Dee Hernandez: 'Crazy Love' (Exclusive Interview)
What inspires your music?
Inspiration is everywhere. Lyrically, I found that I have a special connection to writing about some of the aspects of what it feels to have a human experience and how to deal with situations that presents themselves. Life is full of events and complications with either happy endings or lessons. I also found inspiration in my own personal and musical journey.
I migrated from Cuba to Canada at a very younge age on my own, chasing freedom but also looking to expand my music path. I am always craving to consume and create music. So working as a full time singer, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with many amazing musicians, and have had exposure to a large variety to music. This provided me with the tools to create a unique sound.
How did you start your professional recording career?
I started recording back in Cuba and it was always right of the floor, live performances. If found this kept us kept me sharp as musicians and me as a vocalist. However the first time I stepped foot in a recoding studio it was super special. I took a flight from New Brunswick and landed Toronto, went straight to the studio where I met the amazing Toronto based musician Dave Gouveia, he showed me his track that was in Old Portuguese (Spanish Dialect). This was a language I’ve never spoke but it had a feel that felt very familiar. Then recorded a song in a children’s album at Canadian Studio Metal Works with Fisher Price.
Shortly after being a contestant in Canadian Idol, cowriting with members of Canadian Pop/Rock band The Moffatt Brothers in Nashville I recorded my first Album.
How did you come up with your single and/or EP?
I’m currently working on finishing my EP and should be good to share by March. My latest single “Crazy Love” talks about the aftermath of a not pleasant relationship. I started it as a balad and it took a turn on its own. It was started with with the bass line and it just almost wrote it self from there.
What is your genre of music?
I always find this question the fun to answer. Being Cuban, my roots is predominant in my sound but it’s influenced by Jazz, R&B, Funk, and Pop. I have a unique brand of Cuban-Latin-Jazz-Pop fusion
Who are your influences?
I have been influenced by many vocalist like Celia Cruz, Selena, Ella Fitzgerald, Erika’s Badu and Amy Winehose…
How do you define success?
I’m a mother, a wife, a friend and member of a community. To be all of those things takes dedication, time and energy. Then when you add musician to the mix, that can really test your limits. Being all of those things and still find room to create, stay true to my art and continue making and sharing music that connects me to other people, that to me is success. Whatever else comes with that , it’s just Bonus!
What can we expect from you in 2023 and beyond?
The EP will be that one thing I’m most excited about, it will give a clear explanation of who I am as an artist. This has been a long time coming and it’s amazing to take care of unfinished business. I’ve been dreaming of the day I am able to share this work and that moment it’s here.
I will be playing in a series of Music festivals in Atlantic Canada this summer, showcasing my current released singles as well as some unreleased work. It’s gonna be a great time, and the band and I can’t wait to get this going. On the other hand I really enjoy doing some intimate acoustic performances with my guitarist so we a booking few of this type of live performances. All about sharing in 2023
