Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Hernandez.
Hi Keith, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Getting into music was something that was a bit of a shock. Growing up, I was always around my music with both of my parents but never thought I could actually do something with it. At the prime age of 13, I was very into sports and thought that’s where my path was headed but I always loved music and would sing songs out of random. It wasn’t until a school crush heard me in the hallway and didn’t know it was me until she turned the corner. After getting that approval, it led me to keep going with my journey. From that point, I really dived deep into my craft: I started with vocal class with the legendary Craig Derry. That is where I met my creative brothers and sisters and being around that type of talent only made me better. That leads me to my internship with the Grant Award-winning producer Illmind. I got to meet so many people that have been successful such as Ryan Leslie, Joel Ortiz, and I got to be a student to such genuine people. All these experiences have made me who I am today not only as an artist but as a man as well.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
This musical road has been far from smooth but ironically, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I feel the struggles have only made me stronger and made me more complete as an artist. Some of these struggles that I dealt with was not getting the initial support from my family and friends. This was something very different from what I was striving for as sports was my first love. Some said my voice wasn’t good enough, some said I didn’t have the look, some said I should quit while I’m ahead. None of it phased me though, it only put a chip on my shoulder to push me even further. I’ve lived a majority of my life that way, I’ve always been competitive and I’ve always strived to be the best and will do anything to find a way to accomplish my goals. Throughout my musical journey, I’ve honestly felt overlooked. Looking at the industry and the musical product that was out compared to my music, I knew in my heart I could be in that same conversation but I just had to keep pushing and keep improving. I just needed someone to take that chance on me to let me get to my full potential. There have been times I quit music all together due to life getting in the way and sometimes my own head getting in the way. But when I was at my lowest, music was always my escape to lift me up and allow me to tell my story.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer/songwriter based out in NYC. My music you can generally place in the R&B/Pop genre. I classify it as feel good music. I pride myself in telling stories in my music, I feel that is a lost art in today’s music. What I hear nowadays lacks depth. I not only want my music sound good and feel good, but I wanna say something while creating those feelings. I feel that is the recipe for timeless music. What I’m most proud of I feel has yet to happen yet, I’m an artist just putting in the work in everyday to connect with every single set of ears around the world. If I can just touch one person with my music, that is mission accomplished for me.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My persistence and perseverance, I feel are my biggest qualities to be successful. As I mentioned before, it wasn’t an easy road for me and I pride myself on making it this far with those qualities. Hearing “No” doesn’t bother me it just means that opportunity wasn’t for me at this time. I know at the end of the day that it’s God’s plan I just need to stay the course.
Contact Info:
- Email: Justkeithmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_justkeithmusic_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keith.hernandez.16940
- Twitter: @_JustKeithMusic
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Justkeithmusic
Image Credits:
Destiny Kinsey Sabiana Bruno Fab
