Esther Berlanga
Creative Writer
Music Journalist
Voice Over Artist
Radio Host and Producer
About Me
With a creative background in Radio, Television, Music Publications, News Writing and News Editing on print and on television, Esther Berlanga never writes about what is easy to hear, but rather about what needs to be said - about life, faith, family, and music.
Previously known as Esther Berlanga-Ryan.
Work Experience
1990 - Today
Creative Writer
Experience in the following categories of creative writing: story telling (fiction and non-fiction, novels and short stories), blogging, journalism, letter, free writing, personal essays, and memoir.
1991 - Today
Music Journalist
Music Reviews and Interviews for print and radio.
2012 - 2014
2002 - 2014
Opinion Columnist / Editor / Staff Writer / Theater Critic / Features Writer / Interviewer for Diario Jaen
Weekly and Biweekly opinion columns about life events. Additionally, Esther wore different creative hats for this medium-big size market newspaper, covering different entertainment events – such as concerts and art shows – and becoming their exclusive Theater Critic. Esther was also a staff writer and editor for the weekend editions, and interviewed different Spanish leading actors and actresses (Rafael Alverez “El Brujo”, Maria Jose Goyanes, Tricicle, etc), as well as some international singers such as Opera diva Ainhoa Arteta, and singer/song writer Joan Manuel Serrat.
2009- 2014
2005 - 2009
Music Journalist for All About Country
Successfully published articles on various specialized Country Music websites and publications, including the former All About Country® of Bill Hennes.
Notable Country Music articles/interviews featuring artist such as George Jones, Merle Haggard, Randy Travis, Ian Tyson, Wanda Jackson, Rhonda Vincent, David Lee Murphy, Billy Yates, Gail Davies, Dale Watson, Shawn Camp, Craig Morgan, Todd Fritsch, Larry Cordle, Charlie Daniels, Neal McCoy, The Grascals, Mark Chesnutt, and Tracy Lawrence, among many others. Praised by Country Music radio personalities such as the late Country Music DJ Hall of Famer Bob Grayson and former WSM’s on-air personality Keith Bilbrey.
2009 – 2013
2008 – 2009
2005 - 2005
2000 - 2004
Music Director / Radio Co-Host for Radio Estel & Radio Nova Lloret
Co-hosted Vaixells, trens i música Country with Albert Punsoda. Country Music legends and Today’s Country.
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2002 - 2004
News Writer / News Editor / Talent / Voice Over for Localia Jaén TV and Torremolinos TV
Television: Recorded voiceovers for commercials, weather and news broadcasts, and channel’s afternoon show Días para contar. Additionally, hosted and directed cultural show, Agenda de Ocio Heineken, sponsored by Heineken. (Localia Jaén TV) / News Editor, Writer, and Anchor for the midday news broadcast edition. (Torremolinos TV).
1991 - 1998
Producer / Radio Host / Music Director for CADENA SER
Oversaw comprehensive control board operations; produced, hosted, and oversaw music selection for program broadcasts. Directed, produced, and hosted nighttime radio series DESTELLOS.
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Direct experience hosting, directing, and producing 5-year morning music show CITA MÁGICA. Hot AC, R&B, CHR and Jazz.
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Recognized for exemplary performance: selected to serve as temporary fill-in host for awarded HOY POR HOY UBEDA.
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Conducted in-depth interviews with renowned artists including Chick Corea, Kool and the Gang, Eric Marienthal, Uri Caine, Larry Coryell, Donald Harrison, and Alphonse Mouzon, among others.
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Directed, produced, and hosted summer radio series for Radio Jaén (Cadena Ser, Prisa Group)( 1998). Hot AC, Latin, CHR/TOP 40 and News.
Radio Host & Producer / Music Journalist at Live 365
Produced, directed, and hosted Music from the Heart; served as music director, selecting creative program mix of R&B, vocal and instrumental jazz, urban, soul, neo-soul, and blues. Networked with recognized jazz artists, secured radio appearances; conducted on-air interviews and provided information on artists, music history, and trends. Developed and implemented marketing / promotional spots and related materials. Coordinated with scheduling, advertising, production, and management to ensure program broadcast success. #2 Jazz radio station on Live365 in 2009 and 2010. One of the 10 selected radio hosts - within over 2,000 stations - to record a promo for Live365 in 2010. Editor's Pick in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Successfully secured on-air appearances with recognized jazz giants, including Terence Blanchard, Christian McBride, Christian Scott, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, Esperanza Spalding, Jane Monheit, Billy Childs, Chick Corea, Al Jareau, and Herbie Hancock.
Control Board Operator / Voice Tracking
Operated control board for remote broadcasts, including NASCAR. Recorded Voice Tracking for KBTN-Classic Country Legends. Country music legends.
Radio Host / Program Director / Music Director for Radio Ronda
Served as Program Director, overseeing production for Country music radio show, Ronda Country. Hosted daily radio broadcasts, compiling playlists and playing listener requests. Country music legends and Today’s Country.
Music Journalist for All About Jazz
World leading on-line Jazz publication. Coordinated interviews with distinguished, Grammy awarded Jazz Artists. Authored creative articles. Recognized by Marcus Miller as “the Barbara Walters of Jazz.” Noteworthy Jazz articles/interviews, featuring artists such as Al Jarreau, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Esperanza Spalding, and Herbie Hancock, among many others. (List of articles)
Radio Host & Producer for UniRadio Jaen
Recorded live from San Francisco, CA. Aired in Spain. Hosted and produced the intimate music radio show “Al caer la noche”, every Thursday at 11:00 PM. Jazz. 96.6 FM www.uniradio.ujaen.es
Education
1997 / 1999
UNED
Philosophy studies coursework.
1996 / 1997
Universidad de Jaén
English linguistics coursework.