Working in real estate, Dave Herrera looks at the world differently than the average person. He looks for details that may others may oversee, but that ability to be so attentive has also given the California native a sharp skill when it comes to writing songs. As a songwriter, he is able to transport the listener to wherever he is. Such as with his first single “Hollywood Sign” and his new release “Visiting Nashville” available today.
We caught up with Herrera to talk about his musical journey, the new single and what’s ahead of him in the new year.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
DH: I am a person that strives to work hard while having fun. You know that saying, “YOLO” (You Only Live Once)? Well, you got to just do it whatever that might be. I try to grab life by the horns and really enjoy what is thrown in front of me. This is one of many reasons why I enjoy creating music; there is a fulfillment to completing a song that is based on a real experience.
CN: With everything that’s going on in the world in regards to COVID-19, we hope everyone in your circle is safe and healthy. How are you holding up?
DH: This pandemic is a mental drain, I find myself trying to stay busy with as much as I can to not think about all the chaos going on all around the world. Obviously, we are confronted with it every day, but writing and hanging with family and friends (in controlled environments) makes it easier.
CN: How were you introduced to music?
DH: I was introduced to creating music through a friend of mine who made all of his music with a computer. He could record guitars, random drum sounds, or whatever he needed to produce material! I would record vocals over the tracks and adlib other stuff and it grew from that to me eventually creating my own tracks.
CN: When did you realize that you wanted to pursue music as a career?
DH: I have always been involved with creating music. Since I got my initial taste of constructing songs, I’ve used various recording devices, instruments, and drum sounds to write music.
CN: Which musicians have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
DH: I have always listened to a wide range of music, those that inspire me most are Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Guns N’ Roses, and Johnny Cash as they seem to write from the heart about their own life experiences. There is something about each of these artists that never gets old if you know what I mean.
CN: Last year you released your single “Hollywood Sign,” which is still gaining momentum and on January 29th you will be releasing your new single “Visiting Nashville.” What can you tell us about the track?
DH: Yeah, “Hollywood Sign” is a meaningful song that I was nervous to release, we are continuing to tie the marketing of “Hollywood Sign” in with the new song, “Visiting Nashville,” which is about my first ever visit to Music City back in September 2019. “Visiting Nashville” tells a story about my visit to Nashville with the three-story Honky-Tonks, music venues, and restaurants that I had a chance to hang out at while soaking in the beautiful history and culture of the City.
CN: Both releases are centered on locations – Hollywood and Nashville. Do you turn to specific places for inspiration when you are writing?
DH: No, I write about places I have visited or things I have seen or been involved with. In the future, you will hear songs that I wrote after being inspired by the good and bad times in daily life and my thoughts on certain situations.
CN: Can you take us through your songwriting process?
DH: I start when I have an idea or concept, then I start writing and sculpting a story with some thoughts and ideas. I start to shape the song while coming up with rhythmic ideas, and eventually the song comes together.
CN: In your bio you tell the story of how during high school you found a rundown, ‘69 Chevrolet Chevelle and would put endless hours into the car – before school, after school – throwing your heart and soul into it. Would it be fair to say that’s a great analogy as to how you approach music?
DH: Yes, you nailed it – that’s how I look at music. Instead of a physical piece of metal with wheels to work on, I work with ideas, emotions, and thoughts that are then converted into sounds. I then construct those words and sounds into music content that tells a story.
CN: If you were able to collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
DH: I have been asked that question a few times and every time I think about it, a dozen or so artists run through my mind immediately. It is a hard question to answer, but, someone I can relate to from a writing standpoint (I think) would be Willie Nelson, as I feel I am an old soul at times. As I have lived through a lot of ups and downs and kind of go with the flow, we could probably relate from that point of view.
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
DH: The first concert I attended was Barry Manilow with my mom when I was a kid. Man, she was rocking out and Barry had a lot of very colorful lights on stage, and from what I remember, and he was truly incredible!
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
DH: Worker – I always need to be working on something. If I’m not working on something, there is something that always comes up that needs my full attention to find a solution; it’s never-ending!
CN: Do you have any upcoming shows or livestreams that fans can check out?
DH: I’m working on some live shows now, we will soon send out updates with details. I think there will be a live stream of an in-studio performance at the end of January 2021.
CN: What’s next on the horizon for you?
DH: I’m going to keep working on new music and videos and try to have as much fun as possible while doing so! Also, we just released the trailer to “The Shit Show – All Groupies Wanted” which is a docuseries out on YouTube! It will be followed by 3 episodes and it’s about me and my crazy, chaotic friends and family!
Mark you calendars for February 9th as Dave will be taking over our Instagram!
Click here and follow so you don’t miss it!
Download/stream “Visiting Nashville” here.
For more information on Dave Herrera, visit his website at www.daveherreralive.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.