SF ~ SHY?? ..HAH!…althougth you did blow ..umm 30-45 sec..was that shy or numb??
happy~294~ thats why you have us..lol
marlie~295~thats why you are here…with us..
happy on January 2, 2009 at 12:18 am
SF293- I did notice that….. very impulsive and impatient….
betsy on January 2, 2009 at 12:18 am
Thanks Happy -- With the exception of the jealousy thing that is me.
djb on January 2, 2009 at 12:19 am
actually SF you did not blow it ..you were a perfect lady..another of our traits..lol
juliebug on January 2, 2009 at 12:22 am
Happy -- That new avi of mine is us looking at David. tee hee!
Marlie -- 393? Wow! amateur
happy on January 2, 2009 at 12:22 am
dj300- oh, you cut us down. to the core. not nice. at all.
we may not share our love spells and youth serum with you….
betsy on January 2, 2009 at 12:24 am
djb -- I forgot to thank you for the clip. It did, unfortunately, cause me to have impure thoughts. If I weren’t such a lapsed Catholic, it would have to be confession time again!
marlie7 on January 2, 2009 at 12:26 am
juliebug #304 You have more! YES! I’m among friends!
silverfox on January 2, 2009 at 12:26 am
djb..I was a perfect lady..uh-huh, on the outside, but what I was thinkin’..not lady-like at all!
So dj, when is your b-day?
happy on January 2, 2009 at 12:34 am
sorry to leave the party…. but beauty sleep is a prerequisite for the youth serum to work…. so…
SF- Amen.
good night all. thanks for the fun.
djb on January 2, 2009 at 12:36 am
betsey..i love you…ROFLMAO..did not mean it to cause that !
silverfxox ~I do love you.,haha..another good trait~ knoweledge of the law~ or at least a PBA in training….and self-restraint..OK.OK. I made that one up.. ..lucky 13 ..I can celebrate with HG
betsy on January 2, 2009 at 12:37 am
My husband needs to stop it NOW. He has called me to bed about 25 times in the last hour. “I can’t sleep without you”. “What are you doing”. I am too busy having fun. Have 6 tabs open. Shouldn’t have had that caffeine earlier.
djb on January 2, 2009 at 12:37 am
~good night happy~ sweet dreams~~
silverfox on January 2, 2009 at 12:39 am
betsy, you asked how many videos of David are oout there..according to YouTube, about 24,000 videos. It’s been interesting tonite, learned some more new things about ourselves..time to say good night all, and to David…
Dear Lord, Though we are unworthy to ask, Please take Care Of David. Watch over him, Protect him from all harm. Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that is thrown in his path. Give David the courage and guidance to say no to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give. Surround David with loving and supportive people who love him UNCONDITIONALLY as we, his ARCHANGELS do. Separate David from those who have agendas other than for his wellbeing. Give him rest when he’s weary. Give him stamina to sustain his hectic pace. Give him assurance when he feels doubt. Give him joy when he feels sad. Cloak him always in your protective arms. Keep David healthy & strong as he fulfills his Destiny which was written in his Book of Life before he was born. This, though we may be unworthy, humbly pray, Amen.
Sweet dreams! Be safe & secure in our love always! Take care. You will always be numero uno in our eyes! Thank you for all you do and for just being you! CONTIGO SIEMPRE CON AMOR!
betsy on January 2, 2009 at 12:39 am
Night Happy. Youth serum must work. More like truth serum!
betsy on January 2, 2009 at 12:41 am
Night SF Okay, maybe I better go as well. Husband will be way grateful. Always a good thing!
marlie7 on January 2, 2009 at 12:41 am
Night all -- thanks for the really interesting night! (Goodnight, David!)
djb on January 2, 2009 at 12:41 am
SF~AMEN
davidfanLIZ on January 2, 2009 at 1:17 am
HG #234: Oh HG I love this dream! May I ??? Perhaps David is helping you open some new areas, some new possibilities in your life. There is this beautiful new house that you have bought, with all its new rooms and spaces. You’ve done the work, you’ve done the research, you’ve put in the time, and you’ve found the perfect “house.” But it is David with his Voice, and all that means for you, who can unlock the door to the new house, who can help you gain access to these new possibilities.
Oh this is quite lovely!
What do you think? Does this make sense?
ronaldsf on January 2, 2009 at 1:24 am
My sister just sent me this video and I thought I should share it among my ND friends.
It’s an amazing performance from Judy Garland, from 1955. I’m only recently beginning to discover what made her a legendary artist. Warning: you may need a hankie…
Capricorns have always been special people in my life. 2 favorite relationships were Capricorns, a fantastic teacher I once had, an awesome husband (David!) also is Capricorn. Go figure David Archuleta is one too. Also amazing is I am an Aries! P.S. Happy,#270…yep, sounds like me. Ask my husband how “confident, enthusiastic, and energetic I get when my ODD is showing!
jackryan4DA on January 2, 2009 at 1:48 am
Marlie -- hey happy bday girl! In Chinese astrology, 2009 is the Year of the Ox — it’s my year 🙂
Yes djb am small and we can very well plan for that smuggling ops. I better re-apply for my visa soon then. I would not miss a FanVention!
<juliebug on #252 -- Omy, you slay me JB! LMAO!
SF -- It wasn’t apparent in the videos that the security were tight during David’s NYE performance, nor were they telling of the size & and of how rowdy the audience were, except when David was signalling this “pushing” thingy during CRUSH which I got to mean that he was signalling the audience to be mindful of those in front.
The vibe that I got from the NYE vids was that it was like a family affair — like when David finished and his family and friends were with him onstage! I thought that was cool and which was why I think he was so dang happy that night 🙂
But since the venue was in a university, I am not surprised about how frisky the security was. They tend to be like that in school, right?
Iamblisskasden on January 2, 2009 at 2:15 am
Ronaldsf,thanks for that video of Judy Garland. The performance and the song speak for themselves. I’m posting because I see some “Judy” in David. For example, Judy allowed all of her vulnerability to show when she performed. David’s AI performance of “Love Me Tender” showed David at his most vulnerable,and is still my favorite performance of his. It literally overwhelms me to watch it. Judy had a tragic life, but she could express all kinds of feelings through her music. People usually consider Streisand to be the best female singer ever. I think it’s Judy because of the emotional connection she had to the songs and with the audience, who adored her.
The audience has the same relationship with David. Like Judy, the audience is there as much to be with David as they are to be entertained by him. We know where Judy’s emotional energy came from. With David, it’s still a mystery. It’s real, but where does it come from? There is nothing in his young life that would explain how he can sing a song like “Imagine” or “Love Me Tender” or “Somebody Out There” and transfer so much beautiful, pure, feeling to the listener. That mystery is part of his mystique. Stay tuned.
cutter12 on January 2, 2009 at 3:36 am
Ronaldsf #319- I had rediscovered Judy Garland, beyond the “Wizard of Oz” just this past summer, all because of David. I have read people’s comments comparing David to Judy, so when the Utah Symphony had a special performance of Judy Garland “Live”, I went to the concert. I was greatly impressed. Judy sang with such longing and such depth of feeling you couldn’t help but get carried away. Lamblisskasden explains it much better than I ever could. Was it a post of yours, lamblisskasden that convinced me to go? hmm… All I know is that I have rediscovered music because of David and his fans. And, I was born under the sign of Virgo in the year of the Tiger, so that makes me a Maiden Tigress- hear me roar! 😀
jackryan4DA on January 2, 2009 at 5:18 am
Hey guys! Thank you for sharing your birthday assignations. It is cool to find out and have some AHA moment with the info shared. Like, why am I not surprised that HG, SF & Rascal are all April born? 🙂
Or that we have a number of Virgo, Taurus and Aquirian in the house! Am glad to know that Freo is also a Capricorn like Marlie, myself and of course, David! Juliebug as a Sag is a surprise! Haha, that was fun!
For a song which came out the 2nd semester of the year and end up as the 43rd most donwloaded song in 2008, now #4 in Radio Disney, and a chartbuster (as listed in previous thread) — miiiiiighty impressive from a newbie 🙂
RONALD -- thanks for sharing the Ms. Garland’s vid. MAGICAL.
rascal on January 2, 2009 at 9:11 am
ronald — as a fellow “friend of Dorothy’s” (as we used to say), I am thrilled that you are now beginning to discover Judy. It’s an emotional journey, but also filled with chutzpah and wonder and lots of the ‘ol razzle dazzle. Whatever you do, don’t miss Judy at Carnagie Hall, a legendary concert that is truly astonishing on every play. Judy had it all, at least when it came to performing. Her audiences embraced her with a degree of affection few other performers have ever known. I wrote about some of the parallels between Judy and David here.
Bliss — #323 — It is virtually impossible to express pathos, longing, grief, or any other of life’s dark side without having had real experience with it. David’s public persona is not at all disengenuous but neither is it by any means the whole story. There may appear to be something of a cognitive disconnect between the depth of the soul we feel in performance and the sweet, light nature of the wide-eyed young man whose most boisterous expression is “gosh,” but I think we need to ask ourselves which one conveys the fuller story. There is far more to David and to his circumstances than meets the eye. It doesn’t matter what those circumstances are — only that he is someone who is vulnerable enough to have processed them with great sensitivity and strong enough to channel that emotional intelligence into art.
SF & others RE the NYE concert: It’s hard to know where the breakdowns were, but, as usual, I choose to take the long view. It is important for David to take stock of what works for him and what doesn’t. It does concern me at times that he seems so eager to please that he might fail to protect himself and agree to things that he probably shouldn’t, but I quickly remind myself that David is no fool and no patsy. He’ll go along for a time, maybe for quite some time, but in his own gentle, diplomatic way, he will eventually put his foot down. It may not come soon enough for some of our tastes, but it will happen. The only other thing I’ll say about the proper channeling of David’s engagements is that the ultimate responsibility for this falls on his management.
Kizzi on January 2, 2009 at 8:23 am
happy -- I’m Aquarius -- Feb 6 is by BD too!! And, I am unpredicta-bold which has created very interesting situations for me--lol.
ronadlsf -- Have you seen the young Judy in the “Andy Hardy” films? TCM ran a day of Andy Hardy films (featuring Mickey Rooney) a week or so ago and I saw so many David comparisons as she progressed through the films--her vocal performances were awesome, soulful and jazzy at that young age.
bliss -- “Love Me Tender” is my most watched AI performance on my iPod. Pure perfection at every level and the tenderness and beauty of the total performance, to me, rivals, if not exceeds, “Imagine.” It didn’t & doesn’t get enough credit.
olemr2001 on January 2, 2009 at 8:46 am
Apparently I am not the only one who keeps returning to David’s a cappella offering of “Silent NIght” on jwipe’s channel. I found a full page of moving comments left there, all from within the last 24 hours.
Missed out on some fun discussion (as usual) in the late and wee hours. So, no other Geminis? I’m thinking the Geminis are the ones that flit around to all of the sites, as I do. Anyone?
joymus on January 2, 2009 at 9:13 am
Oh Ronald -- Thank You for that Judy Garland link -- it made me cry this morning. IMHO, David is not yet quite at that level because Judy seemed to bring all her life experiences to bear in that performance. We all know she had a difficult one at best so her dream of a better life somewhere over the rainbow could be felt by all. At this moment of David’s development he is like a medium -- when he’s connected to a song, he is able to transfer that emotion then we in turn feel HIS connectivity. I was watching video of his Crush at the Atlanta Jingle Jam -- he was rocking the heck out of that song and I went along with him for the ride. I believe that as he matures in terms of personal and professional relationships we will see the gradual transfer of those experiences into his performances. Its still amazing to me though how he can project so much emotion into say the ALTNOY vid without having had a relationship experience. This all bodes well for the future.
ronaldsf on January 2, 2009 at 9:19 am
bliss #323, I love the comparison of Judy with David. Perhaps that connection is what made me subconsciously post the link here? Pure honesty and emotion! And Judy gave that performance on live (actually live!) TV!
Kizzi #326, I definitely would like to check out those movies. Not familiar with Andy Hardy though -- did he do “Meet Me in St. Louis”? Months ago on IDF on a Christmas song thread I was plugging away for David to cover HYAMLC, as it has long been a favorite of mine.
“Love Me Tender”, “Imagine”, and SMM for me were his performances that were the most tender and emotional for me. And among those I put LMT on top of the list because I was awed by David’s own reinterpretation. I was immediately raving about it, though on IDF a majority were excited by SBM. I actually couldn’t understand why -- perhaps because David revealed in SBM a new level of schmex appeal 🙂
olemr2001 #327, yeah while going through David youtube videos yesterday I noticed how jwipe’s “Silent Night” video is getting a huge number of views (116,543 at this writing… almost as much as the 1000 Miles video). There’s something about this performance… I for one love how he sings “All is caaalm…”
Just saw this great comment on the “Silent Night” video from a wfhardy:
David is the biggest, dorkiest Clark Kent on the planet. But when he starts to sing he is immediately transformed into SUPERMAN and no other artist can touch him. This boy is never off-key, he never hits a bad note. David is beyond talented, I swear he’s from another galaxy! I could listen to him forever (I intend to). I hope by this time next year he will have released a Christmas CD, hopefully Jive realizes that it will sell like gangbusters. This has been such a great year for David!
SandyBeaches on January 2, 2009 at 9:31 am
Should we talk out loud about what may happen as he matures personally and professionally…?
Just a thought but should we have the ideas and answers about David and what he should and probably will be doing?
Are we always and should we be speculating about his future and how he should handle it or how it will become?
I think that we are getting too personal with our hopes and too personal expressing them (for David who may actually read them) and his life becomes one more of expectations…He says that as the bar of expectations rises (not his words but his thoughts), he becomes more nervous before performing..
His life and career are in his hands and let us enjoy his moments and music. Just my thoughts.
rascal on January 2, 2009 at 9:43 am
SandyBeaches — I don’t know which comments you are referring to, but two thoughts in response:
First, speculating on David’s future prospects and career direction probably makes up for at least a third of what gets discussed about him by his biggest fans. The possibility of limiting this kind of thing is precisely zero. At the very least, it is exciting and interesting to consider what may lie ahead and, I would argue, potentially instructive for anyone (including David) who might be interested enough to read it. In my opinion there is very little downside to the contemplation of possibilities.
Second, the raising of expectations is inevitable. Barbra Streisand tells the story of when she was all of 19 or 20 and appeared on the Judy Garland show on CBS and how she was quite astonished and rather bemused at how nervous Judy was before going on--Judy, one of the most revered performers in the world, audiences at her feet, mountains of awards and accolades. Thirty years later Barbra exclaimed, “I understand now.”
Kizzi on January 2, 2009 at 9:49 am
#331 ronaldsf -- She was in three “Andy Hardy” films; those films are simple fare and she is not the top featured character but her vocal performances are the highlights. Details are at: http://www.thejudyroom.com/discography/soundtracks/andyhardy.html. You can even listen to the songs they cut from the films.
Freofan on January 2, 2009 at 9:57 am
About the NYE concert, I read that he did it as a favor to the Osmonds and that it was planned a year ago. I would have liked to have seen him in a more publicized (televised) performance. David Cook was in Vegas performing on the televised Fox NYE concert, but I guess that was a perk of his situation on AI.
joymus on January 2, 2009 at 10:01 am
Thank You Rascal for coming to the rescue! #333 -- SB, mentioned one of my comments at the top and I was beginning to feel quite offended. Why would you want to take away my right as a fan of David want to speculate about his future as a performer? *Shakes head* Fans of any movie star or singer out there discuss this sort of thing all the time. Apart from which -- it is a known fact that David’s family and friends monitor his fansites. Who’s to say maybe even his management and Jive as well. David has an upcoming tour this year. I am sure as professional as he is he will take into consideration some of the ideas for song and venue choices proposed by US his fans. As David says all the time -- he would not be anywhere without us. Was he not asking his fans on the Silent Night YT Clip -- what would they like for him to sing?
SandyBeaches on January 2, 2009 at 10:02 am
rascal…All quite correct and understood…I get the feeling that we are trying to guide his career instead of stepping back and letting him move along as he is…In my sight I see us with too many suggestions sometimes and that may take away from him personally or that he cannot make the correct decisions for himself…
This is just a feeling that I get and as he said people want to know every little thing about you and that has surprised him somewhat I am sure…Perhaps I would like to see more privacy given to him by us, but can he get that anywhere now? Just my thoughts. I have seen famous sports people lose their performing edge because of all of the attention given, all of the time needed for autographs and not enough down time for rest.
SandyBeaches on January 2, 2009 at 10:09 am
#337…I am sorry that you have misunderstood my comments…
SandyBeaches on January 2, 2009 at 10:10 am
rascal…perhaps I cannot express to you correctly what I am trying to say and maybe I will be able to at a later time…
ronaldsf on January 2, 2009 at 10:18 am
#334 rascal, yes that has been a concern of mine for David, that expectations will inevitably rise as his fame grows. I remember reading articles or hearing interviews on YouTube where Barbra is already resenting the chi-chi Broadway audience on the opening night of “Funny Girl” in 1964, and then dreading performing for her 2nd television special in 1966. It seemed like the pressure got to her at some point and that the joy she felt at performing live that was so evident in her 1st TV special had somehow faded. Part of it too was that the media, after chronicling her meteoric rise, seemed more interested in finding flaws in the jewel. And then years later she seemed less enthusiastic about singing and wanted to move on to acting. Just my impressions… perhaps I’m off about Barbra, but that definitely does seem to be an inevitable consequence of success and high expectations.
For David, though, I hope he stays grounded and true to his relationship with his true fans. By true fans, I mean the ones who stuck by him through all the criticism and stereotyping he faced during AI, who love him fervently and unconditionally. Not focus on the critics and the elite who will heap praise on him at some point on the future.
I would imagine that’s the best way to deal with unfairly high expectations, and David seems especially inclined in that regard.
Oh, and by the way, here I am giving “advice” LOL. But I guess I’m a fan that way… 🙂
ronaldsf on January 2, 2009 at 10:23 am
Is it spelled “shi shi”? I don’t know LOL
joymus on January 2, 2009 at 10:26 am
Sandy Beaches -- Apology accepted. We’re ALL on David’s ride to the top together. In all the fan interaction vids I’ve ever seen of David -- one thing is clear -- he THRIVES off of the energy. This is the biggest difference from his performances on AI to now. On AI he was being critiqued after every performance and he sort of withdrew a bit into himself. Now he’s just performing without as much restriction in the past and loving it well. Speculation to me only adds a layer of comfort for a performer. He tried ATM at the Tree Lightning and it then became a permanent fixture at the Jingle Jams. Why? Because the crowds reacted positively and sang along with him. As a performer he’s learning to fulfill not only our expectations but his as well.
silverfox on January 2, 2009 at 10:27 am
It’s entirely too early in the day to cry, but cry I did cuz of ronald’s link#320.I would love to hear David sing SOTR! I think, like Imagine he would “own it”.
rascal..as I was reading your post, your comment to Bliss, I got chills! Every word you said is right on. I keep reading your post over & over..It’s exactly what I have felt for so long and more so as time goes on, but was hesitant to put into words cuz I couldn’t find the right words without sounding, uh, I don’t know, like I didn’t know what I was talking about? and as Bliss said, “stay tuned”.
I know some may not agree with me here, but I really feel that not only is David going to become known as one of the greatest singers ever, but a great actor as well. It’s inevitable..if he can put the emotions into song that can bring us to tears, why not the same with a movie character. He can & will do it. And I’m not talking about “Disney” here, either.
As for NYE concert in Orem, Utah (not on any map I could find). Of course, he agreed to do it as a favor, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was gratis..thus only 2 songs. David, I think was pro-buh-blee invited to other more prestigious & star-studded events, but where his family & friends may not have been able to attend. I also think it was not a mgmt decision. It was a DAVID decision, so the compromise was the 2 songs only..JMHO..and I have lots of those, ya know!
I think everyone understands your concerns, but my feeling is that we also understand that we can’t control what happens. Everyone here loves him and wants the best for him. Even if we don’t talk about such things, others will. And some of ‘them’ won’t be kind. (People can be jealous-oh!) Heck, the haters are already out there, and they haven’t affected David any more than we, the aredent fans, have.
I still get the feeling that David is unusually wise about taking in only what he can handle at the moment. Those around him may watch, but I’m of the belief that he’s made it clear to them that he wants to hear only what is necessary.
Hi Erin, my fellow Gemini! My life seems to be filled with Geminis and Cancers, with a few Aries and Virgo folk sprinkled around. Funny how that works, sometimes.
rae on January 2, 2009 at 10:55 am
Good AM everyone at ND:
Getting caught up here. Happy love your pretty Avatar- I wondered what would come up after Christmas.
Liz: Agree with your requests for the solo tour- and add- MUST come to Florida
RonaldSF: Thanks for the Judy G video- just wonderful- ( I know you are a student- what are you studying?)
I am a Scorpio- any others out there? I am going to see Spring Awakenings tongiht- Has anyone seen it? Looking forward… On the future of our wonderful David- gosh- feel like a kid waitng for Christmas or vacation or something, want it all now- want the tour, the next album, the next exciting steps- but have to remember the journey is part of the joy and should be savored.
ronaldsf on January 2, 2009 at 10:59 am
Rascal:
“There is far more to David and to his circumstances than meets the eye. It doesn’t matter what those circumstances are — only that he is someone who is vulnerable enough to have processed them with great sensitivity and strong enough to channel that emotional intelligence into art.”
This is post-on-my-wall-worthy. Gosh!
The very first time I saw his old Star Search videos way back in March, I always thought that David must have gone through some terrible, humbling experiences between his Star Search days and his AI days. It was almost like two different people, though clearly the same David.
I thought it was perhaps the vocal paralysis, and then later we heard about the tragedy of the 21-year-old relative of a relative who committed suicide at a family gathering. Perhaps he experienced tragedy vicarously as well as personally? We may never know, but whatever it was, he has found hope and a channel in his faith and in his music. He has gained maturity and wisdom while still maintaining his youthful hope. Perhaps that is why he has been able to deeply move young and old.
ronaldsf on January 2, 2009 at 11:01 am
rae #348, I’m in law school. And I don’t really have a winter break because of some incomplete assignments. Boo. 🙁
mamasaun on January 2, 2009 at 11:03 am
SF and all . . interesting discussion about NYE. Orem is the second largest city in Utah . . having said that, the university he performed at just barely became a university this year. It has been a community college -- and a small one at that. BYU is near by and a much larger, more well known university . . and probably has a much better sound system. To me the situation was reminiscent of the places he performed at before AI.
The great thing about it all is that David didn’t seem to care about the “second class” facility.(IMHO). He came out there and gave it all he had. The audience was not rowdy, just loud and very appreciative. They LOVED him. David seemed to be totally enjoying himself along with all his friends and family.
In my opinion -- the only “bad” thing about the night was the lousy sound system . . he just sang at MSG for cryin’ out loud! And then to have a sound system like that? Sheesh. (sure wish I could go to the inauguration on Monday)
rae on January 2, 2009 at 11:04 am
. GREAT summation RonaldSF: He has gained maturity and wisdom while still maintaining his youthful hope.
Gosh I love the succinctness of that comment
rae on January 2, 2009 at 11:08 am
Oh my- well I am an attorney, however not exactly “practicing” per se…. I am blessed ( and busy) heading up a child advoacy program.
Gosh, I imagine that Ca bar is probably a killer. (assuming that is the one you will take)
That’s what struck me about the Garland SOTR performance posted — beautiful, and she seemed to so want to find that sweet, sweet place ‘over the rainbow’. Whereas I have a sense that David is in that place still, and wise enough to know that he should be reluctant to leave it. LOL.
Just throwing that out there.
erin4david on January 2, 2009 at 11:18 am
Ronald, hang in there with the law school. Your posts are just wonderful. thank you. I do think that David has gone through some difficult times, but it’s made him who he is today. It’s all part of God’s plan for him, and it’s a big one. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
silverfox on January 2, 2009 at 11:22 am
uh-oh..someone’s getting a new avatar! cuz they all disappeared!
mamasaun..I’ve watched several vids of David on NYE and it is obvious he was exactly where he wanted to be..he is so happy to be surrounded by his family, friends and the audience showed how much he was appreciated. Glad he made the decision to stay “home” like a lot of us on NY’s eve. Shows he’s in control more than we think, to me anyway. And I still wish I had been there to experience bringing in the NY with David..boo-hoo!
rae on January 2, 2009 at 11:22 am
Thanks Kait, Ronald and all: Hope David can find that balance between fame/family approachability/privacy and the loveand joy of music/business of music. (verbal hand wringing again, reflecting on SF’s evening prayer/statement of hope)
rae on January 2, 2009 at 11:35 am
Well have a great day all! Since I actully have an evening out with friends, have alot of things to do today to be able to take that evening out with friends.
Freofan on January 2, 2009 at 11:50 am
Does anyone more familiar with the Utah location know what college David performed at? I read that the NYE event was a college dance held in an auditorium. University of Utah? BYU? or another area college or university?
The fraternity guys at my institution had talked last semester about bringing David Cook to campus, as he was a member of one of the same fraternities that we have, but not sure what happened with that.
Ronald--excellent points in your last post. It’s all right there in the emotion and yearning in his singing.
Iamblisskasden on January 2, 2009 at 11:54 am
Rascal, I have always felt that there was an “elephant in the room” factor with David. The elephant being how he is so able to inhabit a song like “Imagine” and cause the listener to “feel” it from the depths of their being. When he sang “Heaven” in Hollywood, he prefaced his performance with “I’m going to MAKE the judges undertand it”. That doesn’t sound like a shy kid from Utah to me. And you know what, he did exactly that. The backup singer who was wiping away tears barely knew David at that point. Simon seemed dumbstruck, Paula overwhelmed, and Randy called it the “best he’d heard thus far.” All this for a one minute rendition of an “oldie.”
Something happens to David when he gets on stage. There is a moment in “Long and Winding Road”where his lips tighten and he looks like’s he’s demanding to be understood. Something is activated within him when he starts to sing. It’s as if he is transported to another realm. Then, when the song is over, he “returns” to being the lovable, humble “boy” everyone remembers. It all feels very real to me. This is no act. David is an enigmatic figure, and much more complex than anyone knows. I think he’ll reveal more about himself through his music as he does more of the writing himself. I just hope they unleach him,, because we’ve just been given a preview to this point. The surface that we’ve scratched has been great, but wait until we get into the main arena. Prepared to be shocked, amazed, and thrilled.
davidfanLIZ on January 2, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Bliss: Just one thought to add your great post. I remember reading how during AI David might be hesitant or insecure during rehearsals, but then would be fearless during the actual performance. He surrenders himself completely to the moment in performance, and in this surrender we can share his heart and vulnerability.
erin4david on January 2, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Iamblisskasden, once again I love your words. This beautiful boy brought us so much. He feels and radiates when he sings, and makes us feel something that words can’t express. He still brings me to tears when I hear his voice. I really relate to him being on stage as being a different person. I was a ballet dancer and was shy most of the time, but when I was on stage, I was able to really express myself through my dance. That’s how David is, he is able to express himself and he uses every part of his being to touch all of us through his music. What a gift!
erin4david on January 2, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Liz, beautifully said…
SandyBeaches on January 2, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Kait…
I am a worrier and I am a Taurus…what does that tell you, probably not the best!!!?
I occassionally catch comments made by David that may not be noticed…Maybe I am intuitive a bit more then someone else…who knows…Sometimes you hear him say something and you want to say…friend and foe of David sit back and listen…talk less…give him his time to get there and give as friends the most peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that you can give…The leaving the public eye for the most part at Christmas time, was like leaving the site of the hurricane for awhile…
What I have for David is that I am excited for the presentation of “To Be With You”…It will be the best yet is my guess…I can’t wait…not for more maturity or better stage presence as that is not for us to say… but to see him on stage with TBWY…They have set a time for it and I wonder when that time will be?
Bliss #154, “The surface that we’ve scratched has been great, but wait until we get into the main arena.” I just hope David is given the time and space he needs to do that.
I read a post (can’t recall where, dang it) about it being important to the label that David can SELL OUT venues. I have no doubt that David will eventually do that many times over, but it bothers me that he’s under any kind of pressure to do that NOW.
As you say, what’s the rush? Anyone with two ears (and eyes) can see he’s that rare combination of raw talent, artistry, charisma and that enigmatic “x-factor” (all at the tender age of 18!). Isn’t that something to be nurtured over time, not put into a pressure cooker to speed up results for short-term profits?
No wonder the recording industry is in such a sorry state. But short-sightedness seems to be at the root of so many of the world’s problems today, why should music be any different, I guess.
I just wonder if similar once-in-a-generation talents like Ella or Judy or Frank would even make it in today’s industry?
Oh to be rich enough to become an old-school patron of the arts (as they had in the glory days of Michelangelo and Mozart) and give David all the time and space he needs to make his music his way … ah, a girl can dream….
(Happy & Kizzi, fellow Aquarian here btw, Feb. 18.)
archangel48 on January 2, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Humbled to be in the company of fellow Arians who speak with such heartfelt LOVE for David! I remember when David said Tamyra’s performance on AI had him “feeling” something he had never experienced before. When he listened to LesMis for hours then sang it, I believe he “knew” the depth of the message. He was born to do exactly what he’s doing, singing for us and feeling the connection through us. I struggle to find the words to explain all this “David Archuleta” thing. I only know I DIG-IT. I can’t wait for more!
Ah, SandyBeaches. I’m married to a Taurus, and he’s a worrier and can be dogged about things. But his heart’s in the right place, as yours is, I think. I’d love to hear David sing To Be With You live, someday. I just want to hear him sing live as often as I can. How funny that at my age I become a big fan who must save her pennies for future concerts. Never had that problem before. I just bought a ticket if someone I liked came into my area, and that didn’t happen all too often.
Now I have to seek out where David will be, and GO THERE.
LittleMushroom on January 2, 2009 at 1:33 pm
“As you say, what’s the rush? Anyone with two ears (and eyes) can see he’s that rare combination of raw talent, artistry, charisma and that enigmatic “x-factor” (all at the tender age of 18!). Isn’t that something to be nurtured over time, not put into a pressure cooker to speed up results for short-term profits?”
TOFan, I completely agree with these comments. I just can’t understand this myself. I think alot of it has to do with the actual record label which was chosen for David. I believe the choice of material, concert venues, and image would be vastly different had David had the choice to go with a label such as Reprise, for example (label mates would be Michael Buble, Eric Clapton, Josh Groban…) Some of Jive’s other artists are: Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown…does David really fit in with this group? Jive seems to be a label more concerned about selling palatable pop to tweens/tweens and making a big, quick profit doing it. But allowing a true artist with huge future untapped potential to find his way? This doesn’t seem to be any kind of priority…just look at the material they have David working with and the songs they refused to allow on his album -- incredibly, they were some of the best that he recorded.
I think I am having a change of heart lately on some things. I love David’s album and of course will continue to support him. But more and more, I think this album and the image the label is trying to push of “teen idol” could ultimately hurt David more than help. Artists like Buble and Groban sell millions upon millions of records and have devoted followings. David IMO is even better than these performers. Why wouldn’t they let him shine within this genre? Are the tweens going to stick around for album #2? Is David going to be able to transistion to something more substantial if he is pigeonholed as the “Crush” singer?
The music industry is like the movie industry that is like all of the industries today…a bad place to be in…
A neighbor across the street from us put it into a nutshell with the word “greed” that explains the world’s crisis at least the short version of it…Factorys not only compete with factorys in our own countrys but with other countrys and it is all about the price and how much does that make for us so that we can have the mansion and all that goes with it…Now we have forclosures, loss of jobs and the rush and need is all about money…If you have been around long enouh one remembers when Christmas was much more special and every gift from family or friend was appreciated because we did not buy just anything for ourselves whenever we wanted to and now what is so special?
So along comes David… All of a sudden you see him as the old fashioned one who has the respect for people, the desire to please others, the gratefullness, the appreciation and it is like going back in time…
Many who hear David don’t know what we mean yet, but they will…He is a gift… that’s when we know that God does exist…Words sound a bit familiar?
silverfox on January 2, 2009 at 1:41 pm
I think, and I may be so wrong, that David will debut To Be With You as a guest on AI this season. He will of course, be accompanied by Kara Dioguardi who wrote the song for David and sings backup on it..makes perfect sense to me. Then it may be released as a single cuz everyone will love it! I just wish David could sing it solo..just THE VOICE..is all that’s needed!
vermeer on January 2, 2009 at 1:46 pm
As always, so much interesting discussions going here. I love rascal’s house. SF #344, your last paragraph is so insightful. Of course, we are all just speculating whenever we talk about David, therefore we can not really know what David is/was thinking, etc. but I thought that was a very interesting thought. I am inclined to agree as my perception of David is he may be young and polite, he does possess a mind of his own.
Bliss, David is an enigma. I imagine all or most artists are, on some level. I enjoyed reading your bringing up his comment “I’m going to MAKE the judges understand it” made right before singing Heaven. I wholeheartedly agree with you in that that seems hardly something a shy young guy would say. I’ve always found him to be an enigma because of the various displays of these seemingly opposing character traits, bold and unassuming at the same time and yet both completely real.
SF, the words “in love” that I used probably sound a bit weird, even creepy, as David might say, but I thought of that recently when I was in a mall. At one point when I heard a ballad type song coming from a store that was sung in a tenor voice, my heart leapt because it made me think of David and his voice, and suddenly I felt an almost painful yearning in my heart and gut. I was missing him. Maybe because I don’t have any children, I can only relate that kind of feeling to that of when you are in love. If I am in love, I am in love with the fact that God, or a higher power, loves us enough to give us such an amazing and wonderful manifestation of LOVE, which is David, the whole package -- a dazzlingly beautiful person inside and out and his artistry, his VOICE. I get tingly feelings just thinking about it…
Bluebarsa on January 2, 2009 at 1:53 pm
OK, Northern Lights ladies: Happy and Kizzi! This is much too much -- My Birthday is February 6th as well!! And, that’s the “char-ruth.” We will have to get together for a “February” celebration! With TOfan, too!
LittleMushroom on January 2, 2009 at 1:53 pm
silverfox -- I agree 100% with your theory about “To Be With You.” I’m sure Idol will be chomping at the bit to not only have David perform on their stage, but to also showcase their new judge as an active participant in today’s music scene. The song also sells fairly well as a single on iTunes just based on the snippet, so it does have the potential to do well as a single.
Interesting thing about this, is that TBWY is probably the most adult contemporary sounding song on the album. It might do better with adult audiences rather than teens, but I think it has the potential to be his biggest hit too. I wonder what Jive’s stance is on the song, especially since they wanted “Touch my Hand” as the second single, which has a much more youthful sound.
SandyBeaches on January 2, 2009 at 2:01 pm
silverfox…
Just imagine this for a minute…The song …To Be With YOU…David is on a bench close to a park…near a river with sparkling water…the city is lit up at night beyond the water…It is winter and everyone is bundled up hat scarf and all…of course the moon is out in full…(goes with the song)…David is singing the song and people are strolling by on the sidewalk…Then on down away from him…there is a beautiful girl leaning on the railing by the water’s edge…she of course sings the other part…Then I haven’t got the rest really but they walk towards each other and at the last minute their eyes connect…game over!! A little soap opera in the afternoon…That’s what I see when I hear the song…
marlie7 on January 2, 2009 at 2:03 pm
The discussion about David’s career is really interesting. Lot’s of great points.
David will transcend all this pop-media blitz -- and this is perhaps the right thing for a 17-year-old (now 18, thank god) boy. Here we are -- half of us at least middle-aged -- buying an album (did I say album?) in a genre we probably hardly listen to -- at least that’s true for me. And we will follow him into his next phase.
But right now he’s also getting the youth sales and building a name that is recognizable by listeners who will grow right along with him (those teens and tweens will be college aged and higher in just a few years and their music choices will mature as well).
And I don’t think he is at all like Josh Groban or Michael Buble who appeal to a limited audience and rarely release an original song. They have great voices, interpret the music in their own unique way, but I don’t think they have the depth and breadth I see in David’s potential.
There is no doubt David is a prodigy. His ability to sing anything from Kanye West (better than Kanye) to John Lennon to Dolly Parton and back to his own pop music is testament to that. And over time I suspect we will see him write more of his own songs and develop his own unique style (while still giving us O’ Holy Night every year).
But I’m glad they put him out there in an age-appropriate genre right now. And he’s already brought a uniqueness to the pop stage by doing A Thousand Miles on piano and acapella Christmas songs at the Jingle Jam/Ball/Bash venues. That must have shocked the heck out of his stage-mates. And he brought the house down doing it.
I think David knows exactly what he is doing, and I have great faith in Jeff to guide him as well. It’s a tough business out there and if breaking the Pop Charts gets him an entree to the rest of what he wants to do -- amen to that.
SandyBeaches on January 2, 2009 at 2:11 pm
…he walks to the railing down from her at about 1:30 where he sings in the moonlight and she does as well of course with the moonlight on her face as would go with the song….just an insertion…to the above…
LittleMushroom #368, “Artists like Buble and Groban sell millions upon millions of records and have devoted followings. David IMO is even better than these performers. Why wouldn’t they let him shine within this genre?”
I agree, he tops even those stars, but David himself doesn’t want to restrict himself to adult contemporary. He’s 18 and a huge pop music fan and as he once said “I’m young now so this is my chance to do young, fresh music” (sorry for the paraphrasing).
I “imagine,” he’ll be like The Beatles, starting out with fun pop tunes (like I Wanna Hold Your Hand / Crush) and ending up with a shimmering body of work that truly stands the test of time.
silverfox on January 2, 2009 at 2:18 pm
SandyBeaches..I know how you are concerned about the high expectations David’s fans have..most of which, BTW have been and are being exceeded every time David sings!
I just wanted to say that the expectations by David’s label far exceeds his fans. If he feels any pressure, it’s from them. They don’t “love” David like we do, unconditionally! They “love” him only as far as how much they can put in their bank account courtesy of David and his sweat & tears. If he doesn’t meet the expectations set for him..well you know what can & will happen. On the other hand..we will never abandon David. If he never sells another cd or ticket..what he has given me thus far will do me for the rest of my life..BUT I hope this isn’t all there will be..I want more & more. I know he is capable of so much more. Don’t you see? As long as we, his fans want it, and expect it, he will deliver? He was born to do this..He thrives on the love of his fans and what they want..He said himself..”this is why we do this” at the MSG Pre-concert interview. The more love we show, the more we want, the more David wants to give. When David is compared to the greats like Judy, it’s not to put pressure on him to meet an expectation. It’s to show how David will be as great without trying..he’s already there, actually! I’ve said it before.. David will be one of the greatest & most beloved singer-songwriters in this century. He will be a legend in his own time. High expectations? More like a certainty!
This pop thing is but a doorway to what he really wants to do…He himself has said it..Yes I also ‘listen” to every little thing he says and it sticks with me..that’s one reason it took so long for me to “touch him”! hahaha!
Marlie #7, “That must have shocked the heck out of his stage-mates. And he brought the house down doing it.” So true. He’s got that rebel thing goin’ ON!
LittleMushroom on January 2, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Hi Marlie -- I really enjoyed your post. I think alot of the reason I’ve been fretting is that I had a friend come to town (a big fan of David during AI but not a pop listener) who was shocked at the material David is performing. He just felt it was not what David was best at, and why should he not shine and do what he is best at? I agree he is not Buble or Groban -- of course he is a more exciting talent than these performers (although I have to point out that they appeal to huge audiences -- Buble has sold 20 million albums worldwide, Groban 17 million in the U.S. alone). My point about them was that a label which includes artists like this (and Clapton, among others) might be inclined to nurture his true artistry more. I just don’t know how much Jive will let David veer from the formula if this album is a hit. To me David’s authentic sound is found in songs like “Somebody Out There,” “Works for Me,” and his “Love me Tender.”
Of course, just like David says, I can’t seem to make up my mind on this one. I mean, here I am pushing for this sound, but if I’m being completely honest, one of my favorite songs on his album is “Your Eyes Don’t Lie” -- heehee! 🙂
SandyBeaches on January 2, 2009 at 2:36 pm
silverfox…Thank you for your comments and they are all so true…I guess I feel that people spend so much of their time expressing their expectations of others and spend little time satisfied with the moment… I do not see a good balance in the give and take world…we are just so out of balance…
LittleMushroom…I totally agree with your thoughts regarding his record label but then maybe there is a reason for things the way they are…I find Reprise would be perhaps more respectful and have the dignity that he has…
marlie7 on January 2, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Little Mushroom: “Your Eyes Don’t Lie” -- yes, I love that one, too!
I know how you feel about the material David is working with now -- it’s hard to convince people who haven’t seen him on AI that he’s anything more than another flash-in-the-pan pop singer with the current CD. Except that those who saw him on AI know what is underneath those songs and inside David.
But, you know, I think this is fun for him. I don’t think it’s all that difficult for him to sing this stuff and he’s learning the business and performance side of the music while having a blast. He gets to try a little of this, a little of that. Mix in a little dancing (“I’m terrible at dancing. My mother is the dancer”), figure out how to move and be comfortable on stage. And he gets to meet some of his favorite singer-songwriters. (S-A-R-A space B-A-R-E-I-L-L-E-S) This is music camp for David. And we get to watch!
marlie7 on January 2, 2009 at 3:04 pm
SandyBeches #382 “I find Reprise would be perhaps more respectful and have the dignity that he has…” Perhaps David brings respect and dignity to Jive. He doesn’t need them to provide it for him.
We’re all a little schizophrenic about David -- we have complete faith in him, and at the same time, we worry about him and the choices of music, venues, record labels. Sounds like love to me.
rascal on January 2, 2009 at 3:05 pm
marlie7 -- #376 -- I agree with a great deal of what you say (and well said, too). I’ve always supported the idea of having him do “age appropriate,” pop material at this point. The only thing that gives me pause is that Jive seems to be directing his marketing in exclusively that direction. This, I think, is a mistake — for both the label and for David, in particular the compromises his musical evolution might suffer because of it. He is still very young. There is, of course, plenty of time for expansion into many directions. But it is all-too easy to get pigeonholed into a set of expectations that become extremely difficult to break. There are one or two other things you mention that I am not nearly as bullish on, but I won’t comment until such time as it becomes relevant.
Bliss — I think your pachydermial notions are spot-on. There may even be more than one of them. But as I said, it really doesn’t matter what they are. It’s how they get processed into art that matters.
LittleMushroom on January 2, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Marlie -- all great points. I just hope that the label gives David some time to breathe. Like TOfan said earlier -- what’s the rush? For example, the solo tour idea. Why put all this pressure on David to be able to sell venues so soon? He is still learning and growing as a performer. I would be happy to see him open for someone of his caliber (Kelly Clarkson or Christina Aguilera, for example) if that releases some of this pressure…just seems so soon to be expecting him to sell out venues. In an ideal world, I would also like the label to be a bit more sensitive to David’s personality and values in their marketing and branding of his image. There are some scenes in the ALTNOY video where to me, David looks a bit out of his element. All his fans and the media know he really hasn’t dated yet and is inexperienced with these things, and it hasn’t hurt his popularity a bit. So, I don’t understand why the label has to try and push an image of him as something he may not yet be. There are many more creative ways a video can be done besides making the singer a boyfriend in a storyline. I hope David’s next video showcases his voice and talent more than simply trying to sell him as a teen heartthrob. “Barriers” for example, could offer really unique video concepts with a less literal interpretation.
Barriers could have a really high-concept video, couldn’t it? I’ve always thought “My Hands” could, too.
silverfox on January 2, 2009 at 3:28 pm
marlie & TOfan..about shocking the heck out of his band, etc..I bet the biggest shock was to JIVE & his managers, maybe even Dad..What he did was spontaneous. I really don’t think anyone was expecting it which is why it worked..David knew! It was brilliant! I can’t think of any other singer ever having the nerve to break out in a capella at a POP concert or who would have the VOICE to pull it off. I think had David told anyone what he was gonna do, they would have told him the audience would eat him alive..ha! instead, he had them EATING OUT OF HIS HAND! What works for him, works for him! It worked so well that it was an “EXPECTATION” at the rest of the concerts. He will continue to surprise, shock & awe! I for one, don’t want him to turn into a Buble, Groban, Connick, or the like..David is more, much more than a crooner..He can sing anything, that’s been proven. And, I don’t mind sayin’ even at my age, that I LOVE seeing him perform his songs on stage..I get chills watching his hunkerdowns, his strutting back & forth. He’s exciting! Then when he sits at a piano..it’s like a little piece of heaven that only David can give.
Kizzi on January 2, 2009 at 3:30 pm
marlie7 & TOfan -- I really enjoyed reading your comments. I have reminded myself again and again that David’s target audience is not me; also, I think of the interviews where he is discussing his first album and the sense of pride he has, the eagerness he shows to hear other opinions of his songs….he has called his songs his “babies” in several interviews. I just squeed when he says “babies” as his tone and inflection of that word was full of love and wonder.
I believe he is very proud of what he accomplished in his first album given the time constraints he was under. I’ve seen speculation about “Works for Me” and I often wonder if part of it isn’t in response to his desire to sing Pop. Obviously his musical taste is extremely broad spectrum.
And, yes, to hear him sing live, no matter the genre, is the real treat--what its all about for this fan.
valbraz on January 2, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Marlie, I totally agree with both of your comments. David’s musicality is far richer than that of Bublé or Groban. The only thing they have in common is the superior quality of their voices and polished technique. I find their repertoire boring and, well, ‘old’ and I’m 47. David’s singing style is much more soulful, upbeat and fresh -- you never know where he’s gonna take a song until you’ve heard it. I really enjoy pop music that comes from a good voice like Pink’s, Aguilera’s, Ne-yo’s. I’ll say it again: I love David’s debut album and I’m not eager for what’s next. He’s learning a lot right now. When Jason Mraz and S-A-R-A B-A-R-E-I-L-L-E-S are ready to take him under their wings he can start album number 3. Ha ha! That’s my dreamy expectation for David. And I’m a Virgo.
Freofan on January 2, 2009 at 3:45 pm
What do you all think? Joner and I noted that David’s Hard Rock Cafe performance is on Monday, Jan. 12. He is going to be in DC for the inauguration about that time. ALTNOY is being released on Jan. 9 (I think). We wondered if he will be doing TV and radio promo in the NYC area that weekend and week (ie., Today show, Regis, other national shows). I really hope that he does Ellen again, too!
Great discussion, guys. Just remembered something a young fan I was sandwiched beside in Albany told me.
She said that she asked David at one of the A.I. concert meet-and-greets if he’d be performing at the Dec. Jingle Balls (and that she’d seen Jordin Sparks at one last year). He asked what Jordin had sung and this fan mentioned she’d done a Christmas song so apparently David said he’d like to do that too.
It seems as though he’s (smartly) following in Jordin’s footsteps in several ways, including picking radio-friendly (but not bubble gum) songs for his CD, by recording “soulful pop,” and by avoiding getting lumped in with Jonas Bros. and Miley et al. (as much as Jive will allow).
Of course, we all know he’ll zoom past Jordin but for now, it seems like a wise move on his part … time will tell.
marlie7 on January 2, 2009 at 4:09 pm
rascal #385 “The only thing that gives me pause is that Jive seems to be directing his marketing in exclusively that direction. This, I think, is a mistake — for both the label and for David, in particular the compromises his musical evolution might suffer because of it.” Agreed. We have to trust David and Jeff to keep the Jive claws from sinking too deep.
Little Mushroom #386 I’m not sure we know if the solo tour was Jive’s idea or David’s and Jeff’s. But David seems excited about it. I wouldn’t mind him going out with someone else, and even being the warm-up for someone else, though. Especially someone who he admires.
As for the ATLNOY video, I like to think of it as acting. Every actor that plays a murderer hasn’t had to murder someone. And every female that plays a hooker hasn’t had to…well, you know. LOL! The song is about losing a love, so the video almost has to show that. It was tasteful in the extreme, though, so it still fit in with David’s values as far as I could see.
silverfox #388 Sigh…yes, we do love him, don’t we all? I agree with you about watching him strut and hunker-down. And with all the discussion of his career, it’s really just about the VOICE, isn’t it?
Freofan on January 2, 2009 at 4:23 pm
ALYNOY video was quite tasteful, and quite innocent, especially when compared to other videos out there (for example, have you seen Christina’s “Dirty” video?? She wasn’t much older than David when it was made).
Angelica on January 2, 2009 at 4:24 pm
I think David is doing what he needs to do right now to become who he needs to become. Pop is what interests him, but it is not hard for him. He is learning and growing and aquiring a coolness factor that will open doors. He understands this type of music better than most of the people who listen to it. This genre is allowing him to aquire skills that Groban and Buble will never have. In “Waiting for Yesterday” he sings the word “day ay ay ay” making his voice quiver like a bleating lamb. When his does that, o my bleeping, bleeding, quivering heart! This is just one example of the liberties he can explore with this kind of music and when he is ready, he will take what he learns into a realm of music that will be unique, meaningful, deep and entirely his own.
cutter12 on January 2, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Hi guys, Silverfox #344- Orem Utah is located in Utah county, 30 -- 40 minutes south of Salt Lake and its north of Provo. If you look at the city map of Provo, you’ll see Orem listed. I believe Mamasaun, you meant that Orem is the second largest city in Utah county, isn’t Provo bigger? Though Utah is growing and changing quite rapidly, its hard to keep up. lol Freofan #359 -- As mamasaun has stated, Utah Valley University was until recently the community college for the Utah valley. UVU gained a little bit of notoriety a few years ago, when the Student government invited Michael Moore as guest speaker for their graduation. Being that Utah County is fire engine red, politically, it was quite a brouhaha in this conservative territory. So many wonderful discussions going on today. But, I’ll have to wait until lunch break to really be able to get to read them in depth. Pax 🙂
LittleMushroom on January 2, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I think I mis-typed on an earlier post so just want to clarify a point I was trying to make…I think the ALTNOY video is completely tasteful. I don’t think the video is out of line with his values or anything like that, but I do think he appears a little out of his element in some of the “photo” scenes. Perhaps this could have been solved though direction….perhaps not. Just my opinion 🙂
Josie on January 2, 2009 at 4:41 pm
LOVE the discussions swirling around here today -- trying to finish up my year end financials for my business so I can enjoy January for a change! My other job takes up so much of my regular day that to get this stuff out of the way makes me so happy.
Just throwing out to the crew that I am a LIBRA. I must always have balance in everything -- there are days that trait drives me crazy 🙂
♥ Hugs to you all!
LittleMushroom on January 2, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Hmmm…okay I just have to ask…why all the piling on of Groban and Buble? I’m not a fan of these guys or own any of their music, but I can appreciate what they do and don’t mind when one of their songs comes on the radio. Michael Buble’s “Home” is beautiful -- Elliott Yamin did a nice version on Idol. Of course I agree David is more unique, versatile, etc, than these artists but I just find it interesting and a bit puzzling that just mentioning their names seems to really set off a reaction…hey they’re good guys right!? 🙂
Kizzi on January 2, 2009 at 4:45 pm
marlie7 #393 -- I agree with your ALTNOY video comment. David, himself, differentiates this in an interview where he says he doesn’t sing about “deep” love. Also, I have worked with youth actors for years and they can quite believably portray a range of emotions and “older” than their chronological age roles and obviously haven’t had those life experiences. “Art” is a human activity with the intent to stimulate thought and emotion and David certainly does that whether he is singing or acting.
Freofan on January 2, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Good for UVU for inviting Michael Moore and stirring things up a little bit. 🙂
mamasaun on January 2, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Freofan -- check my post #351 . . unless you already got your question answered about UVU.
ronaldsf on January 2, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Amy of SnarkyArchies was able to interview Mike Krompass, who co-wrote ALTNOY and Somebody Out There with David, along with 2 other songs. It sounds like we’ll get some real insights into SOT and into David as a musician. Amy gave us some tidbits:
LIKE, I CAN’T EVEN. IT’S SOOOO OVERLOAD RIGHT NOW. I talked to him for nearly an hour and he said I could keep going but I was, like, TOO MUCH INFO TO PROCESS, MIKE IS AMAZING.
Basically, WE HAVE TO MAKE SOMEBODY OUT THERE A HIT. We are the reason ALTNOY is the second single. And we can do the same with SOT and they wrote 4 songs together and the other two rock but the label didn’t go for them and DAVID IS THE REAL DEAL, of course, and he worked with David when he was 12, too, and OMG, and Mike snacks more in sessions than David, and David is a REAL songwriter, just needs to be more confident, and he needs to perform SOT on stage with a guitar and —
it was all TOTALLY collaborative and poor david was exhausted and sometime they were up till 2 and —
it’s gonna take me a while to transcribe. but it was amazing.
Some more…
oh and he wouldn’t tell me that david is greater than all boy bands, because he works with boy bands, but he did say that david is a real artist and a jukebox and practically breathes music and oh gosh all this stuff about david being melodic and when mike played the first bars of sot david started humming the music and random words and he’d work with his voice and a pen and paper while mike worked the guitar and —
LittleMushroom on January 2, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Gah Ronald, thanks for bringing that over!!!
Kizzi on January 2, 2009 at 5:07 pm
ronaldsf -- AMAZING! Thanks for the quick post!
silverfox on January 2, 2009 at 5:19 pm
marlie #393..yes, ultimately it is about THE VOICE. Who knew way back in early 2008 and throughout AI that David would create all this..these discussions about our hopes, dreams, expectations, and about his looks, clothes, hair, eyes, lips and uh, his other attributes which were not so apparent then? I mean, THE VOICE and the way he used his voice was what drew me to him..then the AI tour and OMG!! I was astonished..this was not the little boy on AI whose voice captivated me and changed me..He transformed before our eyes and as we got to “know” him at the barricades, we grew to love not only THE VOICE, but the beautiful man he was becoming. We learned that David eats, sleeps, & breathes music..finds lyrics everywhere and breaks out in random song! Who knew? Who knew we would all be totally smitten by David? Who knew, huh?
mamasaun on January 2, 2009 at 5:26 pm
cutter12 -- I’m pretty sure that Orem has surpassed Provo . . just recently. Ogden used to be bigger as well but Orem had lots of room to grow and has had a real explosion lately . . as have many other Utah communities. (mine included). UVU is kind of exploding too and is working hard to be a viable new university . . but their sound system was still lousy on NYE. 🙁
Angelica on January 2, 2009 at 5:41 pm
LittleMushroom#399- Hope you didn’t think my post was piling on Buble or Groban. I have a couple of Buble CDs. I realize they are “good guys” and extremely talented. One problem I have is when people compare and/or lump David in with them. Example: Right after AI, a friend of mine who was a really big Cook fan told me that David Archuleta was boring. She said he would be successful though__ he will be another Josh Groban. That made me see red then and still does whenever I think of it. It is dismissive. They don’t get the musical, lyrical, interpretive genius that is David Archuleta.
LittleMushroom on January 2, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Hi Angelica -- thanks for explaining that. What you said makes sense, and I bet that’s why mentioning those artists seems to touch a nerve with many DA fans. I guess I just didn’t see the issue because I respect those artists and don’t really think of it as an insult for David to be put in their category. With the pop radio-friendly album he has out, though, I think this perception will fade away.
jackryan4DA on January 2, 2009 at 6:26 pm
David could have never IMAGINEd this ever happening 🙂
LittleMushroom, this perception is already fading. The other day, I was sitting with this same freind who I had not seen in months. A phone rang with Crush as the ringtone and we BOTH reached for our phones! Then i remembered, I had changed my ringtone to ALTNOY. Haha. Suweeeeet!
Freofan on January 2, 2009 at 6:40 pm
mamasaun and cutter, thanks for the info about Orem! Being in education myself, I am always curious to learn about different schools and what they are like, where they are. It sounds like this event had been on the books for awhile, a year from what I read.
erin4david on January 2, 2009 at 6:42 pm
jackyan, omg this just brought me to tears! I remember when David sang Imagine, how beautiful it was….it meant so much to so many people and saved so many people. Yoko Ono cried at David’s version and said that John was looking down on him and smiling.
LittleMushroom on January 2, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Haha Angelica! That is a great story!!
Freofan on January 2, 2009 at 6:43 pm
As he gets more experience (and from his resolution that’s what he wants!), David will become a confident songwriter, and if he sings his own material and also writes for other artists (and is asked to write for other artists), I believe that he is going to be a huge force in the music industry.
Freofan on January 2, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Wow, sounds like Amy got some phenomenal information from the interview! Does SOT have a chance of becoming a single? And there were two other songs (one of them Mike said is a hit) that could have been on the album?
silverfox on January 2, 2009 at 7:17 pm
JR, Erin, I had to go check out David singing Imagine again and I think this is one of his best performances, at the Tree Lighting Event..it’s just breathtaking..
SF, there I go again…tears, chills, and that wonderful feeling inside…melt, I’m a puddle
happy on January 2, 2009 at 8:31 pm
wow! lots of discussion here today…. my 20 cents on the solo tour/opening act and venue selection: I think these are interesting and critical questions. HG made a point that bears repeating a while back about the Albany venue. While we all agreed it was an interesting choice fraught with issues, it offered David an authentic and interactive experience with a somewhat intimate audience. I know he performed a great deal as a child, but I think his performances were primarily staged performances (as one would expect from a child)- not authentically lived art experiences that breathe a life of their own.
Some musical performances that I have attended have taken on a life of their own and remained with me as a part of me. They were living, breathing, events that I was an active participant in. The artists, the other audience members, and I were bonded in a shared experience which transcended the capabilities of all of us individually- none were complete without the other. The crowd is a critical component, and half of any live performance. So I agree that it IS important that the venues be nearly sold out. I believe that the venues should be selected carefully to insure with reasonable certainty that they will be filled. It is important for the energy of both the crowd and the performer.
David has said that he now loves when the audience screams and sings along- it energizes him. I think he is attempting to articulate that he loves when he feels one with the audience. That the emotional connection he feels to the music, and for the audience, is palpable within himself. He wants to achieve the musical connection. This bond has its seed in the authentic trust between the artist and the audience. I would love for him to be able to grow his performance skills in venues where there is freedom for him to experiment with self-expression with the safety net of knowing that the audience trusts him. The trust allows the artist to surrender himself to the art and the allows the audience to surrender themselves to the artist, “Go where you will…I will follow you and I will love it.” That would have happened if he had developed a devoted local following and then grew in popularity and assuredness from there- in the early stages he would have found the foundation of himself as a performer. In the age of youtube, where no performance is in front of 250 but rather 250,000 I know this is impossible. But I hope he has a solo tour in carefully selected venues so he does not have to feel that he is in “someone else’s house” or attempting to “win new fans”- this will not build the trust that is the foundation of great live performances.
Inspired by David on January 2, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Ok somebody please tell me why Jive would not put David and Mike’s song on the album…he said it was a way cool R&B dance song…would be great radio hit! What are they thinking??? He really thinks its a great song. It’s out there for others to record if they choose to…I WANT TO HEAR DAVID SING IT…dang it! LOL! 🙁
Freofan on January 2, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Happy, excellent points. Over the past week, I’ve thought of other young pop stars whose dates had to be canceled because of lack of ticket sales to fill large venues. I’m not saying that this would happen to David, but it seems wise now to pick dates at smaller venues, and then add a couple larger ones as the need arises or bigger ones in certain markets (such as SLC and other areas). It looks much better to go “up” than to back down if the sales don’t fill the big places.
happy on January 2, 2009 at 8:47 pm
freo421- there is no artistic downside to having more fans than seats, but there are countless downsides to having more seats than fans… of course shortsighted-immediate-gratification-money-motivated promoters might see the former as a lost opportunity at ticket sales, but I suggest they keep in mind, “always leave them wanting more…”
jackryan4DA on January 2, 2009 at 9:02 pm
DID YOU KNOW….
Elvis THE Presley -- yup that once-shy-almost perfect-looking-lad-who changed-themusic-landscape was born —- JANUARY 8?
Hhmmmm.. it seems the ND lot is fixated on Capricorn male artists…
RONALD/RASCAL -- thanks for the Judy Garland discussion. Am also a fan and have copies of practically all of her notable performances — the Andy Hardy series isto die for of course 🙂
One thing that is so blessed with being an artist. They give in to their passion, create these magnificent works of art and the world becomes a better place 🙂 In turn, they are never forgotten. They burn holes into our beings, into our soul and we’re never the same, ever, again.
Kafka once wrote, “Even when we get so caught up in our everyday lives that events of the past, like ancient stars that have burned out, are no longer in orbit around our minds. There are just too many things we have to think about every day, too many new things we have to learn. new styles, new information, new terminology…but still, no matter how much time passes, no matter what takes place in the interim, there are some things we can never assign to oblivion, memories we can never rub away.”
Great artists do live in our hearts, don’t they? 🙂
happy on January 2, 2009 at 9:05 pm
JR423- yup.
erin4david on January 2, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Mush, I mean silverfoxe, are you okay? still teary eyed…
jackryan4DA on January 2, 2009 at 9:17 pm
KAIT on @269 -- I was about to post that when the discussion on Judy & David’s transformation caught my attention and have forgotten all about it!
What is so effin’ cool about that AD are the comments from the Program Directors themselves. Great move JIVE! 🙂
erin4david on January 2, 2009 at 9:26 pm
I do have to share something about what happened today…They played Crush on Muzak at my work. You really know that you made it big when they play your song on the music in the bank… I was so excited. Everyone that knows me at work, knows that I’m a ODD fan of David. I have a mouse pad, a picture of me and him on my desk and of course, all David CD, all day long…ha, ha. .
jackryan4DA on January 2, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Snarkies posted close-up shots of David at his NYE performance
“But the great thing about working with David is that he’s so pro. He’s so, you know, it’s second nature for him. He knows what to do. He knows how to take direction. And he has an ear of his own, so he knows what works right for the song.”
THIS.
davidfanLIZ on January 2, 2009 at 9:40 pm
erin #427 That is so cool! Surprised by Crush at work!
silverfox on January 2, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Erin, yeah I’m ok..still mush..
JR..I knew about Elvis’ b-day and that he was the same sign as David. And I’ve already seen those closeups of David at snarky’s..made me turn even mushier! How does he do that.geesh!
MY SON JUST CALLED ME “ODD” as in I’m acting odd!! hahahahhahahhaha!! I asked him, “what do you mean?” He said, “you just seem weird today, more weird than usual! Is something wrong with “David” or something?” ( the way he says “David” is kinda like he’s a little jealous, but he’s really not..he thinks it’s pretty funny, my obsession ). I just thought it was funny that he would say that, especially right this minute! hahaha!
davidfanLIZ on January 2, 2009 at 9:55 pm
SF “more weird than usual” LOL!
erin4david on January 2, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Oh my, I’m watching the repeats of Hollywood week and now it’s top 24, What a feeling!
emmegirl08 on January 2, 2009 at 10:25 pm
I hadn’t listened to contemporary music for probably 5 years, and had never listened to much pop. I actually had started listening to artists from the 40’s just to hear “singers.” And then came David. And what his voice does to me is just…can’t even explain. And I cannot stop listening to his album, and at the same time, cannot wait for the progression of his career and for him to get to the point where he is doing exactly what he wants to be doing. I also know that my impatience isn’t fair to David.
Just wonder how long his “Idol” contract is for, and can’t see the “money machine” mentality changing as long as his is associated with them.
But I do know he will endure, and will be all that he is meant to be. It simply cannot be any other way.
davidfanLIZ on January 2, 2009 at 10:34 pm
The Mike Krompass interview at snarkies is amaaaazing. Lots of yummy details of how the songs came together.
silverfox on January 2, 2009 at 10:37 pm
emmegirl..David is not under contract with AI..He is under contract with the Jive label, and his management is AZOFF.
Hey everyone! Sorry I left some of you hanging from my last post.
Thanks for the feedback on my dream. SF, I woke up before David resolved the issue of my lost key. Just know that he was totally willing to help me look for it. 🙂
LIZ, I’m loving your interpretation, but I must let you know that my mom is planning a big move to her retirement home, so I’m sure the new house in my dream is tied up with that. In fact, I’ll be very busy the next few days helping her move, so it will be a while before I can really hang out here at ND (meaning, SF, that I may post here and then not be around to respond, and it won’t be because I’m an Aries -- ha ha!).
As for the NYE Newphoria gig, I’m with Rascal on this one. David definitely needs better management. When I was watching New Year’s Eve with Dick Clark and saw Kellie Pickler (Pickler!) of all the former Idols to help Ryan Seacrest co-host that most watched TV program on New Year’s Eve, I couldn’t help but think that David (both Davids -- including Cook) should have been able to do that gig. But what was David doing instead? That lame little party thing. I mean, it’s local, and I think he was glad to be apart of a Utah event, but he and his management need to recognize that he’s better than that).
Jeff wasn’t lying when he said he’s not savvy enough to make certain decisions concerning David’s career, and David himself does need to develop a slightly bigger ego (just slightly!) so that he can start recognizing his star power and start saying “No” to the events that are not worth his time and to start vying for the big leagues.
I’m not worrying though. David is humble, but he’s not dumb. Sooner or later, he will figure this out on his own.
Happy, #419, “The trust allows the artist to surrender himself to the art and that allows the audience to surrender themselves to the artist, “Go where you will…I will follow you and I will love it.” LOVE that. Great post.
I hear what you’re saying about a sold out show, but even at a small venue, that puts so much pressure on David at this early stage of his career. Opening for someone who’s a good fit might be a better option. That said, whatever works for David, works for me!!
marlie7 on January 2, 2009 at 11:00 pm
LittleMushroom#399 -- I also didn’t mean to pile on to Buble and Groban -- love them both, listen to them both. But they aren’t David for a number of reasons. I can’t imagine Josh Groban doing Crush, and Silent Night and A Thousand Miles on one stage (the Tree Lighting). He has a single style, and it colors everything he does (wonderful, but still pseudo-operatic technique from his early training). Buble is a really, really good lounge act. (yikes -- are there tomatoes coming my way, yet?) And I STILL like him. But, again, he doesn’t have the versatility. I think it’s the “soul” that David brings to his music. For me, the other two just don’t have soul.
Happy #419 You said it all -- about the performances that take on a life of their own. I’m with you on that.
jackryan4DA on January 2, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Thanks to AMY of Snarkies (I think the girl didn;t sleep at all to deliver this!) PART 1 OF HER INTERVIEW WITH MIKE KOMPRASS:
How did you get into songwriting, production? Well, I was a guitar player, studio musician for a long time, a few years. I grew up in Toronto, Canada, and moved to L.A. like seven months ago. So I made my living as a session player, but it wasn’t satisfying enough for me. I always wrote songs. I started playing when I was four. So I always wrote songs and kind of developed that and then I decided I wanted to get more into music production and that kinda thing, so I kinda stopped touring and being just a session player, and more concentrated on [production]. Although I do play on people’s records all the time.
I know you played for Nelly Furtado from your MySpace. Who else? Yeah, Nelly’s stuff. I’ve done a lot of Disney stuff. I used to do a lot of stuff with Matthew Gerrard, who also wrote A Little Too Not Over You with us. A lot of stuff.
What instruments do you play? I play guitar, bass, a little bit of keyboards, drums, um, and you know, sometimes sing –- badly.
You’re like your own band. Sometimes it seems that way. A lot of things I do lately I’ve played everything on. And on Somebody Out There, I played everything on that.
What are the credits for Somebody Out There? I can’t find them anywhere. I know! Well, it’s David, myself, and a guy named Steve Diamond.
How do the credits go on there? Who gets first writing credits? Well, see, here’s the thing. A lot of people think that, you know, if someone’s name is listed first or whatever, that someone gets first credit? Basically, with those two songs –- A Little Too Not Over You and Somebody Out There -– what happened was we got in the room, and we just wanted to write great songs, so everybody had equal credit. Like, with the writing, nobody gets more than anyone else. Everyone contributes equally, everyone’s idea kinda spawned another idea and you kinda take it from there, and it becomes something. Each writer has a little piece of them, what inspires them, in the song, which is kinda cool. That’s why cowriting is neat.
Does anyone ever come in with a full idea? Well, sometimes it’s like someone will bring in a completed idea. In David’s case, the songs that we did with him, it wasn’t like that. In David’s case, we had the purpose to sit down and write a song and the goal was just to write a great song and something that David could relate to, something that he felt. We actually wrote four songs.
What happened to the other two? The label just didn’t go for them. I think they were awesome. One of them’s a hit. Both of them are being shopped right now for other artists. One’s called Zero Gravity, and it’s really cool, it’s way cool. And another one’s called Fighting For You.
And so, they were both written for the purpose of trying to get on the record, but they just weren’t happening like the other ones were for the label. Ultimately, the label has the decision and, you know, I think they did a really good job of picking songs for the record. The record overall sounds really good.
So you’ve listened to the whole thing? Yeah, I love it. I listen to it all the time. I think it’s really great songs. I think it’s really great writers on it. David, obviously, did an amazing job. And it was a whirlwind for him, too, you know, coming off the road, going right into the studio, recording a record, [to] hurry up and get it out, and then getting right back on the road again to play –- it’s crazy. I’ve been there before; I know how much work that is.
Was all this writing in one session or multiple sessions? Oh, multiple sessions. I can tell you the whole story, if you want. It’s kinda cool.
So I met David when he was 12. Back when he was doing Star Search. You know, the cute little Mormon kid. So I did a demo with him. His dad came and approached me to do a demo with him years and years ago, which we never finished, and he was doing a lot of competitions and really busy and seeing a lot of people.
What was the demo called? Oh, I don’t know. He would remember. He totally remembers. He remembers everything. I think it was called Stop. I think the song was called Stop, or something Stop. I’d have to look through my files. It was something Stop. But we never got it finished and it was kinda a cool idea. And then I kinda lost touch with him for a while, and then I saw him on American Idol and I was like, “Wow, good for him. He’s really great.” And then randomly, his dad called me just out of the blue after Idol and was just like, “Hey, it’s Jeff Archuleta. David wanted to know if you wanted to come and write some songs.” So I sent him a bunch of songs and he ended up liking one of the songs. And so me and Steve Diamond, one of the cowriters on Somebody Out There, wrote this song, David liked it, so we wanted to get a vocal recorded. So we booked a trip to LA to get a vocal recorded. He ended up thinking, “Oh, well, I don’t love this song. It’s cool. Let’s write some more.”
David said that? Well, David and his dad, and speaking with the record company –- it was kinda a weird situation, coming in at the last minute. We kinda came in at the last two weeks before the record was to be wrapped. So, literally, when we finished, there was a week to get it mixed and get it in. It was really, really quick. We wrote that -– it was really neat. So what happened was we go to LA — actually, before that, I’ll rewind a little bit. When they called me, David had known Robbie Nevil, and we had actually tried to work together previously, which had never happened. And he wanted to do something that had acoustic guitar and programming, and that kinda hybrid song that A Little Too Not Over You became. Well, when he approached me, I [said], “Well, why don’t I just call Robbie and well try to write a song together; see if he has time.” And Robbie’s really busy, you know, with the High School Musical and the Jordin Sparks thing going.
So I called him up and we talked about it and we said, “Yeah, let’s try to do this.” And he had to go away the following week, so it was really rushed. Everything was last minute and it was crazy. And then Robbie had suggested, “Well, let’s call Matthew.” Because the three of us had all worked together before on Hayden Panettiere’s song called Try. So it was like, “OK, let’s bring Matthew in.” So we wrote this geat song. Then Matthew, Steve Diamond, myself, wrote the other song, Zero Gravity, which never made the record. And then we wrote Somebody Out There. And then we wrote Fighting For You. We wrote and recorded all those song basically over a two-week period.
So were you guys working on it like every day then? Well, it was every day for me because I was producing them, and I had to play the instruments and record them. For David –- the writing sessions were probably –- each one was on a different day. So maybe four days of writing sessions for four songs. And the rest of the time was tracking. So because David’s schedule was so crazy busy, he’d have to -– I’d be working on the track, putting the track together, and he’d be off at…wherever, someone else who’s working on the record, at their place doing vocals for a song. And then he’d come in after that session and do vocals on one of our songs. The poor kid was so tired –- you know, sometimes we were recording at 2 in the morning.
And then a really cool thing is that I recorded David’s vocal for A Little Too Not Over You at Robbie Nevil’s house on the same mic and the same set-up as Jordin Sparks used for her One Step at a Time single. So it was kinda neat because David’s in the studio like, “Ah, cool! Jordin sang in here!” You know how he is. He’s very excited about other musicians.
Is that why there’s no studio listed for that song? Yeah, well, the thing with all the songs, some of the programming I was doing on my laptop. I’d go to one studio and do some acoustic guitars and go to another studio to do some other things, editing, and we’d send the files off to a mixer to be mixed. Normally, if we’d have more time, David would have come to my studio in Nashville and we would have just spent the time in one studio, but because of the last minute, trying to get it done, and make sure it was good enough to get on the record, we had to bounce around.
Mike’s studio in Nashville.
Was ALTNOY ever acoustic? Almost always I write on acoustic. So I think all those sessions, we had an acoustic guitar present. And David really likes acoustics. We didn’t do it on piano -– well, I think on Fighting For You — we cowrote Fighting For You with a producer named Guy Roche, who’s really good. He played a little piano, but we ended up incorporating piano into the tracks after all the writing was done on guitar. So with A Little Too Not Over You, yeah, that was like a really simple song you could play acoustically, originally. But as I’m producing it I know in my head kinda the way we want it to sound. David had some adlibs and he’s always amazing with the adlibs. His dad came into the studio one night and suggested some adlibs for him to do in the bridge and all of it was great ideas, so we tried to incorporate as much of that as possible.
Where’d the “eh eh oh ohs” come from? Oh, the “eh eh oh ohs”? Well, listening to the song after we tracked the vocal, Robbie and I had a discussion and we were like, “You know, it just needs something kinda hip at the beginning to draw you in and kinda radioish, but suited the song.” So we came up with that intro.
What’s making the noise? It’s a person, yeah. It’s Robbie Nevil and David doing things and then there’s a cool effect on it that gives it that kinda sound.
How much of the bridge was adlibbed? Like the falsetto things? Well, a lot of the time when I’m recording vocals with David, I put it on record and say, “Well, give me some adlibs, give me some ideas. We’ll get a bunch of them and cut them in and see which ones work the best.” Some of them, him and his dad had talked about a couple that they wanted to put in there, some of them were random, just him feeling it out, so all that kinda came together at some point. And the way we kinda put it together is kinda the end result of all these neat ideas. And, by the way, I have to say that he is amazing in the studio. He’s got great pitch, he’s got great tone.
Did you have to guide him a lot, or was it more spontaneous? Well, being a producer, you always have to guide it a bit, to get the overall sound that you want. But the great thing about working with David is that he’s so pro. He’s so, you know, it’s second nature for him. He knows what to do. He knows how to take direction. And he has an ear of his own, so he knows what works right for the song. And just as well as he sang on American Idol, he sang in the studio. He’s great. It’s a pleasure. He’s amazing to work with; he’s really great.
Has he improved since he was 12? Yeah, but, you know, when he was that age, he was amazing. It’s just that as he got older his voice dropped, so he’s got a lower tone now, but, I mean, he was really, really good. I mean, if you watch some of his videos, his Star Search things, he was great, he was amazing. But I think he needed that much time for him to find “him.” Every artist goes through this thing where they gotta grow and find themselves and I think he definitely has his own thing and that’s awesome.
Do you think David knows who he is as an artist now? He’s always saying he’s still experimenting, but do you think he has an idea? As an artist, you’re always going through things and feeling it out and everything. You’re always inspired by new things and you hear things that influence you, but I think, generally, he knows where he wants to be.
When you’re doing your first record, coming off Idol, there’s always the record company influence and what they want to see you as and what you want to be. So they had to kinda meet in the middle, but I believe, as his career progresses and he does more records, I think it might become more organic. You know, he really likes John Mayer and that kinda thing.
Do you see him going the Mayer route? Um, maybe not as bluesy and not so, so raw, but kinda in a more organic direction than his record now. I’m sure he’ll be writing more because he’s good at it. I think he’ll grow as a writer and develop himself as a writer and I think you’ll probably see more of that as he does more records.
How do you go into a writing session? Do you have to prepare for it? Well, there’s no rules for it. We had sat down and planned some things the day he came in to do A Little Too Not Over You. We had some other ideas that we just weren’t feeling so we said, “Hey, why don’t we just start doing something?” And that’s where we came up with the little intro part.
Here, let me see if I can grab a guitar and you can hear it. So we sat down and were like, “OK.” We wanted what they call a 12/8 feel, or a 6/8 feel, which, you know, you notice that song has a different feel than most straight feels. So we wanted to do that but also have a kinda rhythmic aspect to it, so then we came up with this. [plays guitar] You know, that thing. And then someone will start singing something and then David will start humming something and Robbie will start singing something and then it kinda turns into that. So that song just kinda came out of the vibe in the room.
Who came up with the line “a little too not over you”? I think it was a collaborative effort. David was throwing out “too not over you,” “too over you.” We were looking for something that was kinda quirky. I don’t remember who exactly came up with that, but between everyone suggesting things, that’s what came out of it.
So was it you and Matthew more writing the melody, and David and Robbie working on lyrics? Well, obviously, I was playing guitar and Matt was playing guitar, so the chord changes definitely came from us playing guitar. And the melody was a joint effort. Robbie and David worked closely on the melody, and everyone kind of suggested a part. It wasn’t like, “Oh, somebody wrote that word!” or, “Somebody came up with that!” It happened really quickly, and the music part of the song was probably done in about 15 minutes.
Is it usually music that comes first or do people ever have lyrics first? Yeah, some people come in with lyrics all finished. With that song, we had the chord changes, we had the structure, we had the melody. And then Robbie and David kinda worked on the lyrics closely together for a little while, and then we all got back together in the room and that was kinda what happened.
So you and Matthew did more of the melody and David and Robbie came up with the lyrics? Yeah, well, you can’t even really say that. Everyone kinda came up with the melody. Primarily, lyrically, that was leaned more towards Robbie and David, you could say that. But everyone was equally involved.
But David suggested so many…. Every time we’d play a part, he’d sing a great little thing. Like I think, there’s a melody in the second verse that’s a little bit different than the first verse. A little change on it. And that was entirely David. That was his. He came up with that thing and we all went, “Wow, that’s really cool, we gotta keep that in there.”
I know David can come across as kinda shy. When he’s in a session, do you guys ever have to prod him to get him going? He’s always ready to go. He is very shy, and I think the songwriting thing with other people is new for him. I know he’s written songs on his own and he’s used to doing it that way. But I think that the collaborative effort is a new thing for him, so at first he’s very shy, but I think that he started to open up and definitely his ideas came out.
OK, this might be an awkward question, but he seems to be unsure as a songwriter. Is his lack of confidence warranted, or would you say he’s just very humble? I think he’s really humble. I think he’s overly humble. But every songwriter has the thing, “Oh, will people like it?” I think he’s always really critical of himself, but he’s great.
What do you think of Somebody Out There being doomed as a track you only get when you preorder? Oh, we were so bummed about that. We hate it. Of course! We want it to be an album track at least, and a single. We have heard rumors that they might put it on sale again. I’ve heard other rumors that they might press it on the CD. I don’t know how true that is. I haven’t heard that directly from the record company or anything, but I can tell you this –- that the fans made A Little Too Not Over You the next single and because of the fans and your Web sites and the fan sites, that’s why that song is doing so well.
It also sorta got a life of its own on iTunes, didn’t it? Yeah, but I think, you know, what you guys are doing helped that. I think pumping that song, if you guys pump that song [when people hear it, they’ll love it] – I believe it’s a great song. I believe it could be a hit. I love it.
ALTNOY and SOT really show off David’s voice. Was this a deliberate effort? Is it because he helped write them? I think he puts himself into it. I think that no matter what you’re doing, he’s going to give it your all. You want to make sure the song is in the right key for him, but it just comes out.
Somebody Out There came really quickly. We did that pretty late in the night after a couple sessions and David, Steve Diamond, and myself sat down and we came up with this chord progression — [plays] — and David started singing a melody and we were like, “Wow, that’s really great,” and we started humming a little chorus melody and he kinda just ran with it. It came really quickly. It’s really neat. And we really loved it. [recording gets fuzzy here] They were like, “Ahh, it sounds like More Than Words.”
When you say David hummed the melody, was he just humming or did he use words or how did that work? Yeah, just kinda singing some ideas. No words -– well, sometimes words come out, but you kinda just, hum, and mumble, and then –- there was only three of us working on that song. So one of us would be like, “Oh! I really like that. Let’s make that the melody.” And that’s kinda how it worked.
Part Two coming soon.
silverfox on January 2, 2009 at 11:11 pm
HG..I saw a very small portion of Dick Clark/Ryan Seacrest on NYE in Times Sq. and I too was wondering why they chose Pickler as a guest host of all people. But as far as David. I really think he was where he wanted to be and I really think it was his decision. I also think David could have had his pick of star-studded parties he could have attended, but he wanted to be with his family & friends. This is another instance of David doing what works for him, (works for him). The reason I asked rascal & you what your opinion was of his appearance there ( not his performance ) was cuz I wondered if you thought as I do, that David was the one who wanted to do it, regardless of what AZOFF may have wanted him to do. I may be totally wrong about this, but because it was a small venue and pretty much out of the national radar, I don’t think JIVE or AZOFF had a say in it..but compromised for 2 songs only and all of 15 minutes on stage. Unfortunately, I don’t think it will happen again, not as long as he’s with AZOFF. That’s what I think. So you and rascal think it was a mgmt decision and not a good one. I disagree. The only thing I didn’t understand was the tightened security, but that was explained by mamasaun. I still would have loved to be there!
emmegirl08 on January 2, 2009 at 11:24 pm
436 SF -- thanks for the info. I did not realize he was totally disconnected contract-wise from Idol. So I guess the onus is totally on Jive.
SF, I definitely got the impression this was something David wanted to do (and I’m sure it was fun for him and an escape from the national limelight). But, really, David needs to treat each of his public performances as precious commodities, and, yes, anyone booking him should be prepared to pay royally (assuming they did) for the honor of having David grace them with his Archupresence.
Apart from his phenomenal talent and popularity, he’s now a platinum-single and gold-album-selling star. It’s time people start giving him the royal treatment. He’s not just a “local” celebrity anymore.
LittleMushroom on January 2, 2009 at 11:28 pm
hello gorgeous, for what it’s worth, by the look on Jeff’s face as he scanned the crowd, I think he may have agreed with you. I also wondered why Jeff was on stage and thought it may have been due to security concerns. I saw the video at Snarkies of the crowd and it did look a little hectic.
The interview with Mike K is great…it’s great to see how respected David is by people in the recording industry. If only Jive wasn’t so dismissive of “Somebody Out There”! Sounds like “More Than Words”? Give me a break! I guess I can see some similarities but really the songs are quite different. The biggest difference in my mind has to be that SOT features David singing solo in such a heartfelt way, while “More Than Words” to me was always more about the harmony of the different members of Extreme on the song. I’ve heard MTW hundreds of times since it came out (20 years ago or so??), and a similarity never came to mind. The song it resembles in my mind more is Enrique’s “Somebody’s Me,” but I still think SOT is great and should be on the album. I believe Jive’s decision was flip and shortsighted.
I posted before finishing. Moreover, this is a managment issue. David might be game in accepting such local gigs, but it’s AZOFF’s responsibility to make sure that the folks booking David can foot the bill and meet the demands that they’ve created for their “star.”
You better believe, if I were David’s manager, I would have demanded a hefty fee or insisted that David turn down the offer. I would have advised him that any public NYE gig he did must be the kind that would maximize his exposure. This isn’t personal anymore. This is business!
LittleMushroom on January 2, 2009 at 11:36 pm
HG -- I can’t imagine Jive or Azoff would have been overly enthusiastic about this gig. It seems their efforts focus more on national or big city exposure.
I just remembered about how David was given the “pimp spot” (hehe) at the Z100 Jingle Ball, between Kanye and headliner Chris Brown. That had JIVE written all over it. They are a little hit or miss with our boy, but that one was a big coup!
silverfox on January 2, 2009 at 11:40 pm
HG, LM, I forgot to say that I also think the appearance was gratis..I really do, which is why only 2 songs, it may have been the compromise. I also wondered why Jeff was on stage behind David..My opinion..he should have been out of camera range. When he’s with David at any appearances, he’s there as his manager, not his dad..he needs to be able to separate the two, therefore he needs to be in the background. You don’t see any other artists’ managers on stage with their clients do you? And it has nothing to do with whether I like Jeff, or whether he’s a nice guy or a good dad..it’s business, and it’s JMO.
Snarky’s interview with Mike so far is fantastic!
emmegirl08 on January 2, 2009 at 11:42 pm
marlie 440 -- great points. And although both Buble and Groban are incredible talents, (I have been to a Buble concert and really enjoyed it), I still don’t feel the connection through their singing that I do with David.
Loooove that interview with MK. Quite talented himself, takes one to know one. I hope that David gets to work with him again.
Just a quick note on the ALTNOY video. I think it is great. All it really represents is two young people who really like each other hanging out and enjoying their time together. You can develop pretty strong feelings at that age even in what appears to be a casual relationship. David said he really enjoys the “performance” part of the video because he can really get into it, and that is where he really excels. All the experience he is getting doing these is invaluable. He is just such a natural.
Little Mushroom, Jive was definitely all over the Z100 Jingle Ball. I’m at least glad they see David’s potential in that capacity. And I hope my big city New York ways isn’t coming off as if I’m dismissive of Utah. Far from it! (I’m waiting for the day when David does his inevitable Christmas concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir myself so…)
But, the event has to fit the size of the star (and yes, even though he’s just getting started, David is a sizeable one). I think there are some events that are worth his time and some that he can pass on. The crowd wasn’t even reverential!
SF ~ SHY?? ..HAH!…althougth you did blow ..umm 30-45 sec..was that shy or numb??
happy~294~ thats why you have us..lol
marlie~295~thats why you are here…with us..
SF293- I did notice that….. very impulsive and impatient….
Thanks Happy -- With the exception of the jealousy thing that is me.
actually SF you did not blow it ..you were a perfect lady..another of our traits..lol
Happy -- That new avi of mine is us looking at David. tee hee!
Marlie -- 393? Wow! amateur
dj300- oh, you cut us down. to the core. not nice. at all.
we may not share our love spells and youth serum with you….
djb -- I forgot to thank you for the clip.
It did, unfortunately, cause me to have impure thoughts.
If I weren’t such a lapsed Catholic, it would have to be confession time again!
juliebug #304 You have more! YES! I’m among friends!
djb..I was a perfect lady..uh-huh, on the outside, but what I was thinkin’..not lady-like at all!
So dj, when is your b-day?
sorry to leave the party…. but beauty sleep is a prerequisite for the youth serum to work…. so…
SF- Amen.
good night all. thanks for the fun.
betsey..i love you…ROFLMAO..did not mean it to cause that !
silverfxox ~I do love you.,haha..another good trait~ knoweledge of the law~ or at least a PBA in training….and self-restraint..OK.OK. I made that one up..
..lucky 13 ..I can celebrate with HG
My husband needs to stop it NOW. He has called me to bed about 25 times in the last hour. “I can’t sleep without you”. “What are you doing”.
I am too busy having fun. Have 6 tabs open. Shouldn’t have had that caffeine earlier.
~good night happy~ sweet dreams~~
betsy, you asked how many videos of David are oout there..according to YouTube, about 24,000 videos.
It’s been interesting tonite, learned some more new things about ourselves..time to say good night all, and to David…
Dear Lord, Though we are unworthy to ask,
Please take Care Of David. Watch over him, Protect him from all harm. Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that is thrown in his path. Give David the courage and guidance to say no to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give. Surround David with loving and supportive people who love him UNCONDITIONALLY as we, his ARCHANGELS do. Separate David from those who have agendas other than for his wellbeing. Give him rest when he’s weary. Give him stamina to sustain his hectic pace. Give him assurance when he feels doubt. Give him joy when he feels sad. Cloak him always in your protective arms. Keep David healthy & strong as he fulfills his Destiny which was written in his Book of Life before he was born.
This, though we may be unworthy, humbly pray,
Amen.
Sweet dreams! Be safe & secure in our love always! Take care. You will always be numero uno in our eyes! Thank you for all you do and for just being you!
CONTIGO SIEMPRE CON AMOR!
Night Happy. Youth serum must work.
More like truth serum!
Night SF
Okay, maybe I better go as well. Husband will be way grateful.
Always a good thing!
Night all -- thanks for the really interesting night! (Goodnight, David!)
SF~AMEN
HG #234: Oh HG I love this dream! May I ??? Perhaps David is helping you open some new areas, some new possibilities in your life. There is this beautiful new house that you have bought, with all its new rooms and spaces. You’ve done the work, you’ve done the research, you’ve put in the time, and you’ve found the perfect “house.” But it is David with his Voice, and all that means for you, who can unlock the door to the new house, who can help you gain access to these new possibilities.
Oh this is quite lovely!
What do you think? Does this make sense?
My sister just sent me this video and I thought I should share it among my ND friends.
It’s an amazing performance from Judy Garland, from 1955. I’m only recently beginning to discover what made her a legendary artist. Warning: you may need a hankie…
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Capricorns have always been special people in my life. 2 favorite relationships were Capricorns, a fantastic teacher I once had, an awesome husband (David!) also is Capricorn. Go figure David Archuleta is one too. Also amazing is I am an Aries! P.S. Happy,#270…yep, sounds like me. Ask my husband how “confident, enthusiastic, and energetic I get when my ODD is showing!
Marlie -- hey happy bday girl! In Chinese astrology, 2009 is the Year of the Ox — it’s my year 🙂
Yes djb am small and we can very well plan for that smuggling ops. I better re-apply for my visa soon then. I would not miss a FanVention!
<juliebug on #252 -- Omy, you slay me JB! LMAO!
SF -- It wasn’t apparent in the videos that the security were tight during David’s NYE performance, nor were they telling of the size & and of how rowdy the audience were, except when David was signalling this “pushing” thingy during CRUSH which I got to mean that he was signalling the audience to be mindful of those in front.
The vibe that I got from the NYE vids was that it was like a family affair — like when David finished and his family and friends were with him onstage! I thought that was cool and which was why I think he was so dang happy that night 🙂
But since the venue was in a university, I am not surprised about how frisky the security was. They tend to be like that in school, right?
Ronaldsf,thanks for that video of Judy Garland. The performance and the song speak for themselves. I’m posting because I see some “Judy” in David. For example, Judy allowed all of her vulnerability to show when she performed. David’s AI performance of “Love Me Tender” showed David at his most vulnerable,and is still my favorite performance of his. It literally overwhelms me to watch it. Judy had a tragic life, but she could express all kinds of feelings through her music. People usually consider Streisand to be the best female singer ever. I think it’s Judy because of the emotional connection she had to the songs and with the audience, who adored her.
The audience has the same relationship with David. Like Judy, the audience is there as much to be with David as they are to be entertained by him. We know where Judy’s
emotional energy came from. With David, it’s still a mystery. It’s real, but where does it come from? There is nothing in his young life that would explain how he can sing a song like “Imagine” or “Love Me Tender” or “Somebody Out There” and transfer so much beautiful, pure, feeling to the listener. That mystery is part of his mystique. Stay tuned.
Ronaldsf #319- I had rediscovered Judy Garland, beyond the “Wizard of Oz” just this past summer, all because of David. I have read people’s comments comparing David to Judy, so when the Utah Symphony had a special performance of Judy Garland “Live”, I went to the concert. I was greatly impressed. Judy sang with such longing and such depth of feeling you couldn’t help but get carried away. Lamblisskasden explains it much better than I ever could. Was it a post of yours, lamblisskasden that convinced me to go? hmm… All I know is that I have rediscovered music because of David and his fans.
And, I was born under the sign of Virgo in the year of the Tiger, so that makes me a Maiden Tigress- hear me roar! 😀
Hey guys! Thank you for sharing your birthday assignations. It is cool to find out and have some AHA moment with the info shared. Like, why am I not surprised that HG, SF & Rascal are all April born? 🙂
Or that we have a number of Virgo, Taurus and Aquirian in the house! Am glad to know that Freo is also a Capricorn like Marlie, myself and of course, David! Juliebug as a Sag is a surprise! Haha, that was fun!
A bit of news:
Crush is #4 of Top50 in Radio Disney
http://radio.disney.go.com/music/newyear/top50.html
For a song which came out the 2nd semester of the year and end up as the 43rd most donwloaded song in 2008, now #4 in Radio Disney, and a chartbuster (as listed in previous thread) — miiiiiighty impressive from a newbie 🙂
RONALD -- thanks for sharing the Ms. Garland’s vid. MAGICAL.
ronald — as a fellow “friend of Dorothy’s” (as we used to say), I am thrilled that you are now beginning to discover Judy. It’s an emotional journey, but also filled with chutzpah and wonder and lots of the ‘ol razzle dazzle. Whatever you do, don’t miss Judy at Carnagie Hall, a legendary concert that is truly astonishing on every play. Judy had it all, at least when it came to performing. Her audiences embraced her with a degree of affection few other performers have ever known. I wrote about some of the parallels between Judy and David here.
Bliss — #323 — It is virtually impossible to express pathos, longing, grief, or any other of life’s dark side without having had real experience with it. David’s public persona is not at all disengenuous but neither is it by any means the whole story. There may appear to be something of a cognitive disconnect between the depth of the soul we feel in performance and the sweet, light nature of the wide-eyed young man whose most boisterous expression is “gosh,” but I think we need to ask ourselves which one conveys the fuller story. There is far more to David and to his circumstances than meets the eye. It doesn’t matter what those circumstances are — only that he is someone who is vulnerable enough to have processed them with great sensitivity and strong enough to channel that emotional intelligence into art.
SF & others RE the NYE concert: It’s hard to know where the breakdowns were, but, as usual, I choose to take the long view. It is important for David to take stock of what works for him and what doesn’t. It does concern me at times that he seems so eager to please that he might fail to protect himself and agree to things that he probably shouldn’t, but I quickly remind myself that David is no fool and no patsy. He’ll go along for a time, maybe for quite some time, but in his own gentle, diplomatic way, he will eventually put his foot down. It may not come soon enough for some of our tastes, but it will happen. The only other thing I’ll say about the proper channeling of David’s engagements is that the ultimate responsibility for this falls on his management.
happy -- I’m Aquarius -- Feb 6 is by BD too!! And, I am unpredicta-bold which has created very interesting situations for me--lol.
ronadlsf -- Have you seen the young Judy in the “Andy Hardy” films? TCM ran a day of Andy Hardy films (featuring Mickey Rooney) a week or so ago and I saw so many David comparisons as she progressed through the films--her vocal performances were awesome, soulful and jazzy at that young age.
bliss -- “Love Me Tender” is my most watched AI performance on my iPod. Pure perfection at every level and the tenderness and beauty of the total performance, to me, rivals, if not exceeds, “Imagine.” It didn’t & doesn’t get enough credit.
Apparently I am not the only one who keeps returning to David’s a cappella offering of “Silent NIght” on jwipe’s channel. I found a full page of moving comments left there, all from within the last 24 hours.
Missed out on some fun discussion (as usual) in the late and wee hours. So, no other Geminis? I’m thinking the Geminis are the ones that flit around to all of the sites, as I do. Anyone?
Oh Ronald -- Thank You for that Judy Garland link -- it made me cry this morning.
IMHO, David is not yet quite at that level because Judy seemed to bring all her life experiences to bear in that performance. We all know she had a difficult one at best so her dream of a better life somewhere over the rainbow could be felt by all.
At this moment of David’s development he is like a medium -- when he’s connected to a song, he is able to transfer that emotion then we in turn feel HIS connectivity. I was watching video of his Crush at the Atlanta Jingle Jam -- he was rocking the heck out of that song and I went along with him for the ride.
I believe that as he matures in terms of personal and professional relationships we will see the gradual transfer of those experiences into his performances. Its still amazing to me though how he can project so much emotion into say the ALTNOY vid without having had a relationship experience. This all bodes well for the future.
bliss #323, I love the comparison of Judy with David. Perhaps that connection is what made me subconsciously post the link here? Pure honesty and emotion! And Judy gave that performance on live (actually live!) TV!
Kizzi #326, I definitely would like to check out those movies. Not familiar with Andy Hardy though -- did he do “Meet Me in St. Louis”? Months ago on IDF on a Christmas song thread I was plugging away for David to cover HYAMLC, as it has long been a favorite of mine.
“Love Me Tender”, “Imagine”, and SMM for me were his performances that were the most tender and emotional for me. And among those I put LMT on top of the list because I was awed by David’s own reinterpretation. I was immediately raving about it, though on IDF a majority were excited by SBM. I actually couldn’t understand why -- perhaps because David revealed in SBM a new level of schmex appeal 🙂
olemr2001 #327, yeah while going through David youtube videos yesterday I noticed how jwipe’s “Silent Night” video is getting a huge number of views (116,543 at this writing… almost as much as the 1000 Miles video). There’s something about this performance… I for one love how he sings “All is caaalm…”
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Just saw this great comment on the “Silent Night” video from a wfhardy:
David is the biggest, dorkiest Clark Kent on the planet. But when he starts to sing he is immediately transformed into SUPERMAN and no other artist can touch him. This boy is never off-key, he never hits a bad note. David is beyond talented, I swear he’s from another galaxy! I could listen to him forever (I intend to). I hope by this time next year he will have released a Christmas CD, hopefully Jive realizes that it will sell like gangbusters. This has been such a great year for David!
Should we talk out loud about what may happen as he matures personally and professionally…?
Just a thought but should we have the ideas and answers about David and what he should and probably will be doing?
Are we always and should we be speculating about his future and how he should handle it or how it will become?
I think that we are getting too personal with our hopes and too personal expressing them (for David who may actually read them) and his life becomes one more of expectations…He says that as the bar of expectations rises (not his words but his thoughts), he becomes more nervous before performing..
His life and career are in his hands and let us enjoy his moments and music. Just my thoughts.
SandyBeaches — I don’t know which comments you are referring to, but two thoughts in response:
First, speculating on David’s future prospects and career direction probably makes up for at least a third of what gets discussed about him by his biggest fans. The possibility of limiting this kind of thing is precisely zero. At the very least, it is exciting and interesting to consider what may lie ahead and, I would argue, potentially instructive for anyone (including David) who might be interested enough to read it. In my opinion there is very little downside to the contemplation of possibilities.
Second, the raising of expectations is inevitable. Barbra Streisand tells the story of when she was all of 19 or 20 and appeared on the Judy Garland show on CBS and how she was quite astonished and rather bemused at how nervous Judy was before going on--Judy, one of the most revered performers in the world, audiences at her feet, mountains of awards and accolades. Thirty years later Barbra exclaimed, “I understand now.”
#331 ronaldsf -- She was in three “Andy Hardy” films; those films are simple fare and she is not the top featured character but her vocal performances are the highlights. Details are at: http://www.thejudyroom.com/discography/soundtracks/andyhardy.html. You can even listen to the songs they cut from the films.
About the NYE concert, I read that he did it as a favor to the Osmonds and that it was planned a year ago. I would have liked to have seen him in a more publicized (televised) performance. David Cook was in Vegas performing on the televised Fox NYE concert, but I guess that was a perk of his situation on AI.
Thank You Rascal for coming to the rescue!
#333 -- SB, mentioned one of my comments at the top and I was beginning to feel quite offended. Why would you want to take away my right as a fan of David want to speculate about his future as a performer? *Shakes head*
Fans of any movie star or singer out there discuss this sort of thing all the time. Apart from which -- it is a known fact that David’s family and friends monitor his fansites. Who’s to say maybe even his management and Jive as well. David has an upcoming tour this year. I am sure as professional as he is he will take into consideration some of the ideas for song and venue choices proposed by US his fans. As David says all the time -- he would not be anywhere without us. Was he not asking his fans on the Silent Night YT Clip -- what would they like for him to sing?
rascal…All quite correct and understood…I get the feeling that we are trying to guide his career instead of stepping back and letting him move along as he is…In my sight I see us with too many suggestions sometimes and that may take away from him personally or that he cannot make the correct decisions for himself…
This is just a feeling that I get and as he said people want to know every little thing about you and that has surprised him somewhat I am sure…Perhaps I would like to see more privacy given to him by us, but can he get that anywhere now? Just my thoughts. I have seen famous sports people lose their performing edge because of all of the attention given, all of the time needed for autographs and not enough down time for rest.
#337…I am sorry that you have misunderstood my comments…
rascal…perhaps I cannot express to you correctly what I am trying to say and maybe I will be able to at a later time…
#334 rascal, yes that has been a concern of mine for David, that expectations will inevitably rise as his fame grows. I remember reading articles or hearing interviews on YouTube where Barbra is already resenting the chi-chi Broadway audience on the opening night of “Funny Girl” in 1964, and then dreading performing for her 2nd television special in 1966. It seemed like the pressure got to her at some point and that the joy she felt at performing live that was so evident in her 1st TV special had somehow faded. Part of it too was that the media, after chronicling her meteoric rise, seemed more interested in finding flaws in the jewel. And then years later she seemed less enthusiastic about singing and wanted to move on to acting. Just my impressions… perhaps I’m off about Barbra, but that definitely does seem to be an inevitable consequence of success and high expectations.
For David, though, I hope he stays grounded and true to his relationship with his true fans. By true fans, I mean the ones who stuck by him through all the criticism and stereotyping he faced during AI, who love him fervently and unconditionally. Not focus on the critics and the elite who will heap praise on him at some point on the future.
I would imagine that’s the best way to deal with unfairly high expectations, and David seems especially inclined in that regard.
Oh, and by the way, here I am giving “advice” LOL. But I guess I’m a fan that way… 🙂
Is it spelled “shi shi”? I don’t know LOL
Sandy Beaches -- Apology accepted.
We’re ALL on David’s ride to the top together. In all the fan interaction vids I’ve ever seen of David -- one thing is clear -- he THRIVES off of the energy. This is the biggest difference from his performances on AI to now. On AI he was being critiqued after every performance and he sort of withdrew a bit into himself. Now he’s just performing without as much restriction in the past and loving it well. Speculation to me only adds a layer of comfort for a performer. He tried ATM at the Tree Lightning and it then became a permanent fixture at the Jingle Jams. Why? Because the crowds reacted positively and sang along with him. As a performer he’s learning to fulfill not only our expectations but his as well.
It’s entirely too early in the day to cry, but cry I did cuz of
ronald’s link#320.I would love to hear David sing SOTR!
I think, like Imagine he would “own it”.
rascal..as I was reading your post, your comment to Bliss, I got chills! Every word you said is right on. I keep reading your post over & over..It’s exactly what I have felt for so long and more so as time goes on, but was hesitant to put into words cuz I couldn’t find the right words without sounding, uh, I don’t know, like I didn’t know what I was talking about? and as Bliss said, “stay tuned”.
I know some may not agree with me here, but I really feel that not only is David going to become known as one of the greatest singers ever, but a great actor as well. It’s inevitable..if he can put the emotions into song that can bring us to tears, why not the same with a movie character. He can & will do it. And I’m not talking about “Disney” here, either.
As for NYE concert in Orem, Utah (not on any map I could find). Of course, he agreed to do it as a favor, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was gratis..thus only 2 songs. David, I think was pro-buh-blee invited to other more prestigious & star-studded events, but where his family & friends may not have been able to attend. I also think it was not a mgmt decision. It was a DAVID decision, so the compromise was the 2 songs only..JMHO..and I have lots of those, ya know!
Kait #328, Fellow Gemini here!
SandyBeaches, you are a worrier, aren’t you?
I think everyone understands your concerns, but my feeling is that we also understand that we can’t control what happens. Everyone here loves him and wants the best for him. Even if we don’t talk about such things, others will. And some of ‘them’ won’t be kind. (People can be jealous-oh!) Heck, the haters are already out there, and they haven’t affected David any more than we, the aredent fans, have.
I still get the feeling that David is unusually wise about taking in only what he can handle at the moment. Those around him may watch, but I’m of the belief that he’s made it clear to them that he wants to hear only what is necessary.
Hi Erin, my fellow Gemini! My life seems to be filled with Geminis and Cancers, with a few Aries and Virgo folk sprinkled around. Funny how that works, sometimes.
Good AM everyone at ND:
Getting caught up here. Happy love your pretty Avatar- I wondered what would come up after Christmas.
Liz: Agree with your requests for the solo tour- and add- MUST come to Florida
RonaldSF: Thanks for the Judy G video- just wonderful-
( I know you are a student- what are you studying?)
I am a Scorpio- any others out there?
I am going to see Spring Awakenings tongiht- Has anyone seen it? Looking forward…
On the future of our wonderful David- gosh- feel like a kid waitng for Christmas or vacation or something, want it all now- want the tour, the next album, the next exciting steps- but have to remember the journey is part of the joy and should be savored.
Rascal:
“There is far more to David and to his circumstances than meets the eye. It doesn’t matter what those circumstances are — only that he is someone who is vulnerable enough to have processed them with great sensitivity and strong enough to channel that emotional intelligence into art.”
This is post-on-my-wall-worthy. Gosh!
The very first time I saw his old Star Search videos way back in March, I always thought that David must have gone through some terrible, humbling experiences between his Star Search days and his AI days. It was almost like two different people, though clearly the same David.
I thought it was perhaps the vocal paralysis, and then later we heard about the tragedy of the 21-year-old relative of a relative who committed suicide at a family gathering. Perhaps he experienced tragedy vicarously as well as personally? We may never know, but whatever it was, he has found hope and a channel in his faith and in his music. He has gained maturity and wisdom while still maintaining his youthful hope. Perhaps that is why he has been able to deeply move young and old.
rae #348, I’m in law school. And I don’t really have a winter break because of some incomplete assignments. Boo. 🙁
SF and all . . interesting discussion about NYE. Orem is the second largest city in Utah . . having said that, the university he performed at just barely became a university this year. It has been a community college -- and a small one at that. BYU is near by and a much larger, more well known university . . and probably has a much better sound system. To me the situation was reminiscent of the places he performed at before AI.
The great thing about it all is that David didn’t seem to care about the “second class” facility.(IMHO). He came out there and gave it all he had. The audience was not rowdy, just loud and very appreciative. They LOVED him. David seemed to be totally enjoying himself along with all his friends and family.
In my opinion -- the only “bad” thing about the night was the lousy sound system . . he just sang at MSG for cryin’ out loud! And then to have a sound system like that? Sheesh. (sure wish I could go to the inauguration on Monday)
.
GREAT summation RonaldSF:
He has gained maturity and wisdom while still maintaining his youthful hope.
Gosh I love the succinctness of that comment
Oh my- well I am an attorney, however not exactly
“practicing” per se…. I am blessed ( and busy) heading up a child advoacy program.
Gosh, I imagine that Ca bar is probably a killer. (assuming that is the one you will take)
Heard the NY & CA bars are both tough.
RonaldSF (and rae): love that comment, also.
That’s what struck me about the Garland SOTR performance posted — beautiful, and she seemed to so want to find that sweet, sweet place ‘over the rainbow’. Whereas I have a sense that David is in that place still, and wise enough to know that he should be reluctant to leave it. LOL.
Just throwing that out there.
Ronald, hang in there with the law school. Your posts are just wonderful. thank you. I do think that David has gone through some difficult times, but it’s made him who he is today. It’s all part of God’s plan for him, and it’s a big one. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
uh-oh..someone’s getting a new avatar! cuz they all disappeared!
mamasaun..I’ve watched several vids of David on NYE and it is obvious he was exactly where he wanted to be..he is so happy to be surrounded by his family, friends and the audience showed how much he was appreciated. Glad he made the decision to stay “home” like a lot of us on NY’s eve. Shows he’s in control more than we think, to me anyway.
And I still wish I had been there to experience bringing in the NY with David..boo-hoo!
Thanks Kait, Ronald and all:
Hope David can find that balance between fame/family
approachability/privacy and the loveand joy of music/business of music. (verbal hand wringing again, reflecting on SF’s evening prayer/statement of hope)
Well have a great day all!
Since I actully have an evening out with friends, have alot of things to do today to be able to take that
evening out with friends.
Does anyone more familiar with the Utah location know what college David performed at? I read that the NYE event was a college dance held in an auditorium. University of Utah? BYU? or another area college or university?
The fraternity guys at my institution had talked last semester about bringing David Cook to campus, as he was a member of one of the same fraternities that we have, but not sure what happened with that.
Ronald--excellent points in your last post. It’s all right there in the emotion and yearning in his singing.
Rascal, I have always felt that there was an “elephant in the room” factor with David. The elephant being how he is so able to inhabit a song like “Imagine” and cause the listener to “feel” it from the depths of their being. When he sang “Heaven” in Hollywood, he prefaced his performance with “I’m going to MAKE the judges undertand it”. That doesn’t sound like a shy kid from Utah to me. And you know what, he did exactly that. The backup singer who was wiping away tears barely knew David at that point. Simon seemed dumbstruck, Paula overwhelmed, and Randy called it the “best he’d heard thus far.” All this for a one minute rendition of an “oldie.”
Something happens to David when he gets on stage. There is a moment in “Long and Winding Road”where his lips tighten and he looks like’s he’s demanding to be understood. Something is activated within him when he starts to sing. It’s as if he is transported to another realm.
Then, when the song is over, he “returns” to being the lovable, humble “boy” everyone remembers. It all feels very real to me. This is no act. David is an enigmatic figure, and much more complex than anyone knows. I think he’ll reveal more about himself through his music as he does more of the writing himself. I just hope they unleach him,, because we’ve just been given a preview to this point. The surface that we’ve scratched has been great, but wait until we get into the main arena. Prepared to be shocked, amazed, and thrilled.
Bliss: Just one thought to add your great post. I remember reading how during AI David might be hesitant or insecure during rehearsals, but then would be fearless during the actual performance. He surrenders himself completely to the moment in performance, and in this surrender we can share his heart and vulnerability.
Iamblisskasden, once again I love your words. This beautiful boy brought us so much. He feels and radiates when he sings, and makes us feel something that words can’t express. He still brings me to tears when I hear his voice. I really relate to him being on stage as being a different person. I was a ballet dancer and was shy most of the time, but when I was on stage, I was able to really express myself through my dance. That’s how David is, he is able to express himself and he uses every part of his being to touch all of us through his music. What a gift!
Liz, beautifully said…
Kait…
I am a worrier and I am a Taurus…what does that tell you, probably not the best!!!?
I occassionally catch comments made by David that may not be noticed…Maybe I am intuitive a bit more then someone else…who knows…Sometimes you hear him say something and you want to say…friend and foe of David sit back and listen…talk less…give him his time to get there and give as friends the most peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that you can give…The leaving the public eye for the most part at Christmas time, was like leaving the site of the hurricane for awhile…
What I have for David is that I am excited for the presentation of “To Be With You”…It will be the best yet is my guess…I can’t wait…not for more maturity or better stage presence as that is not for us to say… but to see him on stage with TBWY…They have set a time for it and I wonder when that time will be?
Bliss #154, “The surface that we’ve scratched has been great, but wait until we get into the main arena.” I just hope David is given the time and space he needs to do that.
I read a post (can’t recall where, dang it) about it being important to the label that David can SELL OUT venues. I have no doubt that David will eventually do that many times over, but it bothers me that he’s under any kind of pressure to do that NOW.
As you say, what’s the rush? Anyone with two ears (and eyes) can see he’s that rare combination of raw talent, artistry, charisma and that enigmatic “x-factor” (all at the tender age of 18!). Isn’t that something to be nurtured over time, not put into a pressure cooker to speed up results for short-term profits?
No wonder the recording industry is in such a sorry state. But short-sightedness seems to be at the root of so many of the world’s problems today, why should music be any different, I guess.
I just wonder if similar once-in-a-generation talents like Ella or Judy or Frank would even make it in today’s industry?
Oh to be rich enough to become an old-school patron of the arts (as they had in the glory days of Michelangelo and Mozart) and give David all the time and space he needs to make his music his way … ah, a girl can dream….
(Happy & Kizzi, fellow Aquarian here btw, Feb. 18.)
Humbled to be in the company of fellow Arians who speak with such heartfelt LOVE for David! I remember when David said Tamyra’s performance on AI had him “feeling” something he had never experienced before. When he listened to LesMis for hours then sang it, I believe he “knew” the depth of the message. He was born to do exactly what he’s doing, singing for us and feeling the connection through us. I struggle to find the words to explain all this “David Archuleta” thing. I only know I DIG-IT. I can’t wait for more!
Ah, SandyBeaches. I’m married to a Taurus, and he’s a worrier and can be dogged about things. But his heart’s in the right place, as yours is, I think. I’d love to hear David sing To Be With You live, someday. I just want to hear him sing live as often as I can. How funny that at my age I become a big fan who must save her pennies for future concerts. Never had that problem before. I just bought a ticket if someone I liked came into my area, and that didn’t happen all too often.
Now I have to seek out where David will be, and GO THERE.
“As you say, what’s the rush? Anyone with two ears (and eyes) can see he’s that rare combination of raw talent, artistry, charisma and that enigmatic “x-factor” (all at the tender age of 18!). Isn’t that something to be nurtured over time, not put into a pressure cooker to speed up results for short-term profits?”
TOFan, I completely agree with these comments. I just can’t understand this myself. I think alot of it has to do with the actual record label which was chosen for David. I believe the choice of material, concert venues, and image would be vastly different had David had the choice to go with a label such as Reprise, for example (label mates would be Michael Buble, Eric Clapton, Josh Groban…) Some of Jive’s other artists are: Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown…does David really fit in with this group? Jive seems to be a label more concerned about selling palatable pop to tweens/tweens and making a big, quick profit doing it. But allowing a true artist with huge future untapped potential to find his way? This doesn’t seem to be any kind of priority…just look at the material they have David working with and the songs they refused to allow on his album -- incredibly, they were some of the best that he recorded.
I think I am having a change of heart lately on some things. I love David’s album and of course will continue to support him. But more and more, I think this album and the image the label is trying to push of “teen idol” could ultimately hurt David more than help. Artists like Buble and Groban sell millions upon millions of records and have devoted followings. David IMO is even better than these performers. Why wouldn’t they let him shine within this genre? Are the tweens going to stick around for album #2? Is David going to be able to transistion to something more substantial if he is pigeonholed as the “Crush” singer?
Check out this FANTASTIC ad on mediabase:
http://mediabase.com/WebLogon/WebLogon.asp
TOfan…enjoyed your comments…
The music industry is like the movie industry that is like all of the industries today…a bad place to be in…
A neighbor across the street from us put it into a nutshell with the word “greed” that explains the world’s crisis at least the short version of it…Factorys not only compete with factorys in our own countrys but with other countrys and it is all about the price and how much does that make for us so that we can have the mansion and all that goes with it…Now we have forclosures, loss of jobs and the rush and need is all about money…If you have been around long enouh one remembers when Christmas was much more special and every gift from family or friend was appreciated because we did not buy just anything for ourselves whenever we wanted to and now what is so special?
So along comes David… All of a sudden you see him as the old fashioned one who has the respect for people, the desire to please others, the gratefullness, the appreciation and it is like going back in time…
Many who hear David don’t know what we mean yet, but they will…He is a gift… that’s when we know that God does exist…Words sound a bit familiar?
I think, and I may be so wrong, that David will debut
To Be With You as a guest on AI this season. He will of course, be accompanied by Kara Dioguardi who wrote the song for David and sings backup on it..makes perfect sense to me. Then it may be released as a single cuz everyone will love it! I just wish David could sing it solo..just THE VOICE..is all that’s needed!
As always, so much interesting discussions going here. I love rascal’s house. SF #344, your last paragraph is so insightful. Of course, we are all just speculating whenever we talk about David, therefore we can not really know what David is/was thinking, etc. but I thought that was a very interesting thought. I am inclined to agree as my perception of David is he may be young and polite, he does possess a mind of his own.
Bliss, David is an enigma. I imagine all or most artists are, on some level. I enjoyed reading your bringing up his comment “I’m going to MAKE the judges understand it” made right before singing Heaven. I wholeheartedly agree with you in that that seems hardly something a shy young guy would say. I’ve always found him to be an enigma because of the various displays of these seemingly opposing character traits, bold and unassuming at the same time and yet both completely real.
SF, the words “in love” that I used probably sound a bit weird, even creepy, as David might say, but I thought of that recently when I was in a mall. At one point when I heard a ballad type song coming from a store that was sung in a tenor voice, my heart leapt because it made me think of David and his voice, and suddenly I felt an almost painful yearning in my heart and gut. I was missing him. Maybe because I don’t have any children, I can only relate that kind of feeling to that of when you are in love. If I am in love, I am in love with the fact that God, or a higher power, loves us enough to give us such an amazing and wonderful manifestation of LOVE, which is David, the whole package -- a dazzlingly beautiful person inside and out and his artistry, his VOICE. I get tingly feelings just thinking about it…
OK, Northern Lights ladies: Happy and Kizzi!
This is much too much --
My Birthday is February 6th as well!!
And, that’s the “char-ruth.”
We will have to get together for a “February” celebration!
With TOfan, too!
silverfox -- I agree 100% with your theory about “To Be With You.” I’m sure Idol will be chomping at the bit to not only have David perform on their stage, but to also showcase their new judge as an active participant in today’s music scene. The song also sells fairly well as a single on iTunes just based on the snippet, so it does have the potential to do well as a single.
Interesting thing about this, is that TBWY is probably the most adult contemporary sounding song on the album. It might do better with adult audiences rather than teens, but I think it has the potential to be his biggest hit too. I wonder what Jive’s stance is on the song, especially since they wanted “Touch my Hand” as the second single, which has a much more youthful sound.
silverfox…
Just imagine this for a minute…The song …To Be With YOU…David is on a bench close to a park…near a river with sparkling water…the city is lit up at night beyond the water…It is winter and everyone is bundled up hat scarf and all…of course the moon is out in full…(goes with the song)…David is singing the song and people are strolling by on the sidewalk…Then on down away from him…there is a beautiful girl leaning on the railing by the water’s edge…she of course sings the other part…Then I haven’t got the rest really but they walk towards each other and at the last minute their eyes connect…game over!! A little soap opera in the afternoon…That’s what I see when I hear the song…
The discussion about David’s career is really interesting. Lot’s of great points.
David will transcend all this pop-media blitz -- and this is perhaps the right thing for a 17-year-old (now 18, thank god) boy. Here we are -- half of us at least middle-aged -- buying an album (did I say album?) in a genre we probably hardly listen to -- at least that’s true for me. And we will follow him into his next phase.
But right now he’s also getting the youth sales and building a name that is recognizable by listeners who will grow right along with him (those teens and tweens will be college aged and higher in just a few years and their music choices will mature as well).
And I don’t think he is at all like Josh Groban or Michael Buble who appeal to a limited audience and rarely release an original song. They have great voices, interpret the music in their own unique way, but I don’t think they have the depth and breadth I see in David’s potential.
There is no doubt David is a prodigy. His ability to sing anything from Kanye West (better than Kanye) to John Lennon to Dolly Parton and back to his own pop music is testament to that. And over time I suspect we will see him write more of his own songs and develop his own unique style (while still giving us O’ Holy Night every year).
But I’m glad they put him out there in an age-appropriate genre right now. And he’s already brought a uniqueness to the pop stage by doing A Thousand Miles on piano and acapella Christmas songs at the Jingle Jam/Ball/Bash venues. That must have shocked the heck out of his stage-mates. And he brought the house down doing it.
I think David knows exactly what he is doing, and I have great faith in Jeff to guide him as well. It’s a tough business out there and if breaking the Pop Charts gets him an entree to the rest of what he wants to do -- amen to that.
…he walks to the railing down from her at about 1:30 where he sings in the moonlight and she does as well of course with the moonlight on her face as would go with the song….just an insertion…to the above…
SandyBeaches, #370, yes, yes and yes!
LittleMushroom #368, “Artists like Buble and Groban sell millions upon millions of records and have devoted followings. David IMO is even better than these performers. Why wouldn’t they let him shine within this genre?”
I agree, he tops even those stars, but David himself doesn’t want to restrict himself to adult contemporary. He’s 18 and a huge pop music fan and as he once said “I’m young now so this is my chance to do young, fresh music” (sorry for the paraphrasing).
I “imagine,” he’ll be like The Beatles, starting out with fun pop tunes (like I Wanna Hold Your Hand / Crush) and ending up with a shimmering body of work that truly stands the test of time.
SandyBeaches..I know how you are concerned about the high expectations David’s fans have..most of which, BTW have been and are being exceeded every time David sings!
I just wanted to say that the expectations by David’s label far exceeds his fans. If he feels any pressure, it’s from them. They don’t “love” David like we do, unconditionally!
They “love” him only as far as how much they can put in their bank account courtesy of David and his sweat & tears. If he doesn’t meet the expectations set for him..well you know what can & will happen. On the other hand..we will never abandon David. If he never sells another cd or ticket..what he has given me thus far will do me for the rest of my life..BUT I hope this isn’t all there will be..I want more & more. I know he is capable of so much more. Don’t you see? As long as we, his fans want it, and expect it, he will deliver? He was born to do this..He thrives on the love of his fans and what they want..He said himself..”this is why we do this” at the MSG Pre-concert interview. The more love we show, the more we want, the more David wants to give.
When David is compared to the greats like Judy, it’s not to put pressure on him to meet an expectation. It’s to show how David will be as great without trying..he’s already there, actually! I’ve said it before.. David will be one of the greatest & most beloved singer-songwriters in this century. He will be a legend in his own time. High expectations? More like a certainty!
This pop thing is but a doorway to what he really wants to do…He himself has said it..Yes I also ‘listen” to every little thing he says and it sticks with me..that’s one reason it took so long for me to “touch him”! hahaha!
Marlie #7, “That must have shocked the heck out of his stage-mates. And he brought the house down doing it.” So true. He’s got that rebel thing goin’ ON!
Hi Marlie -- I really enjoyed your post. I think alot of the reason I’ve been fretting is that I had a friend come to town (a big fan of David during AI but not a pop listener) who was shocked at the material David is performing. He just felt it was not what David was best at, and why should he not shine and do what he is best at? I agree he is not Buble or Groban -- of course he is a more exciting talent than these performers (although I have to point out that they appeal to huge audiences -- Buble has sold 20 million albums worldwide, Groban 17 million in the U.S. alone). My point about them was that a label which includes artists like this (and Clapton, among others) might be inclined to nurture his true artistry more. I just don’t know how much Jive will let David veer from the formula if this album is a hit. To me David’s authentic sound is found in songs like “Somebody Out There,” “Works for Me,” and his “Love me Tender.”
Of course, just like David says, I can’t seem to make up my mind on this one. I mean, here I am pushing for this sound, but if I’m being completely honest, one of my favorite songs on his album is “Your Eyes Don’t Lie” -- heehee! 🙂
silverfox…Thank you for your comments and they are all so true…I guess I feel that people spend so much of their time expressing their expectations of others and spend little time satisfied with the moment… I do not see a good balance in the give and take world…we are just so out of balance…
LittleMushroom…I totally agree with your thoughts regarding his record label but then maybe there is a reason for things the way they are…I find Reprise would be perhaps more respectful and have the dignity that he has…
Little Mushroom: “Your Eyes Don’t Lie” -- yes, I love that one, too!
I know how you feel about the material David is working with now -- it’s hard to convince people who haven’t seen him on AI that he’s anything more than another flash-in-the-pan pop singer with the current CD. Except that those who saw him on AI know what is underneath those songs and inside David.
But, you know, I think this is fun for him. I don’t think it’s all that difficult for him to sing this stuff and he’s learning the business and performance side of the music while having a blast. He gets to try a little of this, a little of that. Mix in a little dancing (“I’m terrible at dancing. My mother is the dancer”), figure out how to move and be comfortable on stage. And he gets to meet some of his favorite singer-songwriters. (S-A-R-A space B-A-R-E-I-L-L-E-S) This is music camp for David. And we get to watch!
SandyBeches #382 “I find Reprise would be perhaps more respectful and have the dignity that he has…” Perhaps David brings respect and dignity to Jive. He doesn’t need them to provide it for him.
We’re all a little schizophrenic about David -- we have complete faith in him, and at the same time, we worry about him and the choices of music, venues, record labels. Sounds like love to me.
marlie7 -- #376 -- I agree with a great deal of what you say (and well said, too). I’ve always supported the idea of having him do “age appropriate,” pop material at this point. The only thing that gives me pause is that Jive seems to be directing his marketing in exclusively that direction. This, I think, is a mistake — for both the label and for David, in particular the compromises his musical evolution might suffer because of it. He is still very young. There is, of course, plenty of time for expansion into many directions. But it is all-too easy to get pigeonholed into a set of expectations that become extremely difficult to break. There are one or two other things you mention that I am not nearly as bullish on, but I won’t comment until such time as it becomes relevant.
Bliss — I think your pachydermial notions are spot-on. There may even be more than one of them. But as I said, it really doesn’t matter what they are. It’s how they get processed into art that matters.
Marlie -- all great points. I just hope that the label gives David some time to breathe. Like TOfan said earlier -- what’s the rush? For example, the solo tour idea. Why put all this pressure on David to be able to sell venues so soon? He is still learning and growing as a performer. I would be happy to see him open for someone of his caliber (Kelly Clarkson or Christina Aguilera, for example) if that releases some of this pressure…just seems so soon to be expecting him to sell out venues. In an ideal world, I would also like the label to be a bit more sensitive to David’s personality and values in their marketing and branding of his image. There are some scenes in the ALTNOY video where to me, David looks a bit out of his element. All his fans and the media know he really hasn’t dated yet and is inexperienced with these things, and it hasn’t hurt his popularity a bit. So, I don’t understand why the label has to try and push an image of him as something he may not yet be. There are many more creative ways a video can be done besides making the singer a boyfriend in a storyline. I hope David’s next video showcases his voice and talent more than simply trying to sell him as a teen heartthrob. “Barriers” for example, could offer really unique video concepts with a less literal interpretation.
Barriers could have a really high-concept video, couldn’t it? I’ve always thought “My Hands” could, too.
marlie & TOfan..about shocking the heck out of his band, etc..I bet the biggest shock was to JIVE & his managers, maybe even Dad..What he did was spontaneous. I really don’t think anyone was expecting it which is why it worked..David knew! It was brilliant! I can’t think of any other singer ever having the nerve to break out in a capella at a POP concert or who would have the VOICE to pull it off. I think had David told anyone what he was gonna do, they would have told him the audience would eat him alive..ha! instead, he had them EATING OUT OF HIS HAND! What works for him, works for him! It worked so well that it was an “EXPECTATION” at the rest of the concerts.
He will continue to surprise, shock & awe! I for one, don’t want him to turn into a Buble, Groban, Connick, or the like..David is more, much more than a crooner..He can sing anything, that’s been proven. And, I don’t mind sayin’ even at my age, that I LOVE seeing him perform his songs on stage..I get chills watching his hunkerdowns, his strutting back & forth. He’s exciting! Then when he sits at a piano..it’s like a little piece of heaven that only David can give.
marlie7 & TOfan -- I really enjoyed reading your comments. I have reminded myself again and again that David’s target audience is not me; also, I think of the interviews where he is discussing his first album and the sense of pride he has, the eagerness he shows to hear other opinions of his songs….he has called his songs his “babies” in several interviews. I just squeed when he says “babies” as his tone and inflection of that word was full of love and wonder.
I believe he is very proud of what he accomplished in his first album given the time constraints he was under. I’ve seen speculation about “Works for Me” and I often wonder if part of it isn’t in response to his desire to sing Pop. Obviously his musical taste is extremely broad spectrum.
And, yes, to hear him sing live, no matter the genre, is the real treat--what its all about for this fan.
Marlie,
I totally agree with both of your comments.
David’s musicality is far richer than that of Bublé or Groban. The only thing they have in common is the superior quality of their voices and polished technique. I find their repertoire boring and, well, ‘old’ and I’m 47. David’s singing style is much more soulful, upbeat and fresh -- you never know where he’s gonna take a song until you’ve heard it. I really enjoy pop music that comes from a good voice like Pink’s, Aguilera’s, Ne-yo’s. I’ll say it again: I love David’s debut album and I’m not eager for what’s next. He’s learning a lot right now. When Jason Mraz and S-A-R-A B-A-R-E-I-L-L-E-S are ready to take him under their wings he can start album number 3. Ha ha! That’s my dreamy expectation for David. And I’m a Virgo.
What do you all think? Joner and I noted that David’s Hard Rock Cafe performance is on Monday, Jan. 12. He is going to be in DC for the inauguration about that time. ALTNOY is being released on Jan. 9 (I think). We wondered if he will be doing TV and radio promo in the NYC area that weekend and week (ie., Today show, Regis, other national shows). I really hope that he does Ellen again, too!
Great discussion, guys. Just remembered something a young fan I was sandwiched beside in Albany told me.
She said that she asked David at one of the A.I. concert meet-and-greets if he’d be performing at the Dec. Jingle Balls (and that she’d seen Jordin Sparks at one last year). He asked what Jordin had sung and this fan mentioned she’d done a Christmas song so apparently David said he’d like to do that too.
It seems as though he’s (smartly) following in Jordin’s footsteps in several ways, including picking radio-friendly (but not bubble gum) songs for his CD, by recording “soulful pop,” and by avoiding getting lumped in with Jonas Bros. and Miley et al. (as much as Jive will allow).
Of course, we all know he’ll zoom past Jordin but for now, it seems like a wise move on his part … time will tell.
rascal #385 “The only thing that gives me pause is that Jive seems to be directing his marketing in exclusively that direction. This, I think, is a mistake — for both the label and for David, in particular the compromises his musical evolution might suffer because of it.” Agreed. We have to trust David and Jeff to keep the Jive claws from sinking too deep.
Little Mushroom #386 I’m not sure we know if the solo tour was Jive’s idea or David’s and Jeff’s. But David seems excited about it. I wouldn’t mind him going out with someone else, and even being the warm-up for someone else, though. Especially someone who he admires.
As for the ATLNOY video, I like to think of it as acting. Every actor that plays a murderer hasn’t had to murder someone. And every female that plays a hooker hasn’t had to…well, you know. LOL! The song is about losing a love, so the video almost has to show that. It was tasteful in the extreme, though, so it still fit in with David’s values as far as I could see.
silverfox #388 Sigh…yes, we do love him, don’t we all? I agree with you about watching him strut and hunker-down. And with all the discussion of his career, it’s really just about the VOICE, isn’t it?
ALYNOY video was quite tasteful, and quite innocent, especially when compared to other videos out there (for example, have you seen Christina’s “Dirty” video?? She wasn’t much older than David when it was made).
I think David is doing what he needs to do right now to become who he needs to become. Pop is what interests him, but it is not hard for him. He is learning and growing and aquiring a coolness factor that will open doors. He understands this type of music better than most of the people who listen to it. This genre is allowing him to aquire skills that Groban and Buble will never have. In “Waiting for Yesterday” he sings the word “day ay ay ay” making his voice quiver like a bleating lamb. When his does that, o my bleeping, bleeding, quivering heart! This is just one example of the liberties he can explore with this kind of music and when he is ready, he will take what he learns into a realm of music that will be unique, meaningful, deep and entirely his own.
Hi guys,
Silverfox #344- Orem Utah is located in Utah county, 30 -- 40 minutes south of Salt Lake and its north of Provo. If you look at the city map of Provo, you’ll see Orem listed. I believe Mamasaun, you meant that Orem is the second largest city in Utah county, isn’t Provo bigger? Though Utah is growing and changing quite rapidly, its hard to keep up. lol
Freofan #359 -- As mamasaun has stated, Utah Valley University was until recently the community college for the Utah valley. UVU gained a little bit of notoriety a few years ago, when the Student government invited Michael Moore as guest speaker for their graduation. Being that Utah County is fire engine red, politically, it was quite a brouhaha in this conservative territory.
So many wonderful discussions going on today. But, I’ll have to wait until lunch break to really be able to get to read them in depth. Pax 🙂
I think I mis-typed on an earlier post so just want to clarify a point I was trying to make…I think the ALTNOY video is completely tasteful. I don’t think the video is out of line with his values or anything like that, but I do think he appears a little out of his element in some of the “photo” scenes. Perhaps this could have been solved though direction….perhaps not. Just my opinion 🙂
LOVE the discussions swirling around here today -- trying to finish up my year end financials for my business so I can enjoy January for a change! My other job takes up so much of my regular day that to get this stuff out of the way makes me so happy.
Just throwing out to the crew that I am a LIBRA. I must always have balance in everything -- there are days that trait drives me crazy 🙂
♥ Hugs to you all!
Hmmm…okay I just have to ask…why all the piling on of Groban and Buble? I’m not a fan of these guys or own any of their music, but I can appreciate what they do and don’t mind when one of their songs comes on the radio. Michael Buble’s “Home” is beautiful -- Elliott Yamin did a nice version on Idol. Of course I agree David is more unique, versatile, etc, than these artists but I just find it interesting and a bit puzzling that just mentioning their names seems to really set off a reaction…hey they’re good guys right!? 🙂
marlie7 #393 -- I agree with your ALTNOY video comment. David, himself, differentiates this in an interview where he says he doesn’t sing about “deep” love. Also, I have worked with youth actors for years and they can quite believably portray a range of emotions and “older” than their chronological age roles and obviously haven’t had those life experiences. “Art” is a human activity with the intent to stimulate thought and emotion and David certainly does that whether he is singing or acting.
Good for UVU for inviting Michael Moore and stirring things up a little bit. 🙂
Freofan -- check my post #351 . . unless you already got your question answered about UVU.
Amy of SnarkyArchies was able to interview Mike Krompass, who co-wrote ALTNOY and Somebody Out There with David, along with 2 other songs. It sounds like we’ll get some real insights into SOT and into David as a musician. Amy gave us some tidbits:
LIKE, I CAN’T EVEN. IT’S SOOOO OVERLOAD RIGHT NOW. I talked to him for nearly an hour and he said I could keep going but I was, like, TOO MUCH INFO TO PROCESS, MIKE IS AMAZING.
Basically, WE HAVE TO MAKE SOMEBODY OUT THERE A HIT. We are the reason ALTNOY is the second single. And we can do the same with SOT and they wrote 4 songs together and the other two rock but the label didn’t go for them and DAVID IS THE REAL DEAL, of course, and he worked with David when he was 12, too, and OMG, and Mike snacks more in sessions than David, and David is a REAL songwriter, just needs to be more confident, and he needs to perform SOT on stage with a guitar and —
it was all TOTALLY collaborative and poor david was exhausted and sometime they were up till 2 and —
it’s gonna take me a while to transcribe. but it was amazing.
Some more…
oh and he wouldn’t tell me that david is greater than all boy bands, because he works with boy bands, but he did say that david is a real artist and a jukebox and practically breathes music and oh gosh all this stuff about david being melodic and when mike played the first bars of sot david started humming the music and random words and he’d work with his voice and a pen and paper while mike worked the guitar and —
Gah Ronald, thanks for bringing that over!!!
ronaldsf -- AMAZING! Thanks for the quick post!
marlie #393..yes, ultimately it is about THE VOICE. Who knew way back in early 2008 and throughout AI that David would create all this..these discussions about our hopes, dreams, expectations, and about his looks, clothes, hair, eyes, lips and uh, his other attributes which were not so apparent then? I mean, THE VOICE and the way he used his voice was what drew me to him..then the AI tour and OMG!! I was astonished..this was not the little boy on AI whose voice captivated me and changed me..He transformed before our eyes and as we got to “know” him at the barricades, we grew to love not only THE VOICE, but the beautiful man he was becoming. We learned that David eats, sleeps, & breathes music..finds lyrics everywhere and breaks out in random song! Who knew? Who knew we would all be totally smitten by David? Who knew, huh?
cutter12 -- I’m pretty sure that Orem has surpassed Provo . . just recently. Ogden used to be bigger as well but Orem had lots of room to grow and has had a real explosion lately . . as have many other Utah communities. (mine included). UVU is kind of exploding too and is working hard to be a viable new university . . but their sound system was still lousy on NYE. 🙁
LittleMushroom#399- Hope you didn’t think my post was piling on Buble or Groban. I have a couple of Buble CDs. I realize they are “good guys” and extremely talented. One problem I have is when people compare and/or lump David in with them. Example: Right after AI, a friend of mine who was a really big Cook fan told me that David Archuleta was boring. She said he would be successful though__ he will be another Josh Groban. That made me see red then and still does whenever I think of it. It is dismissive. They don’t get the musical, lyrical, interpretive genius that is David Archuleta.
Hi Angelica -- thanks for explaining that. What you said makes sense, and I bet that’s why mentioning those artists seems to touch a nerve with many DA fans. I guess I just didn’t see the issue because I respect those artists and don’t really think of it as an insult for David to be put in their category. With the pop radio-friendly album he has out, though, I think this perception will fade away.
David could have never IMAGINEd this ever happening 🙂
Side-by-side with his Idol, John Lennon
http://fansofdavid.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/virginrecords1.jpg
LittleMushroom, this perception is already fading. The other day, I was sitting with this same freind who I had not seen in months. A phone rang with Crush as the ringtone and we BOTH reached for our phones! Then i remembered, I had changed my ringtone to ALTNOY. Haha. Suweeeeet!
mamasaun and cutter, thanks for the info about Orem! Being in education myself, I am always curious to learn about different schools and what they are like, where they are. It sounds like this event had been on the books for awhile, a year from what I read.
jackyan, omg this just brought me to tears! I remember when David sang Imagine, how beautiful it was….it meant so much to so many people and saved so many people. Yoko Ono cried at David’s version and said that John was looking down on him and smiling.
Haha Angelica! That is a great story!!
As he gets more experience (and from his resolution that’s what he wants!), David will become a confident songwriter, and if he sings his own material and also writes for other artists (and is asked to write for other artists), I believe that he is going to be a huge force in the music industry.
Wow, sounds like Amy got some phenomenal information from the interview! Does SOT have a chance of becoming a single? And there were two other songs (one of them Mike said is a hit) that could have been on the album?
JR, Erin, I had to go check out David singing Imagine again and I think this is one of his best performances, at the Tree Lighting Event..it’s just breathtaking..
rel="nofollow ugc">
Still brings me to tears..
SF, there I go again…tears, chills, and that wonderful feeling inside…melt, I’m a puddle
wow! lots of discussion here today….
my 20 cents on the solo tour/opening act and venue selection:
I think these are interesting and critical questions. HG made a point that bears repeating a while back about the Albany venue. While we all agreed it was an interesting choice fraught with issues, it offered David an authentic and interactive experience with a somewhat intimate audience. I know he performed a great deal as a child, but I think his performances were primarily staged performances (as one would expect from a child)- not authentically lived art experiences that breathe a life of their own.
Some musical performances that I have attended have taken on a life of their own and remained with me as a part of me. They were living, breathing, events that I was an active participant in. The artists, the other audience members, and I were bonded in a shared experience which transcended the capabilities of all of us individually- none were complete without the other. The crowd is a critical component, and half of any live performance. So I agree that it IS important that the venues be nearly sold out. I believe that the venues should be selected carefully to insure with reasonable certainty that they will be filled. It is important for the energy of both the crowd and the performer.
David has said that he now loves when the audience screams and sings along- it energizes him. I think he is attempting to articulate that he loves when he feels one with the audience. That the emotional connection he feels to the music, and for the audience, is palpable within himself. He wants to achieve the musical connection. This bond has its seed in the authentic trust between the artist and the audience. I would love for him to be able to grow his performance skills in venues where there is freedom for him to experiment with self-expression with the safety net of knowing that the audience trusts him. The trust allows the artist to surrender himself to the art and the allows the audience to surrender themselves to the artist, “Go where you will…I will follow you and I will love it.” That would have happened if he had developed a devoted local following and then grew in popularity and assuredness from there- in the early stages he would have found the foundation of himself as a performer. In the age of youtube, where no performance is in front of 250 but rather 250,000 I know this is impossible. But I hope he has a solo tour in carefully selected venues so he does not have to feel that he is in “someone else’s house” or attempting to “win new fans”- this will not build the trust that is the foundation of great live performances.
Ok somebody please tell me why Jive would not put David and Mike’s song on the album…he said it was a way cool R&B dance song…would be great radio hit! What are they thinking??? He really thinks its a great song. It’s out there for others to record if they choose to…I WANT TO HEAR DAVID SING IT…dang it! LOL! 🙁
Happy, excellent points. Over the past week, I’ve thought of other young pop stars whose dates had to be canceled because of lack of ticket sales to fill large venues. I’m not saying that this would happen to David, but it seems wise now to pick dates at smaller venues, and then add a couple larger ones as the need arises or bigger ones in certain markets (such as SLC and other areas). It looks much better to go “up” than to back down if the sales don’t fill the big places.
freo421- there is no artistic downside to having more fans than seats, but there are countless downsides to having more seats than fans… of course shortsighted-immediate-gratification-money-motivated promoters might see the former as a lost opportunity at ticket sales, but I suggest they keep in mind, “always leave them wanting more…”
DID YOU KNOW….
Elvis THE Presley -- yup that once-shy-almost perfect-looking-lad-who changed-themusic-landscape was born —- JANUARY 8?
Hhmmmm.. it seems the ND lot is fixated on Capricorn male artists…
RONALD/RASCAL -- thanks for the Judy Garland discussion. Am also a fan and have copies of practically all of her notable performances — the Andy Hardy series isto die for of course 🙂
One thing that is so blessed with being an artist. They give in to their passion, create these magnificent works of art and the world becomes a better place 🙂 In turn, they are never forgotten. They burn holes into our beings, into our soul and we’re never the same, ever, again.
Kafka once wrote, “Even when we get so caught up in our everyday lives that events of the past, like ancient stars that have burned out, are no longer in orbit around our minds. There are just too many things we have to think about every day, too many new things we have to learn. new styles, new information, new terminology…but still, no matter how much time passes, no matter what takes place in the interim, there are some things we can never assign to oblivion, memories we can never rub away.”
Great artists do live in our hearts, don’t they? 🙂
JR423- yup.
Mush, I mean silverfoxe, are you okay? still teary eyed…
KAIT on @269 -- I was about to post that when the discussion on Judy & David’s transformation caught my attention and have forgotten all about it!
What is so effin’ cool about that AD are the comments from the Program Directors themselves. Great move JIVE! 🙂
I do have to share something about what happened today…They played Crush on Muzak at my work. You really know that you made it big when they play your song on the music in the bank… I was so excited. Everyone that knows me at work, knows that I’m a ODD fan of David. I have a mouse pad, a picture of me and him on my desk and of course, all David CD, all day long…ha, ha. .
Snarkies posted close-up shots of David at his NYE performance
See a sample:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Uw_M6ZbloQw/SV4-cbMJK3I/AAAAAAAAETc/9AaMnV9MKSY/s800/21.jpg
🙂
From Amy’s interview with Mike K:
“But the great thing about working with David is that he’s so pro. He’s so, you know, it’s second nature for him. He knows what to do. He knows how to take direction. And he has an ear of his own, so he knows what works right for the song.”
THIS.
erin #427 That is so cool! Surprised by Crush at work!
Erin, yeah I’m ok..still mush..
JR..I knew about Elvis’ b-day and that he was the same sign as David.
And I’ve already seen those closeups of David at snarky’s..made me turn even mushier!
How does he do that.geesh!
MY SON JUST CALLED ME “ODD” as in I’m acting odd!!
hahahahhahahhaha!! I asked him, “what do you mean?” He said, “you just seem weird today, more weird than usual! Is something wrong with “David” or something?” ( the way he says “David” is kinda like he’s a little jealous, but he’s really not..he thinks it’s pretty funny, my obsession ). I just thought it was funny that he would say that, especially right this minute! hahaha!
SF “more weird than usual” LOL!
Oh my, I’m watching the repeats of Hollywood week and now it’s top 24, What a feeling!
I hadn’t listened to contemporary music for probably 5 years, and had never listened to much pop. I actually had started listening to artists from the 40’s just to hear “singers.” And then came David. And what his voice does to me is just…can’t even explain. And I cannot stop listening to his album, and at the same time, cannot wait for the progression of his career and for him to get to the point where he is doing exactly what he wants to be doing. I also know that my impatience isn’t fair to David.
Just wonder how long his “Idol” contract is for, and can’t see the “money machine” mentality changing as long as his is associated with them.
But I do know he will endure, and will be all that he is meant to be. It simply cannot be any other way.
The Mike Krompass interview at snarkies is amaaaazing. Lots of yummy details of how the songs came together.
emmegirl..David is not under contract with AI..He is under contract with the Jive label, and his management is AZOFF.
Hey everyone! Sorry I left some of you hanging from my last post.
Thanks for the feedback on my dream. SF, I woke up before David resolved the issue of my lost key. Just know that he was totally willing to help me look for it. 🙂
LIZ, I’m loving your interpretation, but I must let you know that my mom is planning a big move to her retirement home, so I’m sure the new house in my dream is tied up with that. In fact, I’ll be very busy the next few days helping her move, so it will be a while before I can really hang out here at ND (meaning, SF, that I may post here and then not be around to respond, and it won’t be because I’m an Aries -- ha ha!).
As for the NYE Newphoria gig, I’m with Rascal on this one. David definitely needs better management. When I was watching New Year’s Eve with Dick Clark and saw Kellie Pickler (Pickler!) of all the former Idols to help Ryan Seacrest co-host that most watched TV program on New Year’s Eve, I couldn’t help but think that David (both Davids -- including Cook) should have been able to do that gig. But what was David doing instead? That lame little party thing. I mean, it’s local, and I think he was glad to be apart of a Utah event, but he and his management need to recognize that he’s better than that).
Jeff wasn’t lying when he said he’s not savvy enough to make certain decisions concerning David’s career, and David himself does need to develop a slightly bigger ego (just slightly!) so that he can start recognizing his star power and start saying “No” to the events that are not worth his time and to start vying for the big leagues.
I’m not worrying though. David is humble, but he’s not dumb. Sooner or later, he will figure this out on his own.
emmegirl#108 AMEN.
Happy, #419, “The trust allows the artist to surrender himself to the art and that allows the audience to surrender themselves to the artist, “Go where you will…I will follow you and I will love it.” LOVE that. Great post.
I hear what you’re saying about a sold out show, but even at a small venue, that puts so much pressure on David at this early stage of his career. Opening for someone who’s a good fit might be a better option. That said, whatever works for David, works for me!!
LittleMushroom#399 -- I also didn’t mean to pile on to Buble and Groban -- love them both, listen to them both. But they aren’t David for a number of reasons. I can’t imagine Josh Groban doing Crush, and Silent Night and A Thousand Miles on one stage (the Tree Lighting). He has a single style, and it colors everything he does (wonderful, but still pseudo-operatic technique from his early training). Buble is a really, really good lounge act. (yikes -- are there tomatoes coming my way, yet?) And I STILL like him. But, again, he doesn’t have the versatility. I think it’s the “soul” that David brings to his music. For me, the other two just don’t have soul.
Happy #419 You said it all -- about the performances that take on a life of their own. I’m with you on that.
Thanks to AMY of Snarkies (I think the girl didn;t sleep at all to deliver this!) PART 1 OF HER INTERVIEW WITH MIKE KOMPRASS:
http://www.mediafire.com/?wmw2yjoyzzc
They are still transcribing part 2 & 3
How did you get into songwriting, production?
Well, I was a guitar player, studio musician for a long time, a few years. I grew up in Toronto, Canada, and moved to L.A. like seven months ago. So I made my living as a session player, but it wasn’t satisfying enough for me. I always wrote songs. I started playing when I was four. So I always wrote songs and kind of developed that and then I decided I wanted to get more into music production and that kinda thing, so I kinda stopped touring and being just a session player, and more concentrated on [production]. Although I do play on people’s records all the time.
I know you played for Nelly Furtado from your MySpace. Who else?
Yeah, Nelly’s stuff. I’ve done a lot of Disney stuff. I used to do a lot of stuff with Matthew Gerrard, who also wrote A Little Too Not Over You with us. A lot of stuff.
What instruments do you play?
I play guitar, bass, a little bit of keyboards, drums, um, and you know, sometimes sing –- badly.
You’re like your own band.
Sometimes it seems that way. A lot of things I do lately I’ve played everything on. And on Somebody Out There, I played everything on that.
What are the credits for Somebody Out There? I can’t find them anywhere.
I know! Well, it’s David, myself, and a guy named Steve Diamond.
How do the credits go on there? Who gets first writing credits?
Well, see, here’s the thing. A lot of people think that, you know, if someone’s name is listed first or whatever, that someone gets first credit? Basically, with those two songs –- A Little Too Not Over You and Somebody Out There -– what happened was we got in the room, and we just wanted to write great songs, so everybody had equal credit. Like, with the writing, nobody gets more than anyone else. Everyone contributes equally, everyone’s idea kinda spawned another idea and you kinda take it from there, and it becomes something. Each writer has a little piece of them, what inspires them, in the song, which is kinda cool. That’s why cowriting is neat.
Does anyone ever come in with a full idea?
Well, sometimes it’s like someone will bring in a completed idea. In David’s case, the songs that we did with him, it wasn’t like that. In David’s case, we had the purpose to sit down and write a song and the goal was just to write a great song and something that David could relate to, something that he felt. We actually wrote four songs.
What happened to the other two?
The label just didn’t go for them. I think they were awesome. One of them’s a hit. Both of them are being shopped right now for other artists. One’s called Zero Gravity, and it’s really cool, it’s way cool. And another one’s called Fighting For You.
And so, they were both written for the purpose of trying to get on the record, but they just weren’t happening like the other ones were for the label. Ultimately, the label has the decision and, you know, I think they did a really good job of picking songs for the record. The record overall sounds really good.
So you’ve listened to the whole thing?
Yeah, I love it. I listen to it all the time. I think it’s really great songs. I think it’s really great writers on it. David, obviously, did an amazing job. And it was a whirlwind for him, too, you know, coming off the road, going right into the studio, recording a record, [to] hurry up and get it out, and then getting right back on the road again to play –- it’s crazy. I’ve been there before; I know how much work that is.
Was all this writing in one session or multiple sessions?
Oh, multiple sessions. I can tell you the whole story, if you want. It’s kinda cool.
So I met David when he was 12. Back when he was doing Star Search. You know, the cute little Mormon kid. So I did a demo with him. His dad came and approached me to do a demo with him years and years ago, which we never finished, and he was doing a lot of competitions and really busy and seeing a lot of people.
What was the demo called?
Oh, I don’t know. He would remember. He totally remembers. He remembers everything. I think it was called Stop. I think the song was called Stop, or something Stop. I’d have to look through my files. It was something Stop. But we never got it finished and it was kinda a cool idea. And then I kinda lost touch with him for a while, and then I saw him on American Idol and I was like, “Wow, good for him. He’s really great.” And then randomly, his dad called me just out of the blue after Idol and was just like, “Hey, it’s Jeff Archuleta. David wanted to know if you wanted to come and write some songs.” So I sent him a bunch of songs and he ended up liking one of the songs. And so me and Steve Diamond, one of the cowriters on Somebody Out There, wrote this song, David liked it, so we wanted to get a vocal recorded. So we booked a trip to LA to get a vocal recorded. He ended up thinking, “Oh, well, I don’t love this song. It’s cool. Let’s write some more.”
David said that?
Well, David and his dad, and speaking with the record company –- it was kinda a weird situation, coming in at the last minute. We kinda came in at the last two weeks before the record was to be wrapped. So, literally, when we finished, there was a week to get it mixed and get it in. It was really, really quick. We wrote that -– it was really neat. So what happened was we go to LA — actually, before that, I’ll rewind a little bit. When they called me, David had known Robbie Nevil, and we had actually tried to work together previously, which had never happened. And he wanted to do something that had acoustic guitar and programming, and that kinda hybrid song that A Little Too Not Over You became. Well, when he approached me, I [said], “Well, why don’t I just call Robbie and well try to write a song together; see if he has time.” And Robbie’s really busy, you know, with the High School Musical and the Jordin Sparks thing going.
So I called him up and we talked about it and we said, “Yeah, let’s try to do this.” And he had to go away the following week, so it was really rushed. Everything was last minute and it was crazy. And then Robbie had suggested, “Well, let’s call Matthew.” Because the three of us had all worked together before on Hayden Panettiere’s song called Try. So it was like, “OK, let’s bring Matthew in.” So we wrote this geat song. Then Matthew, Steve Diamond, myself, wrote the other song, Zero Gravity, which never made the record. And then we wrote Somebody Out There. And then we wrote Fighting For You. We wrote and recorded all those song basically over a two-week period.
So were you guys working on it like every day then?
Well, it was every day for me because I was producing them, and I had to play the instruments and record them. For David –- the writing sessions were probably –- each one was on a different day. So maybe four days of writing sessions for four songs. And the rest of the time was tracking. So because David’s schedule was so crazy busy, he’d have to -– I’d be working on the track, putting the track together, and he’d be off at…wherever, someone else who’s working on the record, at their place doing vocals for a song. And then he’d come in after that session and do vocals on one of our songs. The poor kid was so tired –- you know, sometimes we were recording at 2 in the morning.
And then a really cool thing is that I recorded David’s vocal for A Little Too Not Over You at Robbie Nevil’s house on the same mic and the same set-up as Jordin Sparks used for her One Step at a Time single. So it was kinda neat because David’s in the studio like, “Ah, cool! Jordin sang in here!” You know how he is. He’s very excited about other musicians.
Is that why there’s no studio listed for that song?
Yeah, well, the thing with all the songs, some of the programming I was doing on my laptop. I’d go to one studio and do some acoustic guitars and go to another studio to do some other things, editing, and we’d send the files off to a mixer to be mixed. Normally, if we’d have more time, David would have come to my studio in Nashville and we would have just spent the time in one studio, but because of the last minute, trying to get it done, and make sure it was good enough to get on the record, we had to bounce around.
Mike’s studio in Nashville.
Was ALTNOY ever acoustic?
Almost always I write on acoustic. So I think all those sessions, we had an acoustic guitar present. And David really likes acoustics. We didn’t do it on piano -– well, I think on Fighting For You — we cowrote Fighting For You with a producer named Guy Roche, who’s really good. He played a little piano, but we ended up incorporating piano into the tracks after all the writing was done on guitar. So with A Little Too Not Over You, yeah, that was like a really simple song you could play acoustically, originally. But as I’m producing it I know in my head kinda the way we want it to sound. David had some adlibs and he’s always amazing with the adlibs. His dad came into the studio one night and suggested some adlibs for him to do in the bridge and all of it was great ideas, so we tried to incorporate as much of that as possible.
Where’d the “eh eh oh ohs” come from?
Oh, the “eh eh oh ohs”? Well, listening to the song after we tracked the vocal, Robbie and I had a discussion and we were like, “You know, it just needs something kinda hip at the beginning to draw you in and kinda radioish, but suited the song.” So we came up with that intro.
What’s making the noise?
It’s a person, yeah. It’s Robbie Nevil and David doing things and then there’s a cool effect on it that gives it that kinda sound.
How much of the bridge was adlibbed?
Like the falsetto things? Well, a lot of the time when I’m recording vocals with David, I put it on record and say, “Well, give me some adlibs, give me some ideas. We’ll get a bunch of them and cut them in and see which ones work the best.” Some of them, him and his dad had talked about a couple that they wanted to put in there, some of them were random, just him feeling it out, so all that kinda came together at some point. And the way we kinda put it together is kinda the end result of all these neat ideas. And, by the way, I have to say that he is amazing in the studio. He’s got great pitch, he’s got great tone.
Did you have to guide him a lot, or was it more spontaneous?
Well, being a producer, you always have to guide it a bit, to get the overall sound that you want. But the great thing about working with David is that he’s so pro. He’s so, you know, it’s second nature for him. He knows what to do. He knows how to take direction. And he has an ear of his own, so he knows what works right for the song. And just as well as he sang on American Idol, he sang in the studio. He’s great. It’s a pleasure. He’s amazing to work with; he’s really great.
Has he improved since he was 12?
Yeah, but, you know, when he was that age, he was amazing. It’s just that as he got older his voice dropped, so he’s got a lower tone now, but, I mean, he was really, really good. I mean, if you watch some of his videos, his Star Search things, he was great, he was amazing. But I think he needed that much time for him to find “him.” Every artist goes through this thing where they gotta grow and find themselves and I think he definitely has his own thing and that’s awesome.
Do you think David knows who he is as an artist now? He’s always saying he’s still experimenting, but do you think he has an idea?
As an artist, you’re always going through things and feeling it out and everything. You’re always inspired by new things and you hear things that influence you, but I think, generally, he knows where he wants to be.
When you’re doing your first record, coming off Idol, there’s always the record company influence and what they want to see you as and what you want to be. So they had to kinda meet in the middle, but I believe, as his career progresses and he does more records, I think it might become more organic. You know, he really likes John Mayer and that kinda thing.
Do you see him going the Mayer route?
Um, maybe not as bluesy and not so, so raw, but kinda in a more organic direction than his record now. I’m sure he’ll be writing more because he’s good at it. I think he’ll grow as a writer and develop himself as a writer and I think you’ll probably see more of that as he does more records.
How do you go into a writing session? Do you have to prepare for it?
Well, there’s no rules for it. We had sat down and planned some things the day he came in to do A Little Too Not Over You. We had some other ideas that we just weren’t feeling so we said, “Hey, why don’t we just start doing something?” And that’s where we came up with the little intro part.
Here, let me see if I can grab a guitar and you can hear it. So we sat down and were like, “OK.” We wanted what they call a 12/8 feel, or a 6/8 feel, which, you know, you notice that song has a different feel than most straight feels. So we wanted to do that but also have a kinda rhythmic aspect to it, so then we came up with this. [plays guitar] You know, that thing. And then someone will start singing something and then David will start humming something and Robbie will start singing something and then it kinda turns into that. So that song just kinda came out of the vibe in the room.
Who came up with the line “a little too not over you”?
I think it was a collaborative effort. David was throwing out “too not over you,” “too over you.” We were looking for something that was kinda quirky. I don’t remember who exactly came up with that, but between everyone suggesting things, that’s what came out of it.
So was it you and Matthew more writing the melody, and David and Robbie working on lyrics?
Well, obviously, I was playing guitar and Matt was playing guitar, so the chord changes definitely came from us playing guitar. And the melody was a joint effort. Robbie and David worked closely on the melody, and everyone kind of suggested a part. It wasn’t like, “Oh, somebody wrote that word!” or, “Somebody came up with that!” It happened really quickly, and the music part of the song was probably done in about 15 minutes.
Is it usually music that comes first or do people ever have lyrics first?
Yeah, some people come in with lyrics all finished. With that song, we had the chord changes, we had the structure, we had the melody. And then Robbie and David kinda worked on the lyrics closely together for a little while, and then we all got back together in the room and that was kinda what happened.
So you and Matthew did more of the melody and David and Robbie came up with the lyrics?
Yeah, well, you can’t even really say that. Everyone kinda came up with the melody. Primarily, lyrically, that was leaned more towards Robbie and David, you could say that. But everyone was equally involved.
But David suggested so many…. Every time we’d play a part, he’d sing a great little thing. Like I think, there’s a melody in the second verse that’s a little bit different than the first verse. A little change on it. And that was entirely David. That was his. He came up with that thing and we all went, “Wow, that’s really cool, we gotta keep that in there.”
I know David can come across as kinda shy. When he’s in a session, do you guys ever have to prod him to get him going?
He’s always ready to go. He is very shy, and I think the songwriting thing with other people is new for him. I know he’s written songs on his own and he’s used to doing it that way. But I think that the collaborative effort is a new thing for him, so at first he’s very shy, but I think that he started to open up and definitely his ideas came out.
OK, this might be an awkward question, but he seems to be unsure as a songwriter. Is his lack of confidence warranted, or would you say he’s just very humble?
I think he’s really humble. I think he’s overly humble. But every songwriter has the thing, “Oh, will people like it?” I think he’s always really critical of himself, but he’s great.
What do you think of Somebody Out There being doomed as a track you only get when you preorder?
Oh, we were so bummed about that. We hate it. Of course! We want it to be an album track at least, and a single. We have heard rumors that they might put it on sale again. I’ve heard other rumors that they might press it on the CD. I don’t know how true that is. I haven’t heard that directly from the record company or anything, but I can tell you this –- that the fans made A Little Too Not Over You the next single and because of the fans and your Web sites and the fan sites, that’s why that song is doing so well.
It also sorta got a life of its own on iTunes, didn’t it?
Yeah, but I think, you know, what you guys are doing helped that. I think pumping that song, if you guys pump that song [when people hear it, they’ll love it] – I believe it’s a great song. I believe it could be a hit. I love it.
ALTNOY and SOT really show off David’s voice. Was this a deliberate effort? Is it because he helped write them?
I think he puts himself into it. I think that no matter what you’re doing, he’s going to give it your all. You want to make sure the song is in the right key for him, but it just comes out.
Somebody Out There came really quickly. We did that pretty late in the night after a couple sessions and David, Steve Diamond, and myself sat down and we came up with this chord progression — [plays] — and David started singing a melody and we were like, “Wow, that’s really great,” and we started humming a little chorus melody and he kinda just ran with it. It came really quickly. It’s really neat. And we really loved it. [recording gets fuzzy here] They were like, “Ahh, it sounds like More Than Words.”
When you say David hummed the melody, was he just humming or did he use words or how did that work?
Yeah, just kinda singing some ideas. No words -– well, sometimes words come out, but you kinda just, hum, and mumble, and then –- there was only three of us working on that song. So one of us would be like, “Oh! I really like that. Let’s make that the melody.” And that’s kinda how it worked.
Part Two coming soon.
HG..I saw a very small portion of Dick Clark/Ryan Seacrest on NYE in Times Sq. and I too was wondering why they chose Pickler as a guest host of all people. But as far as David. I really think he was where he wanted to be and I really think it was his decision. I also think David could have had his pick of star-studded parties he could have attended, but he wanted to be with his family & friends. This is another instance of David doing what works for him, (works for him).
The reason I asked rascal & you what your opinion was of his appearance there ( not his performance ) was cuz I wondered if you thought as I do, that David was the one who wanted to do it, regardless of what AZOFF may have wanted him to do. I may be totally wrong about this, but because it was a small venue and pretty much out of the national radar, I don’t think JIVE or AZOFF had a say in it..but compromised for 2 songs only and all of 15 minutes on stage. Unfortunately, I don’t think it will happen again, not as long as he’s with AZOFF.
That’s what I think. So you and rascal think it was a mgmt decision and not a good one. I disagree. The only thing I didn’t understand was the tightened security, but that was explained by mamasaun. I still would have loved to be there!
436 SF -- thanks for the info. I did not realize he was totally disconnected contract-wise from Idol. So I guess the onus is totally on Jive.
JR, thanks for sharing that interview!
SF, I definitely got the impression this was something David wanted to do (and I’m sure it was fun for him and an escape from the national limelight). But, really, David needs to treat each of his public performances as precious commodities, and, yes, anyone booking him should be prepared to pay royally (assuming they did) for the honor of having David grace them with his Archupresence.
Apart from his phenomenal talent and popularity, he’s now a platinum-single and gold-album-selling star. It’s time people start giving him the royal treatment. He’s not just a “local” celebrity anymore.
hello gorgeous, for what it’s worth, by the look on Jeff’s face as he scanned the crowd, I think he may have agreed with you. I also wondered why Jeff was on stage and thought it may have been due to security concerns. I saw the video at Snarkies of the crowd and it did look a little hectic.
The interview with Mike K is great…it’s great to see how respected David is by people in the recording industry. If only Jive wasn’t so dismissive of “Somebody Out There”! Sounds like “More Than Words”? Give me a break! I guess I can see some similarities but really the songs are quite different. The biggest difference in my mind has to be that SOT features David singing solo in such a heartfelt way, while “More Than Words” to me was always more about the harmony of the different members of Extreme on the song. I’ve heard MTW hundreds of times since it came out (20 years ago or so??), and a similarity never came to mind. The song it resembles in my mind more is Enrique’s “Somebody’s Me,” but I still think SOT is great and should be on the album. I believe Jive’s decision was flip and shortsighted.
I posted before finishing. Moreover, this is a managment issue. David might be game in accepting such local gigs, but it’s AZOFF’s responsibility to make sure that the folks booking David can foot the bill and meet the demands that they’ve created for their “star.”
You better believe, if I were David’s manager, I would have demanded a hefty fee or insisted that David turn down the offer. I would have advised him that any public NYE gig he did must be the kind that would maximize his exposure. This isn’t personal anymore. This is business!
HG -- I can’t imagine Jive or Azoff would have been overly enthusiastic about this gig. It seems their efforts focus more on national or big city exposure.
I just remembered about how David was given the “pimp spot” (hehe) at the Z100 Jingle Ball, between Kanye and headliner Chris Brown. That had JIVE written all over it. They are a little hit or miss with our boy, but that one was a big coup!
HG, LM, I forgot to say that I also think the appearance was gratis..I really do, which is why only 2 songs, it may have been the compromise. I also wondered why Jeff was on stage behind David..My opinion..he should have been out of camera range. When he’s with David at any appearances, he’s there as his manager, not his dad..he needs to be able to separate the two, therefore he needs to be in the background. You don’t see any other artists’ managers on stage with their clients do you? And it has nothing to do with whether I like Jeff, or whether he’s a nice guy or a good dad..it’s business, and it’s JMO.
Snarky’s interview with Mike so far is fantastic!
marlie 440 -- great points. And although both Buble and Groban are incredible talents, (I have been to a Buble concert and really enjoyed it), I still don’t feel the connection through their singing that I do with David.
Loooove that interview with MK. Quite talented himself, takes one to know one. I hope that David gets to work with him again.
Just a quick note on the ALTNOY video. I think it is great. All it really represents is two young people who really like each other hanging out and enjoying their time together. You can develop pretty strong feelings at that age even in what appears to be a casual relationship.
David said he really enjoys the “performance” part of the video because he can really get into it, and that is where he really excels. All the experience he is getting doing these is invaluable. He is just such a natural.
Little Mushroom, Jive was definitely all over the Z100 Jingle Ball. I’m at least glad they see David’s potential in that capacity. And I hope my big city New York ways isn’t coming off as if I’m dismissive of Utah. Far from it! (I’m waiting for the day when David does his inevitable Christmas concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir myself so…)
But, the event has to fit the size of the star (and yes, even though he’s just getting started, David is a sizeable one). I think there are some events that are worth his time and some that he can pass on. The crowd wasn’t even reverential!