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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
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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.

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CRIS VALKYRIA “OUT OF THIS WORLD”

Alternative Artist-Cris Valkyria

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.