INTERVIEW: David Hernandez delves into his chaotic childhood, American Idol and new single, feel it all

David Hernandez, a standout from American Idol season 7, returns with his most vulnerable release to date. feel it all is a powerful track about recovery, sobriety and redemption-all profound experiences drawn from David’s own journey that strike a chord with many.

Let's dive in head first and get the conversation flowing with him!

Hey David, how's your day going so far?🙂

I get to talk to you so my day is going fantastic! Thank you for asking!

For our readers just getting to know you for the first time, can you give us a quick intro and share how your music journey's been shaping up so far?

I was a little boy that grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and always dreamed of being a famous singer/songwriter/actor! My parents had me when they were 17 years old. I was raised by a single mom who loved to play old vinyl records around the house. Her musical taste was eclectic so I grew up on everything from The Temptations to Aretha Franklin to Pearl Jam, Journey and The Cranberries and basically everything in between.

I auditioned for American Idol when I was 23 years old right after I had gotten dropped from my record label. I actually did not want to audition but my manager at the time thought it was a great idea. I waited in the line for 17 hours and kept making it past the next round and then the next round and then the next round. I started to realise that this could turn into something. And it did!

You originally wrote your latest single feel it all as a private form of therapy, right?

I did. These types of journeys are rather private and music has always been my therapy. Every time I’ve gone through something or am struggling with anything, I tend to write about it and put my issues in the form of a melody.

Music is the one thing that has always been my constant and doesn’t judge me. I think it’s always therapeutic to get the emotions out of your body and process them.

Did you have any idea how impactful your story could strike a chord with many, especially in the LGBTQ+ community?

I did not. And honestly, I really wasn’t even thinking that far ahead. I was kind of just powering through my own issues. But it’s kind of incredible how that always works. Isn’t it? Being of service to other people takes you out of yourself and makes your issues seem so much smaller.

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I do understand and realise now that the message collectively is so much bigger than just me. And I think that’s such a beautiful thing.

feel it all taps into vulnerability, sobriety and the magic that happens when healing is shared. Would you say music has helped you through your personal ups and downs?

Absolutely. Music has always been there since I was a little kid.

I remember when my parents were fighting or when I was going back and forth between a few different households during shared custody visits and really not understanding why things were so unstable.

I would put on my Walkman and headphones and just get lost in the fantasy of music and whatever else I created in my mind. If there’s one word that would describe my childhood it was chaotic.

And music, for me, gave me a sense of stability and belonging in a world where I didn’t naturally feel that way. It’s always been an escape for me.

At an early age, I knew that my sexuality wasn’t like other kids around me so that was another added layer of feeling othered in addition to me being half Mexican and half white and coming from a broken household. So I always just felt really different.

What would 24 year old David Hernandez from Arizona on American Idol in 2008 think of feel it all?

He would probably be really proud of me. I think he would be surprised to know that I survived some of the things that I did. Even though he knew that we were strong, I don’t think he could’ve anticipated some of the obstacles that would come along the way in this life and industry.

I think because of my faith and my strong belief in myself, throughout the years I’ve been able to really try and lean into the flow of life, which in turn has given me the necessary tools to keep pushing on.

Why do you think it’s so vital for queer artists to have platforms where they can express their stories and creativity?

Because we’re human and we have rights and we deserve to be here just as much as anyone else. We’re so vital to this world. We bring so much to the entertainment culture that people sometimes forget. A lot of the ideas you see from straight artists are derived from a queer perspective.

We’re fucking fabulous and eccentric and free and the world needs us quite frankly.

There’s also little kids out there that need to see representation in the media even more than they do now. We’ve come so far, but we have so far to go! The fight is never over.

Alright, let’s get into it-what are some green flags that make you think “Okayyy this one might actually be a keeper”?

Someone who listens without interrupting. Someone who talks about success and does not gossip. Someone who loves animals.

And what about the red-those instant turn-offs or deal-breakers that make you go “Absolutely not, I’m out.”

Someone who supports Trump and the current administration.

When you’ve got a little time to yourself in LA, what’s your go-to way to chill out and refuel?

I literally turn my air conditioning on full blast, grab a blanket and cuddle up with the boyfriend and the dog and watch trash television. Oh and order trash comfort food!

What’s your sign and do you think you’re kinda living up to the usual traits or nah?

I'm a Gemini. And yeah I do feel like I embody that. I’m extremely indecisive and what I want changes with the wind.

Got any trips or gigs lined up in the UK?

I’m working on that right now! It’s been a while since I’ve been to the UK but I’m so excited to come back in the near future! Who knows, maybe once this article comes out, someone will see it and wanna fly me out there! Love you guys!