Barista Moonlights as Musician

Emma Hoeflinger, barista and local musician, started out performing in talent shows with her sisters, but later decided to push herself musically. She learned to play the guitar as a means to accompany herself as a vocalist. She knew she wanted to impart the emotions music can bring, and her family was instrumental in her resulting success.

“I would be nothing as a musician if it wasn't for the great guidance from my father and his incredible talent as a guitarist and vocalist," Hoeflinger said of the greatest influence on her music. "I grew up watching my father play in churches all over the world. Seeing the way his music filled people up with joy and gave them such feeling simply astonished me as a child. I knew I wanted to have that same effect on people.” 

Hoeflinger has developed a style which incorporates not only folk elements but has jazz and blues influences as well. She describes her style as constantly evolving for the better and doesn't like to confine herself to anything specific.

“I feel like I have a lot more growing to do as an artist, and I will always keep growing.”

Speaking on the emotions she wants to conjure up in her listeners, Hoeflinger says she wants her audience to be able to relate to her originals. Her songs are both impressively emotive and experimental.

“Every song I write has me written all over it, but at the same time is relative to whoever listens," she said. "I do always try to improve on my guitar skills though, this way I can experiment with different sounds and let my voice and guitar work as one."

In order to evoke emotions, she writes her lyrics carefully. Hoeflinger will sometimes go for a month without being satisfied with any of her writing. Then, eventually, the inspiration hits, and she crafts her lyrics with the precision of a true artist.

“I'm a perfectionist when it comes to lyrics, and I choose every single word with the utmost care.”

Aside from her engaging originals, Hoeflinger often plays covers during her performances. She chooses her songs carefully, however, and makes sure to avoid the redundant. Especially during , Hoeflinger's audience can look forward to her unique covers of atypical songs.

“I do everything from Flogging Molly to Katy Perry and Regina Spektor. I like to do unexpected songs acoustically. It gives the song a whole new meaning sometimes,” she explained.

Copper Coin recently hosted Hoeflinger, and she said she enjoys the coffee shop's setting in downtown Woodstock.

“There is always good music everywhere, great places to eat, places to experience art, antiques, anything. You can just hang out down there and have such a great experience.”

Hoeflinger is planning an EP for the end of August before she takes leave for college. She can be found on Facebook as well as ReverbNation.

“I'm always down to collaborate with other artists or just jam."