The summer before my sophomore year of high school was when the US became obsessed with a reality competition show known as ‘American Idol,’ and I was one of the millions tuning in as if my life depended on it. I’d stay dedicated to the show for eight seasons, although that eighth one wasn’t given as much love as the seventh (my favorite). In hindsight, while I loved the contestants, their stories, and their above-and-beyond skills – it was Simon Cowell’s ability to recognize talent instantly, that “it factor.” By the fifth season, I felt I’d studied the show and vocal prowess of hopefuls enough to know when someone had “it.” That’s why I hitched my horse to Chris Daughtry that season, and while he didn’t win the season – just look at the career he’s had. All of that to say, I’m pretty confident that if someone allowed me to judge vocalists daily, I’d be able to tell you within seconds who had it and who didn’t. David Kushner, he has it. 

A voice that you’ll soon read I’ve noted would be criminal to have while working at your local H&R Block. Kushner does not have an “oh my friend can carry a tune voice.” Oh no, he has a voice that was meant to be heard around the world, and now it can be as he dropped his debut album, ‘The Dichotomy’ at the tail end of August, and will kick off in Portland, OR on September 9th. We talked not only about all of that and then some including where in Los Angeles serves inspiration best, cinematic ways, and more like whether or not he’s hopeful about humankind. 

Kendra: You have the type of voice that, well, it’d feel criminal if you weren’t singing and were in a random office job somewhere only pulling out your skills at the holiday party during karaoke. With that said, when did you become aware of your vocal abilities?

David Kushner: I think I became aware of my vocal abilities pretty early on. Singing was always something that felt natural to me, like a way to express what I couldn’t always say in words. But it wasn’t until I started performing in front of others that I realized it was more than just something I enjoyed—it was a way to connect with people.

Kendra: Originally from Chicago, I know it’s such a haven for hip-hop and pop punk but what about the singer-songwriter scene out there? Was it not as vibrant as elsewhere because I’d love to know what made you head off to my old homestead, Los Angeles…

David Kushner: Chicago has a music scene, but for me, the move to LA was about expanding my horizons and finding new opportunities to grow as an artist. LA offered a different kind of creative energy and a community that I felt could help me push my music to the next level.

Kendra: Again, you’re LA-based now and with that, I have to ask where in the City of Angels is your “Sweet Oblivion” when it comes to being inspired creatively?

David Kushner: My “Sweet Oblivion” in LA is probably somewhere near the ocean. Me and my girlfriend spent a lot of time around Santa Monica and Malibu beaches when I first started going over there. 

Kendra: For those that missed that, “Sweet Oblivion” is just one of the 17 (wowsers) tracks on your debut LP, ‘The Dichotomy,’ out everywhere now. Going back to your voice and the music overall, it’s all very cinematic. So if Hollywood came to you for a song from the new album for a recent release, which song and movie do you think would pair well together and why?

David Kushner: “Humankind” could definitely be cinematic, maybe paired with a film that deals with the complexities of human nature. It’s got that blend of intensity and vulnerability that would work well in a scene where the characters are facing some kind of moral or emotional crossroads.

Kendra: “Humankind” could be used in so many scenarios on screens big and small from A24’s ‘Civil War’ to Amazon’s ‘The Boys’ because it definitely strikes a chord with our current state of reality; humans just aren’t great. From the moment this song started to come together to now, are you feeling more hopeful about humankind as a whole, or could you possibly write the sequel to this track because nothing has improved?

David Kushner: I think there’s always a part of me that’s hopeful, even if it’s just a small flicker. But yeah, the world can be a pretty dark place, and that’s something I wrestle with in my music. “Humankind” was about confronting that darkness while still holding onto a bit of hope. I’m not sure if I’d write a sequel, but I definitely think the conversation around what it means to be human and the issues we sometimes face with humankind.

Kendra: Now, you’re about to be on the road for what is basically the rest of the year with some dates overseas this summer to a full-blown North American tour that kicks off September 9th in Portland, OR. Other than playing the shows, do you ever have any sort of bucket list of things you like to do in new cities (given you have time)?

David Kushner: I love exploring new cities whenever I can. I’m big on finding local coffee shops, vintage shops, or just taking a walk through a neighborhood to get a feel for the place. 

Kendra: Time for a side note – With it being summer, I’d love to know – and for you to share – your favorite road trip song. Like, what’s the one song that has to be on your mix when you hit the road?

David Kushner: One road trip song that’s always on my playlist is “Too Sweet” by Hozier. I’m inspired by all of Hozier’s work, but that song and also “Work Song” are two special ones.

Kendra: Lastly, with ‘The Dichotomy’ out now and an extensive tour already ready to go, do you have any other solidified plans as we head into the fall, or anything set for 2025?

David Kushner: Right now, I’m focused on the tour and getting this album out. Going into 2025, I just announced my Europe + UK tour which is already sold out in most locations.