A cappella, baby

Posted on 06/11/2010 by TOfan

There’s something so powerful about a lone voice singing a cappella … especially when that voice is David Archuleta’s. It’s a test of talent — and sheer chutzpah — in so many ways. There are no strings or drums or horns to hide behind, no piano chords to guide your key changes, no bass line or percussion to keep you on beat. Like jumping out of a cake naked … only more socially acceptable.

I’m thinking American Idol should not only have singers audition a cappella, they should do the finale performance a cappella too. THAT would show who can really sing. (Which is probably why they’ll never do it.)

Not only have David’s recent a cappella songs been remarkable for their raw power and beauty, but what also struck me about them is how they bubbled forth from David’s deep desire, his burning passion, TO SING for us. “I feel like singing a cappella for you guys,” he told the crowd at the Mall of America. Who does that??? David, that’s who.

In New York, he leapt up on a table with a megaphone, for Pete’s sake! A MEGAPHONE!!!

In Chords of Strength, David explains that he thinks of his voice as a gift, rather than a talent. That it’s a gift for him to share … to gift to others. And the fact that he lives to do just that — to share that gift with us — has never been clearer than over these past two weeks.

I was trying to decide which performance has been my favourite, but I’m stumped. Lean on Me is a runaway train of soulful “gah-roovitude” (to quote the ever-quotable Ms. Beebee).

Then there’s I’ll Be, which is SO intense, it makes me feel like I’ve been tasered … in a good way.

And God Bless the Broken Road … no words for that one. Okay, a couple of words. It’s so delicately beautiful, each time I hear it, I have to stand still. I feel every note like drops of rain on my face. Blessed.

And each time I shake my head in disbelief that David sang it a cappella. His voice is so full and his phrasing and dynamics and emotion and pure heart and soul so mesmerizing that you’d swear he had a full orchestra behind him. Remarkable.

And the literal translation for a cappella? It’s Italian for “in the style of the chapel.” No surprise there. No surprise at all.

Posted in Fan experience, Special event | Tagged | 39 Comments

To the left, to the left

Posted on 06/07/2010 by Sunshine

Lefties FTW!!! (Credit: ArchuletaPhillipines.com)

If you’re a David Archuleta fan raise your hand. I raised my left hand, how about you?

As soon as I found out David was left-handed – as am I – so many things clicked into place for me.

This David tweet for example: “I’ve noticed a pattern in my life of liking to look up statistics of random things. Populations, sales, names, etc. Not exactly sure why.”

I’ll tell you why, David. It’s probably because you’re left-handed. I’ve always been a Billboard chart and stats junkie too and research shows that we southpaws have a heightened degree of spatial awareness and sense of dimension, and we use visual cues – like charts and stats – to process information.

Bookends, N.J. Credit: Snarky Archies

What makes a person left-handed? It’s because the brain is “cross-wired” so that the left hemisphere controls the right-handed side of the body and vice-versa and hand dominance is connected with brain dominance on the opposite side. The left brain focuses on syntax and order (right-handed people), while the right brain monitors context and emotions (lefties).

This brain dominance makes left-handers more likely than right-handers to be creative and visual thinkers. This is supported by the higher-than-average percentages of left-handers found in certain jobs and professions — music and the arts and media, for example.

About 10% of men and 8% of women are left-handed, and archaeological evidence indicates that these percentages have been stable for thousands of years. So you could say David is one in 10 (or one in a million, depending on how you look at it 🙂 ).

With the book signings going on this past week, and videos of David autographing away with his left-hand, I dug up a few more fascinating facts about lefties:

Credit: RisingStarOutreach.com

• Leadership. About 66% of American presidents in the last 30 years were left-handed men. Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and Gerald Ford were all left-handed presidents. Barack Obama and John McCain are both left-handed.

• Independence. Some experts believe left-handed people are more independent because they’ve had to get along in a world that’s not made for them — that lefties are slightly more resistant to social pressures.

• Adaptability. Canadian research shows that left-handed people are more adaptable than right-handed people. That is, a leftie can use his or her right hand to do tasks much easier than a rightie can use his or her left hand.

• Visual memory. Left-handed persons use visual stimulus to process information. Research reveals that people who are left-handed do not use the sequential processing style like their right-handed colleagues, to disseminate information. Instead they are good at applying themselves to multiple tasks with the help of the synthesis method of breaking down information and finding a solution.

• Musical aptitude. 50% of The Beatles are left handed (Paul and Ringo). (This has nothing to do with music but 1 in 4 Apollo astronauts were left-handed, which is 250% more than the normal level.) Other leftie musicians include:

um, this is real, by the way. Right, beebee? 🙂

Bach
Mozart
Robert Plant
Rachmaninoff
Paul Simon
Seal
Sting
Beethoven
Celine Dion
Bob Dylan
David Bowie
Phil Collins
David Foster
Stewart Copeland and Sting (both of The Police)
Bob Geldof
Glenn Frey
Glenn Gould
Jimi Hendrix
Annie Lennox
Wynton Marsalis
David Cook ☺

So, any other lefties out there?

— Sunshine

"Dear SnowAngelz..." 🙂 (Credit: Fox13Now.com)

More Fox 13 photos HERE.

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You’re a rambler and a gambler and a sweet talkin’ ladies man

Posted on 06/02/2010 by TOfan

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Put down that coffee, turn off your phone,do NOT under any circumstances answer the door. You MUST watch this interview. THIS THIS THIS is how David Archuleta should always be interviewed. With the time, space and thoughtful, relevant questions that give him a chance to teach us all the meaning of life.

I don’t know if it was brilliance or simple ArchuStupor at work, but they let him ramble about happiness, success, music, what his new songs will be about, his relationship with his fans and the possibility of an audio book???????

I wish I could jump through that video screen and hug each one of those @somethingpitchy interviewers. I want to buy stock in AOL. I want to own a groovy white swivel chair and twirl to Zero Gravity.

But most of all I just want to watch this over and over again. I laughed, I cried, I HOWLED for Ms. Beebee when they talked about Hush Cats. I stopped caring about the so-called “haters” long ago, but I truly challenge anyone to watch this interview and not fall truly, madly deeply in love with one Mr. David Archuleta.

And if that weren’t enough wonderfulness, here’s a smidge more. (Thanks Monica/starrynites!)

And then there was THIS!!! (thanks, rianovenario!)

Aaaaaand the epic vids just keep on coming … check out this Fox & Friends Soundcheck Chitchatting with Fans vid from songbook5. (Warning: the soulful “Ohhhhh” may cause knee buckling and the “Wha????” at 6:25ish may cause coffee spitting.)

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David Archuleta: The write stuff

Posted on 06/01/2010 by TOfan

Congratulations, David!


Chords of Strength won’t be available in Canada until June 8th, but today is the big release day across the U.S.

Watch this space for book signing updates through the day! And a big hug out to everyone going to a signing … including David! 🙂

Announcing: Chords of Strength Book Club!

And for those of you who’ve been fortunate enough to have read the book already, check out our COS Book Club (see Tab up top). It’s tucked away on a separate page so as not to spoil anything for peeps who have yet to stay up till all hours soaking in every page. If you have read the book, however, please share your impressions, thoughts, random thoughts over at the Book Club page.

Hot off the press! (Twitpic from @nickuhlakin)

Here’s the back cover blurb for inspiration:

“After a whole lot of soul-searching, I realized that all through my life it was the act of facing and overcoming my insecurities that has always brought out the best in me. Looking back now I see that I was somehow able to tap into the best parts of myself in those moments when I needed to get through a difficult situation– on or off the  stage. It kind of hit me that the most meaningful thing I could do with this book (and my story in general) is to try to inspire people to do the same… There are no hot lights shining in my eyes, no microphones being held up to my face, and no screaming media people barraging me with questions. It’s just you and me.“


(Good Day NY vid, thanks to AMCTube2010 & @CanadianArchie!)

Twitpic from @Muldur, with this tweet: "Ok. Guy who is working here just said we have had presidents here and academy award winners and a 19 year old is gonna break a record."

Photo: P. Joseph Photograph, LLC.

Credit: Paul Zimmerman's Facebook, see link below.

Paul Zimmerman Photography Facebook Gallery HERE.

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David Archuleta in 3-D

Posted on 05/28/2010 by TOfan

This may sound crazy, but lately every time I hear about a new 3-D movie coming out, David Archuleta pops into my head. (And not only because I think a 3D Imax concert film is def. in his future!)

I’ve been thinking about this for a while and when I saw this enhanced vid from the lovely jackryan4DA this morning, it all came together for me. Not that David’s ever been two-dimensional, but there seems to be a brand new dimension emerging in our guy these days. He’s older, wiser, bolder, brasher … heck, even taller (he looked like a giant standing next to Kris Allen at the A.I. Finale).

I don’t know if it’s the book-writing process or delving deep for songwriting or just the maturity that comes with new responsibility and new horizons, but he’s taking quantum leaps and 3-D glasses may be needed soon to keep up!

Here are just a few things that struck me recently:

If I Could Only Be

Since when did Mr. “I don’t know if I’m allowed to say” bust out with a brand-new never-before-heard-or-recorded song? The fact that he introduced it with “I hope it’ll get to be on the album” tells me that maybe the label doesn’t love it right now as much as he does and this was his sly way to build some buzz for his baby. (He probably wishes he’d done the same for Zero Gravity on the last album.) … and those dance moves??? Who IS this person?

Interview Skillz

The days of Spacey David during interviews are long gone. Not only is he taking control of each interview (with his trademark charm and “dry wit” of course) but plugging his book, book tour, single and new CD like a seasoned vet. When one DJ asked him to come back when the book was released, David jumped in and asked him to make sure to play the new single when it comes out in July. I almost fell out of my chair. And the interview with Showbiz Shelly??? I can’t stop replaying … I think they should have a talk show … with no other guests.

Picking an Idol winner

At the end of Season 8, David was Switzerland … completely neutral when asked who he thought would win Idol. This year, he managed to let it be known that his choice was Lee while also gracefully acknowledging Crystal’s talent … if this singing thing doesn’t pan out he could work for the U.N.

I thought Kizzi described 3-D David beautifully on the last thread:

As beebee says, a plaid tie should be worn for Pad Thai. 🙂 (Photo: JustJaredJr.)

He’s grown up my fellow David fan friends. 2 years later, that man-boy from AI7 has fully crossed over to the world of G.R.O.W.N. U.P.

Oh, yes, to-be-sure, a spiffy, brand new grown up…no mistake about it. None-the-less, a R.E.A.L., bona fide, grown up.

We’ve mused in the past about his old soul and wisdom beyond his years.

AND, today, after this week’s news, videos, and interviews, this is a MAN who has embraced completely not only who he IS but also with a full awareness of the fact that he IS the MASTER of his own destiny.

It’s time now to fasten our seat belts, hold on to our hats, and take a deep breath as this David fan journey has only just begun its entry into light speed.

Today I am compelled to look at Rudyard Kipling’s epic poem, “If,” as the best descriptor of this moment in this journey:

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”;

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings – nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run –
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And – which is more – you’ll be a Man my son!

….you have done all that and more David…

P.S. And the first verse of “If I Could Only Be” sounds like this to me:

All that I have tried to be
Someone with a cell phone day
Agony and ecstasy,
I could be that guy some day

In other words, I’m stumped.

Update, new Elevate vids & mp3s!

Gotta Be cover (ending rocks!)

Download mp3 HERE.

If I Could Only Be

Download mp3 HERE.

Hey, Soul Sister cover

Download mp3 HERE.

Credits:JennaFab33 and Star100.7 with big thanks to Snarkies/Pounce84/AnnieDAFG!

Posted in Fan experience | Tagged | 67 Comments

New book, new vids, new hair … oh my

Posted on 05/25/2010 by TOfan

Can I just say how much I love the desert boots ... perfect post-drought footwear. (Credit: APImages.)

via Richard Rushfield TwitPic

A David sandwich ... with cheese, of course.

.
Gee, it’s like being doused with a bucket of water when you’ve crawled your way out of the desert. This week brings Chords of Strength to many fans’ doors, and we have these new videos from David’s performance at an American Idol VIP party last night and … a brand new hair creation that looks like a cross between a mullet and a faux hawk … a faux mullet?

Richard Rushfield tweeted:

@davidarchie playing a new song. It’s fantastic. Seriously Love him! Don’t be mad, but i didnt get the songs name. Just know he said it was new and it was really great.

And @tonyvks1075 uploaded these dark but much welcome vids:
More info: We were treated to a live performance from David Archuleta. at an American Idol VIP party. David opens with a couple of cover songs. Can you guess what it is???

“Hey, Soul Sister” (cover of a Train song)

“You Gotta Be” By DES’REE

“Crush” (at the end, David says he’ll be doing one more song … “one of the songs I’ve been working on” from the new album! So either it was so amazing the videographer passed out, or they enforced a strict “no leak” policy … or both.)

New music SPOILER ALERT!
“If I Could Only Be” (from archuletaphillipines/ orig. posted HERE at Q104 Radio)

Find this in the dictionary under "Happy Camper."

Find this under "Good Hair Day."

Guess he liked this look after all.

"Davy" and Showbiz Shelly.

"Did you just ask me out?"

(Finale pics from HERE. David and Shelly pics from HERE (via Snarkies/Archuleta Ave.)
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Book tour survival guide

Posted on 05/20/2010 by TOfan

Brace yourselves, people. The Chords of Strength book tour is a mere 12 days away, and I know many of you will be experiencing your first close encounter with Mr. David Archuleta when you hand him your cherished copy of his book to sign.

If you’re wise, you’ll bring a friend, relative or pay a stranger to go with you because you likely won’t remember anything past, “Hey!”

I do remember vividly the first time I met David … most of it, anyway. What I do recall is how compelled I felt to do so. Partly because I had this overwhelming need to say a simple thank you in person, but mostly because … to be honest, I still haven’t answered that question.

And when did the moment finally arrive? Far away from home in the pre-show wait-by-the-buses line in Manchester, N.H. I’ll never forget it. Hearing that now familiar explosion of screams, I looked to my left, and there he was. Taller than I expected, younger than I expected, solid as a tree trunk. Head down as he furiously autographed pictures, T-shirts, iPods, all the while looping gift bags on his wrist and responding to fans with a nod, an “aw, thanks,” a “heheh” … and that smile.

But what’s seared on my brain isn’t his glow or what he was wearing or saying but what I felt — relief.

As soon as I saw him standing there — in the flesh, in the sun … breathing in, breathing out — a weight lifted off my shoulders. I know this sounds odd, even to me. Why relief of all things?

I’m not sure, but after going over and over that moment, I know that’s the right word. Relief.

I remember thinking: He is real. He does exist. I didn’t dream him … He is real and he’s standing right there busy at his job. Not larger than life but beautifully ordinary. Just like me. Just like us. With a job to do. A path to follow.

I had been nervous about meeting him, but as he drew closer I felt calm wash over me. I’ve felt that each time I’ve met him. I’m nervous beforehand but when I actually meet him I feel completely relaxed, he disarms me and puts me at ease. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still an out-of-body experience and afterward I feel like I’m about to pass out, but calmly, in slow motion.

It’s a different experience for everyone, of course. But with the book tour approaching, I thought this might be a good time to offer some tips for first-timers:

1. Practice what you plan to say beforehand. Out loud. (Not advisable at the supermarket … or the office, however.)

2. Keep it short. They run those autograph lines like a Marine Corps drill. In fact, I think they use actual Marines.

3. Play by the rules. This is not the time to sneak in your 10 copies of CFTH for signing … or your “Please Tour Canada” petition (of course, that second one’s entirely up to you 🙂 )

4. Hold back your tears. Unless you want to relive your Book Signing Meltdown for the rest of your days, get a grip! If you feel you’re about to lose it, dig your nails in your palm. (I only know this from others, of course.)

5. And THE most important tip of all: Snag one of those Super-Sonic K-Tel Time Machines on e-Bay and m.a.k.e…e.v.e.r.y…m.o.m.e.n.t…l.a.a.a.a.a.s.t.

Does anyone else have any advice for the first-timers out there?

P.S. The lovely and amazing Abrra created this beautiful video tribute to David and his fans … and she was sweet enough to include SnowAngelz! (we turn up about 3:56, you’ll see David chuckle because djxox and River started to sing O Canada to us and then DAVID started to sing it! Good times.)


Posted in Special event | Tagged | 64 Comments

Let’s play tag … David’s “it”

Posted on 05/17/2010 by abanana77

Photos/collage: Miss Bianca

In this Archu-drought, I know a lot of people have been rewatching David’s old vlogs (I know I have). It’s great because you can watch his smiley face talk about how excited he is for stuff that is “coming up,” and we know how it all ultimately turns out. It helps remind me of all the amazingness that David and the fans have been through in the last couple of years.

I love every part of the vlogs: The “Hey guys, it’s David here,” his giggles and random smiles, his “more info” section and his “I’ll talk to you guys later!” But one of my favourite parts of the vlog (which, in my opinion, is super-underrated) is the tags. I find they give a teeny tiny bit of insight into David’s quirky self. So let’s take a quick look at some of my favourite YouTube tags:

“Blog in Canada“:

More info: So I’m not sure why these take so long to get up and going after uploading them. If you have suggestions on what I should do so they are uploaded sooner I’d love to know haha – I did this early in the morning haha, so I’m a little tired but I guess I wouldn’t make too much more sense if I was awake either. I’ll try to make another one as soon as possible!

Tags: David Archuleta Canada video blog Toronto

I love this vlog, and I’m sure it’s also very close to a lot of your hearts. But I got a little bit more excited about it when I discovered that the first tag David ever typed that wasn’t his name was “Canada”! How awesome is that? I know technically this isn’t his first vlog (he had those Q&A ones before), but the tags on that one are: david archuleta american idol season archie archuletta james simon cowell radny jackson paula abdul id, which I think we can safely say is not David himself just purely based on the lack of capital letters and the misspelling of “randy”. The Toronto vlog tags are his first tags, and they are quite short and to the point. We’ll see him get further away from that in later vlogs.

“New York” vlog:

More info: FINALLY got another blog up giving an update on what went on this weekend. Sorry it took so long, I just avoid making them since I have such major issues making anything that involved me talking. I should probably find a way to take blog-making classes or something.

Tags: and Archuleta at blogging Break concert David Matt Method Nathanson New Repair Suck The York.

At first when I saw this, I was really confused about the lack of order of his tags. Then I realized (I am a little slow sometimes) that youtube, for some reason, put his tags in alphabetical order. So I took it upon myself to solve the puzzle and figure out what he was saying: Obviously “David Archuleta” goes together, “The Break and Repair Method” was a band he was talking about at the “Matt Nathanson conert”, and “New” obviously goes with “York”. This leaves us with “Suck at blogging”. Haha, oh David.

“Atlanta Airport” vlog:

More info: At the airport wandering around with Kendra, the keyboardist on tour, during a layover. Sorry, I know my voice is excruciatingly gaspy and more hoarse-sounding than it already usually sounds. But it’s because my voice really dries out on airplane rides haha. Just thought I’d share our interesting finds in one of the stores there. I was late uploading it because it took me forever to find a cable to hook up the camera to my computer.

Tags: David Archuleta Kendra Atlanta Airport Wind-up snake animals doo

The “doo” speaks for itself.

“Days off. Rising Star Outreach.” vlog:

More info: Just talking about what has gone on this week. I know it’s not that exciting haha. But just thought I’d share what’s been going on. Also if you want to learn more about Rising Star Outreach go to Risingstaroutreach.org. Thanks!

Tags: David Archuleta Arizona Rising Star Outreach orange pen tired Oklahoma Mom Kendra Coraline Texas Albuquerque New Mexico

I think this is the first vlog where I really noticed his hilarious tags. I guess I’d never really looked at them before that, but when I read “orange pen”, it really struck me as funny. And ever since then I became an avid tag reader.

“May Day” vlog:

More info: I apologize for the lighting. Had a good week of writing! I have the weekend off in LA so I’ll be spending time with some friends. Back to work on Monday. Took a cab drive which was pretty expensive, left my suitcase in the trunk, and took the Metro for my first time to go back. Fun week 🙂

Tags: David Archuleta May Day Cinco De Mayo Metro Cab

I find this one amusing because he went a little bit Capital Letter Crazy. Haha

Here are a couple more that I find hilarious:

“Allentown Blog“:

More info: I made a video quick backstage at the Crocodile Rock venue in Allentown, Pennsylvania. You can hear Lesley performing a little in the background haha. But I just talk a little about what’s been going on, and how I’ve been trying to stay healthy haha. I’ve been eating a lot more vegetables and fruits lately, thanks to Kendra haha. She’s keeping me in line. I’m trying to stay away from a lot of chocolate and unhealthy stuff to keep my health up, which kills me sometimes because I love that stuff so much! 😦 . But it’ll be worth it if I can keep it up! Thanks for coming to the show you guys! Can’t wait for the rest of the tour!

Tags: David Archuleta Allentown Pennsylvania Backstage Crocodile Rock Lesley Roy Treats unfortunately are unhealthy for you he

“Empty Airport Hall” vlog:

More info: Back in the states for a bit. Notice how the hall I’m in never ends!! I was wondering if I was going the right way or not. I apologize again for how scary-looking I am. I had been traveling for like 20 hours, with the last flight being for a straight 16 hours. It was a fun flight though. Singapore Airline flight attendants are really nice. haha.

Tags: David Archuleta Airport creepy empty hall echo Malaysia Singapore Manila Philippines McFly UK

“My voice is back!” vlog:

More info: I’ve been on voice rest for the last little while since I lost my voice, and it’s been pretty rough. But it’s back! I’m glad for that. My buddy Ashlee has been on tour so I have a friend, and so everyone else does too because everyone gets along with her pretty well haha. I’m sorry that this is so long without much meaning to it. I’ve been kind of out of it for the last few days. Maybe it’s because of my allergy medicine I was taking lol. Anyway if you end up watching it all I hope you were at least somewhat entertained.

Tags: David Archuleta Demi Lovato Tour Jordan Pruitt KSM Michigan Clarkston Ashlee Lame long boring makes no sense

“Bye bye wisdom teeth” vlog:

More info: So today is the day that my wisdom teeth will be getting pulled out. Oh joy. It’s an exciting time guys lol. But I’ve been enjoying running this week and getting some exercise in! Today might be my last day of running for a while though since Idk how long I’ll need to recover… But I’m just anxious to get this all over with!

Tags: David Archuleta wisdom teeth pulled running dentist medication

“Haircut?” vlog:

More info:Should I listen to my mom and wait for a haircut? Or no? ha..

Tags: David Archuleta Duke Haircut beach

“Puffy Cheeks-B-Gone” vlog:

More info: I gave up on the last blog, so I just made a new one. My cheeks are finally back to normal! I’ve had a nice time recovering though and relaxing. Went to the Colbie Caillat concert! Was awesome getting to see her again. She’s one of the nicest, casually cool people you could meet. Been exercising and getting back in shape! Going to Nashville for the week to start working on some writing and new projects. Christmas album comes out October 13th! Next week! woot woot

Tags: David Archuleta Colbie Caillat Nashville P90X Benton Paul wisdom teeth cheeks puffy

“Happy Late Mother’s Day!” vlog:

More info: Sorry this is so late! I really did try hard to get a video blog up on Saturday but it just wouldn’t work. Hope everyone had a great Mother’s Day though! What did you guys do for the weekend?? “Chords of Strength” comes out in a few weeks! Going on the book tour soon too.

Tags: David Archuleta Mother’s Day mothers madres mom mama sisters Chords of Strength

Random facts you probably did not know about David’s tags:

1.    The fewest number of tags used in one vlog: 5 (in the Haircut vlog and the Claudia’s birthday vlog).

2.    The greatest number of tags used in one vlog: 18 (in the vlog about his sister’s new cats).

3.    There’s a total of 331 tags in over 30 videos. That’s an average of about 11 tags per video.

4.    70% of the tags are capitalized (either because they are names of people or places or he just felt like putting in capital letters).

5.    David made no spelling mistakes in his tags.

6.    Surprisingly, “haha” never made the list of tags.

7.    The Detroit Airport vlog is the only one where words should have been capitalized but weren’t: indianapolis, detroit, david, cook all should have been capitalized (he did capitalize his own name though). Oh, and in the Christmas tour vlog he had “Christmas from the heart” which could have been capitalized since it’s the name of his album.

8.    Only in two of the vlogs does his name not appear in the tags (the Invisible Children and the Christmas tour vlog).

9.    Three of his family members made the list of tags: Claudia, his mom and Jazzy. Three of his family pets also made the lists of tags: Katsu, Tsuki and Duke.

Well, there you have it! A teeny tiny peek into the weird and wonderful brain of David Archuleta through his choice of vlog tags 😀

— abanana77

P.S. If you’d like to download any of David’s vlogs, the amazing Sarah at Snarkies has posted all her download links HERE.
P.P.S. Download Miss Bianca‘s full “postage stamp” Twitter background HERE.

Posted in Fan experience | Tagged | 28 Comments

How David Archuleta keeps us guessing

Posted on 05/13/2010 by TOfan

Credit: ArchieGabee via Snarkies

Dear friends, I had a eureka moment this evening. An epiphany, if you will. A light bulb went off over my pointy little head and it came to me in a startling flash of light. The source of our obsession, the reason for this madness … the cause of that bittersweet fate we call ODD.

It’s the enigma that is David Archuleta. … no, not the David part, the enigma part. The reason we can’t get enough — music, news, vlogs, tweet-sized crumbs, you name it — is because we are searching, ever-searching to figure out who he really is.

Oh sure, he’s down-to-earth, the real deal, honest, genuine and true blue. He’s all that and a bag of chips. But if those still waters didn’t run as deep as a fjord, few of us would still be here.

We’re here because of that Voice of his, of course. But we’re HERE — fans so ardent that we need a new name for ourselves (I’m partial to aficionado myself) — because of something much less tangible. A country with no map, a puzzle with extra pieces.

He’s as elusive as quicksilver, close enough to touch yet completely out of reach. A simple paradox of bright shadow, tender titanium. An obedient rebel, man-child, soulful geek who’s both pint-sized and 10 feet tall.

Who the heck is this person? That’s what keeps us hanging on to every word, every move, every note. That mystery, that je ne sais quoi that messes with our heads and turns mature, sane, solid citizens into crazed cyber-stalkers.

David says he can’t wait for us to hear his new songs, to get to know him, to feel him through his music. As all great artists do, I bet his new music will answer some of our questions while making our heads spin with so many others … and his beautiful mystery will continue to bewitch, bother and bewilder us. Can. Not. Wait. Can you?

Here are some of the mixed messages he sends our way:

Is he 20something?                                Or 12?

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How far will he go to find zero gravity? …   How far will he grow his hair?

Credit: Ann Belacqua

Credit: Ann Belacqua

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What future surprises does he have up his sleeve?

"Admit it, Michelle, the kid shoulda won!"*

*Amazing photos from Ann Belacqua’s cool site, Another Word From Me.

Posted in Diary of an Archuholic | Tagged | 56 Comments

Good things come to those who wait

Posted on 05/10/2010 by refnaf

Beyond my excitement for David’s upcoming book, more than my extreme anticipation for the new music, comes the calm assurance that David WILL TOUR AGAIN.

Am I safe to say that David live is David in his best element? The voice above all voices … the nuances, the purity, the emotive brilliance, the changeups and runs, the between-song banter … gah, I get giddy just thinking about it. Hearing David perform live is on my life list of things I need to do on a regular basis. It is not optional anymore….

We recently came across this vid that was live-streamed from David’s 2009 Boston Jingle Ball performance (thanks, annalisasinger84!). Sit back and enjoy this mini concert in two parts, keeping in mind how far this boy has come since then!!! Note how dramatically his confidence, stage presence and energy have progressed … no, rocketed, since this pre-solo tour performance!

This only leads me to speculate that what is coming on his next tour will be DYNAMITE.

New music, energized David, performing songs that he can’t wait for us to hear…. I am sooo ready!

— Refnaf

Posted in Diary of an Archuholic | Tagged | 24 Comments