I don’t even know what to say about this… 100% verklempt… and I’m at the office, soooooo … *awkward*
I’m just blown away by how David’s sharing all this with us. And by learning about the beautiful collaborations and connections he’s been able to make with gifted musicians who clearly respect and appreciate his talent and character and uniqueness and how rare he is in this world.
Oops, I’m off again. *grabs tissues*
And when I learn about the role these people played in songs that I am madly in love with (POSTCARDS IN THE SKYYYYYYY!!!!!!!! … and others 🙂 ), I just want to leap into David’s IG and hug them until their buttons pop off.
There’s just so. much. love. with this album… the inception and making of it, the sharing of it, the experience of listening to it, and then hearing about all this … I am completely overwhelmed.
And I totally relate to Upset With Me, for personal reasons, and also to when he said, “Writing about it helped me know where I really stand” … YES! YES! YES! …Exactly why I write, to process and make sense of things, to figure out how I feel. I’ve said that to people and they look at me like I’m nuts, so I guess to read David’s words, was a kind of validation from such an unexpected source.
And just picturing him alone in a room, writing that song, working through those dark places, and then his generosity in sharing all that with us, is almost too much. I love that he’s sharing only what he feels comfortable with and thinks will help others, but keeping a safe space that’s not for public consumption. You go, David!!!
So many records (and artists) are just so shallow and cookie-cutter and committee/focus-group engineered and David and this album are so much the opposite of that, it is really great to just stop and savour how amazing he is, and this album is. Am I right?
He will be huge someday. But not today. Today, he’s ours.
So what do you guys think???
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(self-portrait of me right now… if I was beautiful… and French)
p.s.
Go check out DJAfan’s post at The Voice, she was at the Arizona event and took videoooooo!!!!!!
Some uber-safety-conscious fans have alerted David Archuleta to the dangers of car singing and head-banging to radio hits, worried that he was behind the wheel while doing so.
Now, we know David would never be so wreckless… unless the Pokémon theme song came on… but just as a precaution, here’s our crack safety committee*’s list of things David should avoid while driving.
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Group Elevator get-downs
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This look (it’s never wise to stop traffic 🙂 )
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Anything remotely resembling this….
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. This….
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This….
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This….
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And most definitely this….
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Extreme reclining
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Online shopping
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Removal of any articles of clothing (an exception granted for caps, as per the 2017 International Motor Vehicle Code, Section DA, Subsection Caps)
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Emoji faces, unless responding to another driver when Streetlight Down (see what I did there 🙂 ):
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Watching The Voice:
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Trying out filters… regardless of their level of adorkableiosity….
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Extreme posture correction… only applies to convertible vehicles….
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Haircuts, trims, comb-throughs or man-bun construction
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Exception granted for hair extensions:
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Just trying to keep our dude safe, y’all… although David’s response would likely be summarized as follows:
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*It’s a committee of one, basically me, and I’m only half-awake most of the time, so it’s a committee of 0.5.
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P.s.
And David asking the cat who it’s named after is my new favourite thing <3333
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p.p.s.s.
His own p.s. *DEADDD*
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oh look, a very kind Archie put them all in one videoooo! thank youuuu!!! (this is a tricky thing to do, btw, ‘cuz you have to make sure he’s actually, really, 100% definitely, done. 🙂
(Disclaimer slash excuse: The lovely and always amazing Silverfox left this comment at the end of the last thread, and I think we all have missed her insightful words so much in Davidland, that I’m posting them below… yes, I should have asked her permission, but instead, I’ll ask her forgiveness.* 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼)
OK. Yes, I saw him in Sellersville and I saw him in Pittsburgh with Sandybeaches. But in Franklin, Well….
WHAT JUST HAPPENED!!!??? IS HE FOR REAL?
As I watched David on stage, completely mesmerized and stunned by him again & again, I could not help but think, THIS! This is WHY!
The answer to the questions by some friends and family who wondered why in years past, I went to as many concerts as I possibly could in support of this young man.
I used to wonder how there could be some people who couldn’t see in him what his fans could see. I don’t mean his character, his compassion and his goodness which was obvious to everyone. I’m talking about his “potential” to become the ARTIST he is now.
He was always a joy to watch on stage to be sure, BUT NOW? He is MORE. He has opened the floodgates! He has taken the reins of his life and he is a man who, with his faith to guide him, has reached literally with his new album, for the stars.
With his new found confidence to do what is good & right for himself, he now has the courage to do what he wants, when he wants, and how he wants.
To see this brave new David is a wonder to behold and so very appealing and attractive. Courage to say what you feel to be heard like the lyrics in “Postcards In The Sky” can bring clarity and light to our lives and in David, his light, his aura, is blinding when he speaks.
And then there’s the music. The voice. The emotion.
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He can make a grown man cry or soothe a woman’s soul, or give hope to a teenager, or calm a crying baby so deep is the emotion he exudes.
And when he rocks? Well, one look at the videos of his up-beat performances answer that question and if still in doubt, one only has to see his ending of ALTNOY or Higher Ground to put any doubts to rest that he is pretty much one of the most E L E C T R I F Y I N G performers today.
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No need for background singers. His voice is all it takes. Dancers? Ha! HE OWNS THE STAGE when he moves! (Who knew? He’s Latino! How could he NOT have some hot moves!) Pyrotechnics? Nah! David’s inner light shines bright.
Proof is in the first picture above taken by TOfan which is, IMO, one of the most beautiful pictures of David taken by a fan I have ever seen. David’s essence, his joy at doing what he loves is so clear and so beautiful in that picture.
One more thing, David’s IG videos? Can I just say again, WHO IS THAT AND WHAT DID HE DO WITH DAVID? I take offence at him calling David “scrawny”! Small, yes. But a GIANT ON STAGE, thank you very much!
That is all.
~ Dee aka Silverfox
*jk, SF, if you want me to take it down, I will. But it’ll hurt like the dickens. 🙂
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p.s.
DAVID IS FINALLY DOING AN ACTUAL SHOW IN CANADA, Y’ALL! A CHRISTMAS SHOW TO BOOT! THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS!
Here’s the Calgary venue… it looks gorgeous! Tix on sale Friday at 10:00 a.m. MST! (thanks for the heads up, Diana!)
I seriously considered ending my post right there because I have no words for tonight.
None.
What follows may not actually be words but mere animal shrieks and primal screams from the extraterrestrial embodiment of beneficence that is Master David Archuleta.
I don’t know if it was the hometown love, the collaborator support or the full moon, but David took himself to new places tonight in Franklin.
He certainly took all of us to new places.
I wept during Say Me, but I can’t articulate why because it bypassed my brain and went straight to my heart.
I set up my phone to take a video just because I love the song and before I could consciously recognize the wonderment that was happening, my eyes welled up with tears and I was a mess.
Forevermore was named a favourite by peeps who’d never heard the song before and Higher Ground. Oh My God. And I mean that as an actual prayer of thanks. Here’s a peek at just the ending alone captured by the lovely and amazing Pastel.
Anyway, more later when I’ve had a chance to process all this but just had to share.
Feeling so blessed right now to be a fan of this remarkable human.
And to share with all of you what that means.❤️❤️❤️❤️
The songwriters and producers must’ve been in awe last night at what David unleashed live… I know I was.
And I’d like to extend a personal thank you to Trent Dabbs, who was there tonight, and who co-wrote some of my favourite songs on Postcards in the Sky (Numb, OTIS, Say Me) for talking David off the ledge of possibly quitting music, and instead encouraging him to write about how he was feeling. Thank youuuuuu!!!!!!!!
*EDIT*
I just can’t stop thinking about the show last night. How happy and confident David was. How appreciative of all the support… from fans and peers. How we get a bunch of shows in one: Pop Star David, Rocker David, Groovy Soul David, Comedian David, and Inspirational Speaker David. All wrapped up in one precious package.
He’s an arena-caliber talent who we get to see in these intimate venues… for now. #feelingsoblessed
P.s.
Praise be, the illustrious Donna Periscoped the amazingness that was this evening.
Jonerz, oh how we’ve missed you, girl!!! Ms. J. (who hasn’t been to a pop show of David’s since before his mission) sent me her impressions of the Chicago show and she kindly let me post them, because I loved them so much. Enjoy!
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Dateline: Chicago.
Before I left the house for the David Archuleta concert at the Promontory, my hubby looked at me and asked, “Are you really gonna go out looking like that?” And I’m like, “Wut?!? *sniff*”. Then he says, “New necklace??” And I look down to see this:
Apparently when I leaned over the vanity the magnet from my electric toothbrush head decided to glom onto my necklace. Nice look don’t you think? I know David appreciates good oral hygiene but I doubt he’d enjoy seeing dental appliances swinging from the neck of one of his fans at his concert! Hahahaha
Little side note: Prior to the concert we found a restaurant/brewery that just opened up a block away from The Promonary. At the brewery I asked for recommendations on beers. She suggested a cherry wheat beer (which sounds weird but was excellent!). Then I looked at the beer menu and saw the name of the cherry wheat beer:
Wait…WUT??? COINKYDINK??!! I think not!! LOLz We had a good laugh over that!
On to the concert…
LOVED the venue. Sooooo intimate. David loved it too ️ It had a nightclub vibe with rows of small candle-lit tables in front of the stage followed by rows of seats behind the tables.
I was so happy to see the turnout. He is definitely drawing an older crowd (or maybe his original fans are just older now) but the crowd was not just a bunch of screaming teenagers or older female fans. The majority were couples in their mid-twenties to late 30s and they were unabashed in showing their appreciation of each of his songs. I was so happy (dare I say RELIEVED) to see the turnout and appreciation.
I had two extra tickets for a front row table (via a friend) that I offered to a young couple sitting in the rear seats behind the tables. They looked like deer in headlights when I offered them front row seats. “ARE YOU SERIOUS??!!” They were so excited!
Later, I saw the guy bought David’s CD! Score!!!
We were seated with two guys (brothers we think), one of which has been a David fan since Idol. The other knew of David but never saw him perform live. (Poor guy…should we call the paramedics now or wait until the show is almost over?)
Confession: I did not buy or listen to his album OR watch videos of other concert performances before this show. I went into this like a newbie.
These are my impressions as the show unfolded:
1. David is looking so good! I loved what he was wearing. Black pants, black tee, jean jacket. The hair. Absolutely perfect.
2. The band – SO GOOD! Skilled, obviously experienced, and they blend so well with David’s new vibe. Nice backup vocals too. When I looked at the stage they seemed like they belonged together. They “fit”. Good job David!
3. Stage presence. WUT THE WUT?! Holy cannoli, who unleashed the Gene Kelly inside this guy!?! I mean. We knew he had it in him but who released the Kraken??!? I think he killed a couple of ladies in the audience! WOWZER! Watching him was absolutely mesmerizing! I don’t think my brain could register everything I was hearing and seeing but my heart felt every single word. What I may have missed in a lyric was totally transmitted in his body language and delivery. Watching him perform these new songs live adds another layer to his music. At one point he was so engaged with the audience (Numb) the tips of his shoes were hanging over the edge of the stage and it felt like he was going to lunge into the crowd!
4. The voice. The Voice. THE VOICE!!! Geez Louise! Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever heard him sound this good! So strong and the lower register and new texture added another whole dimension to his vocals and he was going for, and achieved, some high notes that would have hospitalized an average singer!! I think we all needed oxygen after a couple of those! He’s upped his game…AGAIN! Unfreakingbelievable.
5. The music. I loved all of his new songs. I can’t pick a favorite. Opening with Up All Night was perfect and seeing him perform Numb was a standout. Other Things in Sight was so groovy, loved that one too! Gotta say He Lives in You is something special to witness. Probably my fav of the evening. So powerful. As usual, his covers were great. Higher Ground was fabulous, loved Scars and Thunder and hearing the medley of his older songs brought back many memories. Was great to hear Running.
After the encore when David was thanking the audience, people started coming up to the stage to shake his hand and thank him. The entire back of he room came forward and he took the time to greet everybody!
It was so special and people were so excited to meet him, it was fun to see all the enthusiasm. He seemed to sincerely enjoy the interactions. It made me so happy to see him enjoying his fans again.
I don’t even know what to tell you about Sellersville.
David sauntered onto the stage for VIP and announced he was “under the weather.”
Well, we all know what that means for we fans.
Sheer terror.
But a few songs and stories later, all our fears were put to rest.
Further evidence that our David is magic.
My mind is basically mush at this point from the amazingness that is David, but I will try to share what I can from the evening… the VIP questions were great.
As is my M.O., I subcontracted my *ahem* long list of questions and the lovely and amazing Penny (dangitdavid) asked about the story behind Seasons.
Well… turns out David came up with a bunch of different melodies while on his mission and most of Seasons was one of them (Aiming for Hope the other) and Stephanie Mabey and another writer helped David finish them when he got back.
He spoke very eloquently about the families he tried to help on his mission… couples where the husband was often struggling with addiction, alcoholism or other issues and they would all cry together but the husband was often unwilling to change to save the relationship.
This got David thinking about changing with the seasons and a beautiful song was born. He even hopped over to the keyboard to be plunk out those early chords that “came” to him.
Someone else asked if he’d ever consider doing Broadway and he said he’d been offered Les Miz while he was on his mission. But that, although he loves musicals, he’d never been a “theatre kid”… that being an introvert, all the people and wild energy of a production might be more than he could handle. But that he might be okay with it now… “Never say never” were his exact words. 😍
Oh, btw, he had a Sharpie hanging out of his pant leg and then pulled it out, announcing, “I have a hole in my pants.” You know, like one does.
SSomeone else asked how his mission influenced his music and he said, “Well I made a whole album about it.” … Sasschuleta strikes again!
I just have to say that I’ve never heard David express himself so eloquently… about how your strengths can compensate for your weaknesses… how he wants to give a voice to those who need it, especially children…how he’s had some controlling people in his life but now he realizes his sense of worth doesn’t come from the opinion of others.
I will never cease to be amazed by this dude.
Wonderful to see Marlie and Stenocruiser and Silverfox and SandyBeaches and Maureen!
And despite his cold, he sounded incredible! So exciting to hear the newest songs for the first time. And the crowd LOVED him. Tons of guys whooping and cheering too, which was pretty cool.
I love how David gives the same 135686433% whether he’s performing for thousands in Manila or 250 peeps in PA.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks to Penny (@dangitdavid) for a lot of these videos!
*EDIT*
I took this one tho’… DUDES! FIRST. TIME. EVER. PERFORMANCE OF POSTCARDS!!! As much as I love this song on the record, the live version is like putting on 3D glasses for your ears… it felt like getting intravenous happiness coursing through my veins… please get to a show if you can JUST to hear this insanely good song. It’s actually perfect.
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Penny took this one… if it looks like she was practically sitting on the stage it’s because she was. I was sitting behind her and Refnaf because I needed a buffer. The intensity of The Archuleta threatened to burn my retinas. For real.
I am obsessed with how he moved to this music. I am so glad Penny videotaped it while I was busy being hypnotized and mesmerized so I could go back and verify that it was real. Watch and you’ll see what I mean. David doesn’t just move to music, he becomes music in motion. I’m making no sense after a 9 hour drive home, so there you go.
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At the end of the show, David bolted to my right, extended his hand to the people in the far corner and said, “Thanks for coming!” I thought he knew them and would be chatting for a second, so I was standing there like an idiot when he started to reach out to the rest of us. I stuck my hand out just in time but almost thwacked him in the face. Not awkward at all. 🙂
Okay, the Club Cafe is my new favourite venue. I’d somewhat lost my mosh mojo so ended up crunched in the crowd and loved every minute.
The exciting VIP reveal was the Dec. 15th Calgary Christmas show (I hope Awestruck is still breathing),.
The audience were mostly David’s age, lots of young guys (one of them I caught crying when David was singing Crush, awww) and they jumped and bounced and high-fived him and sang along to EVERYthing and it was a blast.
When David finished his first number, he was taken aback at how close the crowd was to the stage and how the lights weren’t blinding him.
“I can literally see every one of your faces, and by the end of the night they’re going to be burned into my brain.” Much cheering.
There was such a crush of people that even though I was steps from the stage, I could only see David from the shoulders up… I literally had to look at one of the phone screens held up by someone closer to the stage to see the rest of David… like a mini jumbo tron.
When everyone sang MKOP with him, it was the sweetest thing ever… my vid is not good but I think you can feel how lovely this was.
And when it came time for him to leave the stage at the end of Nunca Pense, the look on his face was priceless because there was nowhere to run off to, “in a sea of people, there’s no way to leave the stage.” Such a jokester, I tell you.
“Usually I go off and then come back, let’s just skip that part.” 🙂
And then, just before he left for real, he made a bee-line for a lovely elderly lady with silver hair, sitting by the wall, to check that the show hadn’t been too loud for her. My heart.
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Cincinnati
Another lovely city, another very cool venue. It was split into two sections jutting off the stage in two directions.
The stage itself was hardwood, so it was like David just happened to drop by and do a show in your living room.
Okay, maybe just in my mind.
In VIP, he was on vocal rest again, but mimed a few answers or whispered them to Kari. I asked the band where they were all from and it turns out Desmond is from California (which I didn’t know).
Two newlyweds shared with David that they’d chosen Elevator for the bridal dance at their wedding. Elevator. At their wedding. I want to marry these people. And share more Elevator love throughout the land.
I kept thinking, “Oh man, those two are going to be so disappointed that Elevator isn’t in the show.” Why oh why do I ever doubt The Archuleta??
Then, David’s face lit up when someone came in late at the back and it turned out to be Jeff Leblanc, who opened for David on his MKOC tour.
Very cool.
When it was picture time, I went up and before I got to him, David put his hand over his mouth. So I paused and asked him if he needed to cough or something. He looked at me like, “Why on earth would you think that?”
Awkward. You know, the usual.
Oh, and new pants were in evidence (no holes). I know you were waiting for that detail.
When the show started, I couldn’t imagine people standing because the seats they have at the Ludlow Garage are these high-backed, very thickly cushioned Lazy-Boy size seats that even have pull-out trays in the arm rests. It was like sitting on a Greyhound.
But then David tore up the stage, whipping everyone into a wild frenzy of cheering and clapping and singing along until everyone bounced out of their Lazy-Boys and up on their feet in a massive Archupalooza love-fest.
And when he invited the newlyweds onstage for Elevator (which, of course, he added into the show just for them), the crowd went extra wild, it was a blast.
Postcards in the Sky was just. It was. Then I. And couldn’t. But oh. Wow.
And Someone to Love. Gorg.
Other Things in Sight. One of my faves on the album. (thx. Connie for this awesome vid!)
Ending to Higher Ground. Lordy Lordy Lordy.
Nunca Pense…so blazing hot, David took off his jean jacket part way through… you know the temperature’s rising when that happens. 🙂
And clearly Sellersville didn’t teach me anything, because when he came along shaking hands, after he shook mine, he leaned forward and for a split second, I thought it was for a hug so I leaned forward but clued in just in the nick of time that he was reaching for the peeps behind me, so I quickly ducked… if I hadn’t, my face would’ve ended up buried in his chest. I need a minder, I really do.
It was awesome to sit beside the lovely and amazing Nitya, to see emilyluvsarchie and her fam, and to finally meet Chelsy, and to see Marcia, and Holly, Robin, Paula, Pam, and the rest of that wild gang. And to travel with the stupendous Refnaf, Penny (dangitdavid), Tampa Terry and Connie (Cadthu & Mr. Cadthu).
We also got talking to people who hadn’t seen him live since the Idol tour and they were b.l.o.w.n..a.w.a.y… ‘natch.
For, as we know, David doesn’t scale back his performance for a smaller crowd.
It struck me the past few days that on this tour, we’re getting to see an arena-calibre performer … and performance … in small, intimate venues. How blessed are we?
Now, how do I get to every single other show there is??????
I had planned to post about the whole Postcards in the Sky album but I might spend this whole thing raving about the title track, THAT’S HOW MUCH I LOOOOOOOOVE IT!!!!!
And I didn’t expect to from the snippet…shows how misleading snippets can be. 🙂
Oh my oh my oh my, it just takes me places… with just the right amount of edge and driving beat counterbalanced with the sweetness of David’s voice to K.I.L.L..M.E.E.E.
I haven’t had this strong of an instant reaction to any of his songs since MH on the little red album… I’m going to go out on a limb and say I think it’s one of the best songs he’s ever released… it needs to be on radio, like NOW!!! Can’t you just hear it???
Don’t get me wrong, I am loving the whole album. 🙂
Upset With Me breaks my heart a little because I think we all know who it’s about. “But you can’t keep hurting me… I need to keep me safe from you”??? Oh David. <33333456789 Beautiful in it’s heart-wrenching simplicity. It’s clearly something he needed get out. To make it real. To start to heal. “I’m taking back what’s mine… I don’t have to give you my life.” #whoah
Waiting in the Stars is empowering, energizing, anthem-y, love the driving beat of it. I can almost hear Kelly Clarkson covering it. The bridge (as always) KILLS.
Seasons is just beautiful. I’m a sucker for harmonies, and with David doing harmony, it’s like there are four parts not two. The soft parts of his voice tho’ *melts*.
I’m thinking Cracks of Heaven might be about Annie Schmidt? I think this one’s really going to grow on me.
For Shine a Light, I may have pumped my fist in the air. Okay, yes, I definitely did. There was at least one witness. Love the soulfulness. And the message, of course.
Okay, a package of Kleenex needs to come with the physical CD for Aiming for Hope alone. Instant tears. And the room I was listening to it in for the first time HAD NO TISSUES!!!!! I’m a little too not over it.
A Little Goes a Long Way has a Nashville feel, don’t you think? Love the driving beat and the lyrics. And his layered vocals in the background, I hear something new every time.
What I love most about this album is all the unexpected places David takes his voice. I mean, come on, we’ve been listening to this dude sing since 2008 AND HE IS STILL PULLING SURPRISES OUT OF HIS SLEEVES! Who does that?? David Archuleta that’s who.
And every song gives us glimpses of what David’s gone through, how he’s been feeling and what matters most to him… so much of his heart and soul in these songs… there’s just so much to them… not the disposable “listen today, forget tomorrow” tunes but songs that will last and stand the test of time. Gems. Every one.
I’m still loving all the Leo and Orion songs, so I’m kind of feeling overwhelmed… in a good way… right now. Like 10 Christmases all happened on one day.
(LOVE the interviews in the Philippines, such thoughtful, respectful questions and appreciation for his talent)
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. p.s. omigosh, when the interviewer tells David that October is Mental Health Awareness Month and he gets choked up! *SOBS* When David cries, we cry, am I right??
p.p.s. … and, like, he’s in Manila literally 5 minutes and we get an IG live, tons of videos and pics and a whole amazing interview… Phils, MAHAL MAHAL MAHAL KITA!!!!!
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RUNNING OUT OF Ps AND Ss!!!!!
The lovely and ab fab amazing JR4DA (WHO GETS A SHOUT-OUT IN THIS VIDEO, MAY I ADD!!!) put David’s epic one-hour radio “hang” on YouTube!!!
Be sure the watch the whole thing because amazing. Then read the illustrious Tina’s recap of it HERE … also amazing.
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And he’s been doing too many interviews to keep up with! LOL Thankfully JR has posted them all on YouTube! ♥♥♥ Watch them all on her channel HERE.
I remember when David talked about this in his FB Live… that he liked Stephanie Mabey’s cousin’s animation for her Zombie video and decided to have them do a lyric video for Invincible.
There’s something about the little soldier character… fighting the good fight… that tugs at my heart. And so David. Not much of a stretch, I know, lol. And the boots are A++++. 🙂
Do wish they’d given him a nose though. 🙂
(tbh, I’ve been listening to Leo so much, I kind of forgot about Invincible. oops.)
So what do you guys think??
p.s.
Canadian content, wooot! David & his cousin Vanessa singing Alanis Morrisette at karaoke!
p.p.s.
thought this was a cool exchange in the comments on David’s IG post about the police officer helping the girl fix her bike (thanks, Janey, for the heads up)… such a respectful convo, a rare occurrence on social media these days, lol
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p.p.s.s.
UPDATE!!!
Run don’t walk to take a look at the revamped OS! Looks amazing! Not gonna lie, kinda wish this pic was the album cover. 🙂 🙂 🙂