David Hernandez – Sorry

By starrymag | June 9, 2020

By: Dustin Bradley

 

 

 

Q) You recently released a new single entitled, “Sorry.”  Talk us through the inspiration for the song and how it came about. 

A) Actually, Michael Orland and I have been longtime collaborators for a number of years now. We wanted to write another song together so we decided to get in the studio and just vibe. There wasn’t any intention other than creating together. But when he started playing the piano melody, I was inspired to sing a melody over it and then eventually write the words that we wrote.

Q) What is your song writing process like? 

A) It really just varies and depends on who I’m collaborating with. In this particular case, Michael started playing the piano melody but in other cases sometimes I come in to the studio with an idea already in my mind or written down. I try not to put any sort of rules or regulations on the creative process because everything happens differently and organically. Sometimes people send me an instrumental track and I’ll just write by myself to it. Other times we build the track, melodies, and lyrics together.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music? 

A) HUGE. I’m very hands-on when it comes to my sound, an image, etc. Plus, I just really enjoy the entire creative process. The more specific I can be with any producers or songwriters or videographers, the better the process will go. I usually have an idea of what I want to convey but I’m totally up for other suggestions or ideas. However, ultimately the final decision is mine. For this particular track, I was able to collaborate with my first producer Alex Teamer who produced my very first record I Am Who I Am. He and his son Deshawn produced together. When I sent them the song, I explained that I wanted heavy hitting Drums and also guitar and then later I suggested we add a sample.

Q) What do you think it is about “Sorry” that you want fans to connect with? 

A) Well, I think that everyone can relate to regret. We’ve all had those relationships, friendships or family ties that have been severed and one of us said sorry and it was just too late. I want people to be able to walk away from the song and understand that we aren’t promised tomorrow and that letting our pride down and saying I’m sorry is the most important thing you can do sometimes. You only get one shot at this thing called life so why bury yourself in regret? On the flip side, someone may have hurt you really deeply and their apology came at a time where you already walked away and didn’t have any intention on coming back.

Q) You and your team filmed a music video for your single while practicing proper social distancing following the CDC guidelines. How difficult was that process? 

A) Yes! It really wasn’t that difficult to do. The song doesn’t call for a lot of people or dance party etc. It’s more of an isolation type a video. So, the timeframe sort of worked out. We were able to shoot locations that would’ve been occupied such as the parking garage or the scene on Sunset strip. As you know, Sunset Boulevard is a super busy and famous area. So, there’s always someone at any time of the day or night walking around. We probably would have needed a permit or gotten shut down. [laughs] The Videographer, Arno Diem, wore a mask throughout the entire time and so did the co-director, Derek Caldera.

Q) Does the success of your shoot give you hope that the entertainment industry will open up a bit more and produce new content in a safe and effective way?  

A) Sure! I think this entire situation has really made creative people think of new and exciting ways to deliver content. You always have to turn lemons into lemonade, learn new stuff and grow. Since we are in such a digital age, it’s incredible to be able to reach each other through music videos, music, etc. during this time where we don’t physically be there for each other.

Q) With the success of your single, are you planning on trying to put together an EP or album? 

A) Honestly, I’m really in the mind frame right now of releasing single after single and music video after music video. At the end of the day, if I want to sit down and write an entire album, I want it to be cohesive and tell a story from top to bottom. Lately my mind has been all over the place and my ideas change very quickly. So, that may happen in the near future but, as for now just be expecting song after song accompanied by visuals. [winks]

Q) Talk us through some of your musical influences that you try to incorporate into your work? 

A) Well, vocals are obviously super important to me so I’m inspired by powerhouse singers like Luther Vandross, Peabo Bryson, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, John Legend, etc. But I also love to listen to up-and-coming songwriters like Julia Michaels, Stewart Taylor, Sam DeRosa, etc. I try and pull from all areas of life so that what I create is well rounded. I love Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas. I think that what they’ve created is brilliant and has, in a way, opened up a new genre. People breaking the mold inspire the hell out of me.

Q) What artists, new and/or old have you been listening to lately and would recommend? 

A) Well, definitely Billie Eilish. [laughs] I also love Troye Sivan. He has a very unique writing style and his voice is like butter. Sam Smith is a huge influence of mine. I don’t think there’s a song that I don’t like of his. He’s also open about who he is and unapologetically himself. I respect that. Rufus Du Sol is a huge influence. I recently became a big fan of his during a trip to Miami.

Q) You were on “American Idol” back in 2008 when it was on Fox. Can you tell us a bit about your experience on the show back then and how it has affected you moving forward? 

A) The show was the biggest platform that I could’ve ever asked for. Previously, I was signed to Universal Records and when we parted ways I didn’t know where I would end up or how my career was going to go. So, to make it to the Top 12 was a huge breakthrough for me and gave me the confidence to go on and make music. I think things were probably a little bit different because it was a different network, but my experience with “American Idol” was overall pretty positive. After that, I continued to work with Michael Orland and he introduced me to promoters that eventually put me on tour. I was pretty lucky, honestly. I always make sure to honor the places that I’ve come from and stay grounded. One of those places was most definitely American Idol because they really gave me my first big break.

Q) I saw on your YouTube channel that you have collaborated with Effie Passero, who was on the ABC revival of “American Idol,” a few months ago. Did you watch her on her season of “American Idol?” 

A) I did! I was a huge fan of hers before I even knew who she was. When I sat down for dinner with my booking agents of several years, he mentioned that he knew her and was starting to represent her and I almost fell out of my chair. [laughs] So, I got her number from him and texted her immediately. We’ve been friends ever since. We formed a duo called 2nd Hour and released our first single and music video “What I See” a few months ago.

Q) Did you watch this past season of American Idol that just aired? If so are there any contestants that you think have a future in the industry?  

A) Totally. Just Sam is one of my good friends! I do a live stream every Saturday night and she’s been on it a few times. I was a fan before she even one. We were communicating via Instagram. She’s super down to earth and such a talent. I think she most definitely has a future in the music industry and also as an actress. People can relate to her and she’s open for a connection so that’s a huge part of being a successful artist.

Q) Is there anyone from this season that you’d be interested in collaborating with? 

A) Just Sam! [laughs] For sure.

Q) Any advice for fellow Idol alums for their post-idol journey? 

A) Just work hard! The real work really comes after the show. “American Idol” gives you this huge platform and it’s up to you to take it to the next level when you’re off the show. Be disciplined and dedicated.

Q) You have been engaging with your fans during this pandemic by posting covers and originals on your YouTube channel. How do you feel with all the positive response from your fans? 

A) I feel so blessed. People have been really showing up and commenting and expressing so much love. I feel grateful that during this pandemic people have also been donating and contributing when I do my live streams on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube live. I think now, more than ever, there’s a really big sense of community.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your music? 

A) From The bottom of my heart, THANK U THANK U THANK U! You are the ones that keep me alive and creative and have, over the years, inspired me and my music.

 

 

 

 

Watch The Video for “Sorry”