December 10, 2024, – The vibrant atmosphere of New York City’s iHeartRadio Dunkin’ Music Lounge was electrified by the soulful sounds of rising alternative pop star, Ali Berke. Hailing from Long Island, NY, the 24-year-old artist has been making waves in the music industry with her unique voice, heartfelt lyrics, and an affinity for connecting with her audience. The intimate performance attracted fans from near and far, showcasing Ali’s remarkable talent and dynamic stage presence.

Ali’s set featured a collection of her original works, each infused with themes of resilience, love, and change. Among the standout tracks was her catchy holiday hit, “My Christmas Wish,” alongside powerful anthems like “Turbulence” and “Do You Hear Me?” With over 15 original songs released and hundreds more written, Ali’s dedication to her craft is evident in every note she sings. Her music resonates on a personal level, and her storytelling ability captivates listeners, making each performance a journey through her experiences and emotions.

In addition to her impressive performance at the Dunkin’ Music Lounge, Ali has shared the stage with pop luminaries, including AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys, and graced major venues such as New York Fashion Week. She has captivated audiences across the country, performing at locations that range from bustling malls to world-renowned concert halls. Each performance showcases her authentic storytelling and raw emotion, earning her recognition and admiration from fans and media alike.

“It was such an honor to perform at the Dunkin’ Music Lounge,” Ali expressed after her performance. “It was an incredible opportunity to connect with listeners on a personal level, and to share my music and my journey with everyone in the room. Inspiring others through my story and my songs is something I feel truly passionate about.”

Despite her rapidly rising success, Ali remains grounded and deeply committed to inspiring her audience. Her ability to stay connected to her roots fuels her passion, and she aspires to uplift others through her music. Known affectionately as “Ali The Anthem Girl,” she has set an ambitious goal of becoming one of the first women to perform the national anthem at all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums—a mission that has gained her widespread recognition and support.

Fans eager to relive the excitement can catch highlights from her electrifying performance on social media. Ali’s Instagram (@AliBerkeOfficial) and Z100’s (@z100newyork) channels offer a glimpse into her world, showcasing moments from her life as an artist. Furthermore, the full video of her performance is available on the Dunkin’ Music Lounge NYC website and Z100’s YouTube channel, along with a special interview featured on the Dunkin’ Music Lounge podcast.

As Ali Berke continues her ascent in the music industry, she remains focused on sharing her journey with authenticity and passion. Her captivating performances and relatable lyrics offer a source of inspiration, fostering a strong connection with her audience. To keep updated on her newest releases and upcoming performances, follow Ali on social media at @AliBerkeOfficial.

For more information, visit: dunkinmusicloungenyc.com

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About Ali Berke

Ali Berke is a 24-year-old alternative pop artist from Long Island, NY. With her compelling stage presence and powerful lyrics, she is quickly emerging as a standout star in the music scene. Her music not only reflects her personal journey but also invites listeners to engage with themes of resilience, love, and transformation. Recognized in major media outlets such as The Chicago Tribune, New York Post, and PIX11, Ali’s relentless drive and passionate storytelling continue to resonate and inspire fans worldwide.

Follow Ali on social media: @AliBerkeOfficial.

Source: Ali Berke

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Quincy Jones: The Musical Legend

On November 3, 2024, the world lost an extraordinary talent and visionary, Quincy Delight Jones Jr., at the age of 91. Jones, an American record producer, songwriter, composer, and film and television producer, left an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond, shaping the soundscape of multiple genres over a career that spanned more than 70 years.

Born on March 14, 1933, Jones’s journey in music began in the 1950s as a jazz arranger and conductor. He quickly rose to prominence and became known for his versatility, seamlessly moving between jazz, pop, and film scoring. His remarkable ability to transcend genres led to iconic collaborations, including producing pop hits for Lesley Gore, arranging for legends like Frank Sinatra and Count Basie, and ultimately partnering with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The trio of albums they created—Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987)—remains monumental in music history, with Thriller still holding the title of the best-selling album of all time.

Jones broke numerous barriers throughout his career. In 1968, he became the first African American nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “The Eyes of Love.” His groundbreaking achievements continued as he became the first African American musical director and conductor of the Academy Awards in 1971 and received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995. With 28 Grammy Awards out of 80 nominations, Jones’s accolades are a testament to his exceptional talent and influence.

Beyond music, Jones was a multifaceted entrepreneur, establishing a media empire that included Qwest Records, QDE Entertainment, and the acclaimed Black music magazine, Vibe. His ability to foster talent extended to the realms of film and television, where he played a pivotal role in launching the careers of icons like Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith.

Jones’s legacy is characterized not only by his remarkable achievements but also by his unique approach to music production. Described by his longtime sound engineer Bruce Swedien as someone who often used food-related metaphors in the studio, Jones had a distinctive way of cultivating creativity. He believed in the power of “divine intervention” and was known for his willingness to experiment, an attitude that kept him at the forefront of musical innovation. His embrace of synthesizers and blending of funk with jazz were revolutionary, influencing countless artists across generations.

Throughout his life, Jones collected stories and experiences that would intrigue anyone. From his encounters with historical figures like Leni Riefenstahl to iconic musicians like Tupac Shakur, his narratives were as rich and diverse as his music.

Quincy Jones’s passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to resonate through the countless artists he inspired and the music he crafted. As we remember this musical innovator, we celebrate a life dedicated to breaking barriers and creating a legacy that transcends time and genre. His contributions have forever altered the landscape of music, and his spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians and dreamers.

Rest in peace, Quincy Jones—a true maestro, a visionary, and an enduring symbol of artistic excellence.

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Related Link from the Associated Press:

https://apnews.com/video/quincy-jones-grammy-awards-music-los-angeles-dionne-warwick-f2a701337195411ebcd610557f96aea2?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=share

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Glenn Fosbraey, University of Winchester

Linkin Park 2024

Linkin Park have announced that they are reforming, seven years after disbanding due to the death of lead singer Chester Bennington.

Along with the announcement of a six-date international tour and the promised release of new music, it was also revealed that Emily Armstrong, formerly of the Los Angeles group Dead Sara, would be joining founding member Mike Shinoda on co-lead singer duties.

One of the most successful bands of the streaming age, and the only band to feature in Spotify’s top ten most-streamed albums of all time, Linkin’ Park’s legion of fans are divided on Armstrong’s appointment. Many are simply happy to see them return, but others have been critical of the decision to keep using the band name in the absence of Bennington.

Linkin Park are by no means the first band to enter a second phase after the loss of their lead singer. Here are three other notable examples.

1. Queen

How do you replace a singer who many believe is the greatest of all time? That’s the conundrum Queen faced when they decided to continue following the death of Freddie Mercury in 1991.

The surviving band members had a taste of performing with a different frontman during the following year’s Concert for Freddie Mercury, where George Michael’s performance of Somebody to Love stealing the show. After that, they had a go at trying to do it in-house, with Brian May and Roger Taylor sharing the vocals on the 1997 single No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young).

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Then, after losing another quarter of the original lineup when bassist John Deacon called it a day, Paul Rodgers took on mic duties between 2004 and 2009.

Adam Lambert became the latest to fill Freddie Mercury’s Adidas high-tops in 2011 – a position he still holds today. Though the band has always performed as Queen + Paul Rodgers or Queen + Adam Lambert, never fully taking the plunge to officially “replace” Freddy.

2. New Order

Post-punk purveyors of gloom Joy Division may have ceased to exist following the death of frontman Ian Curtis – but it didn’t signal the end of the surviving band members’ creative output.

Rising phoenix-like from the ashes of their old group only a few months later as New Order, guitarist Bernard Sumner was recast as the lead singer. Gillian Gilbert turned the trio back to a quartet when she joined the ranks to play guitar and keyboards.

Gradually morphing from their post-punk roots to reinvent themselves as a dance and electronic act, with the release of Blue Monday in 1983, they made the move from indie darlings to bona fide superstars. Forty-four years on from their (re)birth and still going strong, New Order’s story is one of both survival and revival.

3. AC/DC

Following the death of original singer Bon Scott in February 1980, AC/DC acted swiftly to appoint new vocalist Brian Johnson in time to begin recording new material in April that year.

With 50 million units sold and the title of biggest selling rock album of all time, the resulting album Back in Black undoubtedly marks AC/DC’s commercial high point.

The five albums released with Scott at the microphone are often more celebrated by the critics but with 11 studio albums under his belt – and the last three reaching number one in many countries around the globe with multi-platinum sales – it’s hard to see Johnson’s tenure as anything but a massive success. Though the argument about which singer is better continues to rumble on with fans.

Moving on

In the case of the reformed Linkin Park, Shinoda has spoken about feeling empowered by the new lineup, seeing it as the beginning of a new chapter in the band’s history rather than “erasing its past” – an accusation some critics have levelled at him.

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We’ll never know what Bennington himself would think, of course, but these words from an interview with Kerrang Radio shortly before his death might reassure Shinoda that he’s doing the right thing: “What matters is that you took the chance to do something that you felt was important to you and that’s what being an artist is all about.”

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Glenn Fosbraey, Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Winchester

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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