Interview with Vocalist Daniel E. Bautista of Open Window

January 12, 2026

Interview with Vocalist Daniel E. Bautista of Open Window

By Mick Michaels

Hello! Welcome to The Cosmick View/Metal Babe Mayhem Ten Pounder. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

Daniel E. Bautista: Hi!

CV: Every artist experiences highs and lows. Many struggle just to move from one level to the next, and some, unfortunately, never do. What would you consider to be a pivotal point in an artist's career which would take them from one level to the next that a struggling artist should be aware of? Is it an individual mindset or does it equate more to opportunity? Or is it something all-together different in your opinion?

DEB: I believe a pivotal point can only be assessed after it has occurred, then being able to look back on it. Therefore, a pivotal point is a very specific thing attributed to a very specific moment with regards to a very specific person. Hey, you asked! However, if I had to answer your question in the general sense, I would say even if a new opportunity seems terrifying – as the unknown often is - when it presents itself, you must dig deep and find the courage to go for it. I believe the “next level” is synonymous with seizing new opportunities. Even if the rise to the next level is gradual, you must bust through to attain that new level.

CV: What do you feel an artist can do right now to stay relevant?

DEB: I believe if you keep your eyes wide open to the world around you and remain in the present, how can you not be relevant?

CV: What have you found to be the balancing point between relevance and over saturation when it comes to being an artist? Is there a fine line between the two or can it be looked at to some degree as the two essentially being one in the same?

DEB: It seems regarding social media at least, there may be no such thing as over saturation for the indie-artist. I mean, what indie-artist wouldn’t welcome another hundred - or thousand – followers, streams, downloads, etc.? As far as being relevant, how do we qualify that? On the one hand, an artist who has thousands - even millions - of followers, streams, downloads, etc., is quantifiably relevant, wouldn’t you say? However, only history can tell us if that same artist has made a significant contribution to music.

CV: Is there any level of consideration, or even concern, to deliver on expectations, whether it being your own or that of the fans, when working on new material?

DEB: Personally, the only expectations I have are the ones I place upon myself. So, yes, I do try to deliver on expectations. However, I believe it is a losing proposition to try to chase what others may or may not expect.

CV: For you, what’s first when it comes to songwriting…is it a matter of lyrics melody, chords, beat, attitude? Or is it more organic than that where the moment dictates the process and outcome?

DEB: No two songs are written identically. Sometimes the lyric or melody comes first. However, more times than not, I begin with a musical idea created by either James, Wayne, or myself. From there I like to scat melodies and lyrical ideas until something peaks my/our interest. From there, I will woodshed the structure and lyrics – this is where the craft component comes in, I suppose.

CV: What do you believe makes songwriting more honest and impactful...that something that both the artist and listener can share?

DEB: I believe if you write for yourself and especially about how you interpret the world, how can it not be honest? Of course, we would love if the listener can share in the experience, but it is not our place to dictate what it is they experience.

CV: What do you feel has been the greatest contribution to your success as an artist?

DEB: Hard work. We just keep moving in a forward direction. Who knows how listeners will interpret our songs, or what an audience will think about any given performance? In fact, I believe it is poison to worry oneself about such things. The one thing we can control is diligence and persistence, and so we keep working.

CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming up?

DEB: Currently, we are promoting our Music Video – Close Your Eyes. We are also organizing a 2026 Tour in the U.S. We plan to release another single in January, followed by the release of our full-length album in early 2026.

CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.

DEB: Thank you for your thoughtful and introspective questions!

Check out Open Window at:

Close Your Eyes (Official Music Video):
https://youtu.be/GX3RGdRNPqU?feature=shared

Bandcamp (Direct Download songs): https://openwindow1.bandcamp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0rK8QJKRXtrlY0SlUrInXi?si=ZOunbMetTDKnx2mTE159

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, author, show host, big dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.