Happy Canada Day! Bonne fête du Canada !

Posted on 06/30/2011 by TOfan

Parliament Hill fireworks over the Peace Tower in Ottawa. "ooo .... ahhhh"

On this day back in 1867, Canada was officially declared a country and Bloody Caesars were raised by all! For those of you not familiar with Canadian customs, here’s how we traditionally spend Canada Day:

Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Liz is on the left).

7:00 a.m. Hit snooze button.
7:10 a.m. Hit snooze button again.
7:20 a.m. Fling alarm out the window into a snow bank.
9:00 a.m. Pop Beaver Tails into the toaster.
10:00 a.m. Pull on toque and swing by Timmies for a double-double.
11:00 a.m. Join street hockey game in progress. Taking turns calling out “Car!!!” when a vehicle approaches.
12:00 p.m. Wait in Tim Hortons drive-through line with David Archuleta’s “Stomping the Roses” blasting from the stereo.
1:00 p.m. Buy fireworks by walking into an oven of a tractor-trailer and handing $50 to a greasy guy named Moe.
2:00 p.m. Take all your saved up Canadian Tire money to their store to buy a fire extinguisher … just in case.
3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Barbecue every food you can think of, including salad and pie.
8:00 p.m. Pour maple syrup over ice cream for second dessert.
9:00 p.m. Light sparklers and sign your name in the air till you can’t see straight.
9:30 p.m. Get a crick in your neck from watching sky rockets explode in the night sky.
10:00 p.m. Ski back to your igloo and count up the times you said “sorry” during the day.

Have a great day, everyone! I’m spending my Canada Day travelling to the U.S. to see this guy sing! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Watch this space for a full report!!!

Posted in Special event | Tagged , , | 30 Comments

Is David Archuleta relevant?

Posted on 06/28/2011 by TOfan

"Relevant": Having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand. (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary) (photo: Walid Azami)

“As Simon Cowell would say … ‘Everything and More’ just isn’t relevant.” I read this line in one of the trashy blogs that pop up in my Google alerts from time to time and instead of dashing off a defensive comment to Pop Dirt or Dust or whatever it was, I stopped and thought about it.

As a fan, obviously David’s relevant to me, but how about to the music industry in general? And that got me thinking about what constitutes relevance in today’s pop scene?

Is it adding auto-tune effects and repeating the same lyrics over… and over…and over… and over … to be “radio-friendly” (code for sounding exactly like every other song on every Top 40 station)?

Or is it recording truly original music that sounds like no one else on the planet *cough*AdeleFlorenceandtheMachineTheCivilWarsMumford&Sons*cough*?

I think it’s all those things … but only if listeners respond to your music, hopefully buy it and turn up at your concerts. That is the true test of relevance in my view.

Lady Gaga probably represents the current standard of “relevance” — all other up-and-comers are usually compared with her talent for generating both hit songs and headlines. But back when she was starting out and tirelessly touring, radio stations told her they couldn’t play her “club” music … it wasn’t “relevant” … didn’t fit in. Her getups certainly didn’t fit in. But she stayed true to herself and her sound and look at her now.

Where does that leave David? In this great interview in The Salt Lake Tribune, he’s is quoted as saying, “I want to make my voice come through more … I want to do songs that are more vocally driven, so I can be emotional.”

Bingo! Music to my ears. THAT is exactly what will set him apart from the crowd and guarantee his relevance…. David knows, as we do, that emotional connection between song, singer and listener is the mark of a true artist, a relevant artist … and who does that better than David Archuleta?

Simon and whoever else can go ahead and lump him in with all other former Idol contestants who faded into obscurity but we know better. David’s taking a huge leap of faith walking away from major labels and onto the showbiz tightrope without a net. How can detractors accuse him of not being relevant because he doesn’t take risks?  David’s brave enough to stay true to himself in a business where shock value is often the only value.

No worries. Along with That Voice, David Archuleta’s relevance lies in his undeniable talent, his fierce pursuit of what’s real and true, and his heart of pure light. He is David and the music industry is Goliath and we all know how that turned out.

Posted in Fan experience | Tagged | 37 Comments

David Archuleta: New sound? Or true sound?

Posted on 06/27/2011 by TOfan

Paint it over if your world is grey. (Source: skylinedesigner/Tumblr)

I found these recent tweets from the amazing videographer @muldur (8throwcenter) really interesting:

“Have two videos that never die. The most consistently watched on an ongoing basis. Curious about what draws the views. … I think it’s David talking. A Thousand Miles from York PA gets 20 to 30 views/day 9 months later.”

.

“MKOP New Albany, which has really bad sound, but again David talking, gets about 20/day 9 months later.”

I know that some of my favourite concert mp3s of David songs (all the Invisible Children songs, EWTRTW and WFM from MB) include intros that I might want to skip over if it were another artist, but not with David.

I imagine David would never believe videos that include him talking (such as the epic “extra credit” series 🙂 ) would get as many, or more, views as the song-only vids. Sorry, Mr. David “I’m not good at talking” Archuleta … your ramblings are clearly a big part of your charm, so don’t get any crazy ideas about cutting them short any time soon.

Why do you think those two vids (out of all the amazing 8throwcenter youTubes) get so many hits? Do you skip the talking part … or replay it? 🙂

P.S.

Source: DavidArchieperfect/Tumblr

I was blessed to be at the York, PA, show, and when the local radio guy came out to introduce David, he said something like, “He was rehearsing a new song earlier that blew us away …you’re going to see a David Archuleta you’ve never seen before.”

We fans looked at each other mouthing silent screams. New music? What???? Did this guy not know that saying the words “new song” to a group of die-hard David fans is like screaming “FIRE!” in a dynamite factory???

When David sat down at the keyboard for ATM and I could see from where I was standing that the radio guy and a whole crowd of other backstage people were gathering in the wings to watch that one song, I figured out what he meant by “new song” and “a David Archuleta you’ve never seen before.”

He obviously only knew Idol and “Crush” David and seeing him play the piano and belt out ATM didn’t fit with the bubblegum teen pop image they (wrongly) associated with David.

I also think the crowd gathered to listen because they could feel how “right” that song felt coming from David … how well it suited his voice and showcased the soulful heart of his true sound.

I know David says he’s taking a “break” to find his sound … but I truly believe it’s there already …  I’m thinking it’s more that he’s now developing and tapping into that vein of pure soulful gold that we all know and love from him. What do you guys think? New sound? Or true sound?

P.P.S. Check out this great blog post, “David Dilemma” from Gina, a 20-year-old English major and Cook fan! 🙂

“During the 2008 season of American Idol, I favored the Cook of the Davids. When he won, I cut out news articles, was prone to random outbursts of joy, and (may or may not have) bragged to all my friends. In fact, I have a yellowed newspaper clipping on my bedroom wall even now, along with the dusty ghost of “David Cook, American Idol ’08” written on my chalkboard (yes, still). But recently, I’ve been not-so-secretly obsessing over David Archuleta. His lyrics are simple, yet meaningful, always uplifting, and sometimes spiritual. The perfect formula for some summer jams.

“As I happily allow my Archuleta addiction to run it’s course, I have been toting my iPod – complete with both of David’s CDs – around wherever I go. I’ve plugged my old, 1980’s cassette adapter (that is miraculously compatible with Apple products) into my car to blast David on the way to and from work, which is a 30-minute commute each way. I listen on the way to visit friends, dentist appointments, running errands, Half Price Books trips. Everywhere. I haven’t really listened to the actual radio in what seems weeks. When I do turn it on, I don’t recognize some of the songs, which is a rare occurrence for me. It’s been a while since I haven’t been up to date with the Top 40.

“Big deal, you say. Why is a David Archuleta obsession blog-worthy?

“Okay, I’ll level with you. In some ways, it’s not. Everyone has their favorite artists, everyone goes through phases of musical addiction. This happens to be one of mine. Now that that’s out in the open, I’ll tell you why you’re not wasting your time reading this…

“The reason this is blog-worthy, the ‘moral of the story’ if you will, is the difference listening to David’s music has made in my life. His music is so pure, so uplifting, so wholesome, that I have found its echoes in my day-to-day life. I am happier, yes, but also more willing to share my happiness. I am more willing to forgive, more able to see the bright side. Life seems more livable. And now, when I do turn on the radio, I am slightly appalled by the material permitted to stream through the airwaves and into my car’s speakers. I find myself switching channels continuously, as every other song played is offensive in some way, which is frustrating enough that the radio is off and David back on within minutes.”

Read the whole post HERE.
(Thanks, @pabuckie for tweeting the link!)

Posted in Fan experience | Tagged | 17 Comments

David Archuleta: The Zamboni remains the same

Posted on 06/23/2011 by TOfan


Completely random and an indicator how Desperate I am for some David Archuleta tour news! I came across this “prize” on an outdated auction site:

Guess we now know why he was at Paramount. What else? Zamboni tour, of course! Why did we not think of that?

“A rare treat for those with an affinity for unique machinery and hockey fans alike! You and five guests will receive a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the Zamboni Company’s factory* in Paramount, California. Not open to the public, it is a working factory where the Zamboni ice resurfacing machines are still assembled by hand, one at a time. Schedule allowing, you’ll be joined by Richard Zamboni and we’ll wind up the tour with a group photo opportunity, putting you in the ‘driver’s seat’ of the machine**. After the tour, you’ll have the chance to experience one of the nation’s oldest and most beloved ice arenas, Paramount Iceland. View historic displays and see the world’s first ice resurfacing machine, the Model A. We’ll provide your group with skates and admission to the rink. Make sure to bring you camera for this memorable experience on ice!”

Name that Song Quiz

THIS is how bored I am folks. I just happened to be watching vids from Myrtle Beach (among others) and started taking screen caps of some of David’s more memorable moves. The first album had all the epic Barriers hand motions, now TOSOD has given us whole new choreography to master. See if you can guess which songs these moves are from AND which lyrics Mr. Mimester is acting out. To quote bossy David….”1, 2, 3…GO!!”

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

If you don't get this one, you're fired as a David fan.

Exhibit C

My absolute personal favourite move of all time.

Exhibit D

Exhibit E – a three-parter

Makes me want to make a flip-book for this one.

...aaaand SCENE!

EXHIBIT F

This was a one-off, but a test on how often you watched the MB vids. 🙂

So how did you guys do? Please post your best guesses in the comments! First prize is a Zamboni ride with David! (not really)

*Fascinating Zamboni fact: A second factory, run by Richard Zamboni’s son Frank is located in Brantford, Ontario — Wayne Gretzky’s hometown. David you should come up here and tour that one too … just sayin’

**We need a pic of this. Like, now!

Posted in Utter nonsense | Tagged | 24 Comments

David Archuleta: Yes! Yes! and Yes!

Posted on 06/20/2011 by TOfan

This interview is so awesome, it’s getting its own post! Love the non-Idol questions and David’s thoughtful, honest answers. How perfect the site it appeared on is called Yes! 🙂 (Thanks, djxox and refnaf for the heads up!)

It’s good to just do my own thing: David Archuleta

David Archuleta will be coming back to Malaysia for a full concert on 26 July 2011 at Stadium Negara. Hot off the release of his new album ‘The Other Side of Down’, David shares with us his plans for the future, his recent departure from record label JIVE, and his take on relationships.

Q. How do you feel about coming down here for your first full on concert?

David Archuleta: Excited. It was really fun getting to go to Malaysia. The fans were just great, it was really neat to see how supportive the fans were in Malaysia. I guess I didn’t expect it to be honest. I heard a lot of things like about the Phillipines and stuff so I didn’t know what to expect going to Malaysia. It was just amazing to see all the fans there and how great they were. So it’s great to be able to come back and do a full show with a full band this time.

Q. What can we expect from your concert this time around?

DA: For this concert, because I haven’t been there since the new album ‘The Other Side of Down’ came out, I’ll get to be able to sing those new songs. I know they haven’t heard those songs live and they haven’t heard from a lot of songs from the older album too. I only got to sing a few songs at the showcase that I did there. So it’ll be great to give a full out show for the Malaysian fans. I think in Malaysia it was one of the best ever singing and it was so good on my throat too, I remember sliding a lot but I felt so good.

Q. You’ve mentioned recently a lot about finding a direction, going to meetings to decide your future etc. Do you have someone, a mentor perhaps guiding you at the moment?

DA: To be honest I always have to say no one is guiding me better than God. He’s been the one guiding me. I’ve been saying a lot of prayers and trying to say ‘OK what do I need to be doing right now because I could’ve been doing a lot of other things. But what is it that I’m supposed to be doing? And a lot of times that’s scary because, it’s like I can go so many different ways. I could mess this up or who knows what. but there’s just something you feel inside that’s like ‘you know what keep going’. Even though you’re not sure exactly what’s going to happen, you feel good about what’s going on, you feel good about the decisions you’re making, you feel good about going to take a break and just meet with writers.

Q. Do you have a definite plan on what you’re going to do next?

DA: I want to try to release something new for the fans. I don’t want to make a full album this year, of course I will down the road, but not this year. But I do want to give something. And so I’ve been thinking about releasing another song for the fans who’ve been so patient, and have been good. And that’s what I’m working towards. In the last couple of weeks I’ve been meeting different people in L.A. too. But now I’m going to Nashville because I’ve done writing in Nashville before in the past and that’s where I felt magic. I need to follow this direction and this feeling and I feel it here in Nashville. A lot of people think that “Oh nashville, so you go to country, you’re going to do country music now?” It’s like no, there are a lot of different writers here. A lot of people like Ke$ha, Kings of Leon, Paramore, they’re all from Nashville. so there’s more than just country here.

Q. You mentioned that you wanted to do Latin songs really badly, how far away are we from hearing a Latin track from you?

DA: That’s something else that I’ve been working on actually. As I’ve been writing, I’ve been working on writing Spanish ideas too. I’ve been kinda reaching out a little bit here and a little there. Another thing that I want to do this year is more Christmas stuff actually. not like a Christmas album but I’m hoping to do more Christmas shows. Maybe have some Christmas releases, even if it’s a little one this year, because my favourite tour that I’ve done so far is the Christmas tour. I’ve been looking into that but I have been writing a little bit (of) Spanish stuff and what I would love to do is just get some Spanish material together. I’m trying to get my own songs, my own materials together right now.

Q. Who is your favourite Latin artist and why?

DA: I really like Luis Fonsi. I think he’s really good. I love this voice. He’s an amazing singer. Of course I grew up listening to Selena with my mom. She inspired me a lot because one of the first songs I’ve ever learned ever was one of Selena’s songs.

Q. Tell us more about your leaving record label JIVE.

DA: A lot of people were surprised about me not being with JIVE anymore. They (JIVE) actually offered a different deal to stay with them, but I just felt I haven’t been happy over this last year or two. I haven’t been going in the direction that I’ve wanted to go fully. I’ve learned so much and the people there that I’ve worked with have been really great people. But I need space, and I didn’t get that. Since American Idol it was go go go, and do this and not do this. It’s like I really have time to think about what I really want to do, and that’s why it’s like I just said I think it’ll be good to just do my own thing.

It wasn’t just the label that I left, I also left the management team that I had at the time too, because I felt like I need to know what I think. So many people are telling me what to do, so many people are saying this is what you need to do, this is what’s going to make you successful, this is your music, this is your style. I didn’t know what to do, I was so confused. And now it was like I felt like I could breathe now. It felt like I was finally breathing oxygen again because I didn’t have that pressure anymore.

Q. Is going independent an option or are you looking to sign with a different company soon?

DA: I’ve actually met with other record labels and I got offered deals to get signed again. But I just felt like you know what, why? It’s like why get signed so I can have the same problems that I had before? I want to spend time writing, get those songs together, and then go out and say I’m ready. I’m ready to make an album and show it to the record labels and say this is the music I’m going to do. Are you supportive, do you believe in me? That’s what I want to do. I want to be able to do the music that I feel, the music that I want to try, to take a chance with it instead of other people saying it for me. So I’m not looking for a label right now, I was for a little bit, but then I decided it’s not what I need to do right now.

Q. Are you seeing anyone at the moment? Any crushes? Do you feel like you’re ready for a serious relationship this year?

DA:I always say it’s always about waiting for the right girl you know. I wrote a song about that too – it’s called ‘My Kind of Perfect’. I know it’s something I don’t want to focus on fully on yet. But I know that whenever this person comes I’m sure you’ll feel something y’know.

It’s good to go on dates and things but I just don’t go on serious dates yet. It’s not like I don’t like to get all romantic and things, but I like to make it a fun date and to get to know the person. The reason why you date people is to get to know who you’re gonna marry and spend the rest of your life with. So it’s like I wonder who do I want to spend the rest of my life with and what kind of girl do I want to be with. She’s going to be raising my kids and things like that. And it’s an important thing to think about and I think a lot of people forget that.

If you have kids and stuff what kind of dad do I wanna be for my kids, and what kind of mom do I want them to have. And I love little kids and I want to be the best parent I can be. I want to be the best husband I can be. So I just want to wait, it’s something that I don’t focus on or concentrate on looking for her yet. But when the time comes I know that it will be the right time.

Source.

P.S. Helpful hint to any label/management/[fill in blank here] who is fortunate enough to work with David in the future and wants to continue to do so: Don’t try to tell him who he should be or what industry “box” he needs to fit into …instead, Trust the Archuleta. … Works for us. 🙂

Posted in Music review | Tagged | 40 Comments

Gengen translates Sin Chew Daily’s David Archuleta interview: “I’m not Justin”

Posted on 06/19/2011 by TOfan

Calgary's lovely Gengen translates this interview with David Archuleta in "Sin Chew Daily," a Chinese-language newspaper in Malaysia

I posted this twitpic from @OneDavidNet at the end of the last thread and the wonderful Janey from FanScene asked Calgary’s lovely Gengen to translate it for us! Thanks, guys!!! (And I highly recommend you take a wander over to the One David website … it gives you a glimpse of all the news and buzz and hype for David going on in Asia — TOSOD singles topping the radio charts, concert appearances, press coverage, the works! — that David SOOOO deserves to be getting here in Canada and the U.S. (and definitely will) — but it’s cool to see it all happening there already!)

Sin Chew Daily article:

“I’m not Justin. I Prefer Private Love!”

David Archuleta recently left Jive. In spite of the fact that several record companies have shown great interest in him, but he is in no hurry to be tied down again. He says he needs some quality alone time.

After American Idol Season 7, David has been working hard ever since, never has had the time to slow down and ponder upon his direction. “I need some time to think what I really want,” says David. In the past, he worked under people’s orders. “I felt confused,” he says. Now without a contract, he finally feels he can cut himself some slack. He can go back to write music when there is no pressure.

Posting this again, just 'cuz 🙂 ... David Archuleta at the Sunway Amphitheatre, Malaysia, April 2009. (Source: onedavid.wordpress.com)

When asked if he has already begun creating his own music, David says to compose a song completely on his own is quite difficult for him. But he has a lot of ideas for songs, which makes him very excited. He also mentions he will not issue the fourth album this year. If he does publish, it will be singles. He would like to try “natural” music*, but not necessarily country. Pop is still his love and he’s even tried to write a Latin/Spanish song recently. As to his future direction, David says, “I still love pop. I actually don’t like my voice. I will focus more on the singing part in the future concerts.”** He also expresses his gratitude toward the unwavering support from his fans.

Looking forward to the screaming of Malay fans
How does David feel about Justin Bieber? David says that he met Justin the week before and that Justin is very talented, has a good voice and very successful in his singing career. Justin has been very open about his love life recently. When asked if he will be open about his love life too, David says he prefers not to, because he wants to keep that part of his life private. He wishes his fans pay attention to his stage performance only. He also says he’s not seeing anyone for the time being and is still waiting for “the” one.

In 2009, David visited Malaysia the first time, shortly after he finished American Idol. He came to Malaysia to promote his first album. This time he will sing at Staidum Negara at 8:00 p.m. on July 26. This will be a full concert. He is very excited about the concert, looking forward to it, and expects to hear a lot of screaming from his Malay fans. Last time he sang only three songs. In the coming concert, he will of course sing more songs, some new and some old.

~janey comment: Much thanks to all involved in the publishing of this article, to OneDavidNet in twitpicing the scan, to SnowAngelz for posting the link and finally to the lovelyyyy Gengen for the translation. This was truly an international effort, sooo cool how everyone came together to make this happen <3. Original translation on David Archuleta FanScene HERE.

* “Natural music” is the translated term. What do you guys think David actually said? “Organic”? “Roots music”? “Indie” or “alt-folk” like The Civil Wars and Mumford & Sons? Please discuss, lol.

** I hope I’m reading this wrong … from this translated quote it sounds as though David only wants his voice to be in the forefront during live performances. One thing that really struck me about Adele’s amazing album is how the producer wisely chose to make sure her voice is front and centre on every song. Not hidden behind  effects or instrumentals. As much as I love TOSOD, I really wish David’s voice was given the same priority so that, as emmegirl so eloquently put it in the last thread: “His voice kinda tears your heart out in this one.”

P.S. This is a very cool video (from mamureck) combining David’s RITS vlog with Christian Valk’s piano accompaniment. Happy Father’s Day, everyone!:

Posted in Music review | Tagged , | 8 Comments

The real Archuleta: Life & Times @DavidArchie interview transcribed

Posted on 06/16/2011 by TOfan

@onedavidnet was kind enough to twitpic the pages of this insightful interview with David in the “Life & Times” section of the Malaysia newspaper New Straits Times and I started typing out my favourite parts to post and soon realized I needed to transcribe the whole dang thing. Too good not to share. Enjoy!

The teen with the soulful tenor is now a young man with steel in his voice. He speaks to SUBHADRA DEVAN about leaving his music label, meeting Nashville songwriters and his concert in Kuala Lumpur

Everyone should keep a journal. American Idol 2008 runner-up David Archuleta tells me. “I write in mine every day.”

He is chatting over the telephone, filling us in on his upcoming concert in Kuala Lumpur next month.

The 20-year-old from Utah, who won the U.S. Billboard‘s online poll of Best American Idol Ever in May last year, included some parts of his journal in his book, Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance, published last June.

It tells how he overcame vocal chord paralysis to achieve his dream of being a singer and of the strength he draws from his faith and family. He also paid tribute to people who inspired him and who helped him believe in himself and his talent.

“Writing my journal helps me understand myself better and what I am going through. I encourage everyone to start writing a journal, to keep a record of their life. It helps clear your mind too,” he says.

Archuleta was partying in Nashville, Tennessee last week at the Country Music and Television Awards, staying on for the 2011 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, which featured, among the 60-over artists, Arcade Fire and Mumford & Sons.

He says excitedly that he met Idol’s Season 10 sinner Scotty McCreery at the CMT awards, as well as Crystal Bowersox and lots of other Idol alumni.

On Bieber and Idol
This season’s tween flavour, Justin Bieber, was also at the awards. Bieber’s road to fame came via YouTube, while Archuleta’s was through reality television.

When  asked if he would have chosen YouTube, Archuleta, the 2010 Teen Choice American Idol Alum winner, says, “Ah no, I couldn’t do it. I would have probably felt self-conscious.

(The Teen Choice Awards is a teen awards show presented annually by Fox. Archuleta has won four since 2008.)

David Archuleta at the Sunway Amphitheatre, Malaysia, April 2009. (Source: onedavid.wordpress.com)

His thoughts of Idol Season 10?
“I was at the finale. It was really cool, an amazing show, with Beyonce, Judas Priest….

“It’s fun having Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler as judges. They gave a lot more artistic opinions and suggestions, and it’s great to have J. Lo there for the Latina element.”

Archuleta’s material grandparents are from the Honduras, as is his mother. It’s 9:30 p.m. and he tells me he will be meeting some of his family later that night, including his maternal grandfather, who speaks only Spanish.

Nashville songwriters
But Archuleta wasn’t at Nashville to just enjoy the ambience. He was there to meet songwriters.

“I haven’t started writing new material for my next album as yet.” He co-wrote 10 of the 12 songs on his third album, The Other Side of Down.

“I want to take my time, just to meet and get to know them first, and they me … instead of walking into the room, and just saying, “Hi!”.

He says his last collaboration with Nashville songwriters was fruitful. “My earlier songs, ‘The Other Side of Down’ and ‘My Kind of Perfect,’ both co-written by Nashville songwriter joy Williams, among others, are two of my favourite songs on my last album.

“I love the vibe there. They are friendly people … to ideas too. They are really focused on not just getting the hit radio songs but those that actually mean something.”

Nashville, he adds, is not just about country music. “It has a great indie scene too — Paramore and Kings of Leon are from there.”

There’s no new album as yet. Archuleta is working on shows for the Christmas holiday season.

On leaving Jive Records
Archuleta is on his own now, after his self-titled debut album (which gave us the catchy Crush), his Christmas From the Heart (2009) and The Other Side of Down (2010).

“Being with Jive was a good experience. I learned a lot. But now, I am able to do it in a different way. I felt I was really rushed before but now, I’m able to take more time … to figure out what kind of music I’m going to give … what I’m doing, because it’s important for me to get the right sound.

“I want to make decisions as to where I want to go as an artist, and to and to get to it in my own way. Now I really make the decisions. If I feel that’s really what I want to do, and someone says no you can’t do that, or that’s not you, or that’s not what you want to do … just because they are older than me or have more experience in the business doesn’t mean they are right.”

“No one can understand what’s the best thing for you to do, other than yourself.”

As Archuleta sings on the ballad “You Can,” “Show me that good things come to those who wait.”

Any mistake he won’t repeat?
“I guess I really don’t want to repeat any mistake. looking back, it may have looked like one then, but years later, it has taken me to the place I want to be. It was exactly what I needed.”

Still single and his perfect date
“Yeah, I’m still single. My perfect date? I want to have some fun, have a good time, not too romantic a time. A time when I can laugh, have a good meal, with good entertainment. I also love outdoors stuff. i love skydiving. I haven’t don’t that yet.”

“I went snowboarding last winter, back home in Utah. It was great, exciting yet so peaceful because it was in the mountains and around nature.”

On his upcoming concert
“I’m excited about the concert. I have a new band, I’m rehearsing with them, getting to know them, what kind of people they are.

“I am excited to come back to Malaysia, and to sing for my fans. And looking forward to learning Malay.”

David Archuleta will perform a full concert, organized by Sony Music Entertainment Malaysia, on July 26, 8 p.m., at Stadium Negara. Tickets at RM300 (VIP), RM230 and RM190 (numbered seating) and RM150 and RM90 (free seating). Prices exclude RM3 handling fees. Tickets go on sale on Monday at Ticket Charge (www.ticketcharge.com.my) and AirAsia RedTix outlets (www.AirAsiaRedTix.com). Latest updates at http://www.facebook.com/sonymusicmy

P.S. Original newspaper scans by @onedavidnet HERE, HERE and HERE.

Posted in Music review | Tagged , , , | 35 Comments

David Archuleta’s Bonnaroo playlist: I just want to steal this moment right away from time

Posted on 06/12/2011 by TOfan

I'm hoping this was David's view of Mumford & Sons' set! (Source: @RossDAsher)

“Had to come back” … did you see that? David Archuleta could not stay away from the musical mecca that has been Bonnaroo this weekend. What is Bonnarroo? It’s like a super-sized Woodstock. In fact Stephen Stills was quoted as saying: “If Woodstock had been like this, we’d never have left.”

Conveniently for David, the multi-stage mega-musical festival is being held this weekend about an hour away from Nashville on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee. The acts ranged from Eminem to Neil Young, the Strokes to Alison Krauss/Union Station, The Black Keys to Buffalo Springfield. (Back in the day, I lived for such festivals, although it poured rain at pretty much every one I ever attended 😦 ).

Hope David got to stay cool on the Bonnaroo Water Slide! 🙂

I can’t even imagine how inspiring this festival would’ve been for David. And, according to reports, he had backstage access to watch the shows and mingle with, well, whoever he wanted to! These acts are living his dream in so many ways. Creating unique sounds and songs, carving their own niche in today’s musical landscape by making music that connects with people’s hearts and minds then taking it on the road and sharing it live with listeners who LOVE and embrace it! …Yes, David’s already doing much of that and *deep breath* there’s so much more amazingness to come!

Here’s a look at David’s brief interview with Billboard talking about some of the performances he was looking forward to seeing at Bonnaroo:

And here are samples of some of the music he checked out:

Freelance Whales, “Hannah”:

The Decemberists, “Down by the Water” (apparently they’re big fans of REM & Neil Young, as am I 🙂 ):

Ray LaMontagne @ Bonnaroo “Trouble”:

Florence and the Machine, “The Dog Days are Over”:

…aaaaand saving my absolute favourite for last, Mumford and Sons (if you don’t have their CD already, I highly recommend getting it, their lyrics are pure poetry with harmonies to die for *please let their be a twitpic of David meeting them!!!!*

Mumford & Sons, “The Cave”:

p.s. So what do you guys think of the Bonnaroo bands David checked out?

Posted in Special event | Tagged | 29 Comments

David Archuleta: Goodbye orange vlog wall, where the dogs of society howl

Posted on 06/09/2011 by TOfan


More info:
Back in Nashville again. Went to the CMT Awards last night which was really cool! A really laid back and comfortable vibe there with everyone. The show in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was great! Meeting with writers and other meetings to get a feel for people and to make the music more meaningful

Tags:
David   Archuleta   CMT   Awards   Nashville   Myrtle Beach   South Carolina   performing   show   concert   songwriting   songwriters   taking 

This pic is so full of win, it hurts. (More CMT pics at david-daily.com)

Confession time: It’s always great to get a vlog from David Archuleta and I appreciate that he takes the time to make them but maybe because we pretty much all ready knew all the info he shared in this vlog, I spent most of the four minutes and 15 seconds trying to figure out if that was a pool table behind him, trying to picture David actually playing pool, thinking my aunt has that exact same puffy armchair, and wondering why someone left the closet door open (pet peeve, sorry).

I love that David’s meeting with songwriters and trying to find a good fit in order to make meaningful music but whoa, what happened to writing by himself to find out what his sound is? (see THR interview below) I’ve been home sick with a nasty bug for about a week, did I miss something???

Don’t get me wrong, David looks happy and he clearly feels at home in Nashville so I’m thrilled he’s taking the path he wants to take… I just feel like I’m the only one who didn’t get the “I’m shopping around for collaborators” memo.

It is clear that he’s got a lot going on right now, more of that “foundation building” I guess, so his vlogs are bound to be a collection of highlights of events that we crazed fans already know every detail about. I hope he knows that if he’s ever stuck for news to share with us, he can always just start SINGING … just puttin’ that out there. 🙂

One of my favourite things about the vlog was this YouTube comment from MySohma:
come to Canada already D:
you’re so polite, you’d totally fit in here. 🙂

p.s. This vlog does win the award for most abrupt edit ever … I literally jumped when it switched to this ultra-serious face … downright spooky, dude.

p.p.s. So what did you guys think? Did you all get the memo?

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Posted in Utter nonsense | Tagged | 16 Comments

Take the David Archuleta cover song poll! Blackbird flyyyyyy

Posted on 06/05/2011 by TOfan

Source: Myrtle Beach FB

Some great new MB vids from hazeleyd71 (see below) have surfaced (can you tell I was just looking for an excuse to post BB and EWTRTW again? 🙂 ) … and it got me thinking about all the great covers David Archuleta has added to his repertoire lately.

So in part to find out which ones you guys have hit “replay” on the most — and also to take my mind off the fact that I’m a little too not over missing MB — I thought I’d post a poll on the subject.

(And I know WFM isn’t a cover but, as abanana77 pointed out, David’s MB renditions were so revitalized, it was almost like he was covering his own songs … and I’ve been replaying WFM just as much as the covers, as it turns out, so I’m posting that too, just ’cause).

MB Blackbird

MB Everybody Wants To Rule the World

MB Works for Me (Jonerzz)

p.s. pic up top from HERE.

Posted in Utter nonsense | Tagged | 18 Comments