Speaking His Mind
Interview with Joe Brown of the Las Vegas Sun
David_Archuleta_Interview_in_Las Vegas.mp3
If you can endure the din of the party atmosphere in the background (which abates somewhat about halfway through), this is a rather interesting eight minutes with David, as he is perhaps more candid and forthcoming here than he has ever been before about topics such as his Dad’s press coverage and Simon Cowell’s apparent hypocrisy. His wisdom about the music industry is also very much in evidence.
I find this new candor on David’s part extremely encouraging. I don’t suspect he’ll ever relinquish his natural–and considerable–diplomacy, but his experience with the press has clearly, and quickly, resulted in a new set of assumptions about where his boundaries are with regard to personal disclosure. It makes me think that as David matures, we may very well expect to see him speaking out on issues that are of concern to him, about causes and initiatives that engage his compassion.
Fans are excitable, words are cheap and predictions glib, but the possibility that this kid can actually change the world seems to become more and more likely as the evolution of the phenomenon that is David Archuleta continues to unfold.
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Thanks for posting this!! Very early on during AI, I began ‘jousting’ with various reporters who were, in my opinion, completely missing David. Most of them were comparing him to (gag!) Hannah Montana and the Jonas Bros., and I just couldn’t take it! I once wrote of my excitement that David might write songs that were quite meaningful, and how sorely needed an artist like him is in this world. I was quickly reprimanded, and told that songwriters were already writing for David, and the songs were geared completely for tweens, so don’t think for a moment that this kid is going to be anything other than a ‘teen star’. I just can’t wait for David’s career to begin to bear fruit, and show those reality TV/music reporters how vapid their insights are! I don’t think they will in any way be prepared for the powerhouse that this kid is quickly becoming. I already want to write and ask if they have watched any of his Tour performances, and so what do you think now, etc…I will wait. Chances are they won’t ever admit their misgivings about David. It’s almost like they themselves are competing w/him, and if he succeeds, somehow they will see themselves as failures. All I know, is that if you do indeed know anything about music, there is no denying the depth of talent David owns. I just love this kid more everyday.
Thanks for providing a clip to this interview, Rascal, and for your comments. Whether it is diplomacy or shyness or a lack of certainty about show PR that keeps him from always speaking his mind, it is so nice to hear him finally expressing irritation at the same annoyances that have angered his fans.
This interview is one of my favorites.
I, too, believe that as David comes more into himself, he will be a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. His gift is larger than his age and experience, but he’s learning awfully fast.
Thank you for the interview link Rascal. David’s influence on the music industry could very well be earthmoving. I am glad he was able to express is feelings and frustrations with some of the events that have occurred during his AI experience. I am sure he has been instructed how to answer some of these questions by the AI “authorities” so as to not cast the blame for anything on AI, however, as time goes on I am sure he will be more expressive about many things, his personal feelings, his music choices etc. We will be here to support this incredible young man all the way! I am so glad to be part of his journey in this crazy music and media world. Oh, and I am so glad you are back Rascal, missed ya!
Rascal,
Thank you for this post. David’s approach towards the music industry at the start of his music career is wise and pragmatic.
What I really like about David and the sign of his musical prowess and genius is that he knows exactly who he is and what he wants to do. He’s got serious self-awareness, which I think is going to really get him far with his music career. It sounds like he’s already learning to compromise with his first Jive album -- especially in the way he distinguishes between “radio friendly” vs. “emotional music” and how being a U.S.-based music artist means it will be a struggle for him to bridge those two things.
It’s obvious Jive wants radio friendly while David prefers artistry even while being willing to do radio friendly. I have moderate expectations for this first album but HUGE ones for the sophomore or third album when we get to see the artist David really is -- sans compromise!
I loved this interview because it seems more like a conversation that someone would naturally have instead of a Q & A session. I think we get to know him more in this kind of “friendly” format.
The part that interested me was the song choices for the tour. His comments reflect the thought process that went into deciding on the songs for tour. They wanted him to do certain songs, he wanted to save some because of how special they were on the show to him (we can guess one of those, I bet) and he wanted to have balance as to the types of songs. This really makes you realize how thoughtful he will be able choosing songs for his CD. More and more you see how professional he already is about music. The self-assurance and media saavy will come and is coming quickly. He will grow into it. But he already is so self-assured with the music. I watch the Glendale “Stand By Me” performance and see how he whips out the left ear monitor for that song (I’ve noticed him do that before, like when he came home and sang at his high school). He knows what works for him or he’s not afraid to try things to see what will work.
He’s a brave little character, you know that? I have a son who was an entrepreneur at age 16. There’s not a lot of fear garbage at that age. It allows for a fast learning curve at a time of life when there’s not a lot of pressure to take care of a family or make XX number of dollars. It’s great. Especially for someone who is consciously trying to learn from all these experiences, good and bad. Bravo!
Thanks for the interview clip, Rascal. It confirms that, despite his assertions to the contrary, David can show maturity beyond his years and a savvy sense of the demands of the music industry.
(He mentions Simon’s (hypocritical) criticism of his performance of “With You,” but I have to say that I’ve gone back to that performance time and time again — once he gets into it, it rocks!)
I had the opportunity to debate with one young man on another website about the nature and purpose of music – either with or without lyrics. During this debate, the subject came up of John Lennon and his message song “Imagine”. The young man had pointed out that Lennon had wrote this song as a way to bring a message to the world that he didn’t have any other way to communicate, and therefore wasn’t a valid example of the true purpose of music with lyrics. I rejoined with the explanation that Lennon did indeed have another way of getting his message to the world other than through a song. Lennon had by the time he wrote ‘Imagine’, used the platform that he had built through a long successful foundation of ‘radio music’, to not only write message songs to the world, but speak out openly about issues that concerned him. Once he had obtained the ears of the world by ‘tickling’ it, he began to say much that was in his heart about the state of humanity and it’s place in the world, about it’s responsibility to themselves and each other. As Rascal concluded, David is, at the young age of 17, already showing the signs of a musical artist who can and very well might use his voice in more ways than one. David is revealing a heart that carries a message, and a voice that’s beginning to learn it can, not only sing, but speak. I am intrigued, and can’t help but be excited by, the thought that changing the world might be on David’s horizon, and our’s as well.
Finally! I am so happy to hear David speaking his mind. I had begun to worry that he had decided (or been advised) it was best just to smile through all the ridiculous behavior and hype surrounding him these days, that it might be best just to remain gracious and easygoing--no matter what. I dismissed the thought that he was the type of person who engaged in denial as a way of coping with some of the jerks he has already met and will have to endure in the future. I’ve wondered how long it would take for him to speak up! People, unfortunately, often mistake kindness for weakness. David, I suspect, will always have to remind some people that he is no pushover. I think we’ve only just begun to hear some of the delightful things that will come from his mouth--when he’s NOT singing!
David is incredibly intelligent. He is learning at a rapid rate. He may be kind and humble but he does know who he is and what he wants. He is also a highly motivated and a disciplined taskmaster. This is just one more task to accomplish. And, after viewing the pure fun he had in all 4 of his performances in LA, he is learning at quantum speed.
Rascal and fellow Archies, you never cease to amaze me with the thoughtful prose about our David. I agree that David has begun to grow into the adult he will become and who will speak his mind as well as he sings through his heart. The man I hope he becomes will share the cute, giggly smile and the contagious laugh and humility of the David we know now with this adult he is becoming. I want David to express what he feels in his heart, to help change what he knows is important to him and us, but I also want him to play and have fun to enjoy the fruit of his labor…. and I know he will do all of this spectactularly! Nobel Prize, anyone? Now, let’s have some fun! My inner child is yearning!
Ditto! Rascal. David was candid and true to his heart. No one messes up David’s passion. His wisdome is beyond expectation. What a blessed child. And, I am honored I adore him…O’-)
I am glad David finally said something about Simon. When I started watching AI this year, I’ve always wondered why Simon always gets to say the last word. Why is it that his words carry so much weight? It seemed that Randy’s opinion was worth 25%, Paula’s was 25%, and Simon’s was 50%. Who is Simon Cowell? Is he a very accomplished musician? I have never heard of him before and I am lazy to do a research on him. Most people who know nothing about music or are tone deaf only listen to what the judges say, particularly Simon, and parrot the same analysis of a contestant’s performance around a drinking fountain at work or school. It is sad but it is reality. I thought that if only those who understand music are eligible to vote, David Archuleta would win the show hands down.
People comment about David--how he is getting better with interviews. I have seen his interviews at the beginning of this year’s AI and throughout his progression on the show and he really is the same to me. He was “diplomatic” as Rascal pointed out. He gave wise answers and I could tell he was honest. The one thing that seems different with this interview is that he finally said what he thought of Simon’s antics on the show. Simon probably really liked David at first but I didn’t understand why he went on saying negative things about David A and positive things about David C on some TV shows. This to me was unacceptable. Judges should not go about campaigning in favor of a particular contestant they wanted to win. It was unfair to David A. To me, Simon just lost his credibility and his seeming superiority as a judge who can predit a contestant’s future career.
Right-on Rascal! It never ceases to amaze me the casual intelligence of our young David! He makes me chuckle! I just can’t wait for the next song, or the next word from him! What a bright light for all to see. Smart as a whip! Cute as all-get-out! Humble to the bone! And, best of all, what a voice! Beyond beautiful! You seem to know him as I feel I do. Your words just sound better! Thank-you for that!!!
Hello NotingDavid Family!
I agree David is wonderful, and enjoy reading your insightful posts and Rascal’s intelligent articles. I hope you don’t mind me posting this here, but if you haven’t yet signed, here is a link to the petition to have David’s tour suit changed. We all know how much more impactful his performances would be if he was comfortable in his own skin on tour, and this can only happen if he was comfortable in his attire. The petition will be submitted to 19 tomorrow so please vote if you can, thanks!!
http://www.gopetition.com/online/20302.html
David is such a dichotomy.
He feels so immature. He’s taking his time to even date, much less dive into relationships. He’s innocent and goofy, simply delightful. At the WALL-E Premier, he confesses to loving Pixar, says that “Finding Nemo” is his favorite movie, states with that characteristically bubbly and endearing laugh, “I’m such a kid!” That is one side of who David is.
On the other is the mature, confident, intelligent, reasonably articulate and masterful budding professional who knows who he is and what he wants. Wow! What an intriguing combination…especially when combined with that exquisite, other-worldly voice and gorgeous face. David’s gonna be a force to be reckoned with.
Thanks for this Rascal. It’s as if David is looking back over the experience with his scope widened. Giving his AI experience perspective within the real world, I believe he can’t help but feel a sense of the ridiculous over what transpired. One can’t deny something that is plain for all to see. David must feel that since all that occurred is a matter of public record, he can open up a little and voice some of what he felt at the time.
Tinuviel, thanks for stating it. I haven’t stopped believing it. Our jaded society doesn’t want to allow for “heroes” (although it’s everyone’s secret wish) or real spitituality. Everything it seems, must be reduced to
mundane bits of fluff that fit into a work-day, or personal time bereft of real emotion and substance. Music included. Changing the world? It’s underway; we can all feel it. That wave i used to rave about has only ganed in force and volume. Who here can deny the subtle and great changes that have occurred in their lives since coming into contact with David? Changing the world starts with each person recognizing the need for change within. Somehow David continues to inspire people to look within and desire that positive change. We’ve all been going on for months now about why we believe he is able to do this for us.
PS T, will def mesage you at FB Forums and try to respond over there tonight.
TOfan, always felt the same about “WithYou’ another example of how david opened my ears to a POP song i wouldn’t have given any attention to before. Something about David investing himself into those sentiments gives the song a new credibility. I even came to like the Chris Brown original through David.
Double ditto Rika!
Thank you very much for posting this great interview