Exclusive Artist Interview with Ali Critelli

We had the good fortune of catching up with Singer/Songwriter Ali Critelli before one her performances this past week, where she took a moment to tell us more about herself, her music, and her upcoming EP.

Ali Critelli, with her soulful timbre, and wide vocal range, has become one of the most prominent vocalists in the Western New York music scene. As such, she can be heard on numerous local radio and television work, and even wound up heading to L.A. for season II of The Voice.

Ali is an incredibly talented artist who takes pride in her music; pouring her heart, soul, and personal experiences into each song she writes.

We can’t wait to see what she has in store for 2018!

 

Tell Us a Little Bit About Yourself

I’m a singer/songwriter from Buffalo, originally from Niagara Falls, New York. I started professionally singing, like with bands and stuff when I was I think 16 with my dad’s bands, and then started my own band around 21. Just been kind of doing the band thing. I didn’t really start songwriting until maybe six years ago, so when I started writing songs, that’s when I decided I wanted to be a songwriter, recording artist, that whole thing.

How Would You Describe Your Sound to Potential Fans?

I would say pop/R&B is kind of the cookie cutter definition of it, but I always incorporate a little funk, a little rock; maybe like new R&B, contemporary R&B. A lot of like electronic stuff mixed in with live instruments, like acoustic guitar.

Who are Some of Your Biggest Influences in Music?

 I think vocally definitely Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera, but I wouldn’t say musically I drew from them because I don’t think my music sounds like them. I don’t really know who I would compare myself to musically, but I would say those two singers definitely pop, big pop vocals, powerhouses, definitely them.

Could You Tell Us More About Your Work as a Dog Obedience Trainer?

Yeah, so I started volunteering at the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter about maybe 2012 and there I met one of the trainers, so I ended up being her apprentice for two years without pay, kind of learning from her, assisting her classes and stuff, and then there was a job opening at the facility that I work at now so they knew me but I also had to do an interview and all that stuff, so that’s how I got started volunteering, and then it turned into a job position.

Any Upcoming Projects We Should be Excited for?

I have an EP getting released at the end of this Summer, it’s called Feels. I’m going to be actually releasing a little teaser in the next couple of weeks on my social medias, so it’s my first EP, all original music, pop/R&B kind of vibe, and I’m excited about it. This is like my first real work as a songwriter. My debut EP.

Any Advice for Fans Trying to Make it in Music?

Yeah, I mean, I would say if you want to pursue music, it’s already a passion, and you should only do it if you love it because it’s going to be hard sometimes and you’re going to hear a lot of nos in the business and you just have to be confident in what you do, confident in your passion, and stay true to yourself and your sound, and know what you want before you go out there because it can be a little scary and a little daunting. I would just say if you love it, go for it, and yeah.

 

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/alicritellimusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGqDzBvO-LCWi33jPpcBaXg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AliCritelli

Conquer Page: http://www.getconquer.com/alicritelli

Conquer Entertainment
Where #Music Meets #Lifestyle
Be sure to follow us on social media: @ConquerEnt

 

Best of the Booth is Back! Time to Join the Conquer Crew

Conquer Entertainment is proud to announce its third official Conquer Entertainment Best of the Booth Talent Showcase. Taking place Market America International Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina; artists will be taking over the conquer booth, competing to win a free 1 year membership as an official Conquer Artist!  This means performance opportunities, music streaming, merchandise distribution, and support with music marketing campaigns. If you’re looking to jumpstart your music career, joining the Conquer Platform is the way to go!

So show us what you got. Maybe you have what it takes to join the Conquer Crew!

 

Looking for New Talent

We have been blown away by the amazing talent that has been a part of our previous showcases. Now it’s time for you to show us what you got!

Winner of the first official Best of the Booth; A.D. Scott is just as skilled a rapper as any big name in Hip-Hop!

Exclusive Backstage Performances

Along with the Talent Showcase, we invite all performing artists backstage for the opportunity to perform in a stripped down/freestyle format. Arguably one some of the best content pieces come from these exclusive performances.

Pop/Punk band Through the Crowd gave a never before performed version of their new song, completely acoustic.

 

Everyone loved the unique look and sound of SunQueen Kelcey

Exclusive Backstage Interviews

We want each artist to have a chance to introduce themselves, and show us more of who they are when they aren’t rocking it on stage. We want to get to know you better.

Winner of the Second official Best of the Booth; at the age 12, Mac Ganoe is already an entertainment powerhouse!

Now it’s your turn. We are looking for musicians of all genres, and all styles to perform at this years Talent Showcase. Whether you’re a singer, band, rapper, beatboxer, or instrumentalist; we want to see what you’re made of.

Submit your entry now at www.conquerentertainment.com/best-of-the-booth/

and see if you have what it takes to be the Best of the Booth!

 

 

 

Some Really Unusual Instruments

You read the title. LETS CHECK THESE CRAZY MUSIC MAKERS OUT!

 

American Fotoplayer

This player piano was made in 1912 for the sole purpose of providing sound effects to the silent movies of the time, and hell is it a wild ride!

Pikasso Guitar

A harp guitar named for obvious reasons. Four neck, two sound holes, and 42 string. . .How the-

Theremin

created by Russian inventor Leon Theremin. Pretty much the instrument that came out of Russia’s experimentation with psychokinetic powers in war time. . .Just kidding, but hey it’s played without any physical contact so you just might convince people that you’re right out of Stranger Things.

Glass Armonica

Sooooo pretty! Who knew a bunch rotating glass bowls could make such a beautiful instrument.

Jew’s Harp

Also known as Gewgaw, a name I personally prefer. . . Put it in your mouth and pluck away. Loves me the dulcet tones of the gewgaw.

Hydraulophone

Created by Splashtones, the hydraulophone, or H20 Organ, quite literally redefines water!

Marble Machine

An intricate music maker built by Martin Molin, that uses over 2000 marble to create entire compositions. As fun to watch as it is to hear!

 

Any peculiar instruments out there we aren’t aware of? Be sure to share with us!

 

Conquer Entertainment

Where #Music meets #Lifestyle

Follow us on social media @ConquerEnt

#ConquerLife

 

Snoop’s Birthday Bash – Official Recap

 

Baltimore, MD – May 17, 2018 – We here at Conquer were thrilled to be a part of Love & Hip-Hop reality star Snoop’s Official Birthday Bash & Sneaker Release; bringing some of our best talent to put on the Pre-Show and Red Carpet Concert.  In association with Slimetime Entertainment, ScholarVMG, and official liquor sponsor Tart Vodka.

 

The event was a huge success, with plenty of stars and big names in attendace at the newly renovated Club Sizzle in Baltimore, MD. Some familiar faces to hit the red carpet including

 

some of Conquer’s most talented came out to put on a great show including; Young Swiper & Freddy Fresh, Cheazy MackTagem, and J30 and  Mala Reignz.

 

Conquer Entertainment

Where #Music meets #Lifestyle

Follow us on social media @ConquerEnt

#ConquerLife

Snoop’s Pre-Show & Red Carpet Concert

This Thursday May 17th Conquer Entertainment is excited to come together with, Slime Time Entertainment, and Tart Vodka to bring you an event you don’t wanna miss! It’s the official Birthday Bash & Sneaker Release & Fundraiser for Love & Hip-Hop’s own Lil Snoop at Club Sizzle in Baltimore, MD.
Come see your favorite Conquer Artists

Lil Snoop

Come see some of your favorite Conquer artists including Cheazy Mack, J30, Mala Reignz, Tagem, Young Swiper, and Freddie Fresh, live on the outdoor Conquer Stage for the Pre-Show & Red Carpet Concert 7pm10pm. Hosted by Comedian Dee Redd and sounds by DJ Qwik, this will be a star studded event with many Love & Hip-Hop celebrities confirmed to attend.

This is an event you don’t wanna miss!

No cover to attend the Pre-Show & Red Carpet Concert
Entry into Snoop’s Birthday Bash $30

Must be 21+ ID is a must

Living Legend – Willie Nelson

Another Platinum Artist to join the Conquer Platform, legendary singer-songwriter Willie Nelson is now available here at getconquer.com!

Willie is the one behind some of the biggest country hits out there, including “Crazy” and “On the Road Again”. Willie started his career as a songwriter, but rose to the forefront of the stage in the 1960’s when he helped contribute to the “Outlaw Country” sub-genre, which was basically a war on Nashville conservatism.

Willie has lived a long, award winning career, becoming one of the most influential singer songwriters of all time. He has written countless popular country songs, which have been covered by artists all across the board, for half a century. Now at the age of 84, Willie Nelson continues to record, perform, and write new songs; as well as supporting various charities and political causes.

My doctor tells me I should start slowing it down – but there are more old drunks than there are old doctors so let’s all have another round.

The Young Sheriff – Faron Young

Happy to announce country legend, Faron Young, as the latest Platinum Artist now available at getconquer.com!

A huge player in the world of Nashville country music, Honky Tonk singer Faron Young was not an idle man by any means. A musician, a businessman, an actor, and a soldier; he took his love for music and payed it back ten fold.

Young really started seeing the limelight when he joined as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, was signed by Capitol Records, and went on to join the army as a member of the Entertainments Unit, boosting morale as he sang to the troops during the Korean War. It wasn’t long before Young started coming out with hit after hit, maintaining his streak clear into the 1970’s;  his first number one single being “Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young”.

Young also began acting in many western themed films, his most notable role being in “Hidden Gun” where he obtained the lasting nickname “The Young Sheriff”.

A poster of the 1955 film Hidden Guns

Throughout his life, Faron invested a great deal in the city of Nashville. Founding Music City News, running a booking agency, funding book and music publishers, real estate, race tracks; but despite all of his business ventures Faron continued to perform the music that he loved. And you can find that music right here on GetConquer.com

Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young (And Leave A Beautiful Memory)

In Honor of MLK Jr.

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Today we remember the life of a man whose social and political influence in the United States are immeasurable. As a leader of the Civil Rights Movement, he became the voice of equality, the voice of change, and the voice of peace. As a man of great inspiration, many songs over the years have been dedicated or heavily inspired by King. Here are a few of our favorites in celebration of his legacy.

Stevie Wonder – Happy Birthday

 

Stevie Wonder wrote “Happy Birthday” as part of a campaign to get Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday recognized as a national holiday. In 1986 Reagan officially brought into law that the third Monday of January would be celebrated in honor of King’s memory.

Queen – One Vision

In this song Freddie Queen sings for hope and unity against those who would oppose it.

U2 – Pride (In the Name of Love)

“Early morning, April 4/Shot rings out in the Memphis sky/Free at last, they took your life/They could not take your pride.”

Bruce Springsteen – We Shall Overcome

A powerful song commonly sang during protests and social movements, but it gets its inspiration from the Civil Rights Movement; bearing the name of King’s mantra.

Common Ft. Will.i.am – I Have a Dream

Common created this song by actually sampling King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” while overlaying verses about struggle, but also hope; while Will sings a variation of King’s message in the chorus.

 

While many might look at this today as merely an extra day off work, we should try and remember the reason we observe it, as well as the people who fought to dedicate this day to a man who gave everything for social change and equality in our country. Today we remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

 

 

 

“The Bad Guy with the Big Heart” – Waylon Jennings

ATLANTA, GA – February 17: Country singer Waylon Jennings performs at Alex Cooley’s Capri Ballroom on February 17, 1979 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Tom Hill/WireImage)

Known as a sort of musical rebel, Waylon Jennings is credited with popularizing the gritty, rock-influenced sound of outlaw country music. At every turn he challenged the status quo of country music, turning down and losing record labels due to his unwillingness to conform. This and his party heavy lifestyle led him to be labeled as an “outlaw” in the world of country. Now this outlaw’s music is here to stay, as an official Platinum Artist here on getconquer.com!

Jennings’ Outlaw style takes on a tough, bass heavy sound; breaking away from the tighter production of traditional country music for something more raw and edgy, such as his first number one hit “This Time”.

Jennings brought something all his own to the table, and we can definitely respect that steadfast desire to make music his way, regardless of what was expected or popular at the time. People likened him to a villain, but that black hat represents a hero for the rebellious, and the innovative.

Don’t ever try and be like anybody else and don’t be afraid to take risks.

The Candy Man – Sammy Davis Jr.

Source: Getty Images

A talented actor, comedian, singer, and dancer; Sammy Davis Jr. stands in history as an entertainment legend. Despite being a victim of prevailing racism throughout his life, Sammy overcame it all to establish a career that would lead him to unrivaled fame and admiration.

Definitely has to be noted that Sammy used this fame to make a big difference in society. As his fame grew, clubs and venues were clambering to get him on their stage; but he refused to perform at any establishment that practiced racial segregation, which led to the creation and integration of several venues around Miami and Las Vegas.

Davis continued to be a prominent social activist, becoming highly active in the Civil Right Movement, and even marrying a Swedish Actress, May Britt, in a time when interracial marriage was illegal in most states.

Sammy had a long standing music career, including a No 1. hit in “The Candy Man”, and forming the Rat Pack along with fellow super stars Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

We’re happy to say that some of his greatest hits are now available here at getconquer.com!

My talent was the weapon, the power, the way for me to fight. It was the one way I might hope to affect a man’s thinking.”