Studio Command
David’s growing confidence onstage is apparently being matched in the studio, where those familiar with his past recording efforts have been nothing short of astounded by his unambiguous ownership of the sessions. Both Richard Parkinson (David’s sometime arranger, in the photo) and David’s dad, Jeff, both reported being amazed not only at what David was achieving with his performances but the degree to which he was driving the direction of every aspect of the recording. When they had been in the studio six months ago David had needed a lot of help and guidance. Not this time.
“He was a complete pro and really took command of the situation–more so than either had ever seen him do before,” according to a source close to the collaborators. They recorded several songs, which evidently included some Christmas songs, in hopes that some would be embraced by Jive to be included on David’s album.
Jeff was reportedly so enthusiastic about the results that when asked what he would do if Jive didn’t like the material or wanted to go a different way, he exclaimed, “If they don’t like them, we’ll go back to E19 and tell them they signed with the wrong label!”
While on the one hand it is immensely gratifying to learn of David’s emerging command and control offstage as well as on, I can’t help but question the wisdom of Christmas songs. Not that they wouldn’t be delightful, remarkable even, but I don’t see any reason at this early stage to toss red meat to the critics. David has his entire career to delve into genre music; I can see no possible advantage to doing it so soon.
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With you on this one. (again)
Glad to know about the studio confidence, I hope it carries through to the new album.
David once said on his interview that he knows what he wants. I do trust him and I pray for him daily that he will be guided to choose what is best for him and what will make him happy. The joy and peace he gives me is what I want for him as well. God Bless you David as you create your first CD, you’re dream come true is just around the corner.
I hope they explore many many songs before they decide on what to do for the album.
So, I’m going to be totally unintellecutal here and say that I love red on him. It’s a power color!
And if Richard ever sees this…. you’ve got the right team’s hat on.
I would still buy it, but still with you Rascal on this one. I don’t care too much about critics, but Jive might. I don’t know. Conquer the music world first, then lead us to those holiday moments. They will follow.
Yes I agree with all of you. He needs to put out his first album and make it great. Something that all ages can identify with. I do want a Christmas album but only after the first one. He is going to have to earn their respect if he wants to continue with his music. I hope he does a pop, christmas, gospel, and a whatever cd. He will have to work with Jive and see their view on it and let them see if they can get the best out of him too. You don’t want to make them mad but at the same time try to get some songs he wants along with the songs they want. They can help him or hurt him at this point. Jive wants to sell cds and make money and if they dont think people will like the songs then they will not help him or promote him. He will have to give a little to get a little I’m afraid. I trust him David knows what he is doing.
The main thing is David has to pick good songs that people will like and that will sell cds. He needs song that teenagers and adults will want to hear.To jive its all about the money. Christmas cd should be after the first cd. I can’t wait for both!!!
Could they possibly have two CDs in mind? Is there time to release his first pop album in early autumn and then a holiday CD around November? David knows Christmas material well enough to record it quickly, I would think. Maybe they were asked to give Jive various types of songs and that’s why the Xmas songs were recorded.
Did you all see David’s first video blog earlier this evening? He is so cute and so happy! I can totally see his newfound confidence. If his regular team is blown away, I can only imagine what the Jive professionals will have to work with.
I doubt Jive will put any Christmas stuff on the album, but I’m sure they will promote him for the Christmas season -- maybe doing some of the TV specials and all that.
In the meantime, I’m really excited about the album now. David is the real deal (but I guess I’m preaching to the choir here when I say that).
In case someone didnt know where to view David’s personal thank you video referred to by Hello Gorgeous
http://www.myspace.com/davidarchuleta
Hi Rascal
So encouraging hearing the news of David taking the drivers seat in the studio.
I understand your ambivalence around the Christmas songs at this early stage. Great potential for cheesiness with a lesser stylist.
But I can’t help thinking that 1 or 2 amazing renditions inserted in the larger whole would somehow be the right thing, especially with a December release.
What if David recorded an original track along the lines of “Do they know it’s Christmas” and it was timed with a charity event? Any criticisms of that song were wiped away by the pure intentions that inspired the project. The performers checked their egos at the door and gave themselves over to the most worthy cause of that moment. If David tied such an event to an original or awesome version of a traditional Christmas tune, I would definitely want it on the CD.
Maybe the compromise with Jive would be a special release of the first CD with the Christmas tunes (1 or 2 maybe three) and a percentage of that release would go the named cause. There’s no shortage of worthwhile causes.
And this is David. It’s so much a part of who he is. I believe at this stage and at this age, there should be a pretty wide allowance for the tone and makeup of his first recording. I realize we all want that ground breaking, masterwork, first CD. I won’t name all those magic firsts – we’ve all got our favourites and I know we hope David’s release aspires to that higher level.
Whatever is released on that first CD, I think we can rest comfortably that David has enough fan support now to buy him a next and a next chance.
Just imagine another ” Imagine” That’s what I’m waiting to hear.
PS Hear I go again with the cover suggestions but…when I put together Christmas compilations for gatherings I always like to mix it up with what feels to me like the tones of that time of year. (rather than just Christmas tunes)
One I put together last year had John Coltrane’s version of “I’m sentimental” along with George Harrison’s “Isn’t it a pity?” and the Stone’s “Winter” as well as many others. That one closed with Pat Metheny’s “Last Train Home” Those are among my fave tunes of all time. A universal spirit of the season type thing would be more appropriate, I think.
Speaking of the Stone’s ” Winter”…I have never been able to imagine anyone but Mick singing it, but….again, beautiful tones a haunting melody…what would David do with that killer track. (some of the lyrics are a bit racy but he could change them up easily)
Sorry but one more, a bluesy-soulful slower tempo version of “Christmas –baby please come home” with David singing his heart out and blowing us away at the sheer artistry of his unique rendition.
Ok, somebody stop me..
Did anyone hear Cook sing the anthem tonight at the Lakers/Colts game? The man that wrote the article on buddtv.com must have been disappointed tonight. After all the bragging about how he could do the American Anthem better than Archie…I feel sorry for now. Cook did not do so good. There is only so much you can do to sing that song and tonight showed who was truely the best singer. He could have changed it to a rock song, but you have to stay respectful to a classic song. He proved to me he could only sing rock good and he did not show any feeling to me in that song. It was a knockout for me tonight, in Archie’s favor. If you want to know who is really a great singer just have them sing the anthem and everything else they do falls short.
I know that Jeff Archuleta still has a huge responsibility for David’s well-being in all things, but I can’t help being a little concerned about his response to Jive if they don’t either like the recordings or wish to exclude any Christmas songs from David’s CD. After all he is still trying to refute allegations of “meddling” inappropriately into David’s affairs. This is only his firstcd of many more to come and my hope is thathis attitude does not overshadow any media coverage of all things David. I like and respect his role in David’s life and I hope he can continue to add his expertise on this musical journey however Jive execs may not see this in the same light.
You are still #1 to me David!!!
What about a CD and then a Christmas single?
Joymus- i had the same thought actually…I’m just excited for David. I don’t care what he sings, I just hope they give him artistic liscense to some degree, at least! Christmas can wait. What about Quanza?(sp?) just kidding. If anyone is interested in my letter to Oprah today, I posted it on the last thread- it’s the last post I think..Gosh! I am so tired…and if I don’t ck. in til tomorrow, I am going to have so much catching up to do! I am always behind…
David you are the BEST BOY!!!!! I have no doubt in my mind that your album will be platnium very fast and it will be 8x double platnium after it is all said and done and cannot wait to buy it!!!!!! You are the coolest Archie!!!
You go JEFF you tell them if they dont like what David did then tell them he signed with the wrong label!!!!!!
I think we’re jumping to conclusions. There will not be Christmas songs on David’s first CD. There may be a Christmas album AND a regular CD. Is that a problem? I have one of Clay Aiken’s Christmas songs on my favorites CD that I play all year long. Just sayin’
I got the impression from someone in the know, that the Christmas songs were for a separate album which would be after the first CD, so everybody calm down… Take a deep breath and repeat, “David will be fine.” Joymus, I think David’s dad was just speaking off the cuff and in the moment, like “these songs are awesome and I hope these guys appreciate them.” And daisychain, I agree about the hat on Richard (go cougars!). The fact that David has more confidence in the studio and is able to articulate his wishes better just THRILLS me! He has great instincts, musically, and I think we’ll be seeing the proof in our hot little hands soon!!! GO DAVID!!!!
inspiredbydavid- no suprise Cookie couldn’t pull off the anthem. Not many do, but you really have to be able to sing well in order to do it. I just don’t see how the squinty face, lips pulled back, eyes crammed shut while you go for the money note, would fit a patriotic song. Lucky for him, I doubt he’ll have to sing it on the tour.
#Elannbo -- Thank You. #Lovedavid -- Please don’t get me wrong -- I wholeheartedly support David and Jeff -- I’m just saying that the statement he made COULD be misconstrued as alienation by the record execs and the press alike after all, the ink is hardly dry on his recording contract. A big deal was already made of Jeff’s response to the cancellation of the ‘Thank You” concert. I say just get something… anything recorded first then start using your leverage for further negotiation. I’m desperate for David to be successful sans unnecessary drama.
Ok, 1 more post and then…sleep! Was David beyond adorable in his video blog? I am just tickled for him! He is so happy! If I had any guts, I would have a picture of him on my fridge, or taped to my computer, A t-shirt! Have you seen the one where it looks like he is climbing out of your pocket? I’m too much of a wuss to do it though. I do have a screensaver, but that’s more acceptable for an adult…You can even get a coffee mug, beach towel, pillow, pillow case, PJ’s, jewelry…I see this stuff and think, ‘Oh! That would be fun!’. And then I catch myself and realize that I am 46. Dang it!
Elannbo -- we are competing to see which one of us can stay up later lol!
Just wanted to comment -- I saw Cook’s attempt at the National Anthem and must say IMO -- it was extremely disapppointing. It started out really rough and got only slightly better towards the last half of the song. What a contrast to when David sang and even on YouTube was able to reduce most listeners based on the comments posted (me included) to chills and tears at the end.
So happy to hear this. My thoughts on the xmas album (in case he happens to read this *hint hint*), I would love for him to include “On Holy Night”. I heard him sing this on YouTube, it’s absolutely unbelieveable. I’ve never heard such a pure voice in all my life.
Personally, I prefer just the normal CD out end of this year and a xmas CD end of next year to tie us over before he drops the second normal CD probably around end of 2010…makes sense? I also prefer a non-mixed CD.
For David’s thank you video, you can also view it at FanBlast.
http://davidarchuletafanblast.com/
I have to say I’m not surprised Cookie couldn’t pull off the national anthem. He sings with his throat, Archie sings with his soul. IMO. That performance at the Jazz game was awesome especially considering the day he had just had.
His thank you video, too cute. Does he ever stop smiling? I must admit it is infectious. But I feel it should be me who’s saying thank you, so THANKS Archie.
Whatever you sing I’m buying, but stay smart and stay soulful!!!!!
Hey, I’m not going to the concert, do you think he was talking to me? JK
Man, I keep logging back in.
I have a question, what is all this talk about a song with the word Like in it? Is it a song on tour that he will be singing or just a fun thing for us all to ponder? I missed that conversation on the last thread.
Not at all surprised Cook couldn’t pull off the national anthem. But then, I think the overall consensus is that Cook is the best performer his season, David the best singer.
While I’d like to say that David should say ******** to the critics and do what he wants I have to agree with Rascal about Christmas songs at this stage.
Whenever a client of mine comes to me and says “I want to do a Christmas album” I say … fine, but don’t ever expect to be taken seriously in an opera house again. It’s a career-killer unless you are Placido Domingo — an established artist who can lose nothing.
There is nothing the critics like to kill more than a Christmas album. Critics are mostly atheists who hate anything remotely having to do with little children, animals, or religion. They are killjoys. They exist to tear down, not to build. This would be like giving them a loaded AK 47.
My advice to David is to run from these Christmas songs at this point. Play to his strength. Do a great album of ballads and some up tempo stuff. Keep your powder dry.
There is plenty of time for this kind of stuff later.