Emily Otnes Music

If you had by any chance been in downtown Urbana on Friday, October 7, you might have passed by the Iron Post, a restaurant and bar. And if you had passed by, you would have immediately been drawn in by the lovely voice of Senior Emily Otnes, who performed at the Iron Post that night.

This performance was one among many that the young and aspiring Urbana High School student Emily Otnes has given. Although her other public performances generally have had a small entrance fee, this one was free of charge in honor of a very special occasion: the release of Otnes’ album, which was sold for a bargain price of five dollars.

Unlike many other young singers in the works, Otnes writes her own music, along with harmonies, and plays the piano as accompaniment for her music. She also does covers of other songs, adding her own unique twist to the music. The singer has an extraordinary voice that compels many, including those who attended her friday night performance.

Junior Joel Shea said, “Her originals sounded professional and her covers were well done. I thought her lyrics were very personal and she wrote them to accurately express her emotions.”

Otnes is sure to charm with a beautiful voice as well as musical talent, and the audience response to her performance was a group of entranced and interested people who were simply enjoying a night of beautiful music.

Otnes also had two other musicians join her in the performance. Senior Tessa Turner joined in for harmony on several original songs. Junior Andreas Ruiz-Gehrt also joined in with stunning viola performances as well as vocal harmony. The three made the night deeply enjoyable for those who found themselves sinking into the astounding music.

Glynn Davis, an Urbana graduate who also attended the concert, said, “Her duets with Tessa and her inclusion of Andreas (both in voice and viola) really worked well with her own skill. Not only does she write good songs-she also knows how to attract a crowd.”

Emily’s music, while beautiful in voice and piano, also had a very relatable affect on those present.

Davis said, “The content of her work is easily identifiable not only by the high schoolers with whom she associates, but also with many of the world at large. I see big things in her future.”

Otnes ended her performance with a phenomenal encore, well-received by all in the crowd. Her performance was excellent and her beautiful voice as well as lyrics left the audience at peace and content with a night full of lovely music.