Diversity Rules Magazine

5 Diversity Rules Magazine December 2018 you enlighten readers a bit about that in hopes of touching someone who may be dealing with the same thing? DH: Well I started taking Xanax years ago to help me sleep. I didn't realize my body was building a tolerance to it so I started taking more. Eventually it all caught up with me and my body started shutting down. I de- cided it wasn't how I wanted to live and I needed help. So I checked into a facility and got the help I needed so I never had to take it again. It literally saved my life. I wouldn't recommend getting through that on your own. It was very hard. I also think people should be more educated on prescription drugs. Just because a doctor prescribes it, doesn't mean it's right for you. JRK: Being a finalist on American Idol must have been an exhilarating experience. Can you tell us about that and how it changed your life? DH: Totally! American Idol was a huge platform for me. It totally changed my life. It made me more pro- fessional and disciplined. It was like boot camp for singers. I also learned about different aspects of the en- tertainment industry. JRK: Which performers have influenced you and how so? DH: I was influenced by great singers like Stevie Won- der, Whitney Houston, Aretha, Mariah Carey. But I was also influenced by great songwriters like Dianne Warren and David Foster. JRK: When you first started your singing career you had some record label chal- lenges related to meeting someone else's expecta- tions. Can you tell us about that? What ad- vice would you give to struggling artists, as well as anyone coping with meeting another person's expectations? DH: I've learned to do what is best for me. Being true to your- self is the biggest favor you can do for yourself. You'll be happy with your decisions and walk away knowing you were authentic. People can tell a fake from a mile away so it's impor- tant to keep it real. When people impose an image of a sound on you, just say no...this doesn't work for me... this isn't serving me. JRK: What have you been doing since the release of your first album in 2011 entitled, "I Am Who I Am?" DH: I have been touring and making music. I also write for film and television so that's been an awesome creative outlet. JRK: What is next for David Hernandez? DHL More music! lol. I also started acting again so hopefully a TV show or a feature film in the near fu- ture. Of course touring will always be a part of my life too. I'll always keep making music and I'll always keep singing. JRK; What are some parting thoughts you'd like to leave Diversity Rules readers? DH: Spread love and acceptance. Be nice to people. You never know what someone is going through. We all have our struggles so be understanding towards oth- ers. Photo Credits: Bobby Quillard Artwork for Kingdom Cover: Stephen Lind

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