This interview is so awesome, it’s getting its own post! Love the non-Idol questions and David’s thoughtful, honest answers. How perfect the site it appeared on is called Yes! 🙂 (Thanks, djxox and refnaf for the heads up!)
It’s good to just do my own thing: David Archuleta
David Archuleta will be coming back to Malaysia for a full concert on 26 July 2011 at Stadium Negara. Hot off the release of his new album ‘The Other Side of Down’, David shares with us his plans for the future, his recent departure from record label JIVE, and his take on relationships.
Q. How do you feel about coming down here for your first full on concert?
David Archuleta: Excited. It was really fun getting to go to Malaysia. The fans were just great, it was really neat to see how supportive the fans were in Malaysia. I guess I didn’t expect it to be honest. I heard a lot of things like about the Phillipines and stuff so I didn’t know what to expect going to Malaysia. It was just amazing to see all the fans there and how great they were. So it’s great to be able to come back and do a full show with a full band this time.
Q. What can we expect from your concert this time around?
DA: For this concert, because I haven’t been there since the new album ‘The Other Side of Down’ came out, I’ll get to be able to sing those new songs. I know they haven’t heard those songs live and they haven’t heard from a lot of songs from the older album too. I only got to sing a few songs at the showcase that I did there. So it’ll be great to give a full out show for the Malaysian fans. I think in Malaysia it was one of the best ever singing and it was so good on my throat too, I remember sliding a lot but I felt so good.
Q. You’ve mentioned recently a lot about finding a direction, going to meetings to decide your future etc. Do you have someone, a mentor perhaps guiding you at the moment?
DA: To be honest I always have to say no one is guiding me better than God. He’s been the one guiding me. I’ve been saying a lot of prayers and trying to say ‘OK what do I need to be doing right now because I could’ve been doing a lot of other things. But what is it that I’m supposed to be doing? And a lot of times that’s scary because, it’s like I can go so many different ways. I could mess this up or who knows what. but there’s just something you feel inside that’s like ‘you know what keep going’. Even though you’re not sure exactly what’s going to happen, you feel good about what’s going on, you feel good about the decisions you’re making, you feel good about going to take a break and just meet with writers.
Q. Do you have a definite plan on what you’re going to do next?
DA: I want to try to release something new for the fans. I don’t want to make a full album this year, of course I will down the road, but not this year. But I do want to give something. And so I’ve been thinking about releasing another song for the fans who’ve been so patient, and have been good. And that’s what I’m working towards. In the last couple of weeks I’ve been meeting different people in L.A. too. But now I’m going to Nashville because I’ve done writing in Nashville before in the past and that’s where I felt magic. I need to follow this direction and this feeling and I feel it here in Nashville. A lot of people think that “Oh nashville, so you go to country, you’re going to do country music now?” It’s like no, there are a lot of different writers here. A lot of people like Ke$ha, Kings of Leon, Paramore, they’re all from Nashville. so there’s more than just country here.
Q. You mentioned that you wanted to do Latin songs really badly, how far away are we from hearing a Latin track from you?
DA: That’s something else that I’ve been working on actually. As I’ve been writing, I’ve been working on writing Spanish ideas too. I’ve been kinda reaching out a little bit here and a little there. Another thing that I want to do this year is more Christmas stuff actually. not like a Christmas album but I’m hoping to do more Christmas shows. Maybe have some Christmas releases, even if it’s a little one this year, because my favourite tour that I’ve done so far is the Christmas tour. I’ve been looking into that but I have been writing a little bit (of) Spanish stuff and what I would love to do is just get some Spanish material together. I’m trying to get my own songs, my own materials together right now.
Q. Who is your favourite Latin artist and why?
DA: I really like Luis Fonsi. I think he’s really good. I love this voice. He’s an amazing singer. Of course I grew up listening to Selena with my mom. She inspired me a lot because one of the first songs I’ve ever learned ever was one of Selena’s songs.
Q. Tell us more about your leaving record label JIVE.
DA: A lot of people were surprised about me not being with JIVE anymore. They (JIVE) actually offered a different deal to stay with them, but I just felt I haven’t been happy over this last year or two. I haven’t been going in the direction that I’ve wanted to go fully. I’ve learned so much and the people there that I’ve worked with have been really great people. But I need space, and I didn’t get that. Since American Idol it was go go go, and do this and not do this. It’s like I really have time to think about what I really want to do, and that’s why it’s like I just said I think it’ll be good to just do my own thing.
It wasn’t just the label that I left, I also left the management team that I had at the time too, because I felt like I need to know what I think. So many people are telling me what to do, so many people are saying this is what you need to do, this is what’s going to make you successful, this is your music, this is your style. I didn’t know what to do, I was so confused. And now it was like I felt like I could breathe now. It felt like I was finally breathing oxygen again because I didn’t have that pressure anymore.
Q. Is going independent an option or are you looking to sign with a different company soon?
DA: I’ve actually met with other record labels and I got offered deals to get signed again. But I just felt like you know what, why? It’s like why get signed so I can have the same problems that I had before? I want to spend time writing, get those songs together, and then go out and say I’m ready. I’m ready to make an album and show it to the record labels and say this is the music I’m going to do. Are you supportive, do you believe in me? That’s what I want to do. I want to be able to do the music that I feel, the music that I want to try, to take a chance with it instead of other people saying it for me. So I’m not looking for a label right now, I was for a little bit, but then I decided it’s not what I need to do right now.
Q. Are you seeing anyone at the moment? Any crushes? Do you feel like you’re ready for a serious relationship this year?
DA:I always say it’s always about waiting for the right girl you know. I wrote a song about that too – it’s called ‘My Kind of Perfect’. I know it’s something I don’t want to focus on fully on yet. But I know that whenever this person comes I’m sure you’ll feel something y’know.
It’s good to go on dates and things but I just don’t go on serious dates yet. It’s not like I don’t like to get all romantic and things, but I like to make it a fun date and to get to know the person. The reason why you date people is to get to know who you’re gonna marry and spend the rest of your life with. So it’s like I wonder who do I want to spend the rest of my life with and what kind of girl do I want to be with. She’s going to be raising my kids and things like that. And it’s an important thing to think about and I think a lot of people forget that.
If you have kids and stuff what kind of dad do I wanna be for my kids, and what kind of mom do I want them to have. And I love little kids and I want to be the best parent I can be. I want to be the best husband I can be. So I just want to wait, it’s something that I don’t focus on or concentrate on looking for her yet. But when the time comes I know that it will be the right time.
P.S. Helpful hint to any label/management/[fill in blank here] who is fortunate enough to work with David in the future and wants to continue to do so: Don’t try to tell him who he should be or what industry “box” he needs to fit into …instead, Trust the Archuleta. … Works for us. 🙂
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
This interview is amazing! Wow. The whole thing is awesome. I love how he opens up!
Love this part: I want to spend time writing, get those songs together, and then go out and say I’m ready. I’m ready to make an album and show it to the record labels and say this is the music I’m going to do. Are you supportive, do you believe in me? That’s what I want to do. I want to be able to do the music that I feel, the music that I want to try, to take a chance with it instead of other people saying it for me.
You go, David!!
(also D talking about his future children makes me squeeee hahaha)
abanana, I literally got chills reading that part, not only does he have a Voice but he’s got A VOICE! He’s doing it HIS way and taking no prisoners. Yes, You go, David!!!
He seems to really open up with the press in Asia, I think it’s because they ask such insightful questions and he isn’t on his guard as much because he knows he has such strong support there for his music. They allow him that space that he needs to just be David.
(and he sounds so serious sometimes talking about long-term relationships and kids and all, I hope he gives himself time to just have fun and be 20, lol)
TOfan, …. Yes! Yes! Trust the Archuleta.
TOfan, an interviewer tweeted a few days ago that David was “loquacious” during an interview, I wonder if this was the one?
Haha, I tweeted the interviewer, asking who he worked for and where the interview would be published, it’s not obvious in his bio: http://twitter.com/jeremiahnatusch/status/81681781190959104
LOL, janey, I saw that tweet but I didn’t get the impression he was an interviewer, just someone who either heard one of David’s “chatty” interviews … or thought maybe he’s the intern who had to transcribe it, lol. Guess you’ll find out soon! 🙂
This interview’s so amazing, even Masterclass Lady blogged about it!
Fave bit:
“However, it was the tone of the article that captured me. It strongly highlighted David’s profound maturity and intelligence, how he has such an enormous grasp on the truly important things in life, such as integrity, spiritual belief and an highly developed moral compass.
I had the pleasure of meeting David when he was on tour with the Season 7 American Idol finalists. When my husband later asked about the “meet and greet”, I said it was an enormously enjoyable experience.
However, I also remarked that I felt that there was something else going on with David that was intangible and very special. He seemed to view the world through sensitive and meaningful eyes, very knowledgeable and perceptive.
Rest HERE.
“Are you supportive, do you believe in me”
“It felt like I was finally breathing oxygen again because I didn’t have that pressure anymore”
Oh David. I can hardly comment.
I.CAN’T.EVEN. I love the way David’s comfort zone seems to be expanding more and more the further he gets away from the era of his “American Idol/Jive/Pop Star” phase of life.
Hello David!!! HELLO! phenomenal, sassy, triumphant, smiley, meaningful, ear-worm inducing , heart melting, heartfelt, I’m gonna buck the status quo, not gonna put the buck first, stickin’ to my own values and ideals and EARS, just “gonna be me” in another unironed plaid shirt, “Are you supportive, do you believe in me?” kinda way….
The answer is……YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
Bring it!!!!!!
betsy & Joner & ref, I’m speechless too … “this is the music I’m going to do. Are you supportive, do you believe in me?” …in the actual meeting, I imagine his next line to be: “If not, I’ll find someone who does!”
🙂
“HELLO! phenomenal, sassy, triumphant, smiley, meaningful, ear-worm inducing , heart melting, heartfelt, I’m gonna buck the status quo, not gonna put the buck first, stickin’ to my own values and ideals and EARS, just “gonna be me” in another unironed plaid shirt, “Are you supportive, do you believe in me?” kinda way….”
… just thought that was worth repeating!! 😉
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What she said 🙂
BTW Joner, loved your recap a few threads ago!!!!! eeeeeeeeeee awesome ((hug))
I so love this interview! I’m so proud of David,his decision,his direction. I’m also enjoying the tremendous support he is getting from his fans. I had to laugh @ one comment “Whenever we need to know anything about David’s career or what he is thinking,we need to send him to Asia. He always spills everything to these interviewers” ha! ain’t it the truth.
Joner, You are so funny!!
Nice to see fans also showing up @ MJ’s to support David. Yea!
Heidijoy, hahaha, love that comment, it is SO true! I don’t know if it’s because David lets his guard down with interviewers from outside the mainstream U.S. media, or because he senses that they really appreciate what he’s trying to do with his music & their radio and press support it, but he def. opens up more with them. Yay!!!! 😆 This interview answered so many questions I had about what he might have up his (plaid) sleeve … he told us parts of the story in his vlogs and now we can sort of put all the pieces together.
(and I’ve never commented at MJ’s in my life until today…scary place! lol… but couldn’t help myself 🙂 )
Yes, a little scary but good way to support David. You rock Tofan. Thanks for keeping the site going. Soon we will have concert reports and videos!! Yea.
What an amazing interview with David, like the rest of you I am so proud of David and just love his candidness, openness and conviction about his direction and what HE wants to do. Good for you David! It takes courage, wisdom and fortitude for him to follow his own heart and guidance and he does this at twenty. Some great questions too, respectful and intelligent.
No matter what anyone out there says, I think this is exactly what will lead David to the right opportunities and experiences that are right for him. Some people don’t know David the way his true fans do and haven’t experienced his true brilliance. They have no idea what may be in store and just what David is capable of…but we do! I am very excited about David’s future and like MC Lady said about the sublimely gifted David…..where did this young man come from! Sometimes I still wonder!
Was reading some of the comments at MJs, lots of them! Mostly positive ones and good for you TOfan. Some of the people commenting just don’t know anything about David really and haven’t paid attention, they just make assumptions. Don’t know why but whenever I try to comment on that site it gives me trouble, Maybe it doesn’t like my comments, lol.
Hi everyone!
This is a fly-by (again). So David finally found the time to make a special vid for Pinoy Archies. Here is the YT version
Dear SnowAngelz ADMIN,
My 2011 Archie Channel (JRforDA11) got suspended over the One Voice songs 😦 so I upped a new one JRforDA2011 and so far I was able to up all the 2011 Asian Tour vids. Am sharing this because in case you cited my videos under the JRforDA11 channel, I don’t want them to end up as dead links in your site. So if you want to update them, you can find them here – [http://www.youtube.com/user/JRforDA2011?feature=mhee]
Sorry for the inconvenience.
ps: Will continue re-posting other 2011 vids. Good they are just under 50 🙂
ps2: All the fansites are spazzing over the YES interview. Also wrote a piece about it over at TDC, but my slant is tying it w/ Natsha B 🙂
Great interview. Doing music “his way.” : D
Read MC article. She is such a fan.
Read comments at. MJ. Lot’s of fans commenting and a couple of haters. Guess multiple perspectives are healthy……like maybe cod liver oil…might be good for ya but u can get the same stuff in more palatable formats.
Love ya’all.
Kizzi, “cod liver oil” bahahahahaa
Here’s a mini-Twitter convo from Keith Thomas, the guy David tweeted about having a “dangerously good meal” with 😆
@thomboykt: Lunch with David Archuletta. He should win an award for being so nice 🙂
@JHartMusic: He’s awesome!! R u writing w him!?
@thomboykt: having a meeting to discuss writing/production. Have you written with him?
@JHartMusic: No not yet, I want to though! PS I’ll be back in Nashville for a writing trip late aug/early sep we HAVE to schedule something.
(Keith Thomas’s bio: Artist Development/Management/Producer/Songwriter
J. Hart’s bio: British born Songwriter in the genres of Pop/Dance/Country/Power-Ballad/Rock/Gospel/R&B.)
🙂
Twitpic from 15-year-old “urban pop singer, actress” @CelicaWestbrook, “I met David Archuleta today:0)” (Keith Thomas is listed as her press contact 🙂 ):
She’s really good! Check out her music HERE.
Interesting Billboard video interviewing artists at Bonnaroo about “longevity” in the music business … David’s at 1:16 and 4:42:
THE best interview to date! Complete certainty and conviction – the man is charting his own course and leaving the non-believers in his wake.
Pretty dang excited about the something-new-this-year part, AND the Spanish song(s) part AND the possible new Christmas songs part.
Love MCL! She has been a smitten kitten since the very beginning too.
Looking tanned and happy (and he had just had a dangerously good meal.) Life Is Good Mr Archuleta. 🙂
Here’s another dangerously good interview with the Malay press!
Fave bits:
For those who aren’t too aware, Archuleta is without a record label, nor a management. His break from Jive Records and his management team WEG Music marked his defiance of being told what direction he should take as a singer. It’s a stepping-stone for him to finally do what he wants.
And what he wants, in his words, is to figure out what sound he needs to “really get to my fans.”
“It’s those kinds of things. What do I really want to say in my songs, and let them know what’s really going on in my heart and in my head, and connect to people, reach out to as many people as I can that way.”
Archuleta is on the road to discover his true sound, and to take his own direction unimpeded by anyone else dictating how he should sound like. Frankly, he’s come into his own, and maturing, more than just as a singer, but as a person. To that end on the journey of discovery, he’s been writing his own material.
Will he be writing his own songs for a future album?
“That’s what I’ve been doing actually. It’s hard for me to finish a song on my own, but I have a lot of ideas, and that’s what I’m really excited about. Because it’s like ‘wow, this is coming from me?’ This is not from the pressure of anyone saying ‘we need to have this kind of music’ and ‘you have to sound this way’.”
One may wonder just how authoritarian the record label was at trying to funnel the singer down a path he’d rather not take in his music.
For him, this liberation may be just what he sorely needs.
“I’m just doing it from my heart without any pressure, without hoping ‘oh, I hope I meet this person’s expectations’. I’m just trying to meet my expectations.”
Read whole interview HERE.
Interview with FLY.FM (recorded by the amazing OneDavid.net!) … “Nashville… Texas, right?” 😆
TOfan, an interview stating that David talks to much, cropped up…http://archuletafanscene.com/2011/06/22/david-archuleta-interview-archangels-rejoice/ . I wonder if that’s the interview the tweeter was referring to?
LOL, Janey, it probably is! It’s the same one I posted an excerpt from above… popped up in my Google alerts! 🙂
Just checked, yep! It was Jeremy Tan, lololol
In the FLY.FM interview, can anyone figure out what David says about August at 3:39? (“August is a fast month”????)
Yes, it’s the start of Ramadan, I’m not well informed, but I think a google search could tell you what you need to know.
Love this interview!!! They get better and better!!!
“And what he wants, in his words, is to figure out what sound he needs to “really get to my fans.”
“It’s those kinds of things. What do I really want to say in my songs, and let them know what’s really going on in my heart and in my head, and connect to people, reach out to as many people as I can that way.”
I am so excited for the what is to come!!
TOfan I think your are right >>> he says fast month , I am thinking as in religious fast???? Not for him but for some Asian fans??? idk
David’s uploading a VLOG right now! yippeee!
Jonerz Joni
AND HERE IT IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He went to a zamboni factory??? Soooo random! But my inner Canadian was spazzing a little.
lol abanana….. mine too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Me three! It is my DREAM to ride a Zamboni, LOL
More info:
Wanted to let you know I’m excited about some of the stuff going on! Can’t wait to let you guys know once it’s all figured out. Also something that’s been on my mind is friends and just the good people they are haha.
Tags:
Asia stadium of fire 4th july friends David Archuleta recording nashville songwriting there is no finish line jumbled
Ummm how did zamboni not make the list of tags??? Hahaha
hahahaha, didn’t notice that, lol … especially since he did include “there is no finish line” and “jumbled” 😆
So check this out, Entertainment Weekly gave TOSOD a B rating (http://bit.ly/8ZsHEm) when it came out and a much more positive review than Cook’s new album, which got a B- http://t.co/alikPaW … never saw that coming! 😆
New post/thread!
🙂