Krista Hojem: Making a dream a reality
A soft but powerful voice permeates through the farmer’s market as people meander through the booths and beer garden, covering songs by artists like Sia and Gotye — each one similar to the original, but with a slight twist which makes them feel more like originals than covers.
That’s the talent level of local musician Krista Hojem.
The 26-year-old singer has been exceptionally busy these past few weeks, and her following is getting stronger since she began performing just over a year ago.
“I have been singing since I could talk,” Hojem said. “As far as a career though, I have been singing and playing shows for the past year. I had my first official show last May.”
Hojem, a mother of two and Kellogg High School graduate, had always planned on being a singer, and used her enthusiasm for music as her inspiration.
“My inspiration has always just been my love of music. Singing is literally the only thing that I have ever wanted to do with my life,” Hojem said. “It has been my plan since career day in preschool. I have always been a dreamer and I definitely don’t plan to stop.”
Drawing inspiration and motivation from bands like Panic! At the Disco and artist Shawn Mendes, Hojem has been hard at work playing shows almost nonstop, all while working full time, and working on releasing her first album (which will drop in October). Her first original single is slated to debut before the end of summer.
The pop-soul singer has already let a select few people hear her single and is excited by the reactions she has received.
“The title of my first single is going to be ‘Cigars & Stars,’” Hojem said. “It is my absolute favorite song that I have ever written. So many people that have heard it have told me that it takes them back to a vacation that they took with their significant other, which is exactly what I wanted it to do. If my music can make people feel any sort of emotion, I've done what I set out to do.”
While getting an emotional reaction from her audience is one of Hojem’s main goals as a singer, she has also dedicated herself to raise awareness about one of the world’s most touchy subjects.
“My ultimate goal though is to use my music as a way to bring awareness to mental illness,” Hojem said. “I am extremely passionate about it and if I do one thing in my life and career, I want to be part of the change to normalize it.”
At the heart of her music though, Hojem just wants people to be happy and enjoy what music can do for them.
“I absolutely love any music that speaks to my soul, so I strive to reach people in a real and raw way with my music as well,” Hojem said. “All of my music comes from my heart and soul, and I want people to be able to relate to it. What's the point of making music if no one else can enjoy it too?”
You can catch Hojem’s next performance at 5:30 p.m. July 27 at the Local Deli in Hayden, inside the Prairie Shopping Center.
Hojem also has a Facebook page Krista Hojem (@kristahojemofficial), which has an updated list of her upcoming shows.