Portland Oregon-based singer-songwriter Haley Heynderickx is known for her unique blend of indie Americana and edgy folk. This September, she played a captivating set at Washington’s, one of Fort Collins’s favorite venues. Though the venue was quite large, she created an intimate connection with the audience. With her calm presence, Haley immediately quieted the crowd, which set a serene mood from the very first song. The intimacy was accentuated by the minimalist production and a seated audience, whose sole attention was on Haley and the band. The minimalist production blended itself perfectly with the poignant lyrical approach. It was purely raw.

Her set list featured tracks from her unreleased album Seed of a Seed, along with a few favorites from her 2018 release, I Need to Start a Garden. During her most popular song, “The Bug Collector,” you could sense the audience’s excitement and attention. The crowd immediately recognized the song from the first note of the famous whimsical guitar part. Each song wove a delicate balance between melancholy and nostalgia. Her other well-known track, “Oom Sha La La,” was the most upbeat of the set which created a lively sing-along. In between songs, she would either tell stories or crack jokes, her voice was soft-spoken and calming. Her band even performed an improv based on audience reactions. At Washington’s, their improv was about a sleepy walrus who loves to dance, and they ended up creating a beautiful song from it. Her songs told a story of youth, friendship, relationships, and so much more. Her lyricism in each song offered room for interpretation, a true gift in music. Her songs and hauntingly ethereal voice created an emotional journey, leaving one in a dreamlike state.

For more information on upcoming shows at Washington’s, visit washingtonsfoco.com.