Standish913.com has been blessed to do an exclusive interview with...
"DAN KIERNAN"!
Let's get into some exclusive questions..
STANDISH - When did you first start to sing? What was your favorite thing to sing?
I first started singing when my elementary school band teacher heard me singing a song we were playing in band to a fellow student. We were playing “Rockin Robin” by The Jackson 5 and when the concert came around, I sang it instead of playing with the band and I haven’t really stopped since then. I learned to sing from a band teacher that loved punk rock music, sang in a gospel choir, and I loved y2k bubblegum pop; so I sang a little bit of everything!
STANDISH - What is your go-to genre to pick from when you have to perform?
I would describe my genre as Pop-Soul so anything pop with lyrics or a melody I can really dig into. I love a feel-everything pop anthem!
STANDISH - Do you have any warm-up rituals?
It all starts with an iced coffee, that’s my go-go juice. I’ve done the same vocal warm-up for over ten years that I usually do for 10-15 minutes in the shower, the steam is also great for the voice. I always do a body/mind/soul check-in with a little meditation, even if it’s just for a few minutes. I like to make sure everything is where I like it; from my voice feeling warm to my heart/soul feeling good to my body feeling ready and then I remind myself “nothing to prove, everything to share”
STANDISH - Who are your top 3 idols?
The Spice Girls, Shoshana Bean, & Whitney Houston
STANDISH - If you had to pick an artist to be stuck on tour forever with, who would it be?
That’s a great question! Right now? Probably Chappell Roan, I am such a massive fan of her music and what she’s done for queer representation in the industry
STANDISH - Do you have a favorite piece of advice Kelsea Ballerini gave you?
To not be afraid to tell my story. It was a dream come true to work on an emotional song with someone who is a queen of an emotional ballad. She really gave me the courage and push to not be afraid to sing my truth and let the emotions flow. More than advice, Kelsea always really saw me and let me know how special I was & there are truly no words for what that has meant to me.
STANDISH - Ever had a microphone die on you mid-performance?
Yes! I’ve had it all ha-ha. I’ve had my mic die, in ears die, mic stands fall, I’ve accidently dropped my mic & stand off a stage; the list goes on. It’s always a great lesson in the show must go on. A voice teacher once told me I should always mess up or drop something because it instantly makes me laugh and lets that human side show.
STANDISH - Where is your favorite place to travel to when singing?
I lived and worked out of Germany for a few years and it was the greatest time. I would love the chance to bring my music overseas soon!
STANDISH - What did you learn the most from your time on NBC's "The Voice"?
Oh gosh, I could write a novel. From a technical side, I learned so much about performing on TV and at this higher level; everything from performance to singing to fashion. The best thing I learned though was linked to my strength and confidence. After losing my dad & the pandemic, I started to make my dreams smaller and The Voice brought me back to shooting for the stars. When the biggest stars in the world are praising parts of you as an artist even you didn’t know, it changes you. The Voice experience really taught me how to believe in myself and bet on myself again.
STANDISH - What was the most nerve-racking part of being on "The Voice"?
Shockingly, it’s not the performances for me. The performances were rehearsed and so prepared but the hardest part for me was standing there on the stage after. Trying to take in all the great feedback and critiques from these icons while your adrenaline is going crazy, while also wondering am I going home? Is my partner, who I’ve grown to love, going home? My brain and heart were always going a mile a minute in those moments.
STANDISH - Would you ever want to switch from singing to something else? If so, what would that be?
Honestly, no. I’ve taught, directed, and produced and loved it and had some beautiful life changing moments, but nothing makes me feel what singing & performing does.
STANDISH - What's something about you most may not know?
I have a wild imagination; it really hasn’t gone away since I was a kid. I think most adults would now call it manifesting but I’m always day dreaming or creating dream moments, like The Voice, in my head. I still perform my stadium tour in the shower ha-ha
STANDISH - How many relationships did you gain from The Voice & which is the most meaningful to you?
Truly too many to list. From my coach to the crew, the people at the hotel, and the incredible contestants, we really become a family. I have a core group of friends from The Voice and we still talk everyday and visit each other, we have such a special bond and I’m so grateful for them. They’ve been my rocks through this crazy, beautiful year.
STANDISH - What's it like being in the same room as all 4-superstar judges?
Oh gosh, it’s everything. It’s terrifying, thrilling, nerve-wracking, but just so damn cool. The best is when you start to get comfortable and can really take in their energy and what they’re saying. As artists we’re not “supposed to” seek validation, but let me tell you, when 4 of the biggest stars are praising and acknowledging you, it’s life changing.
STANDISH - What are your social links?
@DanKiernanMusic everywhere!
STANDISH - Anything else you'd like to include?
Just a thank you to everyone who has supported me on this music journey from before The Voice & beyond! I’m truly so so grateful for all of this new support and love; I feel like there’s a whole community of people now helping to manifest my dreams coming true and that’s a beautiful thing!
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