David’s performing on Tuesday at the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts‘ 15th annual Noche de Gala event. Sooooo, I thought it might be nice to take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of his non-holiday Spanish canciónes (um, I had to Google translate that) …
…and somehow missed this interview from ALMA Awards:
P.S. Do you guys think he’ll sing one of these gems or a brand new song?
Wooooohoooooooo! (Pic: Tumblr/ilovechudavidarchie)
Today is the big day, folks … you know what to do!
Click pic 2 order CD, DVD or Blu-ray from Amazon.com.
Click pic 2 order CD from iTunes Canada.
"Yes, that's right, guys ... click my glow-ey face to pre-order the CD from Amazon Canada (ships on Sept. 13)."
Darn that David Archuleta. My world used to be so sensible before he came along. I went to bed at the same time every night. Spring followed winter and summer followed spring. Christmas came after Thanksgiving, which came after Halloween.
I was disgusted with those stores that rushed things, putting their Christmas decorations out while the Halloween candy was still on the shelves. Then he came along and the seasons got ridiculously out of whack. Christmas in October? Please. “Christmas From the Heart” was already available in September.
The MoTabs were relatively late, waiting clear till October to make their guest artist announcement that set off a frenzy as desperate fans registered every friend and family member alive and dead in hopes of getting tickets to the Christmas concert. And now this year it’s August. Like most normal people, I’m staying indoors because of the heat and he’s got me wanting to light a fire in the fireplace and drink hot chocolate as I listen to “Glad Christmas Tidings”. It’s like having a new baby or puppy– he completely messes up my life and I love him for it. It’s sickening.
I went to the concert. We all gushed on various fan sites, blogs, and twitter at the time. I won’t go into it again. I’ll just summarize by saying it was THE best David thing I’ve been to, hands down. Classy, professional, spiritual, and there was a tuxedo. What could be better? Nothing.
A kind friend made me a secret hush-hush recording of the concert that I’ve listened to almost daily on my iPod. I will be forever grateful. But after awhile, you want a visual to go with the audio. You want proof that it was as wonderful as you remember. You want to be able to capture those moments you may have missed when you had to blink occasionally.
I knew they’d have to edit out a great deal of the rambling “I-see-that-teleprompter-back-there-with-the-scripted-comments-I’m-supposed-to-say-but-I’m-going-to-mostly-ignore-it” comments he made between songs. It was inevitable. As absolutely adorable as we fans find every word that tumbles out of his mouth, the Tabernacle Choir has a dignified reputation to uphold and a time constraint imposed by PBS for the broadcast. I’m okay with it–mostly.
(I would’ve paid extra for them to slip in the off-the-cuff “that was for all the Latinos…and for …anyone else who enjoys Spanish songs” he said Saturday night after “Los Pastores a Belen”. It was classic David. Heaven forbid he give a shout-out just to the Latinos. Ever inclusive.)
In my stupidity, I didn’t pre-order the DVD or CD. Heavens, why should I? I’m in UT where it’ll be on the shelves at the local Deseret Book and other stores. Then people started getting their copies WEEKS early. Will I ever learn? Well, I pre-ordered and when I saw it in my mailbox a few days later I let out a squeal of delight then rushed inside to watch. In August. While sweating. Again, darn you, Archuleta!!!
And yes, it was as I remembered. The tuxedo — still there. The hair, which has been a bit flat of late? Shiny, spiky, and full of volume. It added at least 2 inches to his height with all its gloriousness. The smile? Dazzling, bright, genuine. The eyes? Twinkling and sparkling to put Christmas lights to shame. The backstage interview? Much too short, but he’s articulate, calm, winning. No flailing hands. How could anyone not be charmed into fandom by him? How is someone in showbiz so centered on what’s really important in life? I know the answer, but that’s a whole different post. It’s clear though, that he knows who he is.
And the music. Yes, there was music–and it was beautiful too. But something seemed slightly muffled. Maybe my sound system isn’t the best? I don’t know, but I felt I was missing out on the crystal clear tone I remembered from the concert. So I downloaded the songs from iTunes and BINGO! There it was! Ahhhhh.
As I said on twitter, it was like a heavenly partnership. I’m no Master Class Lady. I have no idea what you call the various vocal techniques, how you define all those terms, head voice, chest voice… All I know is heart voice. Heart voice was definitely there. I don’t know how to describe what I feel or picture when David sings spiritual songs. Maybe it’s that I see a feeling, if that’s possible. I see peace– can I say that? It sounds stupid and New-Agey, but there it is. I see peace.
My recommendation: buy it all. Buy the DVD. Buy the CD. Buy the iTunes downloads. If they come out with a full-color coffee table book, buy that. Soak it all in in whatever format you can. Start your Christmas shopping. It is August, after all.
— therealnewangel
Source: http://tcwtour.tumblr.com
This is a picture of The Civil Wars’ Joy Williams working with legendary producer Rick Rubin … Adele’s 21 producer … The man MTV called “the most important producer of the last 20 years” and listed among Time Magazine‘s “100 Most Influential People in the World.”
I don’t know what magic wands he pulls out of that wildlife preserve of a beard he has, but the man is known for bringing the best out of the artists he works with. The Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines says, “He has the ability and the patience to let music be discovered, not manufactured. Come to think of it, maybe he is a guru.”
I’m thrilled The Civil Wars are getting to record with Mr. Rubin … at the same time, I can’t help but hope David gets the chance to work with him too, or someone of his calibre, someday.
Please let David visit Shangri La 🙂 (source: @TheCivilWars)
This is from an interview in the Salt Lake Tribune just last month:
“Too often in the past, [David Archuleta] said, producers would give him songs that didn’t fit his vision or voice. “I want to make my voice come through more … I want to do songs that are more vocally driven, so I can be emotional.” He still wants to pursue pop, but didn’t want to be a ‘classical pop singer.’ He has been listening a lot to Adele and The Civil Wars, the latter a country-folk duo that includes former writing partner Joy Williams…..”
Yo, talk about a perfect fit! David wants his voice and emotion to come through on his next project?? …. exactly what Rick’s been able to do with Adele (and a slew of other artists, ranging from Josh Groban and The Avett Brothers to the Beastie Boys and Red Hot Chili Peppers).
After Adele’s Toronto show, I heard people exclaim, “Close your eyes and it’s like you’re listening to the CD!” That’s because her producer (Rubin) was able to put her voice front and centre on her record and capture the magic of it, the fullness and richness and unique timbre of it.
David’s voice deserves that treatment too. We all know how amazing he sounds live … most of us discovered him on Idol, where he sang to us live every week. But so far, as much as I love his albums, they don’t deliver The Voice they way they could.
It’s not just about vocals, of course. It’s about great songs. I happen to love David’s songwriting so far, and he’s just starting out as a writer … heck, The Beatles’ first tries were “Love Me Do” and “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” so the best, as they say, is yet to come! 🙂 Once he gets those new songs he’s working on finished, I just hope they get into the hands of a producer like this… one who can bring out the best in them, in him.
The Civil Wars recording at Rick Rubin's Shangri La Studio in Malibu, CA. (Source: tcwtour.tumblr.com)
The Civil Wars were likely introduced to Rick Rubin through Adele, who discovered the duo because they created some great songs and crafted them on record (and live) without the help of a big label or big bucks. They worked hard, stuck to their vision, found their sound and shared it unvarnished and stripped bare of artifice.
I have no doubt David will follow in those authentic footsteps.
“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.” (Source: Yes World)
p.s. Here’s a clip of Rick Rubin with The Dixie Chicks from the documentary “Shut Up & Sing.”
I posted something late last night then scrapped it when I realized that this quote from COS sums up what being a David fan is all about for me.
Maybe it means something different for you. Maybe it means simply liking David on Idol. Maybe it means listening to some of David’s music some of the time. Maybe it means listening to David’s music all of the time. Maybe it means buying a song or two and seeing the occasional show. Maybe it means wanting to hear him sing every song ever written – and to be there live when he does it.
Maybe it means following him on Twitter and watching his vlogs now and then. Maybe it means checking out his concert YouTubes and leaving comments there. Maybe it means voting in online polls. Maybe it means supporting David’s favourite charities. Maybe it means hanging back and watching his career unfold from afar, cheering him on from the sidelines.
Maybe it means ignoring hackers who try to stir up trouble and spread false rumours. Maybe it means letting those hackers whip you into a fearful frenzy to the point where you’re tweeting David demanding action and answers. Maybe it means respecting him as an artist and a person free to defy your expectations of him. Maybe it means wanting nothing from David beyond what he’s willing to give. Maybe it means wanting everything and more.
We each have to find our own way on this crazy ride but for me it all comes back to David’s words above, “completing the experience of singing” — I feel blessed to do just that.
*busted* This post is just an excuse to post this amazing photo art from photographer Walid Azami. Wouldn’t it be perfect for an album cover???? [Spooky update: Just after I finished this post, I found out that Mr. Azami agrees! 😯 ]
… and the MoTab CD/DVD release date of September 6 is fast approaching … what stage of anticipation describes you best?
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p.s. From the David Archuleta FB page:
LOLing that David's the one signing 5,000 copies and stacker girl needs to wear a wrist brace.
p.p.s. You can preorder “Glad Christmas Tidings” from Amazon.ca (only CD avail. so far, released Sept. 13), Amazon.com (CD/DVD/Blu-Ray; released Sept. 6) and Deseret Books.
p.p.p.s. If the MoTab release wasn’t enough to spazzzzz about, check out this Twitter convo with makeup artist Laurie Vukich from last night:
*****************spazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz**********************
***************tilt****************
Source: davidarchuleta.com ... yes, for me it is still all about the footwear 🙂
After much research and hours of study, intense focus groups and tireless dedication to detail, I’ve decided these are my two favourite performances from the Asia tour: EWTRTW and LDH.
Why?
Because one is a song I’ve known and loved most of my adult life but I never ever would have suggested it as a “David” song. Yet here it is. Reborn. A completely new revelation of a song. The intro alone is enough to reduce me to a quivering mass of goo. (And not just because he says “It’s from the eighties” like he’s talking about the 1880s.) Then he gets going and the energy and the intensity mixes with the smooth-dude awkwardness and the timeless heart of that song and I almost can’t wait for it to be over so I can listen to it again.
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And my other favourite is brand new and not a ballad like I thought I would prefer but no. It rocks and he rocks and the groove is infectious and I actually love the fact that I have no idea if the “Love” in the title is supposed to be a verb or a noun. It gives crazy little flashbacks of unsure teenage Idol David then leaps forward to commanding fist-pumping, dance-grooving future David. But mostly I think that magical combination will always be there. Yes, please. 🙂
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p.s. So how about you guys? What are your favourite performances from the Asia tour … and why, pray tell? Please share!
p.p.s. …and just ‘cuz … this is from Jim Cantiello’s hilarious Tumblr:
… THIS, for example:
Source: @Viocharlie (click pic to download more)
…oh, and this swaggerific soundcheck LDH:
…not to mention inspiring words in interviews like this:
“Don’t let a task overwhelm you and just make you give up before you even try. If it’s something that you think good can come out of it, especially good for other people. It’s always worth going for”
… memorable moments like these:
Source: Hilton Kuala Lumpur FB (click pic 4 more)
Source: @Viocharlie
… and amazing YouTube fan comments like these:
[on David’s vlogs]
if you’re ever in the mood to paint something, you can always paint a pinecone. Thanks David, I think I know what I want to do with my life now. lol. ❤
****
I’m from Texas, USA. I actually became a fan of his recently. I was at a fun center / bar ( I don’t drink, I was with friends). One of the songs that was playing was Something Bout Love. I didn’t know who he or the song was, so I had to wikipedia him. Once I figured who he was, I started listening to his songs and well, here I am…. Look up “Requiem for a Soldier” Being in the US Army, I think that song really touches me. I would love to hear him sing it.
[on Invisible Children, Nashville, GGTT]
forgot about david archuleta,this is gooooood<333
****
David is a Master at switching from his soft smoky voice to Powerful Strong Wammer-Jammer notes… and then he’ll mellow out just to Bust It again… and with every song too. He does it beautifully with POTC. Mad Skills!!
[on Myrtle Beach “Blackbird”]
I have viewed this video many times. I love it more each time. There is something about David Archuleta that I can’t quite explain, but it is special and beautiful.
p.s. anything you guys would like to add? 🙂 🙂 🙂
p.p.s. Fave. Twitter convo. Ever.
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… it’s your move, D.! 😆
Source: UrbaniteAsia FB (click pic 4 more)
Yes, yes, yes, I know David Archuleta isn’t touring anytime soon — especially not in this country 😦 — but a fan can dream, right?
There are a few stages I would love to see David perform on someday (and really, any patch of floor will do, of course) but Toronto’s Massey Hall tops my list at the moment.
Its rich history and amazing acoustics draw artists from around the world. Over the years, I’ve seen some of my favourite concerts there — from Aretha Franklin to Jackson Browne to Wynton Marsalis. And missed out on others that sold out quick (Adele, Jon Stewart).
The 2,765-seat hall was a gift from the Massey family to the city of Toronto in 1894. Since then, it’s hosted classical, jazz, rock, folk and pop concerts, political rallies, chess tournaments, ballet performances, Dalai Lama talks, Bob Dylan and The Band’s first electric show, even boxing matches!
My favourite story is that, in 1920, opera star Enrico Caruso not only set a new Massey Hall box office record of $70,000, he also went outside onto the fire escape to sing an aria to the crowd of people who couldn’t get in.
Can’t you just see David doing the same thing?
Why is it my top “dream venue” for David? It’s here in my hometown for one 🙂 . But more than that, it’s a magical place that somehow creates an intimate connection between artist and audience. I’ve felt it many times there and I’m pretty sure that’s why both performers and concertgoers love to keep going back. Massey Hall may be a little worn and creaky now and it isn’t about flashy sets, pyrotechnics or shiny lobbies … it’s all about the music … just like David.
How about you guys? What special place would you love to see a David concert (your living room does not count 😯 ) and why? Or maybe he’s already performed at a venue close to your heart? Please share!
P.S. Added a great interview with Dave Filice to the “must see” video sidebar (from the great Mindful of Music blog) … he mentions touring with David, how David has “music running through his veins” and his appreciation for all the fan support.
Source: Tumblr/1footfronttheeother
I know, I know, it’s almost impossible to pick just one.
I’m just so happy that (a) there are so many incredible moments to choose from (most of all, just how joyous and free and “welcome to your liiiiiife” David looked the whole time); and
(b) that the wonderful, excitable, spazztastic Asian fans shared so much with all of us around the world….
…from helping non-Asia fans get our hands on TOSOD ATE to uStreams to Twitterfests to picspamming and all those amazing concert videos that I never want to catch up on ‘cuz I never want it to be over.
Here’s a very, very short list of some random moments … I’m sure I left tons of things out, so please add your own in the comments.
*my personal favourite
P.S. How did I miss this interview???
PO Box 4297 Apopka, FL 32704 USA
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 