Exclusive Interview: R&B crooner Daniel Bern is chasing his dreams
Daniel Bern is a 19 year old R&B and Pop artist from Brooklyn, New York who realizes the impact of the baton that has been passed down from R&B legends such as Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye and Steve Wonder to upcoming artists like him. Born to parents who were musically inclined as well, Daniel understood the gift of creating music that he received and vowed not to take it for granted. Now, years later, Daniel Bern is ready to release his debut EP to the masses in hopes to make it big in the music circuit.
Hello Daniel, how long have you been in the music scene and how did you get started?
I started singing in my church choir at the age of 7 and I started songwriting at the age of 13 but I didn’t start taking my music seriously until 15. I remember at 15 I had my first studio session. I was so nervous and I didn’t know what to expect. When I finally walked into the studio I can honestly say I never felt so at home. That’s when I knew that this is what I’m supposed to be doing. This is the path that God put me on this earth to take. Since then I’ve been developing my craft and improving everyday to one day reach my full potential. In February 2013, I released my first full project and that is when I was officially introduced to the independent music scene.
If you encountered a person who was deaf and they asked you to describe your sound through color, what would those colors be and why?
I would use the color blue because blue is the color of the ocean. The ocean flows throughout the earth and has no boundaries. Once there is an opening, water flows through and that describes my sound and music. My music holds no boundaries and can be relatable to anyone willing to listen. Just like the ocean, my music forms into the shape of whatever anyone is going through because I have gone through a lot in my short time in life and I sing about it so anyone can relate to it and use it as inspiration.
What music did you listen to growing up and do you think it has influenced your direction as an artist?
Growing up I had music in my house daily and it was mainly old school music from the 90s and 80s. I had artists such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Usher and Whitney Houston. That is the kind of music I gravitated towards and have used for inspiration. You can definitely hear that through my music with a modern interpretation.
What are some of your personal and professional highlights so far in your career?
So far in my career I have learned a lot about the music industry and have steadily been preparing for anything that can come my way. I have been building my name and artistry in the NYC music scene. I have also grown as a songwriter and have written for some other independent artists. I definitely feel like I have much more to complete and accomplish so I am working my hardest to do just that.
Has there been any one piece of advice you were given that has helped you along the way in your career that you can share with other artists who may be reading this?
The most memorable advice that was given to me was “believe in yourself before anyone else does”. I know that sounds a little cliche but that truly has been my motivation. My mother told me that when I told her about my dreams in music. Those words will forever be my motivating force.
What are some of your goals in this industry? 
My main goal in this industry is to be one of the most successful and creative artist/songwriter in music. I want to touch the world and inspire the younger generation. I want my story to be heard and never forgotten. I want to leave my mark on this earth before I go. Those are my goals and I will work hard to achieve them.
You are dropping your EP soon. Can you tell us a little more about what to expect from your project? When will it be released?
My new E.P. is called “Daniel Bern: The Self Titled E.P.”. This new project is based on all the experiences I have encountered so far in my teenage life. I sing about love, depression, confidence, faith, and sadness. Those are all the emotions that I faced as a teenager and I wanted to share that with the world. It also highlights a dark time in my life when I suffered from severe anxiety and depression. That topic is a very sensitive topic to me but I didn’t want to hold anything back and I wanted the listeners going through any anxiety, depression, or anything difficult to know that you are not alone and you have a voice. I want to be the voice for those who are scared to speak and this project gives them that voice through music.
In Hip-Hop, it is almost a crime to have someone else write your lyrics whereas in R&B, some of our greatest singers have had songs written for them. How important do you think it is to write your own songs and why do you think it is more accepted in the R&B world then Hip Hop?
I think it definitely helps when an artist writes their own music in R&B but I don’t feel it is the most important aspect to a good artist. Songwriting is not for everyone and some may need songwriters to write songs for them and there is nothing wrong with that. The most important thing to me is being able to embody a song and actually bring it to life. That is what makes a good and successful artist. Hip Hop definitely has strict rules when it comes to songwriting and I feel that is because rappers are known for their lyrical content. That is what their fans respect them for and fans feel robbed and disappointed when they find out that their favorite rapper doesn’t write their own lyrics. A rapper that doesn’t write their own music is like a T.V. without cable.
Music can cross boarders from North, South, East and West, what do you feel is the best feature to your music that helps you cross those boarders?
My music is real and that is the best feature to my music that allows me to cross borders. It doesn’t matter where you are from or the color your skin is. I am 100% confident that you will be able relate to one of my songs and enjoy it.
If you could have a jam session with five singers or rappers, who would they be and what would you have each of them contribute?
If I could have a jam session with five artists the five artists would be Michael Jackson, Usher, Tupac, Ne-Yo, and Stevie Wonder. I know that is a odd mix of artists but I really do feel like that would be an amazing collab/jam session. Michael Jackson would bring his unique sound and style, Usher would bring that 90s R&B & Soul, Tupac would bring that old school Hip Hop, Ne-Yo would bring that modern R&B, and Stevie Wonder would bring the vocals and of course his piano. Now that sound dope!
What can we expect to from you in 2015? Any plans for new releases or appearances?
In 2015 you can definitely expect new music, growth and of course my E.P. I can’t exactly tell the future but I can tell you that 2015 will bring a lot of new and major things.
Thank you for taking the time out for this interview, can you let our readers know where they can find your music?
You can find me on Instagram @fame_dannyb, YouTube @danielbern, Twitter @danielbern13, and Reverbnation.com/dannyb94. And I will be having my website back up soon so stay tuned.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jdMxsbrK48&feature=youtu.be
