Artists Name/Band: Herm D
Music Genre: RnB
Websites or Social Media Pages
http://www.reverbnation.com/hermd
http://www.soundcloud.com/coolherm
https://www.facebook.com/herman.dye
Bio
Herm D’s music is energetic, soulful & just down right funky. His vocal styling has influences from the true soul singers (James Brown, Otis Redding, Wilson Picket, etc.) to the smooth styling of Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield and the lead singers from all the classic singing groups (The Temptations, Four Tops, Ojays, Whispers, etc.) Herm D wears many hats when producing his music including composer, lyricist, arranger, musician, vocalist, engineer and producer. Herm D is also influenced by the new artists of the day and incorporates the newer sounds and trends into his productions. Although Herm D has tons of influences from “classic acts” he’s always listening to new trends and is a constantly evolving artist. That said, Herm D welcomes you to his musical world and a journey thru many of the musical influences that have shaped him as a musician, performer and producer.
Herman Dye,
What Musical Genre Do You Feel Best Describes Your Music And How Would You Describe Your Sound?
I would say that R&B and Soul is a good description of my sound. When I really started feeling music it was artists like James Brown, Wilson Picket, Otis Redding that caught my ear. I’ve always admired Prince & Michael Jackson. Jimi Hendrix was a big influence on my musicianship
How Did You Get Your Name? Is There A Story?
No big story about the name. Rappers were using the letter of their last name so I just did the same to stay current at the time.
What Are or Have Been Your Musical Influences?
Basically just listening to good music played by outstanding musicians. I try to listen to music that touches me emotionally. Mostly classic R&B singers, jazz, blues and funk
What Are You Working On Now? Any Future Collaborations We Can Look Forward To?
At the moment I’m just dropping one song at a time as the music comes to me.
What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry? What Is Your Plan Of Action?
I would just like to put out music that touches people emotionally. I’d like to get a fan base that appreciates the effort that I put into my craft. I’ve played out live and that is something I would like to get back into.
What Is Your Favorite Track To Perform Live and Why?
I don’t necessarily have a favorite track, but I have a repertoire. When I have played out I’ve played sets. When not creating I practice sets. Mainly I practice the songs and try to determine what will touch the audience
What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?
Last year my bassist and best friend passed away. It took me about nine months to get back into creating music.
What’s Your Typical Songwriting Process?
Sometimes I’ll just get a groove and just start jamming and see where it takes me. Sometimes a lyrical thought comes to me. When I’m creating I’m always thinking about audience reaction.
How Has Social Media Influenced Your Career As An Artist?
Mainly I concentrate on making music and I let my younger family members help me with the social media aspect
What Are Some Tracks and Artists Currently On Your Playlist?
I guess I’m somewhat of a dinosaur, I don’t have playlists, I just randomly listen to music. I listen to Old School Soul singers, Blues, Jazz, Funk, Motown, etc. One of my favorite singers is Marvin Gaye.
What Did You Do Before You Started Making Music?
I was into sports a lot, mainly baseball, basketball & track. My main career is a Mechanical Designer. I’ve always done music on the side. Started playing clubs at 18.
Any Advice For Young People (Men or Women) That Want To Succeed In The Music World?
Keep pushing, if you enjoy creating music keep creating and don’t let negative people keep you from striving. Try to learn your craft. If you like to sing take singing lessons for a few months. If you play an instrument take lessons. Music is something that you’re always learning.
What Would You Change In The Music Industry If You Were A Top Music Executive?
Be more honest with your artists. Give some new artists a fair chance, there’s a lot of talent out there.
How Do You Feel About Originality?
To me originality is everything. Even when I do cover songs I try to put an original twist to it
Is There Anything Else We Should Know About You Or That You Would Like to Add?
I’m just a hard working musician trying to catch some ears. I’m a true basement musician because my studio and practice space is my basement