The history of music is full of artists who have helped other musicians develop their career with a hit song or some sage words of advice. The Bee Gees wrote, “Islands in the Stream” for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Prince wrote “Nothing Compares 2 U” for Sinead O’ Connor, and Neil Diamond wrote, “I’m a Believer” for The Monkees. Musicians such as Paul Hernandez are continuing to mine this rich vein of tradition by helping other artists reach their full potential in any way possible.
“I think all musical artists share this special solidarity,” explained the Canadian songwriter. “And that’s why we tend to help one another out whenever we can. We play to one another’s strengths, respect one another’s talent and all know from firsthand experience just how hard it is to make it in this game.”
Making it is something Hernandez knows all about the hard way. With one foot in the past and one eye on the future, he’s an artist who treads a fine line between traditional and experimental music. However you describe Hernandez’s sound, it is definitely unique and strikingly successful. He’s been hailed as developing a kaleidoscopic musicality that bridges the gap between a diverse range of influences.
“I think music is either in your blood or not,” explained Hernandez. “And if it is every beat of your heart revolves around it. That’s why, when I’m not busy writing my own songs and exploring new sounds and techniques, I like nothing more than helping other artists develop their careers by offering them advice, helping them out with lyrics, guiding them through the intricate minefield that is the music business, hooking them up with the right connections and helping them explore new sounds and new directions.”
Hernandez added, “Music is a living and evolving thing and we all have to evolve with it while maintaining a healthy respect for the past. When the beat begins there’s no saying where it will take you. It’s a magical mystery tour and that’s what makes the whole trip so exciting.”
