We here at Conquer had the awesome opportunity to interview Alternative Country artist (though one would consider her unrestricted by genre) Jess Taylor about her ongoing crowdfunding project. Hitting the ground running in High-school, Jess’s songwriting and vocal skills quickly led to a large fan following within mainstream country. 5 years later, and Jess is back in a way you’ve never heard her before.
“Focus on the fun and the love of the art rather than on the success. And then success will have no choice but to find you.” The perfect adage for this group of fun-loving oddballs, Hey Guy brings a quirky and bold spin to today’s rock scene! Spanning the globe from Russia to Brazil, Hey Guy’s diverse crew comes together to create a sound that is as equally diverse as they are. Innovative original music with unique melodies, catchy tunes, and a sort of genre-bending freedom that is rare in today’s music, coupled with their hilarious onstage antics and bright personalities creates a new experience for the crowd that they never expected. After seeing a Hey Guy show, they’ll feel like your long time friends; and you always want to hang with your pals!
Songbird is an accurate comparison to the ever talented Rachel Menconi. Rachel is a master vocalist with over 20 years of vocal training and experience; as well as acting, songwriting, directing, and script-writing. A passion, and talent for the arts in every facet.
As a performer, Rachel has 20+ years of experience including originating the role of “Antigone” in “Oedipus: The Musical” (NYC). Other credits include commercials, films, TV shows (One Tree Hill, AMC, Food Network), music videos, and numerous stage credits (Regional, Off-Off Broadway, Off- Broadway, NYC Theatre). Rachel is also a songwriter (15+ years), director, scriptwriter, and an international recording artist (8+ years).
Rachel’s voice is versatile and refined with years of classical training. A strong vocal powerhouse capable of intricate operatic arias, and able to loosen it up just as easily for a more fun and flirty pop sound.
Sometimes an artist creates a sounds that is so remarkably unique that you just can’t possibly tie it down to one genera.Cris Valkyria – is just that! She is simply and refreshingly un-categorizable.
Born and raised in Norway, graduating with a degree in Psychology, traveling the world, and finally settling down in Philly; Cris now shows off her musical talents as lead singer of the band “Valkyrians“. Though the bands foundation is in the Alt-Rock genre, Cris takes it for a spiral with her sweet sound, and folky tone. Staying true to her Scandinavian roots, Cris gives an almost elven, otherworldly vibe with her voice. Injecting a fantasy style undertone into otherwise rock driven music.
Valkyrians is a Philly-based band that has established a reputation of a band hard to categorize, but with a memorable sound.
So aside from having a really cool name, Cris is an artist who pushes genre boundaries. The unique sound of her music gives off an ethereal sort of impression, and unique genre-crossing flare. Her Nordic, old word vocals, mixed with the alt-rock sound of the Valkyrians shows something truly unique.
Kaleido – comprised of Christina Chriss (vocals), Joey Fava (drums), Ronnie Rosolino (rhythm guitar), Cody Morales (bass) and Zach Bolling (lead guitar) – is a fresh, modern day Detroit incarnation of rock n’ roll. A true, unadulterated, feel-it-in-your-soul rock sound, with flourishes of pop, R&B, punk & funk undertones – and hooks for days. Fun, energetic, and with a lyrical sense you don’t see in most rock music these days, Kaleido never fails to give one hell of a show. Their latest album, EXPERIENCE, is available now at getconquer.com
“Our album “EXPERIENCE” captures the duality of life that many will easily relate to – real people, real stories, real emotions. Through the good times, the bad times, the ups and the downs; it’s these experiences that make us who we are.” – Kaleido
Tell us a bit about yourselves. Where you come from, where you’re going. How did you guys come together?
“We all grew up in and around metro Detroit, MI and we all have a deep rooted work ethic. Really down to earth, Blue collar kids, blue collar families. We met each other coming up in different bands in the Detroit music scene, hit it off as friends and then decided to start Kaleido together. We’re following our dreams and the music, pursuing what we’re passionate about every single day.”
What have been some of the biggest influences for you and your music? Where does your inspiration come from?
“Life’s experiences are our greatest influences. We write about what we’ve been through, what we’re going through, and our fans relate because it’s real life, real stories, real people. Each day on this planet is something to celebrate .. we put it into our music.”
For those who haven’t heard your music, how would you describe your sound in one sentence?
“High energy, intense, feel-it-in-your-soul Rock, with punk, funk & pop undertones.”
Being in a band is a huge change in dynamic from being a solo musician. What would you consider the biggest benefits of being in a band?
“The camaraderie! Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and when we come together it’s an incredible thing. We support one another, and the combination of people in this band is what really makes us stand out. Everyone is very talented in their own right, so when we blend that together its something extraordinary and special.”
Do you have any advice for fans trying to make it in music?
“Be authentic & work really hard !”
Got any upcoming events or projects we should be excited for?
“YES SIR!!! Our very first full length album “EXPERIENCE” is out now! We have shows all summer so you better come out and see us live!”
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So what exactly is Dueling Piano? Well I’m sure you’ve seen those awesome scenes in movies; two people sitting at separate pianos, jamming away at the keys to see who can play better and faster. As far back as the 1890’s, ragtime piano players would literally duel in front of a crow to prove themselves the better pianist.
In 1933 the first official Dueling Piano bar was opened in New Orleans, Pat O’Brien’s Bar, still open today! From there the Dueling Piano became an actual show where two piano players take turns singing songs requested by the audience, by writing them down on napkins.
Today Dueling Pianos are a fun, high energy show with emphasis on audience participation; performing songs across all genres. A show really unlike any other!
Conquer Artist Missy Lynn is an insanely talented musician who performs each week at dueling Piano Bar “Keys On Main” in Salt Lake City, Utah.
At Keys on Main, we entertain with a live, all request dueling piano show. No set lists, no rehearsal, just 2 performers & 2 pianos taking what the audience requests. With each request the audience can decide what they would like to tip the performers and the highest tipping songs get played first. If there is a song that a table or members of the audience do not like, they can stop that song by outbidding its original tip by one dollar. This is the true nature of the “dueling” the audience competing to get their songs played first.
Dueling Piano Bars provide a unique and more interactive form of entertainment than music joints these days, and with more than 200 around the country, there is lots of opportunity to check it out. So next time you and the buddies need something to do. . . Well you know what to look out for!