Idol Chat
An Interview with David Hernandez
By Chris Astrala
David Hernandez gained national attention with his powerful voice and affable personality as an American Idol finalist on season 7 of the popular talent show.
He began acting and singing at age six, starring in musicals and performing with various theatre companies throughout Arizona. As a teenager David began writing original music and recording his material. A Phoenix native, Hernandez recently moved to Hollywood where he is writing new songs, working in the recording studio producing his newest music, and pursuing his passion for acting. He has already completed his first feature film as the lead in the movie Synthetic Truth.
In addition to American Idol, David has showcased his talents on The Ellen Show, The Today Show, MTV’s TRL, EXTRA, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Teen Choice Awards, TV Guides’ Sexiest Stars 2008, Idol Tonight, Idol Gives Back and FOX-TV.
A once-in-a-lifetime invitation came to David when he was asked to sing at the Inaugural Kick-Off Celebration ball for President Barack Obama. He was honored to share the stage with Jamie Foxx, John Legend and Maroon 5, along with event hosts Jessica Alba and legendary TV producer, Norman Lear.
David also starred in the national & international-tour of Ballroom With A Twist, which is a spinoff of TV’s hit show Dancing with the Stars. It’s directed and choreographed by Dancing with the Stars’ own Louis van Amstel. This show was a non-stop music and dance extravaganza. And if that wasn’t enough to keep David busy, he also performed in Motown Memories, Jersey Rocks and the Celebrate Motown tour.
David is currently putting the finishing touches on the first single called “What You Do” aka “WTF” (Produced by the Printz Board of the Black Eyed Peas) for David’s forthcoming self written Cd.
The Standard Magazine recently had a chance to talk to this very busy and multi-faceted entertainer who will be appearing one night only at Copa Palm Springs on September 12. Here’s what he had to say.
You started singing at a very early age when did you know that was going to be more than just a hobby for you?
I started when I was 6 and at the time it was just something that I loved to do. I didn’t know a thing about the entertainment industry and what it was to be famous. I just knew I was good at singing and acting. When I was 17 I decided to start writing and recording my own music. It all started with me singing hooks for rappers actually in basements and home studios. I think at that time I realized I actually had something to offer as a singer/songwriter. So I kept going with it and by 21 I was signed and recording my first album.
Without the standard answer, “A springboard to my career”, what was the American Idol experience really like?
Honestly, it was one of the best experiences of my life. It taught me a lot of discipline and also a lot of courage. It is not easy being vulnerable in front of 35 million people. I had never experienced anything like that before. Naturally, there were so many conflicting emotions at the time. Will they like me? Will I crack on the mic? Is this the right song selection? Just a million different questions going on in my head and at 24, that is a lot to deal with alone. But it was a sink or swim type of experience and I swam! To sum it up, it taught me that I needed to be responsible and take care of my voice if I wanted to have a career in music.
Have you watched subsequent seasons of American Idol and if so what do you think of it now compared to when you were part of it?
If I am being honest, I kept watching the show for about 4 years after but touring and recording has me so busy lately that I have to catch up with the contestants on YouTube. I love the fact that I had the original judges because I had always watched the show before and sort of idolized (no pun intended) Simon, Paula and Randy. I do think it is cool how they switched it up in the subsequent seasons. The show has been running for so long that people needed a fresh panel. I do think it was more popular when I was on it but that could be a biased opinion. lol!
What would you say is your musical style?
Pop/R&B. These days musical styles blend so much that it is hard to put things in a category sometimes.
On your new album you collaborated with Grammy Award winning musician and producer and music director for The Black Eyed Peas, Printz Board; how was that experience?
Printz is an amazingly talented producer/singer/songwriter. Working with him has certainly been another highlight of my career. We met a few years back at an after party for an event and my friend started playing my music for him. I guess it caught his attention because we were in the studio non- stop for 3 years after that. We seem to vibe well musically and share the same visions. That is hard to come by most of the time. I definitely look up to him in many ways and his advice means a lot.
Who are your musical influences and who would you love to collaborate with?
Whitney, Stevie, Mariah, Michael Jackson, Peabo Bryson, Brian McKnight, Nina Simone, Oleta Adams. And just people with soul and conviction when they sing or write. I would love to collaborate with Ed Sheeran or India Arie.
In addition to a very full concert schedule, I see that you also do a lot of work with HRC (Human Rights Campaign) as well as EQCA (Equality California) what does working closely with these organizations mean to you?
I think it’s important that people realize we are at a very pivotal point in history. While the world is closer to equality, the fight is not over. The HRC is an organization that fights tirelessly for families and individuals on a daily basis and I am honored to be able to help them.
If you weren’t a singer, what would you be and why?
Well I went to school for Broadcast Journalism. I wanted to be a TV anchor a LONG time ago. lol. So that is probably what I would be doing right now if it weren’t for music.
Final question: Can you tell us five things about David that our readers might not know?
- I have a new single out on iTunes right now called “WTF”…go get it!
- I write my own music.
- I sang at President Barack Obama’s inauguration.
- I was a gymnast from 7-10 years old.
- I have been on 3 National Tours.
IF YOU GO
David Hernandez
September 12 / 8pm
Copa Night Club Palm Springs
Tickets: www.reactionshows.com
Please visit David’s website for more info www.DavidHernandezOfficial.com
