New England Singer/Songwriter, Paige Davis. She came down to Nashville to visit, the first week I had moved down, back in February. It was about 1:00 a.m. and we were both wide awake and I had shown her some lyrics that I had been sitting on for a while. She vibed with them and we were able to create what we thought was a “windows down, summertime, feel good song”. We really wanted it to be something listeners could just enjoy and have fun with. 

Have you been working on any other recordings, and when might we be able to hear the results? 

I do have a song currently in the works. I don’t want to give too too much away, but I am currently working on producing it with Matthew Taylor who is an incredible singer/songwriter and producer. It is was written by one of my close friends Molly Mae. It’s really exciting and an honor to be trusted to cut a track. More details regarding title of song and release date in end December/beginning of January.

You made the move from your Massachusetts home to Nashville. How has that decision helped your career?

Moving to Nashville was a really big decision as when I was in middle/highschool I had not planned on leaving my home town never mind the state or New England. Moving to Nashville has been an incredible experience so far. I did not go to college so it’s almost like my own personal “College Experience”. I’ve learned so many perspectives of the industry and have met so many people along with just expanding my general knowledge of the music industry. It has helped a lot with expanding my network and has allowed me to meet, collaborate and learn from so many other creatives. The talent in the town is endless and pushes me to strive to be a better artist and over all musician. 

You've been able to perform at several live shows. What have you liked about those experiences?

Live performances are my favorite. They allow me to truly

Photo by
Matthew Allen Photography

connect with my listeners and with an audience in a way you can’t behind the social media wall. I had the opportunity to play out west at a few festivals this past summer and I was just stunned and was honestly speechless seeing people singing along to not just the covers we played but also my original tunes. There is nothing like that feeling. 

Do you have any upcoming appearances you’re especially excited about?

We have a lot of exciting plans for 2020. We have some tour plans that I’m especially excited about, but again, I don’t want to give away too much. I do want the #CoulterCrew to know we have some really exciting things in the works for 2020 and we will be visiting brand new cities. 

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

I think the biggest challenge in my career is knowing who's truly on your team (friends, artists, industry pros and even family). I also think one of the bigger challenges is really creating an understanding as to who I want to be as an artist at the end of the day. I’ve only been in this for two years and I’m still In the experimental stage of what I want my music to sound like. I think another big challenge is finding the balance of the Lyssa “at home” and Lyssa “on stage”. Finding the perfect mix is something that is constantly being worked on. It’s important that my listeners get to know the real me. 

What are your immediate career goals?

One of my immediate goals consist of getting as much music as possible out in 2020. I spent 2019 writing a ton and I can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve been working on. Another one being expanding on the amount of performances we play next year. This year I only had a few dozen shows. In 2018 I had over 150 performances and I really would like to get back to those numbers. Performing keeps me on my toes and I love it. 

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Hopefully Lyssa can reach those goals!

As always, I want to thank Lyssa for visiting. I also want to thank her for sending along the fantastic pictures that accompany the interview. They’re simply perfect.

Since I know you’ll want to follow along with Lyssa 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, and Facebook. You should also be sure to visit her website. It’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting things she teased during the interview.

You can also go directly to check out her wonderful music. Whether you prefer Apple or Spotify, I know you’re going to love what you find.

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 Lyssa has to offer.

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

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! 

Christiana Berenguer Visits Section 36!

Section 36 Music has another visitor! You may remember Christiana from her wonderful appearance at Fenway Park,

Photo by Brian Doherty

which she discussed here. Now I thought it would be fun to talk all about her music. She recently moved to New York City to give a boost to her singing career, so I'm sure you're as anxious as I am to hear how that's gone and what she has coming up next.

So let’s see what happens when Christiana Berenguer visits Section 36!

You recently moved from Boston to New York City. What led to that change?

I have always wanted to live in NYC for as long as I can remember. I was obsessed with Juliard before I discovered Berklee and I did a lot of classical voice auditions in NYC in high-school. I got an Internship at Mac Presents in NYC and decided that this was the best place for me right now at this stage in my life and career. 

You’ve been able to perform live on many occasions, including the memorable appearance at Fenway Park. What have you enjoyed about those shows?

Photo by
Brian Doherty

I have always written my own music, recorded my own music and performed concerts in my bedroom since I was little. Being at Berklee really allowed me to participate in all kinds of performances in several genres. I love when I am standing up there in front of everyone singing because I feel proud that I am pursuing the dreams that I have had since I was young. I feel the same when walking city streets, or during studio sessions. I am happy that I stuck with something that I love, and that my hard work paid off.

Do you have any upcoming appearances you’re excited about?

Not YET but I just recorded a video demo to be able to perform at restaurants all around NYC, and I have some new music in the works with some amazing producers and writers. 

I really enjoyed your music video to “Finding Me”. How was that to put together?

“Finding Me” was a very therapeutic song for me that I co wrote with my dear friend of Sleeping Lion, Nate Flaks and wonderful producer/ friend Adam Loeffler. I met the guys at Surefire Creative Studios through the owner at UFC gym that I attended and they really worked with me on pricing, visuals, theme and more. I was nervous at first filming something so professional but I was in my element really quickly. Most importantly, I was so proud of the exhausting rewarding hours that I put into it.

After the success of the “Finding Me” single, have you been doing any more studio work lately?

Yes yes absolutely! Finally settled into NYC and working with some amazing friends and producers on some tracks. Really trying to not be so hard on myself and just take it easy instead of stressing that I’m “too old” because I’m obviously not. Will update everyone soon :) 

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

My biggest career challenge right now is myself and the self doubt that I have had lately. I am afraid to write sometimes because I feel like what I write is crap and that I am never going to make it in such a populated industry. It’s all I’ve ever wanted so that’s TERRIFYING. My anxiety also tries to tell me I’m too old to be a famous touring pop musician because my idols started WAY younger. This is simply in my head and something I must work through, and I deal with it everyday.

What are your immediate career goals?

Put out a new single about the interesting stage I’m at in my life right now. I’m finally happy with who I am as a woman and that’s big for me. I am planning on performing gigs around NYC for some extra cash as well.  Just always reminding myself to be kind to myself.

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That sounds like a wonderful plan.

As always, I want to thank Christiana for visiting. It was great to catch up and hear everything she had to say. I also want to thank her for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview. They always make for a much better post!

Since I'm sure you want to follow along with Christiana to see what she's up to, I suggest you check out and follow her social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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 Christiana has to offer.

Thanks again Christiana, and good luck with your upcoming activities!