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

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Where #Music Meets #Lifestyle
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AD BRINGS THE ENERGY TO HIP HOP

Hip Hop Artist: A.D. SCOTT

The best way to describe A.D. Scott and his music is a driven, passionate and charismatic artist with a unique approach to his blending of hip-hop, funk and R&b. He is a Recording Artist as well as a Producer, Engineer and Entrepreneur.

Balancing self published originals and covers of Billboard Top 40 Records, His sound is all about connecting with the listeners through high-energy release, uplifting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics appealing to creative and idealistic listeners.

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, A.D. Scott is sure make the transition from local talent, to mainstream superstar. You can check out A.D Scott teaching others “How to engage your audience” Sunday Oct 15th at 7pm est on  MeetOn.com

Grammy Nominated R&B Singer: Beau Vallis

Soil/R&B Artist: Beau Vallis

Beau Vallis is an R&B Singer from Miami, Florida. Best known for his debut duet with Kelly Rowland.

Grammy Nominated. Born and raised in the New York/ New Jersey area and surrounded by the arts and entertainment industry his entire life, BEAU VALLIS is burning his own path as a successful artist, songwriter, producer and engineer.

As a song writer and artist BEAU continues to write, sing, record and develop his own music and style; grounded by the guidance of the watchful eye of the people he respects.

He has been fortunate to work with and catch the attention and respect of artists and producers including Kelly Rowland, Pharrell, super producer ~ T Minus, Grammy award winning writer~ Robert EST Waller, Sean Paul, Nina Sky to name a few.

GetConquer Artist Page
http://www.getconquer.com/beauvallis

Website
http://www.beauvallis.com

NIGHT-SWIM ANYONE?

Alternative Band: Glass Mansions

Glass Mansions takes pop music and rock and roll and blends them together on their terms. The band has been making music since 2010 they have had some ups and downs in their musical career but never let that slow them down. They give the audience everything they’ve got at every show.Recently at SXSW in Austin Texas the band was performing at one of the local venues and lead singer Jayna Doyle took the mic left the stage and went right into the street to really get the crowd riled up. You walk away feeling like you really just experienced something magical.

Glass Mansion work hard they manage their own tour, they do all the PR for the band, they are the Roadies and Merchandise creators. As a hands on band they take pride in every aspect of the business. No matter what hour they get done no matter how tired  they may be they will always stop and speak to a fan.

Take advantage of the opportunity to experience a glass Mansion show They will be performing their latest summer hit called “NIGHTSWIMMING” on July 14th in Greenville South Carolina at the Radio Room 110 Poinsett Highway. The band will be hitting the studio in July to record some new music. Plus they will be performing once again at in Charleston SC Aug 30 – Sept 3 for an amazing weekend at Charleston Music Confab. To stay connected to Glass Mansions make sure to follow them on Facebook Twitter and Instagram

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

SONGBIRD – RACHEL MENCONI

Cabaret Artist: Rachel Menconi

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.

ROCK POP DANCE IN ONE BAND? YOLO!

Rock Artist: YOLO

This band is more than just a Drake reference.  You Only Live Once is a curious mix of pop, hardcore rock, and everything in between, and they just get better with age.  The Los-Angeles based group has been featured on talent shows such as American Idol, X Factor, and America’s Got Talent, as well as headlined for some major bands.

YOLO may look sweet, but their music packs a serious wake-up punch.  Formed from two sisters, their style jumps from the seriously heavy rock feel like found in their song, “Do or Die” to dance-rock anthem, “Lost Me At Goodbye”, in a heartbeat.  A sound to rival mainstream bands like Paramore and the like.

Check out the many sounds of You Only Live Once on their profile!

DUELING PIANO BARS – A PART OF THE SHOW

 

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!

Be sure to check out more of Missy Lynn at www.getconquer.com/missylynn/