Arts Humboldt’s Coffee House series continued on July 16 with a performance at the Humboldt & District Gallery from last year’s Sound Cheque Showcase winner, Alanna Hoesgen, who sang and played piano accompanied by Tyler Kowalski. She was given the opportunity after winning the Showcase (which also allowed her to purchase a new keyboard).
Hoesgen said that during her performance she didn’t expect a lot of people to come see her, but the gallery was packed.
“There was a wonderful turnout, and everyone was very supportive and kind. I’m so appreciative for the opportunity to perform at the art gallery, surrounded by wonderful artwork,” Hoesgen said.
The unexpected turnout didn’t make her nervous, though.
“My nerves usually dissipate as soon as I’m up on stage, which is the opposite of most people, I’m sure,” Hoesgen said. “Singing in front of people gives me this indescribable feeling of elation, as if in that moment I’m doing exactly what I should be doing. Connecting with the audience is also a huge part of the feeling; when I sing in my apartment it’s not quite the same.”
Hoesgen’s set was a mixture of eclectic covers (from Bonnie Raitt to Elvis Presley to Lifehouse to Maroon 5) and original songs. She seemed to recognize the common theme of her original songs, saying that whenever she tries to write happy music, it sounds like “garbage.”
“Singing personal lyrics that are written from moments of pain or sadness can be difficult, but the greatest music exists because someone was brave enough to share their thoughts and feelings,” she said.
The concert, like many in the gallery, had a casual feel to it, sometimes punctuated by moments where things didn’t go quite as Hoesgen had planned – such as one time when she had to start a song over because she started singing the wrong lyrics, which invited laughs when Hoesgen pointed out that she couldn’t even remember her own songs.
“Well, people laughed and didn’t boo me off, which is a good sign,” Hoesgen said. She also jokingly entreated people to “just keep drinking!”
“My previous classical training and performances were very focused on singing correctly, and I internally pushed myself to sing perfectly,” she said. “Once I started writing my own stuff and performing in an atmosphere where I wasn’t being evaluated, I began to find the beauty in mistakes. They demonstrate taking chances and trying things that haven’t been perfected, but that feel good in the moment. As a performer, I think it makes me more vulnerable and bridges the gap between the audience and the person on the stage.”
Hoesgen plans to continue writing music and will play a set for Streetfest on August 21.
“I was able to perform one song on the stage last year during the Sound Cheque competition, so it’s a dream come true to have a whole set,” she said.
She’s also working to get her songs on the radio.
