Singer-songwriter and so much more, Paul Hernandez is making a splash in the Canadian music market. Hernandez has dipped his toe into many waters of the music industry and is still expanding his horizons. Check out his newest single, “94′ Altima” below, and find out more about him, and what he has in store for the rest of the year via my interview.
Let’s start by talking about how you got started in music. What made you want to write your own music?
No musical background at all. I was walking down the street one day and a guy invited me to church, the church had DJ’s and several musical artists. I began attending and eventually became very close with the community, and they became family. It was there that I began rapping, performing, singing — It was there that I developed my passion to influence and create music. I thank God for the gifts he has given me to give back.
You have released several singles since your debut in 2011. How has your writing and recording process changed?
Over time our character changes as well as our experience from each song — I find that songwriting for me can be very much like acting out a scene in a movie. You want to capture as much meaning in the expression as possible so that It comes off as authentic and believable – for me genuine lyrics tend to follow. In the same breath, I write in the perspective of how I envision myself delivering, whether it’s up close and personal over a cup of coffee or shouting from a stage with high energy to an audience below, whatever the case, I want to be mindful of the performance behind it. I’m still always finding that the less I force myself the more natural it flows, the better my songs are.
Are you currently working on any new projects?
I have several singles, 2 EP’s, and an album planned for this year.
Has music helped you over the last year, through quarantine?
Absolutely! The world has slowed down, and this has given me more time to really soul search and appreciate the blessing of music.
Who would be a dream artist for you to collaborate with?
One Republic!
Favourite new song at the moment, go!
Lose Somebody – Kygo
What else do you have in store for 2021?
Artists services! Branding, consults, effective music release campaigns! You’d be surprised how many artists struggle with knowing how to effectively release their music — I want to give them insight and strategies to allow their music to get the celebration it deserves. I also have a podcast I’m setting up for musical and faith-based conversations. I’m thrilled.
Any last thoughts you’d like to share?
Stop waiting for the emotion, do the motion and the emotion will follow. In other words, don’t always wait for opportunities, create them. Don’t wait for the inspiration to come, open doors for them to be invited.