First, let me just take a moment…
WHAT A DAY TO BE ALIVE!!!!!!!!!
Starting with this:
I mean, seriously, I have no words for how this blew me away. Not in English or any other language.
Then there was this cuteness:
And now this amazing interview!
(and not just amazing because we don’t really get them anymore, lol).
I’m including only my favourite parts. Basically the whole thing. 🙂
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Last year David Archuleta sold out two back-to-back nights at Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins City. This year he’s set to perform for three straight nights.
The “American Idol” runner-up, who was raised in northern Utah, will play Tuacahn from Nov. 3-5 and this time around he’s prepared for possibly cold weather. Last year caught him by surprise.
“It was a lot colder than everyone was expecting,” the singer tells The Spectrum & Daily News during a lengthy telephone interview. “It just made it all the more memorable.”
Archuleta says he was most impressed by his fans who still showed up despite the cold weather and then toughed it out with coats and blankets1….
Though he is known for his clear, pure vocal quality, Archuleta’s live performance encompasses more than beautiful singing. His Tuacahn shows last year revealed Archuleta as a storyteller. Not only did he give background for the songs he wrote, he also told stories attached to prominent covers like Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful.”
“I’ve always wanted to tell stories,” he says. “I wanted to tell my stories. I wanted to tell things I’ve learned from other people. … It’s almost therapeutic for me.”2.…
Archuleta says he developed the storytelling after returning in 2014 from a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile. He says it took him a while to be comfortable performing again after the mission.
Simply performing music wasn’t fulfilling for him anymore.3 He felt like he needed to do more than just go out on stage and sing. That’s when he decided to start talking to the audience about what the songs mean to him.
Focusing on religion and service for two years as a missionary in a foreign country had other effects on how he performs. Before he left for Chile in 2012, Archuleta says he was constantly trying to be cool4 and do whatever he could to be accepted as a performer.
“I feel like in the entertainment industry it’s this never-ending high school phase,” he says. “You’re always trying to look cool and be popular. That really affected me. I was still myself but I think I was trying to be something else.”….
Life in Chile was fundamentally different. He spent his time serving others. He became less self-conscious. He didn’t have to worry about little things, like whether the way he was walking was cool or not.5
By the end of his mission he had discovered another side of himself. Yet he also admits he lost some characteristics necessary to get out on stage and perform.6 For the past two years he has strived to combine the traits needed to not only be true to himself but also to deliver an entertaining show.
“I feel really good about who I am now,” says Archuleta, now 25. “I feel really comfortable in my own skin.”7
His connection to the people of Latin America has also affected his performance. Archuleta himself is part-Latino; his mother is from Honduras.
During his Tuacahn set last year he performed the Spanish-language “Nunca Pense” and delivered what was arguably one of the more passionate moments of the concert. Archuleta says that when he sings in Spanish it’s like another part of him is revealed.
“I can’t fully connect and fully express myself without singing in Spanish,” he says. “It’s like I get to show another part of David.”8
Singing in Spanish not only helps him connect with his own heritage but also the people of Chile that are still in his heart two years after his mission there. He now lives in Nashville but he goes salsa dancing every Tuesday9 because of his love for Latino music and culture.
Archuleta is currently working on a full-length album he hopes to release early next year.10 Following this English-language release he wants to do an entire album of Spanish-language songs.11
The 2017 album will include his new single, “Numb,” which he actually performed at Tuacahn last year. He has already shot the video for the single.12
Although the new album is a long time coming, Archuleta admits it takes him a long time to do a lot of things — even ordering food at a restaurant. In fact, he compares himself to Professor Calamitous, the evil scientist from the “Jimmy Neutron” franchise whose plans are always foiled because he’s never able to finish any of his projects.13
The difference is that Archuleta does eventually finish his projects. Part of the delay for the album is because each song in an original.14 Each track started with an idea from his head.15 Some he wrote on his own while he worked with co-writers on others.
“I just want them to be me,” he says. “I want them to say the things I want to say.”
So far he has 16 songs. Although he’s not sure they will all make it onto the album, he does want to make them available in some way.16
However they are released, it’s a good bet they will be hungrily received by his devoted fans — many of whom are young women and girls. They are easily the most vocal fans during his concerts, often screaming out “I love you!” in the midst of his performances.
Archuleta says he is appreciative of the support his fans give him but he’s not always sure how to respond to declarations of love. He doesn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings but he doesn’t feel like it would be honest to respond back with an empty “I love you too” to a stranger in the crowd.
“I like to be honest,” he says. “I feel like if I’m real with people I’ll get that in return. I’ve just learned to say, ‘Thank you.’”17
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Footnotes:
- Drats, he edited out the end of that quote, which surely said, “especially those crazy Canucks, who found it quite balmy.”
- I knew it! I think I said those exact words to someone, “I bet it feels therapeutic.” Or did I just dream that?
- This would make me so sad if I hadn’t just seen Adele in concert and she basically said the same thing. She was about as chatty as David (bless both their rambling hearts) and said she was talking in between songs to feel like she was really connecting with us. *sniff*
- Constantly trying to be cool? Did I miss something? Does he have arm sleeve tattoos we don’t know about? Navel piercings??
- Who on earth told him he had to change his walk?? I want names. I will hunt them down. Down. Down.
- He lost “characteristics”?? Did he need to relearn his hunkerdown? What?
- Flat out bawling like a small infant right now. “YOU GO, DAVID!!!!”
- This third-person business will never not intrigue TOfan.
- Salsa dancing. Every Tuesday. Just going to leave that there.
- Early. Next. Year. Tears again. For an entirely different reason. The torture is real.
- Entire Spanish album??? Si. Bueno. Feliz Navidad. Muchas gracias. That’s it for my Spanish but I will have that baby on repeat faster than you can say David Enchilada.
- Singles come out in advance of the album, right? So maybe Numb’s our Christmas present? Our Hanukkah gift? Groundhog Day surprise? Basically, I’ll believe it when I see it, lol.
11.Professor Calamitous:
I can’t.
Why do I think that’s exactly how he pictures himself though. Oh, David.
12. “make them available IN SOME WAY” … PRAISE BE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And if “some way” means singing them a cappella in someone’s living room:
13. No, thank YOU, David. Thank YOU!!!
14. Love this.
15. Love this even more. I picture that mind of his looking something like this:
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So what do you guys think????
p.s.
boi is on a ROLL!
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
Such a great interview! We don’t get to hear much “David in his own words” these days. I’m not saying he should go back to blogging, vlogging, slogging, whatevering. It’s just such a treat to get this glimpse into the man behind the curtain. My cardiologist could have used this interview to stop my heart and avoided all the nasty shock things. Pretty sure it skipped beats about every paragraph or so.
Salsa dancing! I am trying to picture him getting through a whole dance. We’ve only ever gotten snippets on stage. *mind blown*
On walking, I remember a vlog where he said his mother told him he walks funny, “like a duck.” I hope he’s now able to say, “Pfft, like that matters.”
And goes about releasing 16 (sixteen! SIX-TEEN six…) new songs “early next year.” I can wait that long; I’ve waited this long.
And…. we will continue to wait …. some more …. I’m growing older …. I.Can.Do.This!!
I decided to look at the bright side. David will be performing some of his new songs at his next concerts in a little over a week. I’m sure some kind fans will put them on you-tube. Then he is doing quite a few Christmas concerts. Then it will be 2017 and we will finally get his new music – eventually 16 songs!!!
You are so right!! 2017 will be here in no time … we can hang in and hold on!! Thanks for the bright side! 🙂
¡Ay, caramba, David! And WOW! is my response to this interview. The real David, comfortable in his own skin. (We should all be so lucky.) Amen and amen to your footnotes, TOfan. And sixteen songs? As in 16? That means a full album, right? Early 2017, but that’s OK. It’ll be like two Christmases. So much to say about all of this, but right now I have to take care of my hyperventilation problem.
So…Stopped to scan this while I’m supposed to be out the door soon and this jewel of a surprise interview (and SA post) is one I need to savor better later…SO MUCH to squee here, however, if I say/saw nothing else…’Blah, blah, blah “FULL LENGTH ALBUM!!” blah blah….is enough to make me REJOICE today.
But…of course….WHEN? have I EVER “said nothing else” when it came to David?…so. “comfortable in my own skin” “all the songs came from his own head”…etc etc etc… also good! Can’t wait to really read this later again. But my takeaway…Yay…this is all news I needed to hear (was out of the loop busy with other things lately, but always check in here and there), as I recently wondered if we were only getting an EP. Long as “the Wait” has seemed…I always remind myself, “old school” artists used to take years between albums…AND tell full stories with their albums (which I so miss in our ‘singles’ oriented digital music culture, and also loved about TOSOD which had a full, satisfying arc/theme, to me)…so this approach sounds right on for this next phase for David, who seems to be a true artist just beginning to come into his own.
Happy Dance. :). Party on, peeps.
ps. I can’t even with the pink, puffy lips. lol.
I would like to be a fly on the wall of the Tuesday night Salsa class. “Pick a partner and lets get started!…..”
He is very confident and serene. I really like this interview. I like the sincerity, just like in his music.
Love the foot notes! Salsa Dancing! I’ll keep my nosy comments to myself.
I’m thinking he really needs to show us some of those salsa moves at his concerts. Do you all agree? LOL.
I think David should not only show some of his salsa moves but invite a fan on to the stage to dance with him, now that would be classic. Probably wouldn ‘t happen but he could do a little extra dancing. 🙂
Really a great interview with David and a full album coming out….early next year….I’ll take it! A Spanish album later on would be extra icing on the cake for sure. How sweet to have that little video with singing, his Spanish in song is always welcome, love it. Really looking forward to the new music! Great way to start the new year.
TOfan, your footnotes are the best!
That’s a great idea, having a audience member dance with him ♥
A Spanish language album would be great, possibly a whole new market for him
That is a brilliant idea! How fun would that be??!!
D’s unwavering generosity gives me the feels:
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awwwwwwwwww
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sometimes I think he is just too good for this world, you know?
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and of course I had to google it 🙂
NUUUUUUUUUMMMMMBBB!!!!!!!!!!!
ASLKFDJALKDFJLAKSDJFLKAJFDLKAJSLFDKJALKDFJALKJFDLASJDFLAJFLKAJSDLFKJSADLFKJALSFKJASLDJFALSJFDLAFJKALKJ HE SOUNDS AMAAAAAAAAZZZZZIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGG!!!!!!!!!
And tweet of the day goes to:
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BAHAHAHAHAHA
FROM THE LOVELY AND AMAZING @RHIMINEE!!!!
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Yes, NUMB! So happy it is being released…..What?? Already?? Haha, love that. He sounds so good just from that lovely little snippet, cannot wait to buy the song. I actually don’t see any pre-order on Amazon, says not available (until Nov 4), unless I am missing something….which could very well be the case of course. Do like his own label “Archie Music”. Things are looking good!
So sweet of D to promote Tori and I agree, sounds like a great song, a talented girl. Gotta love the picture of young Tori and David from Star Search, how cute.
Well, Nov 4th is not far off!!
Hoping we see those David has supported do the same for him.
Think the song is only available to pre-order in the U.S. right now, will wait for it though. Do love the picture (and banner too). 🙂
Excitement!! I get a gift on my son’s birthday (Nov. 4). I’ll take it without hesitation!! I love the photo. David looks …. well, yeah … no words. How interesting that there is a period after his name. Back story?
I am speechless with excitement…..
and love for your post TOfan!
All kinds of wonderful happening here!!
Eeeeeeeeeeeee
is that you, refnaf? lol
Yes!!! Lol….. I’m sure peeps have forgotten me due to my infrequent comments…. Ahaha
Hi all! I’m very sad to say, but I cannot go to David’s concert on Nov 4th! Dang-it! This decision was a tough one but I know I made the best choice making this decision!
I have 2 awesome tickets available that I would like to give away! Can you help me find someone to mail them to? Thank you for your help. Sincerely, angelofdja (Kathy)
Knowing David has new music he will be performing at Tuacahn pains me all the more to miss this concert! GAH! I will feel a bit better knowing someone may be able to enjoy these seats! Section: center
Aisle: 2
Row: Z
Seats: 101 & 102
Good luck, Kathy! I will tweet this out if that helps.
I just saw on Twitter that an email went out to fans subscribed to David’s OS that the single “Numb” is coming out next Friday along with a music video and a lyric video! Looks like he’s doing it up right now that the song is finally being released!!
Forgot to say in my last comment that I love your new header for the website! Since David is an indie artist he will need to promote the single along with us, his fans via social media and word of mouth. There is no big label for promo.
good point, grammyj… I don’t share much David stuff on FB (too many work peeps on there, and in-laws who already tease me mercilessly for my fandom (and they don’t even know the half of it, hahaha)) but I did share his single news, and can’t wait to share Numb when it comes out ‘cuz I really do love the song
The fact that he’s planning a lyric video too tells me he’s (FINALLY) getting (or maybe finally taking, lol) shrewd professional advice… I don’t think he’s ever released an official one before and they often come out before the actual video to build excitement and encourage youTube peeps who post covers to cover your song, which is great promotion
Happy Halloween🎃
I am not as generous as angelofdja. I need to sell tickets to David’s concerts at Tuacahn Amphitheater in St. George, Utah. I have singles for each night.
Nov 3, Row F, Left side, Seat 14. $40.
Nov 4, Row H, Center❗️, Seat 107. $45
Nov 5, Row J, Left side, Seat 22. $40.
Thanks- Please respond here.
Marcia🌷
Thanks alot TOfan! That’s a great idea! I know it’s getting closer and I’m just hoping someone can use these beauties!
Marcia, LOL! Interesting though…we are both from Michigan !
I wonder if Numb will be available on iTunes as well as Amazon? Yes, we do need to help pass the information along to the outside world!
In not wanting to wish my life away (because I’m not a spring chick anymore), I’ll take this day and finish it out … but…. is it Nov. 4th yet?!!
Good luck angelofdja and Marcia on passing along your tickets. I wish I could go, especially since I’m a 4 hour drive away, but it’s really bad timing for me this time. I’m fortunate not to have already purchased tickets that I’d be trying to pass on. It was hard not to when they first became available but I kept getting the impression not to get any, now I know why…. life has handed me an unexpected event. All will be fine for the Christmas tour tickets!!
The email sent out from David’s team indicated the song would be available on iTunes too.
Great!! Thanks Grammyj!!