Happy,
Be careful what you wish for. For you will surely get it!
betsy . February 11, 2009 .
No way!!!!!!!
WhatJustHappened . February 11, 2009 .
I didn’t butt in at all yesterday, but it seems that we continue to beg the question…..
Yes, all David needs is a hit recording and he’s THERE! (paraphrasing) But may I humbly ask, how in the land of all things fuzzy is David supposed to have a smash hit album if his product is not marketed in a way that gives him adult credibility? What about worthy recordings like Eva Cassidy’s that no one ever heard? Talent is not enough. David is THE VOICE. David is a FORCE. But he is still a human being who walks this earth and he has to be marketed.
Hits are born in the studio but they die quickly without nurturing.
Speaking of ‘buff’, ladies……those new pics/videos….now that’s a thermos I would carry around. Is that the Archulator action figure you were talkin bout?
WhatJustHappened . February 11, 2009 .
Betsey – lol
Kizzi – haha
WhatJustHappened . February 11, 2009 .
“Pawsome price”
OMG! It’s painful.
marlie7 . February 11, 2009 .
All I can say this morning is the headache I had over yesterday’s picture is becoming a migraine today. I’m finding it very difficult to spread the Archuleta news to adults with this kind of promotion going on in the media.
Responses: “You mean that kid on iCarly?” “Oh, that boy on the Bear t-shirt?”
Sigh….
olemr2001 . February 11, 2009 .
I don’t remember seeing this video before. It is David singing “Smoky Mountain Memories” on Utah News during “David’s Day” on May 9, 2008.
(Thanks to snarkyarchies.)
Marlie, I agree. I feel like his marketing is going from bad to worse. Why are they doing this?? Things were going overall well last year. What happened?
mommuzboys . February 11, 2009 .
Let me know when I can look
awestruck . February 11, 2009 .
Rascal, you can’t seem to let this go, can you? I am worried for you.
Good morning all! I didn’t get much time yesterday to check in here.
But now…I’m at a loss.
At first I thought this was just a joke, but this one is for real! I was worried when I heard he recorded a song for “Build a Bears.”
What is going on here?
Oh yeah, that’s right: “immediate revenue” and in this economic climate, sigh.
Whether or not David’s “game,” I can’t imagine Jeff, who takes his son’s music seriously, is OK with this.
WhatJustHappened . February 11, 2009 .
mommuzboys – Is your avi meant to be facetious haha? It’s much better product than the Build a Bear ad.
Isn’t that Jason Mraz just to David’s left?
Pawsome!
FunnyGirl . February 11, 2009 .
Hi everyone, I don’t post here much, but I lurk often. I’ve been here since the beginning, as many of you have. I just can’t stop myself today because I feel like the negativity is growing. I realize that we are all invested in the young man, and that we want his success more than anything. I know there is nothing wrong with questioning decisions, marketing, image, etc, etc…..but for reasons we do not understand, he is being marketed “young” and it stinks. He can’t be marketed as a Jason Mraz or John Mayer – even though he is that good already – because he is too young. He can’t be marketed as a Josh Groban – that didn’t win him fans on Idol. He can’t get the older teens or college age folks because he isn’t today’s idea of “cool”. You have this super talented young sweet innocent guy – good luck with that! I’m no marketing expert but it is clear that David is not an easy case. What’s done is done. About Build a Bear, the guy was approached to do a kid’s song for charity – why would we expect him to say no? Would that be the David that we know and love? But it seems that we can’t be pleased by anything he does anymore. He shouldn’t play at restaurants, he shouldn’t be on icarly, he shouldn’t be in a teen mag, he shouldn’t sing for BAB. What if he turned them down and then it leaked that he didn’t want to do it? Would everyone be outraged by that too?
Can we just enjoy David, in whatever color, shape, or form he’s in right now?
Peace!
mommuzboys . February 11, 2009 .
whatjusthappened
my avi was meant to show we were all a bunch of rascal’s gang…family…however different we are
but i changed it this morning- after i saw the new post pic
FunnyGirl . February 11, 2009 .
marlie7 – I agree that is is very hard to be a grown-up David fan lately but when folks say those things to me I say “Yep. that’s the one!” because I am confident that he will get older and these younger things will be over. His talent will prevail in the end.
hello georgous – I always enjoy your posts. I can’t agree that Jeff is disappointed about this – it is a kids song for charity! Isn’t that a good thing?
WhatJustHappened . February 11, 2009 .
The salt from my tears is knotting up this bear’s fur!
Let’s NOT talk about love.
Can we use the $1 donations to save David?
marlie7 . February 11, 2009 .
Funnygirl #16 I don’t mind the song so much, really! I think he loves to do things for charity. I more object to the bear t-shirt. I don’t know who else will be doing this song (supposedly there will be several versions of it by different artists).
David is really not that hard to market. His moral values do not stand in the way of him being loved for his music even by the college crowd. His Jingle concerts were awesome and I don’t think anyone would have thought he was “too young” at those. He has musical maturity beyond his years. That is all they need to play up to market him in that segment.
But doing the kid things does make him appear not to be in the Jason Mraz/John Mayer category to people who don’t know about him. I think we need to remember that most marketing tries to reach those who are not already fans. Those of us who know him won’t abandon him for a silly bear shirt. We love him, love his music, know his talent is huge. It’s the people who don’t know him yet that will be put off by the childish impressions.
Freofan . February 11, 2009 .
FG, When David performed in the Sacramento Jingle Bash, I saw him as free and completely clicked in and comfortable. He seemed his current age and appealed to older teens and adults. I want that David back.
I may be totally reading into things here, but I am wondering if he “heard about it” from certain entities that that performance was too sensual and immoral.
Since the Jingle Bash concerts, something has been “off” and I can’t quite put my finger on it.
FunnyGirl . February 11, 2009 .
Hi Marlie7 – I agree that the Jingle Jams were a great opportunity. Sadly I don’t think the singles that have been released so far don’t appeal to the college age crowd. They think they are too cool for Pop music!
FunnyGirl . February 11, 2009 .
Hey freo – I think we will see that David again at the tour. His passion cannot be reined in while he’s performing. I think the older teens and adults without ODD don’t even know about icarly and BAB. Seeing him live will sell them – the issue is getting them to the concert! Most folks I talk to either don’t know who he is or still call him ‘that kid from Idol’ – they don’t even know that Crush is by him! ???
marlie7 . February 11, 2009 .
Freo: If that is true (I know, pure speculation), then someone else doesn’t know and trust David enough.
I remember the video with him and Lady GaGa. There she was all decked out weird and over the top, and David managed to make the conversation be about the new camera they got, the best Deli in town and the performances. He is so grounded that he isn’t affected by the pop silliness. He can be a role model in any situation.
WhatJustHappened . February 11, 2009 .
FunnyGirl – nice post
But the FUNNY thing is, David IS cool and his marketing team should help promote that. David was involved in choosing the cover for his album. He chose something cool rather than something with his sweet smile. David is obviously working on his, shall we say, musculature (I have to be careful, it’s too early in the a.m. to get SF started). That is cool in today’s world. His taste in music is cool. He has acted very cool in some of his interviews (Kathy Griffin, Sleazak, etc). Many find his (what was that again, HG?) his soft masculinity VERY COOL! The marketing people just have to highlight his coolness. Over time it will pick up momentum. Right now, they seem to have abandonned it altogether.
Why is eighteen too young to be moving in the direction of his musical idols? Don’t get that! He is not too young to be cool.
We are not faulting David. And we have his back. But somebody out there should be thrown to the bears!
Joner . February 11, 2009 .
Although I’m not doing cartwheels over some of the public appearance decisions that have been made since the Jingle tour, this “Build A Bear” campaign doesn’t trouble me that much.
It’s for charity and I could see someone like Faith Hill recording a song for a promotion like this.
I think if we weren’t so disturbed by some of the other management choices, this would not bother us at all.
Freofan . February 11, 2009 .
I can’t believe that Jeff is even on board with this current marketing. Jeff is clued in to popular music and I think has a clue to the bigger world out there. I just don’t get it.
FunnyGirl . February 11, 2009 .
What Just Happened – hi! I have some terrible news for you – here where I live (Michigan, USA) David is perceived as the furthest thing AWAY from cool possible! I think he is the “new cool” LOL but I am screaming alone in a forest. The kids today are all kinds of immoral (sorry, that’s just my opinion…) and to be 18 and not kissed yet is just laughable to the average young teen. Sad but true.
I didn’t mean he shouldn’t move in the direction of Mraz and Mayer, I’d love to see that.
marlie7 . February 11, 2009 .
I’m going to stop fretting. I love David, you all love David. We’re just going to have to bite the bullet and get through this phase. I’m psyched for the tour, for the concert I’ll be seeing at Infinity, for the videos of the other concerts and his tour in the Philippines. I’m just going to take a deep breath and let it go (I promise!) LOL!
FunnyGirl . February 11, 2009 .
Hi Joner! There will be 3 other artists this year that do the BAB song – it will be interesting to see who they are!
Joner . February 11, 2009 .
Hey Funnygirl! Maybe one of them will be Chris Brown. I heard he needs to soften his image somewhat
FunnyGirl . February 11, 2009 .
soft masculinity – LOL
FunnyGirl . February 11, 2009 .
LOL BAB wouldn’t sign him though…..
marlie7 – AMEN!
davidfanLIZ . February 11, 2009 .
Lunchbox David, bear teeshirt David. LOL!
Pleeeeease bring back Sacramento Jingle, Touch My Hands, David.
I can’t wait for the tour. Can’t come soon enough!!
Dawn65 . February 11, 2009 .
Good Grief.. if I send them a thousand dollars will they take that t-shirt off the bear ?
I can’t take it anymore… MY EYES>>>MY EYES !!!
And I am irritated enough right now that I don’t really care if someone gives me the 5000 reasons that I shouldn’t be negative.
I can feel the way I wanna feel.
I was all pumped…listening to my zune..just working away..and had a great idea for a poll…so I logged in to my favorite peeps…and BLAM… talk about a bubble burster.
David’s marketing doesn’t have to “compare” to anyone.. i.e. Josh Groban, Jason Mraz… because
#1. He doesn’t compare
#2. He’s unique in too many ways too count.. does he not deserve more creativity in marketing strategy ?
#3. By marketing to your “target” audience, you are doing a disservice to David and his fan base. Unless I want to swing by the DayCare after work and hand out bears to promote the VOICE.
And sadly enough… I absolutely think David agreed to this promotion because it is for Charity…but again… when it comes to deep pockets…why give much thought to this rare and gifted artist… the guy dreams are built upon.. .he’s just a casualty in the world of big money makers?
He’s not a marketing scheme. And even though I’m NOT in advertising and marketing… even I can come up with at least a hundred different ways to make him more marketable without exploiting his humbleness and generosity.
sorry …rant over… I don’t think I’ll log back in til later tonight because…well… I just can’t… these things take the wind right out of my sails…..and I respect David too much to approve, or whine and complain…so I’ll engross myself in my Zune..my work… and enjoy ..WCW IT OUT…which is wonderfully uplifting.
BTW…my idea for a poll…was a top 10 list of songs that could be covered by David that would take them to perfection… I was thinking one could be Beautiful, by Christina Aguilera… I think he could transcend that song into infamy. . .. or should we through a beanie cap on him and have him do a rendition of On the Good Ship Lollipop ?
WhatJustHappened . February 11, 2009 .
FG – Live in NYC and have 4 teenagers. Sorry your news was not news. I was jus sayin that the aspects of him that ARE cool should be advertised to be movin in the right direction. Don’t remember sayin it would happen overnight.
A while back I gave DA’s CD to one of my sons who is in college (what was I supposed to do with the six that I bought?). I told him to see if he wanted any of the songs on his pod. He told me he loaded the whole thing. “He’s pretty good,” my son mumbled. Of course, at school they talk about Akon and the ‘cool’ singers only. One day he comes home laughing cuz one guy was looking at another’s ipod and yells, “YOU have ARCHULETA on your ipod?” Blushing, the guy admits it to a chorus of “me toos”. It’s a start. But do you think these guys will ever go to a concert if they associate him only with Nickelodeon and Build a Bear?
Marketing is supposed to move you in the direction of your intended destination. Therein lies the problem. David wants a legit music career. TPTB want $$$$.
Do you think this problem would be solved if he kissed someone? It should be so simple!
Anyway. Any friend of David’s is a friend of mine. Truce!
WhatJustHappened . February 11, 2009 .
Dawn65 – I want David to do Stevie Wonder.
marlie7 . February 11, 2009 .
Dawn65 Marc Anthony: My Baby You or anything from the first album
awestruck . February 11, 2009 .
OK
Please understand that this post comes from my heart and the concerns that rest there. If I get egged, so be it.
RASCAL – I am worried about you; your stress levels and the health of you overall mindset regarding this issue. I believe that you are OTT with your obsessiveness regarding your view of the miss-management of David and his career. You have certainly made your point repeatedly now. Whatever contract that has been signed, is signed and cannot be broken, I ask that you please let it go. I believe you have a powerful voice in the blogging world with regards to David, and further incitement of the Internet masses will only serve to give power to those out there who would use this to try to devalue David and his career.
What will be, will be.
silverfox . February 11, 2009 .
**SIGH**
Well..what can I say? At least they used the album cover photo too..but it looks soooo out of place in that ad..
Save The Children is close to his heart and so he would never say no to participating.
I do want to hear the song by David though..cuz anything by David has to sublime…
How long before the “David The Voice, LIVE!” tour??
Funnygirl #28..sad isn’t it, but heck yeah..Let’s tell David to KISS A GIRL & LIKE IT! THEN announce it to the world! Then his Album will go Platinum over night! He’ll be pursued by all the big networks to guest star on their shows! He’ll be an instant Superhero, an instant Leading Man! He’ll be sooo COOL!
Yeah..why didn’t HE think of that?? When he’s asked again, he should..JUST SAY “YES and I LIKED IT!”
IMO..David should just say “no comment” when asked personal questions..He doesn’t HAVE to answer..and he doesn’t know how to lie..so he should do like the other STARS do..just say “no comment” PERIOD! They would go nuts trying to find out WHO the “no comment” is about!!
David, David, David, my luv! You have us going in circles worrying about your future..cuz it seems Your future is OUR future as well..sort of!
FunnyGirl . February 11, 2009 .
LOL silverfox! hehehe!
Joner . February 11, 2009 .
If David was a country singer, he would fit right in.
Pop/R&B is a tough market to break into. The really successful artists are edgy and/or have a shtik.
David may not have what it takes to be a frontrunner in this genre because he can’t (and shouldn’t) change who he is. He needs to play it smart yet try to stay true to himself and by doing so he may not get the recognition that some of his peers do, but at the end of the day, if he’s happy, that’s all I care about.
I hate to keep bringing up the Chris Brown issue, but I think the public has zero tolerance for abusive individuals. Ironically this could bode well for David as they may gravitate toward a less edgy POP/R&B artist. In that respect, Jive should be counting their lucky stars.
chenson . February 11, 2009 .
The Build a Bear thing is for Charity, enough said really.
juliebug . February 11, 2009 .
Sigh. I’ve said my piece. We’ve gotten nowhere. We just keep going round and round. No one here is going to change their mind. So I’m done commenting on this issue.
SandyBeaches . February 11, 2009 .
If you would like to have a cool lunch box then go to ebay and you can buy one……
ELVIS…THE BEATLES…MADONNA…THE JONAS BROS…and many others…
David Archuleta, 18 years old
Chris Brown, 19 years old
Rhianna, 20 years old…
Can you just imagine the fast rise to stardom for Chris Brown with his life style? David sang in the line-up with Chris at least on one occassion… Is that the place for David?
What happened to Chris and so many other young stars before him makes one stop to think perhaps a little differently about the road to success and how you travel on it…It is time for a drastic change…
Way to go David…be there for all ages…Your talent that is so rare speaks for itself…
mamasaun . February 11, 2009 .
SB – well said!
SandyBeaches . February 11, 2009 .
joner…#42…you hit the nail on the head…The country music singers seem to have a different way about them and I have always enjoyed many of them…David would be much loved in their industry…
Freofan . February 11, 2009 .
Juliebug, I think that I should do the same. I keep getting so frustrated with the marketing issue, and although I can voice my opinion on blogs as a fan, there’s really nothing else I can do short of no longer purchasing David-related products or music to voice my disagreement with the recent marketing direction. And I don’t want to do that. So I will just let it go for now and just wait and see what happens.
SandyBeaches . February 11, 2009 .
Although I have had to get over a few hurdles of understanding David’s marketing…(marketing such a farmer-go-to market sell your wares kind of thing) myself I have seen signs that David’s rise to stardom is just as different as his voice…When you see a video of him singing at a fire station (ever so bravely) after 9/11, then you have to realize that he is so very different…
Breath deeply, relax, let it go….I promise you David will lead…although we may not always understand…
Kizzi . February 11, 2009 .
Ummmm…..to consideri beng enticed to the dark side, I definitely NEED cookies!
FG – Long time, no post! Good to hear from you on a not so funny topic.
rascal, you are in advertising, you understand the music industry; you have written the most definitive, eloquent, visionary words out there about David, I comprehend the angst and disheartening nature of what you are conveying. My empathy is operating at full tilt with the frustration expressed in these last two threads. My outlook is, as usual, different.
So, as a resident naive optimist with mega rose colored glasses on at this moment (tomatoes welcomed…they actually appear as flowers through my glasses), email me if you want to attend an after concert party if you are going to Sayreville, Allentown or Lancaster. kizzix2008@gmail.com A few of us are on a ROAD TRIP to these three venues accquirand we want to meet other fans of our “child” star. I survived mid-life crisis w/o changing out the hubby, acquiring new boobs, or moving to Tibet to contemplate my navel, so I guess I survive this–what may be eventually defined as my “second childhood!” ahahahahaha Ummm….I think I need to go and Build-A-Bear.
It’s interesting how some of you want to excuse this BAB marketing gimmick as “Charity,” and I’m so grateful David is the kind of guy who would never say “no” for a Save the Children charity.
However, that’s what makes this marketing Valentine’s Day BAB thingy all the more sickening. Using charity and David’s image to sell stuff. It’s all about commodity, even down to exploiting someone’s good will to sell a bunch of bears. I’m not impressed.
And yes, “soft masculinity,” especially in the wake of Chris Brown’s bad behavior, has a chance to make a comeback. I just cannot accept that David being David – sweet inexperienced young guy with mad talent – cannot be marketed in today’s pop music. You mean to tell me a bunch of his songs on his CD – “Waiting for Yesterday,” “Desperate,” “Barriers,” “Somebody Out There” – can’t be marketed successfully? Puh-lease!
What I see is his management going the easy way out – they’re capitalizing on his young cute looks to sell STUFF, and they’re just satisfied that such a young cute guy has a nice voice to sell the music too, but his talent is being marginalized; that is what it looks like to me with these types of gimmicks.
I’m really annoyed at this, sorry if I’m being negative. We all know if David looked like Elliot Yamin, Jive would never take him down this route (of course, they didn’t sign him either, and Elliot had to work with an indie label so what does that tell you?).
I’d rather David work with an indie label and produce quality music and build a slow career towards artistic credibility than to be used up in these ways by a major label like Jive. Heck, if David was eventually going to go down this kiddie route after all, then I really wish he did sign with Disney. At least Disney would have made him into a multimillionaire doing so.
I don’t know. This just feels like REGRESSION, and I cannot believe that, when David was 17 last year, he managed to emerge as a young adult. Now that he’s 18, they’re treating him like he’s 12. Ridiculous!
But, so as not to be completely negative, I’d love to contribute to Dawn65′s top 10 songs David could sing to perfection. I vote for:
1. “Tender Love” by Force MDs
2. “Ma Cherie Amour” or any other ballad by Stevie Wonder
3. “Hey Jude” by the Beatles
4. “Ordinary People” by John Legend
5. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
6. “Amazing Grace” hymn
7. “Your Song” by Elton John (God, can you imagine?!)
8. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban (again, can you imagine?)
9. “Human Nature” by Michael Jackson
10. any Spanish ballad.
Anyway, I have a late morning, but gotta run! Until next time!
Energy . February 11, 2009 .
Hey ya’ll!
I am one of the many who followed David since AI. Me and my husband noticed David since “Heaven” during Hollywood week and became fans. We voted for him and were really upset when he lost.
I was happy with the direction David’s career was heading post AI until… recently.
His single “Crush” and his album were marketed well. He was booked on major gigs (TV appearances, Jingle Balls, Radio tours), Jive and Azoff did pretty well actually.
In my opinion, things went downhill after the Jingle Balls. Things slowed down and David start accepting small gigs like New Year’s Eve show and Sundance which I believe was booked by Jeff being co-manager and not necesarily Azoff’s idea (Remember they were Utah gigs). I was worried with the quality of the show they put up during those gigs, they were so amateurish. I was also shocked by Snarkies’ report that Jeff and team were planning a solo tour for David sans band. I was relieved that changed. Jeff probably read the fan’s comments and decided it was a bad move. But to think that idea even came up to their mind was shocking.
As much as I would love to see David succeed to a Superstar level “NOW”, I believed he is not ready just yet. He may be 18 and very mature in his music taste, but his emotions is still very young. He still acts like a “tween” in some ways. That side of him needs some catching up. (I am amazed that he is still into Finding Nemo and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends) I remember my 11 y.o. son used to watch it a year ago but he has clearly moved on.
I believe David’s image is marketed towards 6-11 age group while his music is to a more older crowd thus this tour (House of Blues, Clubs etc). We may fret with the idea but I think David and Jeff are fine with it. David is having a blast. Giggling and acting unusually younger than his age during iCarly gig. I find it painful to watch, to be honest but I believe that is all him. No pretense. Jeff knows David of all people and I think he supports David’s actions rather than correct him. David’s insecurities made him act younger I believe.
Michael Jackon comes to mind when I think of somebody so talented and mature in his musical tastes but was just a young kid at heart. I believe that’s one of the disadvantages of starting really young.
I hope David the boy catches up fast to David the man.
SandyBeaches . February 11, 2009 .
silverfox…David will …”Kiss a girl”…when we least expect it to happen…We will wake up some morning to the news on Fanblast or Snarky’s…and it will be exciting…everything David does is exciting and different …I love the pictures of him in Hawaii…
Angelica . February 11, 2009 .
I’m not a marketing strategist. I don’t know if he will ever be able to connect on a huge scale with his peer group. It’s very clear that there may be some pressures that he succumbs to, but peer pressure is not among them. He is supremely indifferent to their feelings about him having never been kissed. He is unapologetic about his refusal to use the most banal swear words. If they are waiting for him to get drunk or do drugs to fit their idea of cool, God give them the strength to endure.
Still, I truly believe that time and the Voice will prevail and a new cool will emerge, one that requires discipline and courage. One that inspires love and hope, not cynicism and despair. This might seem impossible except that David has a secret weapon that many, including David, are absolutely unaware of: He is, whether he likes it or not, incredibly, powerfully sensual.
He has IT, like his album cover almost subliminally states.
If his management would just get a clue to this fact, they might find their job much easier and more lucrative in the long run. David is his best advertisement. Just let him work his magic and don’t dilute it for the kiddies to make a quick buck. By doing so, they may have their cash cow, but may lose Toro Bravo. As I said, I’m not a marketing strategist. I work in the field of health care and our creed is: First, do no harm.
FunnyGirl . February 11, 2009 .
Hi Kizzi and everyone – We can go round and round forever on this issue and never change anyone’s mind nor should we want to. The experience of David is uniquely personal. I just feel that it is more productive to positive, as often as possible, and enjoy this as much as we can, right now, in all of it’s furry glory!
Tess . February 11, 2009 .
My final comment on this subject since, I too, think that Rascal has driven it into the ground and no one has yet written up a viable alternative to David’s present marketing.
We (ND) are a wonderful, enlightened group of individuals that enjoy David for his “voice” and would follow him to the ends of the earth if we were asked. But, realistically, we are only a handful of people in the grand scheme of things. Our entire view of David is distorted by our fanaticism and since we are slaves to the internet (and don’t deny it if you check out this blog everyday) we see and hear EVERYTHING David.
I wouldn’t, under any circumstances, watch anything like ICarly, wouldn’t tune into Radio Disney, wouldn’t be fixated on You Tube, wouldn’t visit fan sites, wouldn’t shop at the Bear’s store if I wasn’t infatuated with all things David. I never research any of the other AI finalists, have never visited any other performers fan sites. What I know about them are their songs on the radio, the articles about them in People magazine (I wouldn’t have a clue who John Mayer was if it wasn’t for his tryst with J. Aniston),their occasional singing and appearances on award shows, any concerts that someone gifts me a ticket to.
So for me to say that David’s career is being hurt by his current marketing strategy would be supremely hypocritical. In the real world I would have seen the fashion pictures, the album cover, the People mag pictures, the wonderful NAs he sang, his performance at the Macy’s parade, his talk show appearances and maybe his Crush video on VH1. All great exposure for David, in my humble opinion.
rascal . February 11, 2009 .
Many of you are assuming that I am making a particular statement with today’s feature, when in fact I have offered no opinion whatsoever. FunnyGirl’s #55, for example, is as legitimate a response as any. The fact that this image evokes more of the kind of concerned responses in evidence here has nothing to do with me or my perspectives. (It is possible, incidentally, for some of us to hold different–even conflicting–perspectives in our minds simultaneously.)
jess . February 11, 2009 .
Ok, I usually come here to read uplifting (and sometimes hilarious) comments about David. Lately, I can feel a gloom over this site. I don’t know what the big deal is about David being promoted to the younger audience. My little children LOVE David and were so excited to finally see him on Nickelodeon over the weekend. Even my 12 year old watched ICarly to see David. I see David as a role model for all my children in their different ages. In my opinion that is something David wants, to influence people for the better, especially children. I think my children would be SO disappointed if he didn’t remember them with any of his appearances. I remember seeing one of the recent radio interviews and him walking outside the studio to greet some little girls that had come to see him. He told them how they reminded him of his sisters.(I am sure he misses them) I know us older fans want him to only do shows targeted for older audience. I think his fans are of every age and gender. I can see Jive struggling trying to figure out how to market him because he appeals to so many ages. I can see them giving everyone a turn. I think now is the turn for the kids. With the coming concerts I am sure we will get a turn.(I am still waiting to be able to buy me some tickets). I know a lot of you are more experienced than me in this marketing business and I don’t know what Jive’s marketing strategy is, do you? But I have to say that I didn’t mind watching David be David when singing I’m Yours. I couldn’t stop smiling. I couldn’t stop watching him at the PCC, so fun to see him having fun. I am so proud of him for always being available for any charity that needs of his help.
I think that everyone is entitle to their own opinions, but let’s do it in a more positive and uplifting way and see the good that David is trying to do, yes, even with BAB.
I am a fan for life and I will follow him on the road to success with all the bumps and bruises. Just my opinion. Peace.
Kizzi . February 11, 2009 .
FG – I am a recovering worrier, pessimist. Spent years doing that and It wasn’t fun and people didn’t like me and I was in leadership positions. When I switched my focus, life became loads of fun and I just deal with situation as they unfold (I actually do crisis management as a huge part of my daily work life). So my words and actions revolve around facts and truth. I can easily admit I was wrong which happens periodically.
ND is a 360 degree fan site….that is what I really enjoy about it as I can see everyone’s perspective and, of course, rascal, himself, has a vision and insight that speaks to me on so many levels. See, right know there is a sense of a looming dark cloud on the horizon and it is ok if I say I don’t agree and why as long as I am respectful of others. What I know for a certainty is truth will find its way to the light.
SandyBeaches . February 11, 2009 .
silverfox…to you again I address my comments…
On February 24th, at the Sandler Center, VA, I will be sitting in row G with Kizzi…we are planning on calling you to have you listen to David’s first solo concert number…In case the crowd is crazy and in the way, i have reserved two seats in Balcony C Box A, seats 1 & 2…just above the stage…no one in front and no one behind…If I am travelling that far and enjoy him beyond anyone else then I need a choice of seats…call me a little crazy but the seats became available after season ticket holders let their tickets go…
Then on that night, we will put our worries to rest…
ronaldsf . February 11, 2009 .
Wow.
Are we in some alternate universe where when you turn 18 you suddenly age backwards?
Or maybe it’s just David.
We always knew he was unique!
ronaldsf . February 11, 2009 .
Oh fyi yall, I unbelievably still have a final from last semester that I’m working on. I hope to slay the beast by Friday, though.
Even then, other things have been super-busifying me. I really wish I could be on IdolForums and ND more often though!
Oh, and I will definitely be in Reno March 18!
peru . February 11, 2009 .
Whenever David is doing something that surprises me, I just remind myself that he is the “Rebel Without A Crown”!
This is David. He said, “I don’t care where I’m going, ’cause I know where I wanna be… It’s time for you to see…..” I saw in a vid posted in the previous thread in which David said that Works For Me was about him. I think Tofan or Freofan posted it? Sorry, couldn’t remember for sure.
The lunch box really got me at first sight. But after not so accidentally, but on purpose, I forced myself to stare at them many times, I was okay with them.
If the young teens could sit through “When you say you love me” while loving it, I can listen to David saying, “It’s room 513″ on iCarly and laugh with him.
I bought his itunes, his cd, the Elle, the Square and his Life Story. I got his Reno tickets at 10:05am during presale. I will buy iRock the Vote when I figure out how to do it. (I only saw the option of getting a Season Pass to all iCarly Show last night!) I will buy his lunch boxes if they come out. I am taking my daughter to BAB and get the download card to his song. I am allowing my daughter to skip half a day of school to drive 3.5 hours to see his show with me. (Thanks for the advice of some teachers here. SandyBeaches, did you say an experience with David singing is more memorable than a day of school?)
I love the Archulator and I am trusting him. Maybe it’s a big mistake, but it’s a chance that I’ll take. He will redefine sexy, masculinity, and life as a pop star. Yes I know.
SandyBeaches . February 11, 2009 .
Kizzi…I understand rascal quite well most of the time… but I hope that we can look beyond what we may seem to think is happening with David’s marketing…Actually we have little else we can do but believe in him because we do not have his marketing plans laid out in front of us…I understand marketing as I designed and marketed products internationally and worked with the Department of National Defence and the R.C.M.P. on a project for years…I know strategy and how it plays iteself out but in David’s case everything is always so different . Perhaps all we can do is hope for the best…and smile even if it is 10% as much as he does…
peru . February 11, 2009 .
Oh yes. Are these the eyes of someone you could love?
juliebug . February 11, 2009 .
I’m not making a statement. Just bringing this over here.
Sure-fire way to get to the heart of David Archuleta fans
Scott Iwasaki
DeseretNews.com blogger | Feb. 11, 2009 at 9:37 a.m.
This just in.
Starting on Valentine’s Day — this Saturday — Build-a-Bear Workshops will feature an exclusive David Archuleta song download card of “Let’s Talk About Love,” as a thank you for those giving a $1 donation to the Save the Children Foundation.
Build-a-Bear locations will match each donation, up to $50,000 worldwide. The catch is, the song cards will be available only while supplies last.
Just think, you could get the song and a David Archuleta outfit for your own Build-a-Bear.
So go make your Valentine happy, as well as helping at-risk children living in poverty in the United States and 41 other nations.
WhatJustHappened . February 11, 2009 .
ronaldsf 61 – lol
As far as I can tell there are no conflicting perspectives at ND on ONE issue – our unconditional love that sometimes makes us testy when we perceive that David is being wronged.
And since I have no experience in marketing (except maybe being manipulated by it) I regret getting involved. I excelled at lurking. Stink at posting. A waste of my time.
And I wish the motto of my profession was “First do no harm.” haha
FunnyGirl . February 11, 2009 .
LOL Kizzi – I am also a recovered worrier!
Peru – “He will redefine sexy, masculinity, and life as a pop star. Yes I know.” AMEN!!!!!
What Just Happened – no one stinks at posting!
Rascal – you were smart not to offer your opinion – and although we may assume to know it, as you said we can waver in our minds from time to time.
Have you guys seen the photos of David this morning giving the blurry, bilateral thumbs up? I give up. I just can not stay worried about someone who exudes that much joyful optimism and exuberance for life. You win, David, sweetie. Where’s my bear? I will sleep with it and listen to you sing “Let’s talk about love” to me and have sweet dreams of all the children I helped you save. I am being dead serious here. I love this guy. He has given me so much joy and love and laughter and peace this past year. All I have to give him is my trust that no matter what, as he says, “things happen for a reason.”
David Archuleta, you rock.
Aha, aha, toro, ole!
silverfox . February 11, 2009 .
SB #53..I don’t think so! We will never know when David has his first kiss..for all we know he already has..but he won’t tell..he’ll be vague..He will want to protect the her. Just like he didn’t say who he took to the Senior Dance..and I really appreciated it, cuz everyone would have hated me cuz he said I was awesome & besides I don’t have room for all the hate mail I would have received..uh..
oh.. that was just another dream I had! sorry!
SB #60..You & Kizzi just wanna kill me right? Cuz you know I will die!? Well I can’t die cuz I have tickets and flight reservations for Albuquerque 3/14, then Reno 3/18!! Can I really wait that long..LORD help me! to remember that David is 18, and acording to most, a very YOUNG 18!! What the HECK!! Why did I ever keep watching AI last year?? What did I do to deserve this? This “kid” is killin’ me!
But at least I didn’t reserve extra seats..just in case?? You are the cra-zeh one!
I am so looking forward to the David The Voice, LIVE! tour..I can hardly breathe when I think about it! To hear THE VOICE live again..
… despite what his critics claimed during A.I., David could certainly never be boring! lol
Other stars need to get busted with drugs or caught with an illegal handgun to get their fans riled up, with David it’s a charity bear!
Hi FunnyGirl! You summed it up completely for me, THANK YOU!
mb . February 11, 2009 .
As much as I love John Legend, Eva Cassidy, and Jason Mraz, I don’t think you can compare them and thier marketing to David.
Although these artist are well respected in the music industry and have solid fanbases they can’t compare to artists who have changed the game because of their unique, once in a lifetime talent.
Those artists are the ones that are always mentioned here, Elvis, Elton, Stevie, MJ to name a few. No one can touch them because no one can replace them.
I think David has that one of a kind quality and that’s why it’s hard to market him at 18. He appeals to 10 year olds and 70 year olds.
I also think AI spoiled his mature fans. I mean we got to hear him sing Imagine, Stand by me and So it goes, songs we would never usually hear from an 18 year old pop star. There was a point when people were actually saying he could never make it in the current pop scene. Fast forward a year and people are saying he is being marketed too much to the young demographic.
I think eventually David and his management will find the balance between Build a Bear and When you say you love me. I think it will take some time and patience.
rascal . February 11, 2009 .
mb – #73 – I’m afraid you have it backwards. David needs to cultivate the kind of music industry and audience legitimacy of a John Legend, Eva Cassidy, or Jason Mraz if he is ever to rise to the heights of truly legendary status. No one has risen to those heights without a solid foundation of legitimacy, in addition to game-changing attributes. Just because we know he has that potential, doesn’t for one minute mean that he will necessarily deliver on that potential, or that anyone but his devoted fans will see it.
SandyBeaches . February 11, 2009 .
SF 71…So you are the one who he took to the prom!! You let it slip!!
Just imagine this…flying into Washington the day before, driving to Viriginia Beach…anxiously awaiting the concert…next night going to the concert…excited of course…second time to hear and watch him sing with better seats this time…Then…when you want to savor his beautiful runs or quietly watch his emotional expressions…(and of course he brings the occassional chills with his higher notes)…then…people are talking or squealing or cheering…What do you do??…It could be such a waste…You go to the balcony box just above the stage and all is clear and peaceful and I can concentrate…on every beautiful note…The row G could be better for closeness…
Also, when we call you there needs to be a clear reception…
SandyBeaches . February 11, 2009 .
I will make a quick decision when there and if I don’t want the seats I will take them to the street and give them away…can’t be spoiled…
djafan . February 11, 2009 .
I’ve been a lurker for some time now and I’m gone give this a try, excuse my rambling.
I have a couple of co-workers who are David fans because of my good morning videos to them, neither of them have odd to the extent that I do. I actually was considering therapy for my odd because I thought there must be something wrong with me. How could this man/boy have me so mesmerized and intrigued? I’ve become an internet junkie looking daily for all things David and I found ND. I realized I’m not crazy! Look at all these smart and eloquent writers who love David, some maybe more than me…. I’d really like to see that questionnaire to see what we have in common that links us to The Voice… I really like that SF.
I do have to do my research when no one is watching, my hubby thinks I’m obsessed. My granddaughter, 12, who is in a gifted program thinks I’m silly and is enjoying the ODD grandma. She likes David and his music, watches ICarly and by no means does this dumb her down, she thinks it’s a fun silly show. She and my daughter who also likes David, but doesn’t have ODD will be attending the Pomona concert with me, along with one of my friends from work… I can’t wait!
What led me to delurk was a phone call I received from a family member that thinks David is a great singer, but doesn’t get my ODD. She wanted to know how someone like the JoBros, no offense to anyone, can perform on the Grammy’s with a legend like Stevie Wonder when they can’t sing! I agree. I googled them and they are totally marketed toward the tweeners, yet there they were.
I’ll confess that I didn’t know who Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Sara B., Eva Cassidy just to name a few were until David started blogging about them, yet I know who Stevie Wonder is. I’ve asked my family and friends if they new who these singers were and so far 2 out of 15 had heard of them, but they all knew who Stevie Wonder is. What I’m trying to say is if the JoBros can get an invitation to perform at the Grammy’s with none other Stevie Wonder and all their marketing is towards the tweeners, my granddaughter doesn’t like them or any of my high school and college age family members, then this should not hinder David’s career. When I forward youtubes, articles, any info to promote David I do it based on the relevance to their age group. The more mature stuff to the older crowd, they’ll never know about ICarly, the BAB stuff because there isn’t any reason for them to access it. On the other hand I do send the younger stuff to my grandkids, nieces and nephews because it’s relevant to them and they won’t see the more mature stuff because they’re not looking for it.
Whew!!! I hope we can move on…. Rascal what did you think of his rendition of the SSB at the ProBowl?
SandyBeaches . February 11, 2009 .
rascal…meant in fun of course…but…if you want David to be taken more seriously then lose the avatar please…he looks rather foolish as anyone would in those glasses….a sandy beach, brownies anything…You have to love Angelica’s…
jackryan4DA . February 11, 2009 .
Hi FG {{{waving}}}. Long time no “see”. I miss Sheriff Archie
For the non hand-wringers, way to go! Not sure if it is the path of least resistance, but it sure avoids raising one’s blood pressure or adding more wrinkles over this – to borrow TOfan’s description – perfect storm.
For those still hand-wringing, please repeat after me: “This too shall pass… this too shall pass…this too shall pass”
Aaah those eyes – twin pools of adorableness. And those lips!
JONER on #42 – I sure hope that somewhere down the line in David’s career, he will at least collaborate with a country artist. Yup I agree, he will nicely fit in. Positioning him in that huge market would be less problematic.
djafan . February 11, 2009 .
ebonyangel… thanks for the link….
I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 There’s no way this can hurt.
fay . February 11, 2009 .
Hi
AMEN……. FUNNYGIRL 16..WE ALL LOVE DAVID AND I’M KINDA TIRED OF THE CONSTANT BASHING ICARLY BUILDABEAR WHAT EVER…JUST GIVE HIM A BREAK…
rascal . February 11, 2009 .
Perhaps the less I say about that song the better. But I will probably have a hard time keeping quiet.
fay . February 11, 2009 .
THE BAB……. SONG IS WHAT DAVID IS ALL ABOUT LOVE & PEACE…CAME ON PEOPLE….!!!!! I AM TIRED OF THE CONSTANT PUT DOWN OF DAVID…
juliebug . February 11, 2009 .
You can do it, Rascal. I know you can. haha!
djafan . February 11, 2009 .
I emailed the link out to a couple of adults, I’m a grandma of 8 and they’re older than me and to my daughter, 30 …..they all loved it.
juliebug . February 11, 2009 .
I can’t find the reference now (maybe tonight when I get home from work)….but there was a comment on IDF the other day from a guy who heard his local DJ talking about David after playing ALTNOY.
The DJ is in Baltimore and they do a lot of charity work for John Hopkins’ children’s wing. He said he’d talked to David the other day and that he was going to talk to him about doing something for the charity as he’d be great for it. Something like that.
David is becoming KNOWN as the “go to” guy for charities. And, to me, this can’t be a bad thing at all.
… David sings the way Superman flies … we’ll all be humming it in our sleep, even you Rascal!
Bebereader . February 11, 2009 .
Rascal: I can’t wait to hear what you have to say!
But for me…
The song has me in tears! Good tears!
THE VOICE, combined with the message of peace, harmony and love is for the win! This song, with one or two minor lyric changes to the first few words has a universal appeal. It reminds me of the Coca Cola (Pepsi?) song “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing in Perfect Harmony”. These lyrics are so David.
“I want us to be a little closer, and to always to reach out a hand, to be kind to one another and always understand…
It’s all about love, it’s all about peace and living in perfect harmony, it’s all about hugs, it’s all about ways that we can share…
It’s all about you it’s all about me, it’s all about how we can be one big family. Let’s talk about love…”
djafan . February 11, 2009 .
Bebereader, I completely agree!
I’ve listened for the 6th time and my blood pressure actually dropped!
stenocruiser . February 11, 2009 .
Oh my goodness! It is impossible, repeat impossible, for anyone anywhere to find any fault with that beautiful song. Inspirational. Very special. Thank you David.
Joner . February 11, 2009 .
It’s a lovely song and has a wonderful message.
I have to say, when I clicked the link to the Save The Children charity, my heart swelled with pride that David is associated with this organization.
Tess . February 11, 2009 .
Rascal, dear…
This song is being sold at the Build-a-Bear sites. It won’t be marketed to the general public…it may show up on youtube, but I bet it gets good comments.
Relax, take a deep breath…YOUR DAVID will be along soon enough. A pitch perfect voice with feeling won’t dissapear…it may struggle a bit but it will definitely come out on top (especially with all the fantastic, fanetic, devoted fans out there).
Bebereader . February 11, 2009 .
If I was walking in a mall and I heard David’s voice coming out of the speakers, singing this song as I passed the Build-A-Bear store, my heart would be filled with pride, my eyes would be filled with tears and my soul would be filled with love for David Archuleta, THE VOICE!
Tess . February 11, 2009 .
Oh…its already on youtube!
Bebereader . February 11, 2009 .
It’s all about EXPOSURE! David’s popping up everywhere, at the Pro Bowl, at the Mardi Gras, at Disney in Orlando, at children’s hospitals, tree lighting ceremonies, Sundance and now in a song that sends a good message for a popular store in malls across the country. Most of these are very heavily populated locations to get David’s name out there. It’s got to be a good thing!
rascal . February 11, 2009 .
Well, Tess, I have to give you credit for assuming the worst when it came to my reaction to this, and I appreciate your running interference, because I am finding it extremely difficult not to consider this cloying, mawkish, horrendous piece of drivel the veritable nail in the coffin. I am literally embarrassed for him. This is precisely the kind of recording that will haunt him and make him cringe for the rest of his career… Assuming he has one.
Angelica . February 11, 2009 .
SandyBeaches <3
Re your post #324 on the I’m Yours thread
You took the time to say some very nice things to me and I have been remiss in acknowledging your kindness. Please accept my thanks now. It meant so much to me at the time and always will.
happy . February 11, 2009 .
I had to bring Aragorn back as my avi, because the arrows is goin’ to be flying in my direction tonight, oh my heck, I might need the whole Fellowship of the Ring to protect me………..
happy . February 11, 2009 .
btw rascal- I had a beautiful poem all picked our for you should you lose the lunch box, but now I’m not sharin’ it……
BJ . February 11, 2009 .
Does David really want to project such a juvenile, bordering on childish, image? Truly my greatest fears are becoming reality.
davidfanLIZ . February 11, 2009 .
rascal, stong words!! I actually wanted to hate it, but dang it, it’s David’s voice and it is the Voice that hits me in my heart literally no matter what he is singing. I don’t have my usual framework of sophistication or perspective when it’s David. He sings and I turn to mush.
rascal . February 11, 2009 .
Liz — The idea that David can sing the phone book — implying that he would sound amazing no matter what the material — doesn’t mean he should actually record and release it.
happy . February 11, 2009 .
When you sing for charity, when you sing for children…you can not lose yourself as an artist…… check out below and enjoy the examples …..( I wish David had…)
I hear where you’re coming from Rascal. I guess I’m actually very torn on this and have decided to be positive and patient. I listen to John Legends, Eva Cassidy’s cds as well as David’s other influences and I wish that David could have gone in more of that direction for his first cd. I think his heart is into the more acoustic driven pop music, a la Mraz, Mayer, Bareilles etc right now, and this can be seen in Somebody out there and Works for me. Regardless I am very proud of what he was able to do with his first album.
I think his second album will be very telling as he will be around 19 or 20 at the time. (Hopefully!) I think he will be marketed differently for that album and will have more freedom.
I guess what I was trying to say is that with the greats there was no established path. It’s not as if legitimacy within music industry guarantees greatness. How many Best New Artist Grammy winners have faded away? Many critically acclaimed artists end up having cult fanbases but never really break into the mainstream.
On the other hand many teen idol artists have gone on to great things. Elvis, Beatles, MJ etc. Eventually their artistry shone through. We can’t say for sure that his current marketing will hinder him because we can’t see into the future.
It depends on the artist and his or her own path. There is no formula to become a legendary artist. I think it’s the complete opposite, maybe a mixture of talent, luck, the right timing and that x factor. That why it’s so exciting to be a fan of an artist that has that potential.
Gosh, sorry for rambling on…it’s so easy to do with David! And as always Rascal I love hearing your take on things.
rascal . February 11, 2009 .
I’m not even gonna get into the charity issue. See HG’s previous post on that topic for clarity.
Tess . February 11, 2009 .
Rascal…
I am a very avid fan of “Biography” and am always amazed at the super stars who had so many missteps, failures, bad songs, horrendous movies, horrible TV appearances in their backgrounds. I’ll admit I am a Tom Hanks fan, but where in the hell did Bosom Buddies (sp) come from? How did he ever overcome that start in his career?
Good performers rise above the low points in their careers, GREAT performers learn and grow from their less than stellar beginnings.
In today’s techno world David will always be surrounded by any “missteps” he makes, AI will always loom large in his life (and if that isn’t sometimes a miserable cross to bear), every song and performance will follow him for time infinitum. If this sweet little (albeit amateurish) song breaks his spirit and causes him sleepless nights in his future then David doesn’t have the strength or fortitude that I think he does. He will overcome!
Besides, I don’t believe that anyone can assume embarrassment for someone else. I think that is a very singular encombrement.
AnniefromtheEU . February 11, 2009 .
I think the elitist thinking on here needs to stop! Just enjoy David and let him grow as a person and as an artist at his own pace. Jive is confident enough in him to allow that. So should his fans. Sheesh.
happy . February 11, 2009 .
rascal108- from the website with the song…. “And if you’re a huge David fan like I am, you can also buy a beary cute David Archuleta tee for your furry friend to wear!…”
are you implying that you don’t think BAB is donating the profits from the David Archueta tee shirt to charity?…..
happy . February 11, 2009 .
I’m getting cranky…and I’m usually happy (can I change my user name for a day?)… i would like to announce that I am not an elitist just because I was hoping David would pursue a more adult route… and why are so many people calling names lately?
(rascal, i love you…but you knew that post 98 was incendiary when you posted it didn’t you? and people have been plenty fired up as it is lately…..are you cranky too?)
peru . February 11, 2009 .
Rascal, you were sounding harsh like Simon in your comments on David’s BAB song:
“I am finding it extremely difficult not to consider this cloying, mawkish, horrendous piece of drivel the veritable nail in the coffin. I am literally embarrassed for him. This is precisely the kind of recording that will haunt him and make him cringe for the rest of his career… Assuming he has one.” Wow.
But David said that among all judges, Simon was the one who made him want to improve more. He would work harder so that Simon would like his performance too. The whole world knew that David succeeded. Just look at Simon’s reactions to David’s performance on the Top Two night.
Now, if David worked hard to win Simon over, Rascal, I am sure that he would work hard to win you over. You maybe skeptical now, but in the end, he will win you over.
rascal . February 11, 2009 .
happy — I wasn’t cranky until I heard that song. Now I am a combination of infuriated, bewildered, and very, very sad.
Freofan . February 11, 2009 .
Rascal, me, too. I don’t know what’s going on. I am not an elitist in my musical tastes; I am just so very frustrated because I believe that David is truly very talented and has a beautiful and rare voice. There is no focus to his marketing campaign. I think that things have been going south since Sacramento Jingle Bash, when he was uninhibited, sensual, glorious, and free. Something happened after that (either in his personal life, involving the church, or who knows) and things have been ‘off’ ever since then.
Oh dear. So, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what new song do we get from David? Not “To Be With You,” or “You Can,” or “Somebody Out There,” you know, a romantic ballad that would have many a gal (and some guys) – from age 10 on up to age 80 – swooning, oh nooooooo. We can’t remind the public that he’s 18 and legal!
Instead, we get some treacly (isn’t that what Simon Cowell referred to his rendition of “Longer”? I can already hear his criticism now) little sentimental drivel that I would expect to hear in the soundtrack to the Carebears movie. Sigh.
The only saving grace is that, even here, David’s vocals soar. Lovely voice, as always, but come on now. He is being forced back into the American-Idol-constructed box of “cheesy ballad boy.”
This is too sinister – yes, that’s how my suspicious mind works – for me to not believe this has been the plan all along with SONYBMG/19E/Jive – David Cook was their “cool” cover of “musical relevance,” so they gave him the crown and bound David in a contract to deliver their Disney-tween-dreams of quick cash.
Oh how subtle they were – making it seem that David wasn’t going down the Disney route, so as to placate the non-tween fans that he had, by signing him to the “cool” label of Jive (remember how we Archies rejoiced – so relieved were we that he didn’t end up with Disney, precisely because we didn’t want him going the kiddie route?). Surely, the thinking went, David would have wiggle room on a label that represents Justin Timberlake, Pink, Britney, Chris Brown, Usher, Jordin Sparks, etc.
They gave us a universally appealing song with “Crush” – making us think this was a nice catchy tune that teens, tweens, and adults could love – and we did! Then, they gave us a CD chock full of potential new singles.
This new approach is definitely a detour, and I’m sorry some of you find such opinions “elitist” or “negative,” but I love ND because here I’m free to express my deep concerns – founded or unfounded.
I come here because I can’t express these concerns anywhere else in the ArchuUniverse – Snarkies won’t hear it, FOD won’t hear it, IDF won’t hear it. And I respect those sites because they have a different focus. They don’t do analysis concerning David’s artistry, and I respect that.
I’m glad we have a forum here where we can express these concerns. So, those of you who don’t like it, just skip over the topic (or skip the blog for a while). There are plenty of David blogs that do positivity 24/7.
Why try and silence us here? I really resent the heck out of people who want to put a muzzle on me. Sheesh!
But, I’ll silence myself when I feel I’ve exhausted my concerns. So, enough of my ranting for the day. I hear you, JR, no sense wringing my hand when there doesn’t seem to be an immediate course of action, so I’ll say the mantra:
“This too shall pass, this too shall pass…”
I’ll add to this:
“In 7 years, David will be at his sexual peak! Perfect time to make his comeback as that sexy ‘handling Kathy Griffin’ guy (I just love your description, WhatJustHappened) I know he’s capable of being.”
And I don’t care if the ArchuPolice come at me with that one. It’s time to remind everybody in the joint that David is legally allowed to be a sexual being – whether or not he engages in the act or not.
Seven years is a long time to wait though – enough time, however, to undo this regressive-kid nonsense his label/management has tied him to.
awestruck . February 11, 2009 .
Rascasl # 57 “Many of you are assuming that I am making a particular statement with today’s feature, when in fact I have offered no opinion whatsoever.”
Don’t try wiggle out of this.
“The fact that this image evokes more of the kind of concerned responses in evidence here has nothing to do with me or my perspectives. ”
This would only be a valid reaction if the post was an stand alone post with NO previous buildup. Really Rascal, what did you really expect the reaction to be after the last couple of posts?
Freofan . February 11, 2009 .
HG, well said. I am not sure what’s going on, if it’s the label, stuff he’s hearing from the church to tone any sexuality down (and we know that David takes that very seriously and even literally), or what. I am just baffled, frustrated, and sad.
happy . February 11, 2009 .
HG restores my faith in nD… do you want to join me as one of David’s “yes people?” I’m upgrading my system’s hard drive (as per Angelica’s prudent advice.)
happy . February 11, 2009 .
I’m curious to ask those that construe this negativity as elitist etc…
How is all of this marketing any different than Miley, Jobros, Zac Efron? When hopes were uniformly held that he would not go that route no one thought it was being elitist then….why is it now?
AnniefromtheEU . February 11, 2009 .
happy, I don’t get why most people here are so negative about David being marketed to teens and kids. If some people don’t see that he’s also being marketed to an adult audience (pro bowl, inauguration, award show appearances, etc.), then they are not looking close enough (maybe tunnel vision by being too focused on their negative feelings about the teen marketing, I don’t know). Of course the main focus is on the younger audience – the age groups close to David’s own age. David is still a kid after all. He might be 18 now, legally an adult, but he is still a kid at heart. Can’t we patient for him to go the adult route when he actually feels like an adult and just enjoy the ride until we get there? This doom and gloom-vibe on here is frustrating to no end. Jive would be stupid to try and market him as something he clearly isn’t ready to be yet. Why demand of him to “take the responsibility” of being a serious artist, when he clearly enjoys being young and having the freedom of not being limited to a certain route yet.
Also, Jive and Azoff’d be stupid to not market him to this huge demographic group = kids & teenagers. I think we need to see things from a different perspective here, need to remember what it was like to be David’s age, need to see what Jive is looking at here. There is plenty of time for David to grow into the serious artist he’s destined to be. His talent, his gift is supreme and will prevail. We need to accept that he is only 18, that he IS a teenstar after all. Sometimes I think us older fans want him to be all adult for our own selfish reasons.
I think all this worrying and gnashing teeth is leading nowhere. Sorry.
BJ . February 11, 2009 .
The Voice captured attention with the beautiful vocals that embodied a “maturity that was well beyond his years”. Since then it seems that David and his team are hell-bent on destroying that earlier impression. Does David and his management team not see him as being marketable to his mature audience? Or is this just a small piece of a larger plan?
Kizzi . February 11, 2009 .
wow, rascal. “nail in the coffin”
rascal . February 11, 2009 .
Well, awestruck, all I can say is that if you were reading between the lines before, you ain’t seen nuthin’ yet.
HG, one of your comments will have turned out to be quite prescient.
And the last thing I’ll say (because I expect lots of angry flames and perhaps even another mini-exodus from nD — we’ve had them before…) is that the one thing you can always rely on is for me to call ‘em as I see ‘em. Doesn’t mean I don’t think, or won’t continue to believe, that David is one of the most supremely gifted artists to come around in a very long time, but that I will always be honest and forthright in my views of his work.
Tess . February 11, 2009 .
HG…
I think I’m missing something here. This song IS NOT a single…nor will it get radio or TV airtime. It is to be purchased as “bonus” for charity, if you buy a Make-a-bear. Based on what was written on the Make-a-bear site David was approached by the owner, this is not a Jive instigated maneuver. I am sure the only way David got a release to even record this is that it is strictly for Charity.
If we are going to blame anyone (such a horrible word: blame) for this turn of events then I think it has to fall on David and his Father/manager. David is a very faithful and obedient member of his religion and is serving his “church mission” by being an example of the ideals of young manhood that his church expresses. This “bear” song, the firesides, the visit to the Mormon Polenisian Cultural Center, possibly even his Nickelodian experiences, and his Christmas sing-along with the Osmunds are all part of this “wholesome” image that is part of David.
I am in no way criticizing these choices, they are the Archuleta’s to make. I know how strong the influences of the Mormon Church can be on its members and how many of them commit to upholding its standards. Jeff has pointed out how proud he is that David is upholding these standards and consequently, they more than anything else are influencing how David is approaching his career.
If you are not Mormon or haven’t been raised in a Mormon area you may not really understand how strong an influence the “Church” has on its members. Don’t for a second think that Jive is the sole culprit here for the marketing decisions.
rascal . February 11, 2009 .
Tess — I don’t know how old you are but times have changed. It is no longer possible to confine music releases to specific channels — Anything available online is in general release.
AnniefromtheEU . February 11, 2009 .
Oh, and what I mean by “elitist thinking” is that it seems to me that a lot of people here want to limit David to only go on adult shows like let’s say Oprah, perform only at venues like Carnegie Hall, and never sing spontanously during radio interviews ever, at least not without checking in with his publicist first. To me that equals basically robbing him off all his youthfoul joy and spontaneity.
Would I rather see him on Oprah than on iCarly? Of course! Would I rather see him get nominated for only one Grammy than seeing him win 3 Kids’ Choice Awards? Yes!
But what I refer to as “elitist thinking” is not David’s way, I believe. His talent is supreme, made for elite venues, for an elite audience, no doubt, but his thinking, his persona, his conviction is not elitist. He’s just a boy who wants to sing and reach people, regardless of age, gender, heritage, profession. To him it doesn’t matter if he’s singing for 5 people at church or 50,000 at Pro Bowl. He wants to be there for everyone. For the young kid who loves a lunchbox with his pic on it. For teens who love to see him goof around with kids their age on their favourite teen TV sitcom. For young adults who share his love for “different” music and the artists he admires. For the older ones who recognize the older kindred soul in him… David is for everyone. And that’s what they market him as. That’s why he is all over the place. Why some things seem so random, maybe unfocused. Why there seems to be no selection. At least that’s what I gather from what I have seen. I think they’re just trying to please as much people as they can. But of course, as said in my previous comment, the main focus is on David’s age group. As, frankly, it should be at this stage David seems to be at.
Also, I didn’t know that being adult means I’m not supposed to enjoy stuff like iCarly and “Let’s Talk About Love”. Why ever not? It’s much more fun embracing it and enjoying David’s stellar vocals than being all negative about it.
Of course that’s just my opinion.
awestruck . February 11, 2009 .
Rascal #124 – “is that the one thing you can always rely on is for me to call ‘em as I see ‘em. Doesn’t mean I don’t think, or won’t continue to believe, that David is one of the most supremely gifted artists to come around in a very long time, but that I will always be honest and forthright in my views of his work.”
I have NEVER doubted this and in fact I have truly admired you for it.
Adios – until a new topic comes along.
rascal . February 11, 2009 .
AnniefromtheEU — If you don’t get why people are frustrated by the marketing decisions, then you have not been reading this blog. It has nothing whatsoever to do with selfish interests. Indeed, quite the contrary. It has to do with David’s interests — if those interests involve being a successful singer with enough of a general audience to support his being able to develop his music in a creative and flexible fashion.
The marketing to children and young teenagers compromises David’s ability to be taken seriously by the critical group of industry and public market segments that he will need in order to support his career going forward.
This is exacerbated by the fact that David has credibility challenges in this regard to begin with. The marketing to children and young teens moves his chances for market legitimacy in the wrong direction.
Freofan . February 11, 2009 .
Tess, you have voiced my fears exactly. I have wondered what pressures from the church that David is getting. It’s easier to follow the rules and feel safe than to question or face issues that are very difficult or in denial. I would not even be surprised if he heard about it after the Sacramento performance.
ram . February 11, 2009 .
Wow! My 2 cents. As the song is still ringing in my mind, “STAND BY ME” he sang, even IF his management/marketing team is a trainwreck, I say, “I will David, I will stand by you.”
It is incredible to me how with the past Idol season long gone and the new one in full force, how many posters on You Tube are just NOW discovering David Archuleta (I typed OUR David Archuleta, but he belongs to the world). I have to believe that in spite of his management that his continued exposure will keep him from dropping off the face of the map. Yes, he may have to re-invent himself at some point but he may have to do that anyway when people are open to him having had a few “experiences” under his belt.
Angelica, Hi! I am going to the San Antonio concert and am beside myself to say the least. Wish I could make to Beaumont, but money is an issue. Would have loved to at least have met you. Love your sentiments, which I can tell are very well moderated for our PG -14, 16+ audience. LMAF. As to his “hmmm (clears throat) sensuality”, he has that in spades but somehow keeps that in check to some extent because I think he knows how easily the masses are “moved”.
No tomatoes, please. Although, I love my salsa. Speaking of which, when are we going to see some more “moves”? A little shimmy here, a little shimmy there never hurt anything. Gosh, I am so excited for this TOUR!!!
brooklyndawn . February 11, 2009 .
I say we might as well sit shiva for David’s career right here and now. It’s obvious that is is sinking and fast. I mean he appeared on a sillyass kid’s show and increased it’s viewership by hundreds of thousands, if I read the chart correctly.
He sang at a Luau for many of his peers. I didn’t see a toddler amongst them. One very fecthing young lady fell to her knees and paid obeisance. Should have told her she’s not being marketed to. And he performed a very beautiful SSB at the probowl. Those babies ate it up! Damn it, he’s finished.
You know truthfully, I don’t mind talking about what’ s wrong, but like the very effective former PTA president that I was, I am a little bit sick of talking about what the problem is and am ready to seek solutions. Until that happens here, it’s pretty much beating a dead horse. Futile and just plain unseemly. So I will go into self imposed lurkdom until there is either a cogent discussion on what we can do as fans, or until the subject changes.
Maybe David’s next tour could take place at hundreds of Chuckycheeses across America?
Finally Johns Mayer and Legend did not begin their career in their adolescence on Star Search. At David’s age Mayer was working in bars. Legend began his assent singing ‘hooks’ for rap musicians. We cannot compare David’s trajectory to thier for so many reasons. If David wanted that kind of pedigree he should have stayed off American Idol and not go on a show whose viewers expect instant results, and instant stardom. Throwing the late Eva into the mix is unfair because she never attained the fame equal to her talent in her lifetime.
David is only 9 months into this career. 9 months…..some perpective is needed. Seriously.
Tess . February 11, 2009 .
Rascal…
I’m not saying it won’t be out there, he!! it’s already on Youtube. If a radio station decides to play it…so be it. It can’t be nearly as bad as the profanity filled bar shows (prior to AI) that the idol winner has on youtube.
If this song reaches beyond the in place “fan base” that are already loyal to David I would be surprised. Gee wizz, I’ve never heard David Archuleta on the radio here in Phoenix, yet.
Rascal, I know you are the GREATEST supporter of David’s magical voice (HG runs a close second) and I truly don’t want you to give up on David. Hopefully his peep take the time to come to his fansites and to really understand that there is a very legitimate concern about how David is being marketed and how much ND would like him to go in the direction his amazing voice should take him.
But, alas, in the mean time I’ll just be glad that he has recorded a few songs that I truly love and will continue to listen to over and over.
rascal . February 11, 2009 .
>>he appeared on a sillyass kid’s show and increased it’s viewership by hundreds of thousands, if I read the chart correctly. <<
Yes, brooklyndawn, you read the chart correctly — the viewership of 6-to-11 year olds.
ram — I like to think that what the more thoughtful and articulate among his fan base thinks and says might have an effect, indirectly or otherwise. I sympathize with your frustration about identifying problems without being in a position to offer solutions, but I do believe our voice is counted in one way or another (and it probably needs to be long and loud for it to count at all).
Abrra . February 11, 2009 .
#43 Chenson Well said ( out of the mouths of babes) j/k. I really respect you and your opinions.
Who here has not made an mp3 of Let’s Talk About Love song? hmmmmmm?
It’s for charity. Making a major deal out of it on the heels of the “manufactured” Lunch set is very likely OOT.
If there be any doubt Rascal is love in my book.
We long for some positive inspired reflection on David’s talent. Once the tour starts, I am sure that wish will be fulfilled. I won’t be able to make any of the concerts this time, so I am counting on all my ND friends to report back the GOOD news.
Abrra
ram . February 11, 2009 .
rascal- Heard you loud and clear. I agree but since I am not as articulate and thoughtful (maybe it’s these rose-colored glasses I’ve been wearing) I will be leaving that to you and our wonderful group here at ND.
Thank you for all that you DO and SAY for the benefit of OUR DAVID. His VOICE is the GIFT that keeps on giving and if it is in the stars that our concerns be voiced so that we can continue to be blessed by those oh so sweet melodies so be it.
Did I mention that this is the coolist place on the planet -even with and especially because of this wonderful group of debators?
I am one of the regular ND posters who has consistently disagreed with Rascal (and others) on this issue.
But as much as I enjoy visiting other fan sites, there’s nowhere else I feel as comfortable expressing alternate points of view as here at ND. I may disagree with everyone here at times, but I never have to hesitate sharing my take on things.
Guess what I’m trying to say is that it feels the opposite of “elitist” or “negative” here. It feels welcoming and respectful and, above all, a place where everyone fiercely loves and supports David Archuleta.
Now, marketing schmarketing… when can we get that Spanish version of Crush?!!!!!
Peace, love, tenderness and {{{{{hugs}}}}} to all!
Junebug . February 11, 2009 .
I have lurked this site in the past but lately I mostly avoid it. I am amazed at the judgment coming from some of the posters. I know everyone is entitled to their opinion, but wow, just wow. First, the iCarly appearance was probably arranged by David’s previous management prior to signing with Azoff and the NYE and Sundance performances seemed to be favors or just low key stuff. Without rampant searching for all things David I don’t think anyone even realizes he did these events, I believe it was his “down” time, much like the little impromptu performance and the PCC in Hawaii. The radio promo tour was not a big deal in regards to being below him, a lot of performers do these type of things to get the word out on new singles, etc. His current management has booked him at some great clubs for his solo tour and we know that to be the case.
As far as his church telling him to tone it down after Sacramento for it being to sensual, that is just laughable. Wouldn’t happen. I would imagine they are nothing but impressed with the way David handles himself in the music industry of today.
Lastly, the BAB situation, I can’t wait to see who the other musicians are that are singing the very same song. I’m willing to bet some of you may end up a little surprised. I’m sure many “respected” artists would be willing to sing it for a good cause. Rant over, I’m going back to more positive fan sites.
Sorry for being judgmental it seems to be catching.
silverfox . February 11, 2009 .
Help! I’ve been trying to find the association or tie-in between Save The Children and BAB or Build a Bear Workshop. I went into the Save The Children website, and it is a very worthwhile charity, and they have many celebrities, corporations, and companies who are associated with the charity..but I can’t seem to fine BAB listed on their website. I just want to know that what HG says can’t possibly be true on #51
“Using charity and David’s image to sell stuff. It’s all about commodity, even down to exploiting someone’s good will to sell a bunch of bears”.
90% of donations to Save The Children go directly to children’s programs..10% to adminitrative costs..
Good distribution IMO..however..I would be happier if BAB was donating 90% of their sales to Save The Children, instead of $1.00..so in essence, BAB is using David to sell Bears..yes or no? Jus’ sayin’
I’ve listened to the song twice & I’m with Liz in that it’s David..and it’s hard not to love THE VOICE.
Abrra . February 11, 2009 .
I am speechless regarding the next blog entry.
Abrra
djafan . February 11, 2009 .
AnniefromtheEU ,brooklyndawn …. i agree.
Everyone I have shared this song with has loved it. I work in a very pressured environment with layoffs looming over our head due to the economy. The response has been “I really needed a lift, thanks”, “This song lifted my spirits” and these are not fans, so I don’t understand how it can hurt. Maybe I’m naive, and my acquiantances are bunch immature beings for liking the good feeling the song gave them… I don’t know.
Love and Hugs to all!
AnniefromtheEU . February 11, 2009 .
Rascal, I have been reading this blog, trust me, and as someone with a degree in marketing herself I can understand your concerns – to some extent. What I don’t understand is why you don’t seem to see at all, that they are also doing things to market him to an older audience (e.g. Pro Bowl, inaugurations, Sundance appearance, small artsy venues-tour that’ll give him more credibility as a solo-artist than being the opening act for some other popstar could etc.).
Again, trust me, I want the same things for David you want. But I’m also willing to give his team time to build him up as an artist who appeals to all ages, all genders, everyone, globally, because he’s simply that incredible gifted. I think (well actually from experience I know) it won’t happen over night and will take lots of work and time. I just think we need to be a bit more patient.
ram . February 11, 2009 .
Gee, why didn’t I get the memo- there’s a new blog entry?
Who is that “man behind the curtain?”
Happy – Be careful what you wish for!!!!!!!
Happy,
Be careful what you wish for. For you will surely get it!
No way!!!!!!!
I didn’t butt in at all yesterday, but it seems that we continue to beg the question…..
Yes, all David needs is a hit recording and he’s THERE! (paraphrasing) But may I humbly ask, how in the land of all things fuzzy is David supposed to have a smash hit album if his product is not marketed in a way that gives him adult credibility? What about worthy recordings like Eva Cassidy’s that no one ever heard? Talent is not enough. David is THE VOICE. David is a FORCE. But he is still a human being who walks this earth and he has to be marketed.
Hits are born in the studio but they die quickly without nurturing.
Speaking of ‘buff’, ladies……those new pics/videos….now that’s a thermos I would carry around. Is that the Archulator action figure you were talkin bout?
Betsey – lol
Kizzi – haha
“Pawsome price”
OMG! It’s painful.
All I can say this morning is the headache I had over yesterday’s picture is becoming a migraine today. I’m finding it very difficult to spread the Archuleta news to adults with this kind of promotion going on in the media.
Responses: “You mean that kid on iCarly?” “Oh, that boy on the Bear t-shirt?”
Sigh….
I don’t remember seeing this video before. It is David singing “Smoky Mountain Memories” on Utah News during “David’s Day” on May 9, 2008.
(Thanks to snarkyarchies.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qarIyr4u5EA
I can’t find the words…
Marlie, I agree. I feel like his marketing is going from bad to worse. Why are they doing this?? Things were going overall well last year. What happened?
Let me know when I can look
Rascal, you can’t seem to let this go, can you? I am worried for you.
Good morning all! I didn’t get much time yesterday to check in here.
But now…I’m at a loss.
At first I thought this was just a joke, but this one is for real! I was worried when I heard he recorded a song for “Build a Bears.”
What is going on here?
Oh yeah, that’s right: “immediate revenue” and in this economic climate, sigh.
Whether or not David’s “game,” I can’t imagine Jeff, who takes his son’s music seriously, is OK with this.
mommuzboys – Is your avi meant to be facetious haha? It’s much better product than the Build a Bear ad.
Isn’t that Jason Mraz just to David’s left?
Pawsome!
Hi everyone, I don’t post here much, but I lurk often. I’ve been here since the beginning, as many of you have. I just can’t stop myself today because I feel like the negativity is growing. I realize that we are all invested in the young man, and that we want his success more than anything. I know there is nothing wrong with questioning decisions, marketing, image, etc, etc…..but for reasons we do not understand, he is being marketed “young” and it stinks. He can’t be marketed as a Jason Mraz or John Mayer – even though he is that good already – because he is too young. He can’t be marketed as a Josh Groban – that didn’t win him fans on Idol. He can’t get the older teens or college age folks because he isn’t today’s idea of “cool”. You have this super talented young sweet innocent guy – good luck with that! I’m no marketing expert but it is clear that David is not an easy case. What’s done is done. About Build a Bear, the guy was approached to do a kid’s song for charity – why would we expect him to say no? Would that be the David that we know and love? But it seems that we can’t be pleased by anything he does anymore. He shouldn’t play at restaurants, he shouldn’t be on icarly, he shouldn’t be in a teen mag, he shouldn’t sing for BAB. What if he turned them down and then it leaked that he didn’t want to do it? Would everyone be outraged by that too?
Can we just enjoy David, in whatever color, shape, or form he’s in right now?
Peace!
whatjusthappened
my avi was meant to show we were all a bunch of rascal’s gang…family…however different we are
but i changed it this morning- after i saw the new post pic
marlie7 – I agree that is is very hard to be a grown-up David fan lately but when folks say those things to me I say “Yep. that’s the one!” because I am confident that he will get older and these younger things will be over. His talent will prevail in the end.
hello georgous – I always enjoy your posts. I can’t agree that Jeff is disappointed about this – it is a kids song for charity! Isn’t that a good thing?
The salt from my tears is knotting up this bear’s fur!
Let’s NOT talk about love.
Can we use the $1 donations to save David?
Funnygirl #16 I don’t mind the song so much, really! I think he loves to do things for charity. I more object to the bear t-shirt. I don’t know who else will be doing this song (supposedly there will be several versions of it by different artists).
David is really not that hard to market. His moral values do not stand in the way of him being loved for his music even by the college crowd. His Jingle concerts were awesome and I don’t think anyone would have thought he was “too young” at those. He has musical maturity beyond his years. That is all they need to play up to market him in that segment.
But doing the kid things does make him appear not to be in the Jason Mraz/John Mayer category to people who don’t know about him. I think we need to remember that most marketing tries to reach those who are not already fans. Those of us who know him won’t abandon him for a silly bear shirt. We love him, love his music, know his talent is huge. It’s the people who don’t know him yet that will be put off by the childish impressions.
FG, When David performed in the Sacramento Jingle Bash, I saw him as free and completely clicked in and comfortable. He seemed his current age and appealed to older teens and adults. I want that David back.
I may be totally reading into things here, but I am wondering if he “heard about it” from certain entities that that performance was too sensual and immoral.
Since the Jingle Bash concerts, something has been “off” and I can’t quite put my finger on it.
Hi Marlie7 – I agree that the Jingle Jams were a great opportunity. Sadly I don’t think the singles that have been released so far don’t appeal to the college age crowd. They think they are too cool for Pop music!
Hey freo – I think we will see that David again at the tour. His passion cannot be reined in while he’s performing. I think the older teens and adults without ODD don’t even know about icarly and BAB. Seeing him live will sell them – the issue is getting them to the concert! Most folks I talk to either don’t know who he is or still call him ‘that kid from Idol’ – they don’t even know that Crush is by him! ???
Freo: If that is true (I know, pure speculation), then someone else doesn’t know and trust David enough.
I remember the video with him and Lady GaGa. There she was all decked out weird and over the top, and David managed to make the conversation be about the new camera they got, the best Deli in town and the performances. He is so grounded that he isn’t affected by the pop silliness. He can be a role model in any situation.
FunnyGirl – nice post
But the FUNNY thing is, David IS cool and his marketing team should help promote that. David was involved in choosing the cover for his album. He chose something cool rather than something with his sweet smile. David is obviously working on his, shall we say, musculature (I have to be careful, it’s too early in the a.m. to get SF started). That is cool in today’s world. His taste in music is cool. He has acted very cool in some of his interviews (Kathy Griffin, Sleazak, etc). Many find his (what was that again, HG?) his soft masculinity VERY COOL! The marketing people just have to highlight his coolness. Over time it will pick up momentum. Right now, they seem to have abandonned it altogether.
Why is eighteen too young to be moving in the direction of his musical idols? Don’t get that! He is not too young to be cool.
We are not faulting David. And we have his back. But somebody out there should be thrown to the bears!
Although I’m not doing cartwheels over some of the public appearance decisions that have been made since the Jingle tour, this “Build A Bear” campaign doesn’t trouble me that much.
It’s for charity and I could see someone like Faith Hill recording a song for a promotion like this.
I think if we weren’t so disturbed by some of the other management choices, this would not bother us at all.
I can’t believe that Jeff is even on board with this current marketing. Jeff is clued in to popular music and I think has a clue to the bigger world out there. I just don’t get it.
What Just Happened – hi! I have some terrible news for you – here where I live (Michigan, USA) David is perceived as the furthest thing AWAY from cool possible! I think he is the “new cool” LOL but I am screaming alone in a forest. The kids today are all kinds of immoral (sorry, that’s just my opinion…) and to be 18 and not kissed yet is just laughable to the average young teen. Sad but true.
I didn’t mean he shouldn’t move in the direction of Mraz and Mayer, I’d love to see that.
I’m going to stop fretting. I love David, you all love David. We’re just going to have to bite the bullet and get through this phase. I’m psyched for the tour, for the concert I’ll be seeing at Infinity, for the videos of the other concerts and his tour in the Philippines. I’m just going to take a deep breath and let it go (I promise!) LOL!
Hi Joner! There will be 3 other artists this year that do the BAB song – it will be interesting to see who they are!
Hey Funnygirl! Maybe one of them will be Chris Brown. I heard he needs to soften his image somewhat
soft masculinity – LOL
LOL BAB wouldn’t sign him though…..
marlie7 – AMEN!
Lunchbox David, bear teeshirt David. LOL!
Pleeeeease bring back Sacramento Jingle, Touch My Hands, David.
I can’t wait for the tour. Can’t come soon enough!!
Good Grief.. if I send them a thousand dollars will they take that t-shirt off the bear ?
I can’t take it anymore… MY EYES>>>MY EYES !!!
And I am irritated enough right now that I don’t really care if someone gives me the 5000 reasons that I shouldn’t be negative.
I can feel the way I wanna feel.
I was all pumped…listening to my zune..just working away..and had a great idea for a poll…so I logged in to my favorite peeps…and BLAM… talk about a bubble burster.
David’s marketing doesn’t have to “compare” to anyone.. i.e. Josh Groban, Jason Mraz… because
#1. He doesn’t compare
#2. He’s unique in too many ways too count.. does he not deserve more creativity in marketing strategy ?
#3. By marketing to your “target” audience, you are doing a disservice to David and his fan base. Unless I want to swing by the DayCare after work and hand out bears to promote the VOICE.
And sadly enough… I absolutely think David agreed to this promotion because it is for Charity…but again… when it comes to deep pockets…why give much thought to this rare and gifted artist… the guy dreams are built upon.. .he’s just a casualty in the world of big money makers?
He’s not a marketing scheme. And even though I’m NOT in advertising and marketing… even I can come up with at least a hundred different ways to make him more marketable without exploiting his humbleness and generosity.
sorry …rant over… I don’t think I’ll log back in til later tonight because…well… I just can’t… these things take the wind right out of my sails…..and I respect David too much to approve, or whine and complain…so I’ll engross myself in my Zune..my work… and enjoy ..WCW IT OUT…which is wonderfully uplifting.
BTW…my idea for a poll…was a top 10 list of songs that could be covered by David that would take them to perfection… I was thinking one could be Beautiful, by Christina Aguilera… I think he could transcend that song into infamy. . .. or should we through a beanie cap on him and have him do a rendition of On the Good Ship Lollipop ?
FG – Live in NYC and have 4 teenagers. Sorry your news was not news. I was jus sayin that the aspects of him that ARE cool should be advertised to be movin in the right direction. Don’t remember sayin it would happen overnight.
A while back I gave DA’s CD to one of my sons who is in college (what was I supposed to do with the six that I bought?). I told him to see if he wanted any of the songs on his pod. He told me he loaded the whole thing. “He’s pretty good,” my son mumbled. Of course, at school they talk about Akon and the ‘cool’ singers only. One day he comes home laughing cuz one guy was looking at another’s ipod and yells, “YOU have ARCHULETA on your ipod?” Blushing, the guy admits it to a chorus of “me toos”. It’s a start. But do you think these guys will ever go to a concert if they associate him only with Nickelodeon and Build a Bear?
Marketing is supposed to move you in the direction of your intended destination. Therein lies the problem. David wants a legit music career. TPTB want $$$$.
Do you think this problem would be solved if he kissed someone? It should be so simple!
Anyway. Any friend of David’s is a friend of mine. Truce!
Dawn65 – I want David to do Stevie Wonder.
Dawn65 Marc Anthony: My Baby You or anything from the first album
OK
Please understand that this post comes from my heart and the concerns that rest there. If I get egged, so be it.
RASCAL – I am worried about you; your stress levels and the health of you overall mindset regarding this issue. I believe that you are OTT with your obsessiveness regarding your view of the miss-management of David and his career. You have certainly made your point repeatedly now. Whatever contract that has been signed, is signed and cannot be broken, I ask that you please let it go. I believe you have a powerful voice in the blogging world with regards to David, and further incitement of the Internet masses will only serve to give power to those out there who would use this to try to devalue David and his career.
What will be, will be.
**SIGH**
Well..what can I say? At least they used the album cover photo too..but it looks soooo out of place in that ad..
Save The Children is close to his heart and so he would never say no to participating.
I do want to hear the song by David though..cuz anything by David has to sublime…
How long before the “David The Voice, LIVE!” tour??
Funnygirl #28..sad isn’t it, but heck yeah..Let’s tell David to KISS A GIRL & LIKE IT! THEN announce it to the world! Then his Album will go Platinum over night! He’ll be pursued by all the big networks to guest star on their shows! He’ll be an instant Superhero, an instant Leading Man! He’ll be sooo COOL!
Yeah..why didn’t HE think of that?? When he’s asked again, he should..JUST SAY “YES and I LIKED IT!”
IMO..David should just say “no comment” when asked personal questions..He doesn’t HAVE to answer..and he doesn’t know how to lie..so he should do like the other STARS do..just say “no comment” PERIOD! They would go nuts trying to find out WHO the “no comment” is about!!
David, David, David, my luv! You have us going in circles worrying about your future..cuz it seems Your future is OUR future as well..sort of!
LOL silverfox! hehehe!
If David was a country singer, he would fit right in.
Pop/R&B is a tough market to break into. The really successful artists are edgy and/or have a shtik.
David may not have what it takes to be a frontrunner in this genre because he can’t (and shouldn’t) change who he is. He needs to play it smart yet try to stay true to himself and by doing so he may not get the recognition that some of his peers do, but at the end of the day, if he’s happy, that’s all I care about.
I hate to keep bringing up the Chris Brown issue, but I think the public has zero tolerance for abusive individuals. Ironically this could bode well for David as they may gravitate toward a less edgy POP/R&B artist. In that respect, Jive should be counting their lucky stars.
The Build a Bear thing is for Charity, enough said really.
Sigh. I’ve said my piece. We’ve gotten nowhere. We just keep going round and round. No one here is going to change their mind. So I’m done commenting on this issue.
If you would like to have a cool lunch box then go to ebay and you can buy one……
ELVIS…THE BEATLES…MADONNA…THE JONAS BROS…and many others…
David Archuleta, 18 years old
Chris Brown, 19 years old
Rhianna, 20 years old…
Can you just imagine the fast rise to stardom for Chris Brown with his life style? David sang in the line-up with Chris at least on one occassion… Is that the place for David?
What happened to Chris and so many other young stars before him makes one stop to think perhaps a little differently about the road to success and how you travel on it…It is time for a drastic change…
Way to go David…be there for all ages…Your talent that is so rare speaks for itself…
SB – well said!
joner…#42…you hit the nail on the head…The country music singers seem to have a different way about them and I have always enjoyed many of them…David would be much loved in their industry…
Juliebug, I think that I should do the same. I keep getting so frustrated with the marketing issue, and although I can voice my opinion on blogs as a fan, there’s really nothing else I can do short of no longer purchasing David-related products or music to voice my disagreement with the recent marketing direction. And I don’t want to do that. So I will just let it go for now and just wait and see what happens.
Although I have had to get over a few hurdles of understanding David’s marketing…(marketing such a farmer-go-to market sell your wares kind of thing) myself I have seen signs that David’s rise to stardom is just as different as his voice…When you see a video of him singing at a fire station (ever so bravely) after 9/11, then you have to realize that he is so very different…
Breath deeply, relax, let it go….I promise you David will lead…although we may not always understand…
Ummmm…..to consideri beng enticed to the dark side, I definitely NEED cookies!
FG – Long time, no post! Good to hear from you on a not so funny topic.
rascal, you are in advertising, you understand the music industry; you have written the most definitive, eloquent, visionary words out there about David, I comprehend the angst and disheartening nature of what you are conveying. My empathy is operating at full tilt with the frustration expressed in these last two threads. My outlook is, as usual, different.
So, as a resident naive optimist with mega rose colored glasses on at this moment (tomatoes welcomed…they actually appear as flowers through my glasses), email me if you want to attend an after concert party if you are going to Sayreville, Allentown or Lancaster. kizzix2008@gmail.com A few of us are on a ROAD TRIP to these three venues accquirand we want to meet other fans of our “child” star. I survived mid-life crisis w/o changing out the hubby, acquiring new boobs, or moving to Tibet to contemplate my navel, so I guess I survive this–what may be eventually defined as my “second childhood!”
ahahahahaha Ummm….I think I need to go and Build-A-Bear.
It’s interesting how some of you want to excuse this BAB marketing gimmick as “Charity,” and I’m so grateful David is the kind of guy who would never say “no” for a Save the Children charity.
However, that’s what makes this marketing Valentine’s Day BAB thingy all the more sickening. Using charity and David’s image to sell stuff. It’s all about commodity, even down to exploiting someone’s good will to sell a bunch of bears. I’m not impressed.
And yes, “soft masculinity,” especially in the wake of Chris Brown’s bad behavior, has a chance to make a comeback. I just cannot accept that David being David – sweet inexperienced young guy with mad talent – cannot be marketed in today’s pop music. You mean to tell me a bunch of his songs on his CD – “Waiting for Yesterday,” “Desperate,” “Barriers,” “Somebody Out There” – can’t be marketed successfully? Puh-lease!
What I see is his management going the easy way out – they’re capitalizing on his young cute looks to sell STUFF, and they’re just satisfied that such a young cute guy has a nice voice to sell the music too, but his talent is being marginalized; that is what it looks like to me with these types of gimmicks.
I’m really annoyed at this, sorry if I’m being negative. We all know if David looked like Elliot Yamin, Jive would never take him down this route (of course, they didn’t sign him either, and Elliot had to work with an indie label so what does that tell you?).
I’d rather David work with an indie label and produce quality music and build a slow career towards artistic credibility than to be used up in these ways by a major label like Jive. Heck, if David was eventually going to go down this kiddie route after all, then I really wish he did sign with Disney. At least Disney would have made him into a multimillionaire doing so.
I don’t know. This just feels like REGRESSION, and I cannot believe that, when David was 17 last year, he managed to emerge as a young adult. Now that he’s 18, they’re treating him like he’s 12. Ridiculous!
But, so as not to be completely negative, I’d love to contribute to Dawn65′s top 10 songs David could sing to perfection. I vote for:
1. “Tender Love” by Force MDs
2. “Ma Cherie Amour” or any other ballad by Stevie Wonder
3. “Hey Jude” by the Beatles
4. “Ordinary People” by John Legend
5. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
6. “Amazing Grace” hymn
7. “Your Song” by Elton John (God, can you imagine?!)
8. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban (again, can you imagine?)
9. “Human Nature” by Michael Jackson
10. any Spanish ballad.
Anyway, I have a late morning, but gotta run! Until next time!
Hey ya’ll!
I am one of the many who followed David since AI. Me and my husband noticed David since “Heaven” during Hollywood week and became fans. We voted for him and were really upset when he lost.
I was happy with the direction David’s career was heading post AI until… recently.
His single “Crush” and his album were marketed well. He was booked on major gigs (TV appearances, Jingle Balls, Radio tours), Jive and Azoff did pretty well actually.
In my opinion, things went downhill after the Jingle Balls. Things slowed down and David start accepting small gigs like New Year’s Eve show and Sundance which I believe was booked by Jeff being co-manager and not necesarily Azoff’s idea (Remember they were Utah gigs). I was worried with the quality of the show they put up during those gigs, they were so amateurish. I was also shocked by Snarkies’ report that Jeff and team were planning a solo tour for David sans band. I was relieved that changed. Jeff probably read the fan’s comments and decided it was a bad move. But to think that idea even came up to their mind was shocking.
As much as I would love to see David succeed to a Superstar level “NOW”, I believed he is not ready just yet. He may be 18 and very mature in his music taste, but his emotions is still very young. He still acts like a “tween” in some ways. That side of him needs some catching up. (I am amazed that he is still into Finding Nemo and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends) I remember my 11 y.o. son used to watch it a year ago but he has clearly moved on.
I believe David’s image is marketed towards 6-11 age group while his music is to a more older crowd thus this tour (House of Blues, Clubs etc). We may fret with the idea but I think David and Jeff are fine with it. David is having a blast. Giggling and acting unusually younger than his age during iCarly gig. I find it painful to watch, to be honest but I believe that is all him. No pretense. Jeff knows David of all people and I think he supports David’s actions rather than correct him. David’s insecurities made him act younger I believe.
Michael Jackon comes to mind when I think of somebody so talented and mature in his musical tastes but was just a young kid at heart. I believe that’s one of the disadvantages of starting really young.
I hope David the boy catches up fast to David the man.
silverfox…David will …”Kiss a girl”…when we least expect it to happen…We will wake up some morning to the news on Fanblast or Snarky’s…and it will be exciting…everything David does is exciting and different …I love the pictures of him in Hawaii…
I’m not a marketing strategist. I don’t know if he will ever be able to connect on a huge scale with his peer group. It’s very clear that there may be some pressures that he succumbs to, but peer pressure is not among them. He is supremely indifferent to their feelings about him having never been kissed. He is unapologetic about his refusal to use the most banal swear words. If they are waiting for him to get drunk or do drugs to fit their idea of cool, God give them the strength to endure.
Still, I truly believe that time and the Voice will prevail and a new cool will emerge, one that requires discipline and courage. One that inspires love and hope, not cynicism and despair. This might seem impossible except that David has a secret weapon that many, including David, are absolutely unaware of: He is, whether he likes it or not, incredibly, powerfully sensual.
He has IT, like his album cover almost subliminally states.
If his management would just get a clue to this fact, they might find their job much easier and more lucrative in the long run. David is his best advertisement. Just let him work his magic and don’t dilute it for the kiddies to make a quick buck. By doing so, they may have their cash cow, but may lose Toro Bravo. As I said, I’m not a marketing strategist. I work in the field of health care and our creed is: First, do no harm.
Hi Kizzi and everyone – We can go round and round forever on this issue and never change anyone’s mind nor should we want to. The experience of David is uniquely personal. I just feel that it is more productive to positive, as often as possible, and enjoy this as much as we can, right now, in all of it’s furry glory!
My final comment on this subject since, I too, think that Rascal has driven it into the ground and no one has yet written up a viable alternative to David’s present marketing.
We (ND) are a wonderful, enlightened group of individuals that enjoy David for his “voice” and would follow him to the ends of the earth if we were asked. But, realistically, we are only a handful of people in the grand scheme of things. Our entire view of David is distorted by our fanaticism and since we are slaves to the internet (and don’t deny it if you check out this blog everyday) we see and hear EVERYTHING David.
I wouldn’t, under any circumstances, watch anything like ICarly, wouldn’t tune into Radio Disney, wouldn’t be fixated on You Tube, wouldn’t visit fan sites, wouldn’t shop at the Bear’s store if I wasn’t infatuated with all things David. I never research any of the other AI finalists, have never visited any other performers fan sites. What I know about them are their songs on the radio, the articles about them in People magazine (I wouldn’t have a clue who John Mayer was if it wasn’t for his tryst with J. Aniston),their occasional singing and appearances on award shows, any concerts that someone gifts me a ticket to.
So for me to say that David’s career is being hurt by his current marketing strategy would be supremely hypocritical. In the real world I would have seen the fashion pictures, the album cover, the People mag pictures, the wonderful NAs he sang, his performance at the Macy’s parade, his talk show appearances and maybe his Crush video on VH1. All great exposure for David, in my humble opinion.
Many of you are assuming that I am making a particular statement with today’s feature, when in fact I have offered no opinion whatsoever. FunnyGirl’s #55, for example, is as legitimate a response as any. The fact that this image evokes more of the kind of concerned responses in evidence here has nothing to do with me or my perspectives. (It is possible, incidentally, for some of us to hold different–even conflicting–perspectives in our minds simultaneously.)
Ok, I usually come here to read uplifting (and sometimes hilarious) comments about David. Lately, I can feel a gloom over this site. I don’t know what the big deal is about David being promoted to the younger audience. My little children LOVE David and were so excited to finally see him on Nickelodeon over the weekend. Even my 12 year old watched ICarly to see David. I see David as a role model for all my children in their different ages. In my opinion that is something David wants, to influence people for the better, especially children. I think my children would be SO disappointed if he didn’t remember them with any of his appearances. I remember seeing one of the recent radio interviews and him walking outside the studio to greet some little girls that had come to see him. He told them how they reminded him of his sisters.(I am sure he misses them) I know us older fans want him to only do shows targeted for older audience. I think his fans are of every age and gender. I can see Jive struggling trying to figure out how to market him because he appeals to so many ages. I can see them giving everyone a turn. I think now is the turn for the kids. With the coming concerts I am sure we will get a turn.(I am still waiting to be able to buy me some tickets). I know a lot of you are more experienced than me in this marketing business and I don’t know what Jive’s marketing strategy is, do you? But I have to say that I didn’t mind watching David be David when singing I’m Yours. I couldn’t stop smiling. I couldn’t stop watching him at the PCC, so fun to see him having fun. I am so proud of him for always being available for any charity that needs of his help.
I think that everyone is entitle to their own opinions, but let’s do it in a more positive and uplifting way and see the good that David is trying to do, yes, even with BAB.
I am a fan for life and I will follow him on the road to success with all the bumps and bruises. Just my opinion. Peace.
FG – I am a recovering worrier, pessimist. Spent years doing that and It wasn’t fun and people didn’t like me and I was in leadership positions. When I switched my focus, life became loads of fun and I just deal with situation as they unfold (I actually do crisis management as a huge part of my daily work life). So my words and actions revolve around facts and truth. I can easily admit I was wrong which happens periodically.
ND is a 360 degree fan site….that is what I really enjoy about it as I can see everyone’s perspective and, of course, rascal, himself, has a vision and insight that speaks to me on so many levels. See, right know there is a sense of a looming dark cloud on the horizon and it is ok if I say I don’t agree and why as long as I am respectful of others. What I know for a certainty is truth will find its way to the light.
silverfox…to you again I address my comments…
On February 24th, at the Sandler Center, VA, I will be sitting in row G with Kizzi…we are planning on calling you to have you listen to David’s first solo concert number…In case the crowd is crazy and in the way, i have reserved two seats in Balcony C Box A, seats 1 & 2…just above the stage…no one in front and no one behind…If I am travelling that far and enjoy him beyond anyone else then I need a choice of seats…call me a little crazy but the seats became available after season ticket holders let their tickets go…
Then on that night, we will put our worries to rest…
Wow.
Are we in some alternate universe where when you turn 18 you suddenly age backwards?
Or maybe it’s just David.
We always knew he was unique!
Oh fyi yall, I unbelievably still have a final from last semester that I’m working on. I hope to slay the beast by Friday, though.
Even then, other things have been super-busifying me. I really wish I could be on IdolForums and ND more often though!
Oh, and I will definitely be in Reno March 18!
Whenever David is doing something that surprises me, I just remind myself that he is the “Rebel Without A Crown”!
This is David. He said, “I don’t care where I’m going, ’cause I know where I wanna be… It’s time for you to see…..” I saw in a vid posted in the previous thread in which David said that Works For Me was about him. I think Tofan or Freofan posted it? Sorry, couldn’t remember for sure.
The lunch box really got me at first sight. But after not so accidentally, but on purpose, I forced myself to stare at them many times, I was okay with them.
If the young teens could sit through “When you say you love me” while loving it, I can listen to David saying, “It’s room 513″ on iCarly and laugh with him.
I bought his itunes, his cd, the Elle, the Square and his Life Story. I got his Reno tickets at 10:05am during presale. I will buy iRock the Vote when I figure out how to do it. (I only saw the option of getting a Season Pass to all iCarly Show last night!) I will buy his lunch boxes if they come out. I am taking my daughter to BAB and get the download card to his song. I am allowing my daughter to skip half a day of school to drive 3.5 hours to see his show with me. (Thanks for the advice of some teachers here. SandyBeaches, did you say an experience with David singing is more memorable than a day of school?)
I love the Archulator and I am trusting him. Maybe it’s a big mistake, but it’s a chance that I’ll take. He will redefine sexy, masculinity, and life as a pop star. Yes I know.
Kizzi…I understand rascal quite well most of the time… but I hope that we can look beyond what we may seem to think is happening with David’s marketing…Actually we have little else we can do but believe in him because we do not have his marketing plans laid out in front of us…I understand marketing as I designed and marketed products internationally and worked with the Department of National Defence and the R.C.M.P. on a project for years…I know strategy and how it plays iteself out but in David’s case everything is always so different . Perhaps all we can do is hope for the best…and smile even if it is 10% as much as he does…
Oh yes. Are these the eyes of someone you could love?
I’m not making a statement. Just bringing this over here.
http://deseretnews.com/blogs/1,5322,5000017,00.html?bD=20090211
Sure-fire way to get to the heart of David Archuleta fans
Scott Iwasaki
DeseretNews.com blogger | Feb. 11, 2009 at 9:37 a.m.
This just in.
Starting on Valentine’s Day — this Saturday — Build-a-Bear Workshops will feature an exclusive David Archuleta song download card of “Let’s Talk About Love,” as a thank you for those giving a $1 donation to the Save the Children Foundation.
Build-a-Bear locations will match each donation, up to $50,000 worldwide. The catch is, the song cards will be available only while supplies last.
Just think, you could get the song and a David Archuleta outfit for your own Build-a-Bear.
So go make your Valentine happy, as well as helping at-risk children living in poverty in the United States and 41 other nations.
ronaldsf 61 – lol
As far as I can tell there are no conflicting perspectives at ND on ONE issue – our unconditional love that sometimes makes us testy when we perceive that David is being wronged.
And since I have no experience in marketing (except maybe being manipulated by it) I regret getting involved. I excelled at lurking. Stink at posting. A waste of my time.
And I wish the motto of my profession was “First do no harm.” haha
LOL Kizzi – I am also a recovered worrier!
Peru – “He will redefine sexy, masculinity, and life as a pop star. Yes I know.” AMEN!!!!!
What Just Happened – no one stinks at posting!
Rascal – you were smart not to offer your opinion – and although we may assume to know it, as you said we can waver in our minds from time to time.
I’m gonna love the stuffin’ outta my David bear!
I can’t wait to play the game….
http://www.snarkyarchies.com/2009/02/arch-madness.html
haha!
Have you guys seen the photos of David this morning giving the blurry, bilateral thumbs up? I give up. I just can not stay worried about someone who exudes that much joyful optimism and exuberance for life. You win, David, sweetie. Where’s my bear? I will sleep with it and listen to you sing “Let’s talk about love” to me and have sweet dreams of all the children I helped you save. I am being dead serious here. I love this guy. He has given me so much joy and love and laughter and peace this past year. All I have to give him is my trust that no matter what, as he says, “things happen for a reason.”
David Archuleta, you rock.
Aha, aha, toro, ole!
SB #53..I don’t think so! We will never know when David has his first kiss..for all we know he already has..but he won’t tell..he’ll be vague..He will want to protect the her. Just like he didn’t say who he took to the Senior Dance..and I really appreciated it, cuz everyone would have hated me cuz he said I was awesome & besides I don’t have room for all the hate mail I would have received..uh..
oh.. that was just another dream I had! sorry!
SB #60..You & Kizzi just wanna kill me right? Cuz you know I will die!? Well I can’t die cuz I have tickets and flight reservations for Albuquerque 3/14, then Reno 3/18!! Can I really wait that long..LORD help me! to remember that David is 18, and acording to most, a very YOUNG 18!! What the HECK!! Why did I ever keep watching AI last year?? What did I do to deserve this? This “kid” is killin’ me!
But at least I didn’t reserve extra seats..just in case?? You are the cra-zeh one!
I am so looking forward to the David The Voice, LIVE! tour..I can hardly breathe when I think about it! To hear THE VOICE live again..
… and the perfect storm continues
… despite what his critics claimed during A.I., David could certainly never be boring! lol
Other stars need to get busted with drugs or caught with an illegal handgun to get their fans riled up, with David it’s a charity bear!
Hi FunnyGirl! You summed it up completely for me, THANK YOU!
As much as I love John Legend, Eva Cassidy, and Jason Mraz, I don’t think you can compare them and thier marketing to David.
Although these artist are well respected in the music industry and have solid fanbases they can’t compare to artists who have changed the game because of their unique, once in a lifetime talent.
Those artists are the ones that are always mentioned here, Elvis, Elton, Stevie, MJ to name a few. No one can touch them because no one can replace them.
I think David has that one of a kind quality and that’s why it’s hard to market him at 18. He appeals to 10 year olds and 70 year olds.
I also think AI spoiled his mature fans. I mean we got to hear him sing Imagine, Stand by me and So it goes, songs we would never usually hear from an 18 year old pop star. There was a point when people were actually saying he could never make it in the current pop scene. Fast forward a year and people are saying he is being marketed too much to the young demographic.
I think eventually David and his management will find the balance between Build a Bear and When you say you love me. I think it will take some time and patience.
mb – #73 – I’m afraid you have it backwards. David needs to cultivate the kind of music industry and audience legitimacy of a John Legend, Eva Cassidy, or Jason Mraz if he is ever to rise to the heights of truly legendary status. No one has risen to those heights without a solid foundation of legitimacy, in addition to game-changing attributes. Just because we know he has that potential, doesn’t for one minute mean that he will necessarily deliver on that potential, or that anyone but his devoted fans will see it.
SF 71…So you are the one who he took to the prom!! You let it slip!!
Just imagine this…flying into Washington the day before, driving to Viriginia Beach…anxiously awaiting the concert…next night going to the concert…excited of course…second time to hear and watch him sing with better seats this time…Then…when you want to savor his beautiful runs or quietly watch his emotional expressions…(and of course he brings the occassional chills with his higher notes)…then…people are talking or squealing or cheering…What do you do??…It could be such a waste…You go to the balcony box just above the stage and all is clear and peaceful and I can concentrate…on every beautiful note…The row G could be better for closeness…
Also, when we call you there needs to be a clear reception…
I will make a quick decision when there and if I don’t want the seats I will take them to the street and give them away…can’t be spoiled…
I’ve been a lurker for some time now and I’m gone give this a try, excuse my rambling.
I have a couple of co-workers who are David fans because of my good morning videos to them, neither of them have odd to the extent that I do. I actually was considering therapy for my odd because I thought there must be something wrong with me. How could this man/boy have me so mesmerized and intrigued? I’ve become an internet junkie looking daily for all things David and I found ND. I realized I’m not crazy! Look at all these smart and eloquent writers who love David, some maybe more than me…. I’d really like to see that questionnaire to see what we have in common that links us to The Voice… I really like that SF.
I do have to do my research when no one is watching, my hubby thinks I’m obsessed. My granddaughter, 12, who is in a gifted program thinks I’m silly and is enjoying the ODD grandma. She likes David and his music, watches ICarly and by no means does this dumb her down, she thinks it’s a fun silly show. She and my daughter who also likes David, but doesn’t have ODD will be attending the Pomona concert with me, along with one of my friends from work… I can’t wait!
What led me to delurk was a phone call I received from a family member that thinks David is a great singer, but doesn’t get my ODD. She wanted to know how someone like the JoBros, no offense to anyone, can perform on the Grammy’s with a legend like Stevie Wonder when they can’t sing! I agree. I googled them and they are totally marketed toward the tweeners, yet there they were.
I’ll confess that I didn’t know who Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Sara B., Eva Cassidy just to name a few were until David started blogging about them, yet I know who Stevie Wonder is. I’ve asked my family and friends if they new who these singers were and so far 2 out of 15 had heard of them, but they all knew who Stevie Wonder is. What I’m trying to say is if the JoBros can get an invitation to perform at the Grammy’s with none other Stevie Wonder and all their marketing is towards the tweeners, my granddaughter doesn’t like them or any of my high school and college age family members, then this should not hinder David’s career. When I forward youtubes, articles, any info to promote David I do it based on the relevance to their age group. The more mature stuff to the older crowd, they’ll never know about ICarly, the BAB stuff because there isn’t any reason for them to access it. On the other hand I do send the younger stuff to my grandkids, nieces and nephews because it’s relevant to them and they won’t see the more mature stuff because they’re not looking for it.
Whew!!! I hope we can move on…. Rascal what did you think of his rendition of the SSB at the ProBowl?
rascal…meant in fun of course…but…if you want David to be taken more seriously then lose the avatar please…he looks rather foolish as anyone would in those glasses….a sandy beach, brownies anything…You have to love Angelica’s…
Hi FG {{{waving}}}. Long time no “see”. I miss Sheriff Archie
For the non hand-wringers, way to go! Not sure if it is the path of least resistance, but it sure avoids raising one’s blood pressure or adding more wrinkles over this – to borrow TOfan’s description – perfect storm.
For those still hand-wringing, please repeat after me:
“This too shall pass… this too shall pass…this too shall pass”
TO ALL – anyone care to have BREAKFAST WITH DAVID?
http://ksmb.com/Article.asp?id=1154479
Listen to BAB song here!
http://maxineclark.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/lovehugspeace-to-all/
BETSY – is that a beanie Adam is wearing?
Aaah those eyes – twin pools of adorableness. And those lips!
JONER on #42 – I sure hope that somewhere down the line in David’s career, he will at least collaborate with a country artist. Yup I agree, he will nicely fit in. Positioning him in that huge market would be less problematic.
ebonyangel… thanks for the link….
I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 There’s no way this can hurt.
Hi
AMEN……. FUNNYGIRL 16..WE ALL LOVE DAVID AND I’M KINDA TIRED OF THE CONSTANT BASHING ICARLY BUILDABEAR WHAT EVER…JUST GIVE HIM A BREAK…
Perhaps the less I say about that song the better. But I will probably have a hard time keeping quiet.
THE BAB……. SONG IS WHAT DAVID IS ALL ABOUT LOVE & PEACE…CAME ON PEOPLE….!!!!! I AM TIRED OF THE CONSTANT PUT DOWN OF DAVID…
You can do it, Rascal. I know you can. haha!
I emailed the link out to a couple of adults, I’m a grandma of 8 and they’re older than me and to my daughter, 30 …..they all loved it.
I can’t find the reference now (maybe tonight when I get home from work)….but there was a comment on IDF the other day from a guy who heard his local DJ talking about David after playing ALTNOY.
The DJ is in Baltimore and they do a lot of charity work for John Hopkins’ children’s wing. He said he’d talked to David the other day and that he was going to talk to him about doing something for the charity as he’d be great for it. Something like that.
David is becoming KNOWN as the “go to” guy for charities. And, to me, this can’t be a bad thing at all.
… David sings the way Superman flies … we’ll all be humming it in our sleep, even you Rascal!
Rascal: I can’t wait to hear what you have to say!
But for me…
The song has me in tears! Good tears!
THE VOICE, combined with the message of peace, harmony and love is for the win! This song, with one or two minor lyric changes to the first few words has a universal appeal. It reminds me of the Coca Cola (Pepsi?) song “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing in Perfect Harmony”. These lyrics are so David.
“I want us to be a little closer, and to always to reach out a hand, to be kind to one another and always understand…
It’s all about love, it’s all about peace and living in perfect harmony, it’s all about hugs, it’s all about ways that we can share…
It’s all about you it’s all about me, it’s all about how we can be one big family. Let’s talk about love…”
Bebereader, I completely agree!
I’ve listened for the 6th time and my blood pressure actually dropped!
Oh my goodness! It is impossible, repeat impossible, for anyone anywhere to find any fault with that beautiful song. Inspirational. Very special. Thank you David.
It’s a lovely song and has a wonderful message.
I have to say, when I clicked the link to the Save The Children charity, my heart swelled with pride that David is associated with this organization.
Rascal, dear…
This song is being sold at the Build-a-Bear sites. It won’t be marketed to the general public…it may show up on youtube, but I bet it gets good comments.
Relax, take a deep breath…YOUR DAVID will be along soon enough. A pitch perfect voice with feeling won’t dissapear…it may struggle a bit but it will definitely come out on top (especially with all the fantastic, fanetic, devoted fans out there).
If I was walking in a mall and I heard David’s voice coming out of the speakers, singing this song as I passed the Build-A-Bear store, my heart would be filled with pride, my eyes would be filled with tears and my soul would be filled with love for David Archuleta, THE VOICE!
Oh…its already on youtube!
It’s all about EXPOSURE! David’s popping up everywhere, at the Pro Bowl, at the Mardi Gras, at Disney in Orlando, at children’s hospitals, tree lighting ceremonies, Sundance and now in a song that sends a good message for a popular store in malls across the country. Most of these are very heavily populated locations to get David’s name out there. It’s got to be a good thing!
Well, Tess, I have to give you credit for assuming the worst when it came to my reaction to this, and I appreciate your running interference, because I am finding it extremely difficult not to consider this cloying, mawkish, horrendous piece of drivel the veritable nail in the coffin. I am literally embarrassed for him. This is precisely the kind of recording that will haunt him and make him cringe for the rest of his career… Assuming he has one.
SandyBeaches <3
Re your post #324 on the I’m Yours thread
You took the time to say some very nice things to me and I have been remiss in acknowledging your kindness. Please accept my thanks now. It meant so much to me at the time and always will.
I had to bring Aragorn back as my avi, because the arrows is goin’ to be flying in my direction tonight, oh my heck, I might need the whole Fellowship of the Ring to protect me………..
btw rascal- I had a beautiful poem all picked our for you should you lose the lunch box, but now I’m not sharin’ it……
Does David really want to project such a juvenile, bordering on childish, image? Truly my greatest fears are becoming reality.
rascal, stong words!! I actually wanted to hate it, but dang it, it’s David’s voice and it is the Voice that hits me in my heart literally no matter what he is singing. I don’t have my usual framework of sophistication or perspective when it’s David. He sings and I turn to mush.
Liz — The idea that David can sing the phone book — implying that he would sound amazing no matter what the material — doesn’t mean he should actually record and release it.
When you sing for charity, when you sing for children…you can not lose yourself as an artist…… check out below and enjoy the examples …..( I wish David had…)
ray charles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZJxL3PrrLM
aaron neville
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WsXtCPE7Ww
hootie and the blowfish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B3P-WANiQk&feature=channel
all on Sesame Street…….
Ouch – rascal, I have to agree!
I hear where you’re coming from Rascal. I guess I’m actually very torn on this and have decided to be positive and patient. I listen to John Legends, Eva Cassidy’s cds as well as David’s other influences and I wish that David could have gone in more of that direction for his first cd. I think his heart is into the more acoustic driven pop music, a la Mraz, Mayer, Bareilles etc right now, and this can be seen in Somebody out there and Works for me. Regardless I am very proud of what he was able to do with his first album.
I think his second album will be very telling as he will be around 19 or 20 at the time. (Hopefully!) I think he will be marketed differently for that album and will have more freedom.
I guess what I was trying to say is that with the greats there was no established path. It’s not as if legitimacy within music industry guarantees greatness. How many Best New Artist Grammy winners have faded away? Many critically acclaimed artists end up having cult fanbases but never really break into the mainstream.
On the other hand many teen idol artists have gone on to great things. Elvis, Beatles, MJ etc. Eventually their artistry shone through. We can’t say for sure that his current marketing will hinder him because we can’t see into the future.
It depends on the artist and his or her own path. There is no formula to become a legendary artist. I think it’s the complete opposite, maybe a mixture of talent, luck, the right timing and that x factor. That why it’s so exciting to be a fan of an artist that has that potential.
Gosh, sorry for rambling on…it’s so easy to do with David! And as always Rascal I love hearing your take on things.
I’m not even gonna get into the charity issue. See HG’s previous post on that topic for clarity.
Rascal…
I am a very avid fan of “Biography” and am always amazed at the super stars who had so many missteps, failures, bad songs, horrendous movies, horrible TV appearances in their backgrounds. I’ll admit I am a Tom Hanks fan, but where in the hell did Bosom Buddies (sp) come from? How did he ever overcome that start in his career?
Good performers rise above the low points in their careers, GREAT performers learn and grow from their less than stellar beginnings.
In today’s techno world David will always be surrounded by any “missteps” he makes, AI will always loom large in his life (and if that isn’t sometimes a miserable cross to bear), every song and performance will follow him for time infinitum. If this sweet little (albeit amateurish) song breaks his spirit and causes him sleepless nights in his future then David doesn’t have the strength or fortitude that I think he does. He will overcome!
Besides, I don’t believe that anyone can assume embarrassment for someone else. I think that is a very singular encombrement.
I think the elitist thinking on here needs to stop! Just enjoy David and let him grow as a person and as an artist at his own pace. Jive is confident enough in him to allow that. So should his fans. Sheesh.
rascal108- from the website with the song…. “And if you’re a huge David fan like I am, you can also buy a beary cute David Archuleta tee for your furry friend to wear!…”
are you implying that you don’t think BAB is donating the profits from the David Archueta tee shirt to charity?…..
I’m getting cranky…and I’m usually happy (can I change my user name for a day?)… i would like to announce that I am not an elitist just because I was hoping David would pursue a more adult route… and why are so many people calling names lately?
(rascal, i love you…but you knew that post 98 was incendiary when you posted it didn’t you? and people have been plenty fired up as it is lately…..are you cranky too?)
Rascal, you were sounding harsh like Simon in your comments on David’s BAB song:
“I am finding it extremely difficult not to consider this cloying, mawkish, horrendous piece of drivel the veritable nail in the coffin. I am literally embarrassed for him. This is precisely the kind of recording that will haunt him and make him cringe for the rest of his career… Assuming he has one.” Wow.
But David said that among all judges, Simon was the one who made him want to improve more. He would work harder so that Simon would like his performance too. The whole world knew that David succeeded. Just look at Simon’s reactions to David’s performance on the Top Two night.
Now, if David worked hard to win Simon over, Rascal, I am sure that he would work hard to win you over. You maybe skeptical now, but in the end, he will win you over.
happy — I wasn’t cranky until I heard that song. Now I am a combination of infuriated, bewildered, and very, very sad.
Rascal, me, too. I don’t know what’s going on. I am not an elitist in my musical tastes; I am just so very frustrated because I believe that David is truly very talented and has a beautiful and rare voice. There is no focus to his marketing campaign. I think that things have been going south since Sacramento Jingle Bash, when he was uninhibited, sensual, glorious, and free. Something happened after that (either in his personal life, involving the church, or who knows) and things have been ‘off’ ever since then.
Oh dear. So, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what new song do we get from David? Not “To Be With You,” or “You Can,” or “Somebody Out There,” you know, a romantic ballad that would have many a gal (and some guys) – from age 10 on up to age 80 – swooning, oh nooooooo. We can’t remind the public that he’s 18 and legal!
Instead, we get some treacly (isn’t that what Simon Cowell referred to his rendition of “Longer”? I can already hear his criticism now) little sentimental drivel that I would expect to hear in the soundtrack to the Carebears movie. Sigh.
The only saving grace is that, even here, David’s vocals soar. Lovely voice, as always, but come on now. He is being forced back into the American-Idol-constructed box of “cheesy ballad boy.”
This is too sinister – yes, that’s how my suspicious mind works – for me to not believe this has been the plan all along with SONYBMG/19E/Jive – David Cook was their “cool” cover of “musical relevance,” so they gave him the crown and bound David in a contract to deliver their Disney-tween-dreams of quick cash.
Oh how subtle they were – making it seem that David wasn’t going down the Disney route, so as to placate the non-tween fans that he had, by signing him to the “cool” label of Jive (remember how we Archies rejoiced – so relieved were we that he didn’t end up with Disney, precisely because we didn’t want him going the kiddie route?). Surely, the thinking went, David would have wiggle room on a label that represents Justin Timberlake, Pink, Britney, Chris Brown, Usher, Jordin Sparks, etc.
They gave us a universally appealing song with “Crush” – making us think this was a nice catchy tune that teens, tweens, and adults could love – and we did! Then, they gave us a CD chock full of potential new singles.
This new approach is definitely a detour, and I’m sorry some of you find such opinions “elitist” or “negative,” but I love ND because here I’m free to express my deep concerns – founded or unfounded.
I come here because I can’t express these concerns anywhere else in the ArchuUniverse – Snarkies won’t hear it, FOD won’t hear it, IDF won’t hear it. And I respect those sites because they have a different focus. They don’t do analysis concerning David’s artistry, and I respect that.
I’m glad we have a forum here where we can express these concerns. So, those of you who don’t like it, just skip over the topic (or skip the blog for a while). There are plenty of David blogs that do positivity 24/7.
Why try and silence us here? I really resent the heck out of people who want to put a muzzle on me. Sheesh!
But, I’ll silence myself when I feel I’ve exhausted my concerns. So, enough of my ranting for the day. I hear you, JR, no sense wringing my hand when there doesn’t seem to be an immediate course of action, so I’ll say the mantra:
“This too shall pass, this too shall pass…”
I’ll add to this:
“In 7 years, David will be at his sexual peak! Perfect time to make his comeback as that sexy ‘handling Kathy Griffin’ guy (I just love your description, WhatJustHappened) I know he’s capable of being.”
And I don’t care if the ArchuPolice come at me with that one. It’s time to remind everybody in the joint that David is legally allowed to be a sexual being – whether or not he engages in the act or not.
Seven years is a long time to wait though – enough time, however, to undo this regressive-kid nonsense his label/management has tied him to.
Rascasl # 57 “Many of you are assuming that I am making a particular statement with today’s feature, when in fact I have offered no opinion whatsoever.”
Don’t try wiggle out of this.
“The fact that this image evokes more of the kind of concerned responses in evidence here has nothing to do with me or my perspectives. ”
This would only be a valid reaction if the post was an stand alone post with NO previous buildup. Really Rascal, what did you really expect the reaction to be after the last couple of posts?
HG, well said. I am not sure what’s going on, if it’s the label, stuff he’s hearing from the church to tone any sexuality down (and we know that David takes that very seriously and even literally), or what. I am just baffled, frustrated, and sad.
HG restores my faith in nD… do you want to join me as one of David’s “yes people?” I’m upgrading my system’s hard drive (as per Angelica’s prudent advice.)
I’m curious to ask those that construe this negativity as elitist etc…
How is all of this marketing any different than Miley, Jobros, Zac Efron? When hopes were uniformly held that he would not go that route no one thought it was being elitist then….why is it now?
happy, I don’t get why most people here are so negative about David being marketed to teens and kids. If some people don’t see that he’s also being marketed to an adult audience (pro bowl, inauguration, award show appearances, etc.), then they are not looking close enough (maybe tunnel vision by being too focused on their negative feelings about the teen marketing, I don’t know). Of course the main focus is on the younger audience – the age groups close to David’s own age. David is still a kid after all. He might be 18 now, legally an adult, but he is still a kid at heart. Can’t we patient for him to go the adult route when he actually feels like an adult and just enjoy the ride until we get there? This doom and gloom-vibe on here is frustrating to no end. Jive would be stupid to try and market him as something he clearly isn’t ready to be yet. Why demand of him to “take the responsibility” of being a serious artist, when he clearly enjoys being young and having the freedom of not being limited to a certain route yet.
Also, Jive and Azoff’d be stupid to not market him to this huge demographic group = kids & teenagers. I think we need to see things from a different perspective here, need to remember what it was like to be David’s age, need to see what Jive is looking at here. There is plenty of time for David to grow into the serious artist he’s destined to be. His talent, his gift is supreme and will prevail. We need to accept that he is only 18, that he IS a teenstar after all. Sometimes I think us older fans want him to be all adult for our own selfish reasons.
I think all this worrying and gnashing teeth is leading nowhere. Sorry.
The Voice captured attention with the beautiful vocals that embodied a “maturity that was well beyond his years”. Since then it seems that David and his team are hell-bent on destroying that earlier impression. Does David and his management team not see him as being marketable to his mature audience? Or is this just a small piece of a larger plan?
wow, rascal. “nail in the coffin”
Well, awestruck, all I can say is that if you were reading between the lines before, you ain’t seen nuthin’ yet.
HG, one of your comments will have turned out to be quite prescient.
And the last thing I’ll say (because I expect lots of angry flames and perhaps even another mini-exodus from nD — we’ve had them before…) is that the one thing you can always rely on is for me to call ‘em as I see ‘em. Doesn’t mean I don’t think, or won’t continue to believe, that David is one of the most supremely gifted artists to come around in a very long time, but that I will always be honest and forthright in my views of his work.
HG…
I think I’m missing something here. This song IS NOT a single…nor will it get radio or TV airtime. It is to be purchased as “bonus” for charity, if you buy a Make-a-bear. Based on what was written on the Make-a-bear site David was approached by the owner, this is not a Jive instigated maneuver. I am sure the only way David got a release to even record this is that it is strictly for Charity.
If we are going to blame anyone (such a horrible word: blame) for this turn of events then I think it has to fall on David and his Father/manager. David is a very faithful and obedient member of his religion and is serving his “church mission” by being an example of the ideals of young manhood that his church expresses. This “bear” song, the firesides, the visit to the Mormon Polenisian Cultural Center, possibly even his Nickelodian experiences, and his Christmas sing-along with the Osmunds are all part of this “wholesome” image that is part of David.
I am in no way criticizing these choices, they are the Archuleta’s to make. I know how strong the influences of the Mormon Church can be on its members and how many of them commit to upholding its standards. Jeff has pointed out how proud he is that David is upholding these standards and consequently, they more than anything else are influencing how David is approaching his career.
If you are not Mormon or haven’t been raised in a Mormon area you may not really understand how strong an influence the “Church” has on its members. Don’t for a second think that Jive is the sole culprit here for the marketing decisions.
Tess — I don’t know how old you are but times have changed. It is no longer possible to confine music releases to specific channels — Anything available online is in general release.
Oh, and what I mean by “elitist thinking” is that it seems to me that a lot of people here want to limit David to only go on adult shows like let’s say Oprah, perform only at venues like Carnegie Hall, and never sing spontanously during radio interviews ever, at least not without checking in with his publicist first. To me that equals basically robbing him off all his youthfoul joy and spontaneity.
Would I rather see him on Oprah than on iCarly? Of course! Would I rather see him get nominated for only one Grammy than seeing him win 3 Kids’ Choice Awards? Yes!
But what I refer to as “elitist thinking” is not David’s way, I believe. His talent is supreme, made for elite venues, for an elite audience, no doubt, but his thinking, his persona, his conviction is not elitist. He’s just a boy who wants to sing and reach people, regardless of age, gender, heritage, profession. To him it doesn’t matter if he’s singing for 5 people at church or 50,000 at Pro Bowl. He wants to be there for everyone. For the young kid who loves a lunchbox with his pic on it. For teens who love to see him goof around with kids their age on their favourite teen TV sitcom. For young adults who share his love for “different” music and the artists he admires. For the older ones who recognize the older kindred soul in him… David is for everyone. And that’s what they market him as. That’s why he is all over the place. Why some things seem so random, maybe unfocused. Why there seems to be no selection. At least that’s what I gather from what I have seen. I think they’re just trying to please as much people as they can. But of course, as said in my previous comment, the main focus is on David’s age group. As, frankly, it should be at this stage David seems to be at.
Also, I didn’t know that being adult means I’m not supposed to enjoy stuff like iCarly and “Let’s Talk About Love”. Why ever not? It’s much more fun embracing it and enjoying David’s stellar vocals than being all negative about it.
Of course that’s just my opinion.
Rascal #124 – “is that the one thing you can always rely on is for me to call ‘em as I see ‘em. Doesn’t mean I don’t think, or won’t continue to believe, that David is one of the most supremely gifted artists to come around in a very long time, but that I will always be honest and forthright in my views of his work.”
I have NEVER doubted this and in fact I have truly admired you for it.
Adios – until a new topic comes along.
AnniefromtheEU — If you don’t get why people are frustrated by the marketing decisions, then you have not been reading this blog. It has nothing whatsoever to do with selfish interests. Indeed, quite the contrary. It has to do with David’s interests — if those interests involve being a successful singer with enough of a general audience to support his being able to develop his music in a creative and flexible fashion.
The marketing to children and young teenagers compromises David’s ability to be taken seriously by the critical group of industry and public market segments that he will need in order to support his career going forward.
This is exacerbated by the fact that David has credibility challenges in this regard to begin with. The marketing to children and young teens moves his chances for market legitimacy in the wrong direction.
Tess, you have voiced my fears exactly. I have wondered what pressures from the church that David is getting. It’s easier to follow the rules and feel safe than to question or face issues that are very difficult or in denial. I would not even be surprised if he heard about it after the Sacramento performance.
Wow! My 2 cents. As the song is still ringing in my mind, “STAND BY ME” he sang, even IF his management/marketing team is a trainwreck, I say, “I will David, I will stand by you.”
It is incredible to me how with the past Idol season long gone and the new one in full force, how many posters on You Tube are just NOW discovering David Archuleta (I typed OUR David Archuleta, but he belongs to the world). I have to believe that in spite of his management that his continued exposure will keep him from dropping off the face of the map. Yes, he may have to re-invent himself at some point but he may have to do that anyway when people are open to him having had a few “experiences” under his belt.
Angelica, Hi! I am going to the San Antonio concert and am beside myself to say the least. Wish I could make to Beaumont, but money is an issue. Would have loved to at least have met you. Love your sentiments, which I can tell are very well moderated for our PG -14, 16+ audience. LMAF. As to his “hmmm (clears throat) sensuality”, he has that in spades but somehow keeps that in check to some extent because I think he knows how easily the masses are “moved”.
No tomatoes, please. Although, I love my salsa. Speaking of which, when are we going to see some more “moves”? A little shimmy here, a little shimmy there never hurt anything. Gosh, I am so excited for this TOUR!!!
I say we might as well sit shiva for David’s career right here and now. It’s obvious that is is sinking and fast. I mean he appeared on a sillyass kid’s show and increased it’s viewership by hundreds of thousands, if I read the chart correctly.
He sang at a Luau for many of his peers. I didn’t see a toddler amongst them. One very fecthing young lady fell to her knees and paid obeisance. Should have told her she’s not being marketed to. And he performed a very beautiful SSB at the probowl. Those babies ate it up! Damn it, he’s finished.
You know truthfully, I don’t mind talking about what’ s wrong, but like the very effective former PTA president that I was, I am a little bit sick of talking about what the problem is and am ready to seek solutions. Until that happens here, it’s pretty much beating a dead horse. Futile and just plain unseemly. So I will go into self imposed lurkdom until there is either a cogent discussion on what we can do as fans, or until the subject changes.
Maybe David’s next tour could take place at hundreds of Chuckycheeses across America?
Finally Johns Mayer and Legend did not begin their career in their adolescence on Star Search. At David’s age Mayer was working in bars. Legend began his assent singing ‘hooks’ for rap musicians. We cannot compare David’s trajectory to thier for so many reasons. If David wanted that kind of pedigree he should have stayed off American Idol and not go on a show whose viewers expect instant results, and instant stardom. Throwing the late Eva into the mix is unfair because she never attained the fame equal to her talent in her lifetime.
David is only 9 months into this career. 9 months…..some perpective is needed. Seriously.
Rascal…
I’m not saying it won’t be out there, he!! it’s already on Youtube. If a radio station decides to play it…so be it. It can’t be nearly as bad as the profanity filled bar shows (prior to AI) that the idol winner has on youtube.
If this song reaches beyond the in place “fan base” that are already loyal to David I would be surprised. Gee wizz, I’ve never heard David Archuleta on the radio here in Phoenix, yet.
Rascal, I know you are the GREATEST supporter of David’s magical voice (HG runs a close second) and I truly don’t want you to give up on David. Hopefully his peep take the time to come to his fansites and to really understand that there is a very legitimate concern about how David is being marketed and how much ND would like him to go in the direction his amazing voice should take him.
But, alas, in the mean time I’ll just be glad that he has recorded a few songs that I truly love and will continue to listen to over and over.
>>he appeared on a sillyass kid’s show and increased it’s viewership by hundreds of thousands, if I read the chart correctly. <<
Yes, brooklyndawn, you read the chart correctly — the viewership of 6-to-11 year olds.
ram — I like to think that what the more thoughtful and articulate among his fan base thinks and says might have an effect, indirectly or otherwise. I sympathize with your frustration about identifying problems without being in a position to offer solutions, but I do believe our voice is counted in one way or another (and it probably needs to be long and loud for it to count at all).
#43 Chenson Well said ( out of the mouths of babes) j/k. I really respect you and your opinions.
Who here has not made an mp3 of Let’s Talk About Love song? hmmmmmm?
It’s for charity. Making a major deal out of it on the heels of the “manufactured” Lunch set is very likely OOT.
If there be any doubt Rascal is love in my book.
We long for some positive inspired reflection on David’s talent. Once the tour starts, I am sure that wish will be fulfilled. I won’t be able to make any of the concerts this time, so I am counting on all my ND friends to report back the GOOD news.
Abrra
rascal- Heard you loud and clear. I agree but since I am not as articulate and thoughtful (maybe it’s these rose-colored glasses I’ve been wearing) I will be leaving that to you and our wonderful group here at ND.
Thank you for all that you DO and SAY for the benefit of OUR DAVID. His VOICE is the GIFT that keeps on giving and if it is in the stars that our concerns be voiced so that we can continue to be blessed by those oh so sweet melodies so be it.
Did I mention that this is the coolist place on the planet -even with and especially because of this wonderful group of debators?
I am one of the regular ND posters who has consistently disagreed with Rascal (and others) on this issue.
But as much as I enjoy visiting other fan sites, there’s nowhere else I feel as comfortable expressing alternate points of view as here at ND. I may disagree with everyone here at times, but I never have to hesitate sharing my take on things.
Guess what I’m trying to say is that it feels the opposite of “elitist” or “negative” here. It feels welcoming and respectful and, above all, a place where everyone fiercely loves and supports David Archuleta.
Now, marketing schmarketing… when can we get that Spanish version of Crush?!!!!!
Peace, love, tenderness and {{{{{hugs}}}}} to all!
I have lurked this site in the past but lately I mostly avoid it. I am amazed at the judgment coming from some of the posters. I know everyone is entitled to their opinion, but wow, just wow. First, the iCarly appearance was probably arranged by David’s previous management prior to signing with Azoff and the NYE and Sundance performances seemed to be favors or just low key stuff. Without rampant searching for all things David I don’t think anyone even realizes he did these events, I believe it was his “down” time, much like the little impromptu performance and the PCC in Hawaii. The radio promo tour was not a big deal in regards to being below him, a lot of performers do these type of things to get the word out on new singles, etc. His current management has booked him at some great clubs for his solo tour and we know that to be the case.
As far as his church telling him to tone it down after Sacramento for it being to sensual, that is just laughable. Wouldn’t happen. I would imagine they are nothing but impressed with the way David handles himself in the music industry of today.
Lastly, the BAB situation, I can’t wait to see who the other musicians are that are singing the very same song. I’m willing to bet some of you may end up a little surprised. I’m sure many “respected” artists would be willing to sing it for a good cause. Rant over, I’m going back to more positive fan sites.
Sorry for being judgmental it seems to be catching.
Help! I’ve been trying to find the association or tie-in between Save The Children and BAB or Build a Bear Workshop. I went into the Save The Children website, and it is a very worthwhile charity, and they have many celebrities, corporations, and companies who are associated with the charity..but I can’t seem to fine BAB listed on their website. I just want to know that what HG says can’t possibly be true on #51
“Using charity and David’s image to sell stuff. It’s all about commodity, even down to exploiting someone’s good will to sell a bunch of bears”.
90% of donations to Save The Children go directly to children’s programs..10% to adminitrative costs..
Good distribution IMO..however..I would be happier if BAB was donating 90% of their sales to Save The Children, instead of $1.00..so in essence, BAB is using David to sell Bears..yes or no? Jus’ sayin’
I’ve listened to the song twice & I’m with Liz in that it’s David..and it’s hard not to love THE VOICE.
I am speechless regarding the next blog entry.
Abrra
AnniefromtheEU ,brooklyndawn …. i agree.
Everyone I have shared this song with has loved it. I work in a very pressured environment with layoffs looming over our head due to the economy. The response has been “I really needed a lift, thanks”, “This song lifted my spirits” and these are not fans, so I don’t understand how it can hurt. Maybe I’m naive, and my acquiantances are bunch immature beings for liking the good feeling the song gave them… I don’t know.
Love and Hugs to all!
Rascal, I have been reading this blog, trust me, and as someone with a degree in marketing herself I can understand your concerns – to some extent. What I don’t understand is why you don’t seem to see at all, that they are also doing things to market him to an older audience (e.g. Pro Bowl, inaugurations, Sundance appearance, small artsy venues-tour that’ll give him more credibility as a solo-artist than being the opening act for some other popstar could etc.).
Again, trust me, I want the same things for David you want. But I’m also willing to give his team time to build him up as an artist who appeals to all ages, all genders, everyone, globally, because he’s simply that incredible gifted. I think (well actually from experience I know) it won’t happen over night and will take lots of work and time. I just think we need to be a bit more patient.
Gee, why didn’t I get the memo- there’s a new blog entry?