Daniel Lopes is a singer who catapulted his career by making it far into the competition of “Deutschland sucht den superstar”. Nowadays he is busy building a steady career and walking the path into global stardom. We meet with him in Marbella and ask him a few questions.

When did you decide you wanted to dedicate your life to singing?

“As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a singer! At the age of five I already knew that there was nothing else in the world that I wanted to do, then to sing. My mum told me that when I was very little I kept saying to her that she never had to worry about anything because I will someday be a famous singer. She had 3 kids and I was the youngest. By that time she only had a part-time job and was studying at night to give us the right education and food on the table.”

Did you know what it meant to become a singer? What you had to leave behind?

“I think I didn’t really know what it meant to become a singer, but my passion for music was so big that I couldn’t keep it all for myself. But I think it was a very lonely time. When kids are outside playing I was crying at home because I was trying to sing well. So sometimes I didn’t leave my until I could sing the songs I wanted!”

Did you ever think about quitting? If so, what made you decide to move forward?

“There where hard times in my life where I wished I chose to go the normal way like I was told. I was only 22 when I got my first check of €100.000 for singing! I wasn’t ready at the time so the money brought me friends and a lot of people around me and when It was gone there where no friends left I felt miserable and wanted to quit life. But then I remembered that money was not the reason I started to sing. The love for music and the love for my family (especially my mum) kept me strong! So I sang again!!”

How did you organize your life in order to endure this demanding lifestyle?

“First of all you must have a steady background. It can be a girlfriend, a real friend or your family to keep you with both feet on the floor. And then you have to have a place where you always can come back to, where you feel at home! Then you have to stop trying to be everyone’s darling! You cannot make everyone happy because you forget yourself! You have to be honest, have good intentions and try not to take everything so seriously!! Try to be in sync with your soul, that’s what keeps you away from making mistakes! Let your spirit guide you.”

What does success mean to you?

“Success means to get up in the morning and have a reason to smile!”

Would you consider yourself successful?

“Yes I am successful in many ways! I get to sing for a living, which I love. I have traveled across all continents through my singing!! And I can say I am a happy person because I’ve learned to say I love you and I’ve learned to say thank you.”

Who would you like to work with in the future?

“I would like to work with David Guetta.”

What advise can you give someone who also wants to become a professional artist?

“Be strong, don’t take anything personal and never give up!!!”