Seeking the Creative: Tess Schoonhoven, Singer & Songwriter

Tess Schoonhoven. CREDIT: Tess Schoonhoven

How would you describe your art in three words?

Personal, powerful, passionate.

Tess Schoonhoven, singer and songwriter from Vallejo, California, creates with one goal; that being to make music audiences can connect with. Since 2019, Tess has been working on her solo-music career. The musician was introduced to this world at just 8 years old when she began playing piano, and her passion and love for songwriting flourished throughout her years. Focusing on her craft several days a week, Tess opens up in her songs about her own life. She hopes audiences will hear her words and find common ground in the vulnerable emotions Tess isn’t afraid to bring up. Alongside songwriting, writing about music in general is a big passion for the young artist. She sees herself in Music Journalism, whether that be feature writing about other musicians, or starting a podcast to interview fellow artists. Tess Schoonhavon wants to start a conversation using music, and she welcomes her audiences to join her.

Where/how do you gather inspiration?

My own life experiences, pain, and emotions are a huge aspect. Also beliefs and spirituality and how that relates to the way I process my life.

What do you hope audiences retain from your work?

I want people to be able to hear some of their own experiences in my music and maybe accept some of the ways they feel more than they had before. I hope that in hearing how I’ve processed a difficult moment, or how I tell a story, it can help them feel less alone, more understood, and give some fresh perspective that ultimately pushes them toward growth, community and hope. I also just hope people hear my songs and turn to their friend and say “dude, did you hear that? that’s f’ing sick,” because skillfully created music is so damn beautiful, and I want to be apart of that.