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Socials: @neillfrazer
David Hernandez is an American singer and the twelfth place finalist of FOX’s seventh season of the television series American Idol. David just released his highly anticipated music video to Vices
Hi David welcome to OLC! So tell us about your journey and what made you audition for American idol?
I had actually parted ways with my first record label at the time. My manager had suggested that I audition for American Idol because it was a good platform. I was pretty reluctant because I thought the show was just a gimmick. But, I decided to take my managers advice and drove to San Diego to audition. I kept making it past each round and at some point realized that this could actually be a possibility. The rest is history.
Congratulations on the release of your new music video “Vices”! What inspired the concept behind this video?
The song was actually inspired by a past relationship. People think it’s about drugs and alcohol but, it’s actually about being addicted to a toxic situation with a partner. The concept for the video came to me one day when I was looking up spaces to rent and came across this mock motel set up. I decided to base the entire concept around this rundown motel scene with a bunch of friends who are up late partying. We’ve all been there. lol.
How does “Vices” reflect your personal experiences or artistic growth since your time on American Idol?
Well, as an actor, it reflects a lot of my growth. As of late, my music videos have turned into short films that I’ve written. The beginning of vices is a skit that I wrote the day before the video shoot. I enlisted my friend Jai Rodriguez to play the motel clerk. Lately I’ve been wanting my videos to feel like more of a movie experience that takes you into the feeling of the song. I think visuals are really important.
Can you share any memorable moments or challenges you faced while filming the music video?
I think the budget is always the challenge. Lol. As an independent artist, I self finance everything. With that budget, I also have to keep in mind assistance and help on set. So the issue always becomes a race against time and money. I do remember that we shot this in the middle of summer and it was very hot in the rental space. It provided the Dewey sweaty look, but definitely made for an uncomfortable shoot at times. I had to have one of the assistants run to Home Depot and pick up a couple of heavy duty fans for everyone.
How do you think your music has evolved since your American Idol days?
Well, I think my life has evolved so naturally, so has the music. I definitely write about things that are more personal and I feel a lot more free than my American Idol days. But that just comes with time and growth. It’s a natural progression so I would hope that my music has evolved.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from “Vices”?
Get the fuck away from toxic relationship relationships as fast as you can. Lol. The writing is always on the wall and you know what is best for you so stop ignoring it. It will destroy your life. Haha!
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, John Legend, James Blake, to name a few.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who look up to you and your career?
Take a deep breath and lean into the vulnerability. Sing and write your truth because people can relate to that. And stop White knuckling everything. What’s meant to be will be.
How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while also appealing to a broad audience?
I always try and stay true to my artistic vision first and foremost. If a mass audience can relate to that, that’s amazing. If not, I have to be able to go to sleep, knowing that I did what was best for me.
What’s next for you after the release of “Vices”? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations we should look forward to?
There’s definitely more music coming. And more on the acting front. I recently starred in an independent film, and there are other projects on the way!
Socials: David Hernandez
