DAVID HERNANDEZ

AN ALL INCLUSIVE LOVE SONG

DAVID HERNANDEZ DROPS THE MIC AND THE PRONOUNS IN ILY.

BY WILLIAM COOKE

DAVID HERNANDEZ MADE SURE his new song, “ILY.” (an abbreviation for I Love You) was not pronoun specific. The initial pre-chorus was written as I wouldn’t be the man I am if it weren’t for you. David changed the line to I wouldn’t be who I am, if it weren’t for you. “I want everyone to be able to identify with the song’s message,” he explains. “We are lacking inclusion in music and it needs to be recognized because inclusion inspires understanding and humanizes our experiences.”

The song’s music video pairs the American Idol with another gay heartthrob, Benji Schwimmer from So You Think You Can Dance, who plays David’s embattled love interest. Trans actress Alexa Abraxas also appears, playing a therapist who is helping the couple work through their relationship issues and back to the ILY.

We spoke with David Hernandez from his home in Los Angeles.

ILY. IS A BEAUTIFUL SONG! WHAT SPARKED THE IDEA?

I was inspired from a song by Lewis Capaldi. His songs are just so melodic and his voice is raspy and powerful. I wanted to capture something similar like that for ILY., but in my own way and style. I’ve always been a fan of belty chorus where it feels like I’m at the top of my range. Almost like if the song was sung by itself without any background vocals, it would be enough.

IT HAS A GREAT MESSAGE.

I agree. To be honest, I don’t feel like I say “I love you” enough to the people in my life that I truly mean the most. The day often gets away from us and then the weeks and then the months and the years... People come and go and then you’re left with regret for not telling them how you feel in the moment. That’s the place that the song really came from.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE LYRIC?

The first line: “I’m crazy, I change my mind, I go back-and-forth up-and-down all the time”, because, quite literally, that is me. Anyone that knows me, knows that I’m a Gemini and that I have a few different sides to me. I think it takes a really special person to be my partner. I also tour a lot and I’m hardly ever home so having trust and confidence is definitely a must if you want to be with me.

WHAT INSPIRED THE MUSIC VIDEO?

I sat down with my best friend James for lunch. We had a couple of Aperol spritzers and started throwing ideas around about dancing. I’m not a dancer but I’ve always been fascinated by contemporary work. I wanted to figure out a way to incorporate some of that in the video. Initially, I considered hiring two dancers to tell the story for me but I decided that I wanted to give dancing a try. I’ve learned that stepping out of my comfort zone yields great rewards.

SO, YOU CALLED UP BENJI FROM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?

I mentioned the concept to my good friend, Brady Kerr, and he suggested Benji. They’ve known one another since they were kids. Ironically, I was on the “Ballroom with a Twist” tour where I actually performed alongside Benji’s sister, Lacey. I didn’t know that one day I would eventually end up working with her brother!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?

Benji is the most incredible dancer and a very patient teacher. When I discussed the idea with him, he got it right away but then made it better, mapping out the exact movements. I think conceptually, he really brought the song to life. On set he was super professional and guided me through the movements I was having difficulty with. Ultimately, he told me that his job was to make me look good and I think he did just that. Obviously, he’s a professional dancer but he choreographed the movements in such a way that really highlighted my strengths.

HOW DID YOU GET ALEXA ON BOARD?

Benji and I discussed who we thought our therapist should be. I wanted to highlight a trans actress because I think it’s important to normalize trans people in a professional working environment. Alexa happened to be a good friend of the videographer, Arno Diem. Arno put me in touch with Alexa. She’s one of my closest friends now. Super sweet!

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY SO FAR?

Well, I’m not typically a huge fan of the industry, but I will say that music has connected me to a lot of incredible people through my life and has opened up my heart. Music is a universal language. I think it’s stunning the way that it impacts people’s minds, influences their choices and changes their hearts for the better.

WHAT PROJECTS ARE COMING UP FOR YOU NEXT?

I’m finishing up my next single and I have a few shows that are lined up. I’m excited to get back to touring! I’d love to create another visual for the upcoming single, but, “ILY.” Is so important to me that I’m gonna give it some time to catch some more fire and hit the mainstream.

DAVID HERNANDEZ’S “ILY.” IS AVAILABLE NOW ON APPLE MUSIC, SPOTIFY, AND ALL OTHER MAJOR E-MUSIC RETAILERS. VISIT OFFICIALDAVIDHERNANDEZ.COM