Finding Daylight With David Kushner
[UNPUBLISHED:] The last time we chatted was right after you released your EP, Footprints I Found, what have you been up to since then?
[DAVID KUSHNER:] I really don't even know where to start. A lot has happened in such short time. From touring Europe with Dean Lewis to releasing the song “Daylight,” which completely changed my life, it has been an unreal couple of days since the release.
[UNPUBLISHED:] I loved your new single “Daylight.” Can you tell us a bit about it?
[DAVID KUSHNER:] As I wrote the song, "Daylight," it held a particularly significant meaning for me. My faith is a cornerstone of my life, and this song was inspired by biblical themes that deeply resonate with me. One such theme speaks of loving what is good and hating what is evil, and I felt a connection to this message. At times, my instincts draw me towards things that are ultimately harmful to me, despite my desire for what is good. It's a constant battle of striving for better but falling back into old patterns that run me dry. The second verse is a plea to God for mercy and to not abandon me in the end, with the hope that this is the last time I will choose the darkness over the light.
[UNPUBLISHED:] You worked with producer, Rob Kirwan who did Hozier’s “Take Me To Church.” What was that process like?
[DAVID KUSHNER:] Initially, I started sharing TikTok videos to promote the idea of collaborating with Hozier on a song. However, when it became apparent that this was not going to materialize, my manager reached out to Hozier's producer as the next best option. I found myself on a video call with him a couple days later. It was definitely an interesting flow though, much different than my other songs. As I reside in Los Angeles and Rob lives in Manchester, it was definitely such a different process for me. Rob did his thing, and I knew he would crush it. His work truly speaks for itself.
[UNPUBLISHED:] The cover of the single is such a beautiful image, what was your inspiration behind the single cover?
[DAVID KUSHNER:] I love this question. Haven't gotten asked this yet. I knew I wanted to be in a forest for this artwork, and for the upcoming projects I'm working through. Nature has always kind of been the environment that I've placed myself in for my music. The photographer that shot the cover is known for his work with the hip-hop artist, NF. I love what he has done with his creative direction, and I thought he would be a perfect fit for where I was heading. I chose the artwork piece because of what the picture communicated to me. The contrasting tones from light to darkness, and also the simplicity in the text design
[UNPUBLISHED:] Do you have a lyric from the single you’re particularly proud of?
[DAVID KUSHNER:] Yeah, I think the pre-chorus is my favorite part. When I wrote it, I was pretty hyped. "There's darkness in the distance. From the way that I've been livin.’ But I know I can't resist it"
[UNPUBLISHED:] Can you tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
[DAVID KUSHNER:] Not many people know this, but “Miserable Man,” “Mr. Forgettable,” and a lot of my other songs were originally created on my iPhone with cheap wired earbuds. I like the raw and authentic process. If you are an artist or writer, don't stop creating, no matter what you have or don't have. I've learned you're not as limited as you think you are.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Who are some artists you admire and who inspire your sound?
[DAVID KUSHNER:] I look up to Hozier for sure. His vocals just don't make sense to me. They're unreal. His style and the way he writes is inspiring to me. I also love the works of KALEO, Bon Iver, Rag'n'bone man, Lewis Capaldi, the Lumineers, Coldplay, Caamp, and Noah Kahan.
