Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter David Hernandez is a self-made artist with the potential to transcend any genre. He quickly gained national attention with his dynamic voice and personality as a Top 12 Finalist of FOX’s seventh season of American Idol in 2008. David’s most popular song “Beautiful” gained recognition reaching the Top 100 of the Billboard dance charts. David’s newest EP “Don’t @ Me” is out now and can be found on all digital platforms and we’re told that it’s his most personal work yet! Continue reading to find out more about this exciting time in his career and his philanthropic efforts with Human Rights Campaign.

Where are you based?
I’ve been in Los Angeles for the last 14 years.

You've been singing since you were six years old. What inspired you to pursue this career? What is your musical taste?
I was always inspired by the greats like Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin to name a few. My mom would always play their vinyl records around the house, and I would try to imitate their voices at a really young age. I grew up on hearing legit singers sing their faces off, and that sort of became my musical taste. I love a good powerful vocal. Motown was always played, but she also played Journey and The Cranberries. So, I always had a really eclectic musical upbringing.

You were a member of the singing group "Vinyl Four." Could you please tell us more about this band? We heard you used to perform on cruise ships. What was that like?
So, I auditioned for this a cappella group back in 2004 when I didn’t have really much experience as a singer. I thought it would be great to get on a boat and get paid to travel the world. It ended up being one of the best experiences of my life because I got to travel to Mexico and Alaska with what I considered were my best friends. I also learned how to sing background and blend with other vocalists. So, it was instrumental in the singer that I was to become.

You also competed on American Idol, reaching the Top 12 Finalist. Which of your American Idol memories is your favorite? What was your favorite performance?
I think my favorite performance, and from what I hear from my fans, their favorite performance was “Papa was a Rolling Stone”. I think that was also my favorite memory on the show as well because they put me through to the top 16 and Simon, for once, was team David.

Your most popular song, "Beautiful," charted in the top 100 on the Billboard dance charts. What inspired this song? What does "beautiful" mean to you.
The song was actually pitched to me by my booking agent, and it took me a few months to get around to actually listening to it, and really figuring out what I could add to it. When I went in the studio, and it became like a therapy session because I was going through a really rough time. It reminded me that with all of my flaws, I was still beautiful. I think beauty is in the imperfection and vulnerability.

Your new EP, "Don't @ Me," is currently available across all digital platforms. What is the story behind the EP? Do you have a favorite song on the EP?
I actually love every song on the EP. But this time around, I wanted to record my most personal music and really tell my story from way back in the day. There was a lot that went on at American Idol that people didn’t see. I was publicly shamed by the media and Perez Hilton for being gay, and for being a former stripper, and that really took a toll on me at 24 years old. So, this EP was about telling that story and being authentic and leveling up.

Your new EP is mostly romantic and sweet, but then your title track "Don't @ Me" has a very different vibe. Is this song in response to your time at American Idol?
Yes, absolutely. Over the years, I’ve endured a lot of scrutiny in the media, mainly about my sexuality. So “Don’t @ Me” was basically saying, if you don’t like me, or you don’t like my lifestyle, or you don’t like my music, keep it moving. But don’t send me a DM’s & comments with your negativity. I think there are definitely some romantic and sweet songs on the EP but, there’s also songs like “vices” that talk about addiction and also “when it rains it pours” which talks about mental health. So, there’s a wide range.

Your song references the backlash you received from being a stripper. Can you talk a little bit about this? How would you like the lay population to be more supportive of sex workers?
Well, I was a stripper for about two years, and it helped put me through college. It also helped buy me a car and pay my rent at the time because I lived alone. I didn’t come from money, and I didn’t come from parents who paid my way. So, that was really just a means to an end that the media completely blew up and made it more than it was. I think that all workers, including sex workers should have the upmost respect.

Speaking of nudity, can you tell us a bit about your experience with Naked Boys Singing? That sounds like an epic show!
It was so amazing and gave me so much confidence. I’m super grateful that I had that six-month residency in Las Vegas. I learned a lot of about myself and the way that I looked at my body etc. I think that we all have some form of body dysmorphia. The level of that varies with each person. But I’ve always been super hard on myself, so the show sort of forced me to embrace my flaws. More importantly, he gave me the opportunity to get back in the musical theater, which I love. I got to show the stage with some amazing guys and my producer, Tom D’Angora was so supportive. I’ll never forget that experience.

We've heard you have a close relationship with the Human Rights Campaign and have performed at several of their galas. What made you decide to partner with them? Why is this organization important to you?
I just love everything they stand for and the people that they fight for. I’ve worked with him for a number of years and have seen firsthand what they do for the community and how hard they fight.

You've also attended the GLAAD awards and continue to work with them. What drew you to GLAAD? Could you tell us more about the GLAAD awards?
I’ve actually only attended one GLAAD award show, but would love the opportunity to work with them more.

The past few years have been crazy, how have you been staying positive?
Well, during the pandemic I started doing my live streams called “Drinks with David.” I ended up doing 60+ streams, which was really incredible actually. I got to connect with my fan base on a much deeper level. Additionally, my fans helped me to support myself by donating every week. I’m forever grateful for that.

What is your motto in life?
Loosen your grip! You can’t control everything.

To learn more about David Hernandez, please follow him via the platforms below:
IG: @DHernandezMusic || www.OfficialDavidHernandez.com

Credits for images:
Photographer: Bobby Quillard

David Hernandez - Will Never Fall Flat