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David’s Bio
David Archuleta
THE OTHER SIDE OF DOWN
Biography
With budding maturity, David Archuleta captures two years’ worth of introspection and reflection, dozens of songwriting sessions, long days spent in the studio and nights in the air, all leading to The Other Side of Down, his highly anticipated second album.
Not only the follow up to David’s 2008 self-titled debut, it’s a reintroduction to the American Idol runner-up with the angelic voice who 30 million television viewers fell in love with during season 7—now older, wiser, with faith still on his side and an eternally optimistic wide-eyed outlook. Hence, the album’s title. “For me, it’s about moving forward and making progress,” David explains. “I’m heading towards ‘the other side of down,’ which is ‘up.’”
Would you like to play a word game with David as the subject? Participation is not mandatory; it’s all in fun. The goal is to keep the game going until David comes back from his mission in 2014.
Instructions:
The first poster posts a word about David, starting with the letter A. It can be anything from a food he likes to the name of one of his siblings to an adjective used to describe him, to the name of one of his songs to the name of one of his band members to…well, you get the idea.
The second poster uses letter B and so on. When we get to Z we just start over again.
Please continue posting regular comments as always; the game answer is to be posted right beneath your comment, like a trailer.
When we put the next article up, the game can continue beneath each comment, for those who wish to continue playing.
I’ll give you an example starting with the letter A. No wait, I’ll do A and B. The next poster can do C. The next, D, etc. It’s okay if more than one person takes a turn for the same letter.
A beautiful tribute to David from us, his fans, this video truly speaks for itself. If he has any doubt that we’ll be here when he returns from his mission, he can watch this video and those doubts will quell away. Fans are represented from all over the world. I watched it through tears of happiness.
A special thank you to @starrynites01, @pastelpastel and @zerogravity1 for putting this together and to all the fans who participated.
credit JoAnn Banaga – from singing, to drama, to action…Falling for Josh Bradley
Fifteen episodes down and ten to go. We are now past the midpoint of the “Nandito Ako” miniseries. We’ve seen David stretch and grow right before our eyes as he takes on new challenges way out of his comfort zone in his newest endeavor. The man’s got acting chops; he’s a natural down to his comedic timing. Who woulda thought? *Raises hand* Me! With an expressive face like his and a deep, introspective nature, he has all the attributes necessary to succeed in acting.
The story seems appropriate for someone like David who is family-oriented. It revolves around three main characters who come together from different backgrounds. Anya is raised by a loving single parent but lives an impoverished life. Holly, on the other hand, has all the riches anyone could want except that of her mother’s love. Josh has a successful career but is haunted by the memory of a fire where he allegedly lost his Mother. And three are caught in a love triangle that has me hooked.
Like a good novel that I can’t put down, the characters are captivating and have grown on me. I don’t want this fast-moving story to end. I hope to see some heart-wrenching scenes between Josh and his Mom when they find each other. And I hope his plans aren’t destroyed by his vicious uncle. I love how Josh talks about his parents, “When my Mom & Dad fell in love, it was…magical, like in fairy tales. Do you believe in magic, Anya?” David’s, I mean Josh’s flirty “You’re looking at me.“ sassy line he spoke on the bus to Anya is now a classic! Josh is as almost as irresistible as David Archuleta. Almost.
I wonder if Aladdin will be the one to put the pieces of the puzzle together since he saw Josh’s watch strap?
In any case, MyDearWriter’s latest tweet has me **spazzing** for more Nandito Ako:
@MyDearWriter
LOL! All the things you’ve seen so far are nothing compared to the ultimate Romantic Bradley in action.
Singer/songwriter, best-selling Author, Humanitarian and Actor, David Archuleta can now add Endorser for clothing and hair products line to his resume. Just a few hours ago at a musical fashion show at The Trinoma Activity Center in The Philippines, David launched both a new clothing line for Bench Clothing and a new hair products line for Fix Professional Hair Styling Products.
A huge thank you to Norms, who was able to make a Ustream available for the fans back home. After an impressive slide show on a large screen, in which David modeled Bench fashions, he sang five songs, “Nandito Ako”, “Touch My Hand”, the “Good Place/Let It Be” medley, “Crush” and then “A Thousand Miles” after the fans chanted “one more song!”.
credit @lorms
David carried the entire concert portion of the show himself and the emotional connection he has with the fans was palpable. There even seemed to be an element of farewell and appreciation, in my humble opinion. Maybe you’ll agree if we’re lucky enough to see the performances on youtube.
Since the trailer for “Nandito Ako” was released several days ago I’ve watched it more times that I care to admit. I’m mesmerized by the fast pace, the Tagalog language, the intriguing storyline and mostly by seeing David in his first serious acting role. Staff Writer Betsy, casually asked me what my favorite part of the trailer was. It wasn’t a difficult question but it’s hard to choose just one so I came up with a few.
1. The restaurant scene. Josh and Holly are sitting at a table and Josh tells Holly that she can speak in Filipino if she wants. Holly then asks Josh if he understands it. Josh makes a cute sound like “oh uh”. Holly, with a big smile, tells Josh that he is amazing.
2. Josh sings “Nandito Ako” outdoors with a few of the members of the cast around him. I can’t get this melodious song out of my head.
3. “You get out of my house! You get out of my house!”, Holly’s mother screams at Josh, who retorts “Let me explain!”
Posted by bebereader on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Do you dare step away from your computer to do something menial like oh…eat, sleep or pay a bill without feeling that you might miss something? Do you keep refreshing every minute so as not to miss a tweet? Do you feel compelled to stay in constant touch with what David is doing in The Philippines? I think it’s safe to say that we are drowning in news but that is not a complaint. He is embracing acting, the newest endeavor in his life. I’m not at all surprised that he’s loving it. From the beginning we knew that he had a natural acting ability. It was only a matter of time before it could happen. I’m amazed and beyond thrilled at how relaxed he is.
So relaxed that director Mac Alejandre had this to say about him:
“David is such a delight to work with. He knows what’s expected of him. And he’s a perfectionist. Siya mismo ang gustong umulit ng eksena [He offers to do a scene over] if he feels he can do more. If only he could stay here longer, it would be great to do a movie with him. For a first-time actor, he’s a natural.”
I remember several months ago when I read the first rumblings on Twitter about David doing a miniseries in The Philippines. For the most part, the tweets from fans there were negative. Overjoyed at the prospect of having David come there again but not so much for a soap opera type miniseries. Perhaps soaps aren’t the most revered type of TV fare but why do I know that this one will be different? Maybe because I know that David only gets involved in things with positive messages. We don’t know the entire plot of “Nandito Ako“, but I have every faith that we won’t be disappointed
We are blessed with a treasure trove of memorable projects before his mission: an English version of “Nandito Ako” called “Forever With You”, a rumored Valentine concert in Singapore and a five-week TV series including a concert scene to warm our hearts. Add to this, an appearance on Saturday on a TV show called “Will Time Big Time”.
The U.S. entertainment industry is clearly missing out on a gem of an entertainer, so versatile that everything he takes on turns out to be ridiculously amazing. He’s like the best guarded secret that will one day be impossible to ignore.
The My Kind of Christmas Tour continues on the west coast with two more shows in a series of four on the California Leg of the tour. Tonight, David will blow the ceiling off of the Majestic Ventura Theater in Ventura, California.
credit Heather JT
credit Djafan
credit Djafan
Tomorrow, David hits the stage again at The National Grove of Anaheim, in Anaheim, California.
It’s been five days since Westbury and I miss it big time. But I can’t complain; it was a midwinter night’s dream to be at VIP, sit in Row 4 and see David perform, to finally meet Angelica and Abrra and catch up with old friends. The planets aligned nicely for me; the only missing link from The Voice was Djafan. We have been looking forward to The Grand Meeting for the last two years since we started The Voice. There’s something about that third dimension that cinches the deal.
(Dear David, do you know how many people you have brought together, how many friendships you’ve created, how much good you have brought to the world? You are so young in years and have accomplished more than you realize. But that‘s another subject for another time. )
I recognized Abrra when I first saw her at VIP. She’s cute and warm and friendly and funny and nurturing and every bit as efficient and geeky as she is online. We hugged and I gave her the big kiss on the cheek I promised. It feels like I know Abs my whole life. She is like a warm fuzzy blankie. We bonded instantly, at first sight.
VIP took place in the lounge and the lights were low and hazy. It was packed and we knew David entered the room when we heard screams followed by a hush. I could barely see him at the far end of the lounge but when I got closer, there he was, dressed like a typical teenager in jeans and a hoodie, signing posters for the fans. It was a pleasure to spend some time with SandyBeaches again and to see TOFan and refnaf. I also met Kizzi for the first time! Abrra was already in line to get a signed poster and she saved me a spot. I almost forgot that Mr. Bebereader was sitting at our table, with our coats and purses. He’s been a fan of David’s since Idol and never misses a chance to say hi to him. I quickly let him know that it was time. Since he didn’t want to leave the purses unattended, he arrived at the line with three ladies purses in tow. LOL The line moved quickly…
Me: Hi David. I’m Bebe. B-E-B-E (I was sure he wouldn’t know how to spell my name.)
David: (Repeating me, as he signed) Beeee beeee B-E-B-E. Lower register. Dead. Why did he have to do that?
I could barely see him in the darkness but I wasn’t really looking either. Have you heard of self preservation? Then I heard him say “So how’re you doing?” I guess he was talking to me; I was the only one there.
Me: Great! Good luck at the show tonight! (So generic.)
David: Thanks! And thanks for coming out!
He handed me a life-sized signed poster and I made a beeline back into the crowd. A new line formed for pictures and then he sang the first verse of “My Kind of Perfect”, a capella. Lovely.
We were back out in the lobby after VIP when someone told me that Angelica had arrived. I turned around and knew exactly who she was. She’s beautiful, blond, bright, and a firecracker, a combination of attributes that you’d expect in someone who writes with so much passion.
I thought I’d pull a fast one so when I approached her I said “Hi Angelica, I’m Abrra and this is Bebe (pointing to Abrra who was standing beside me.) She had never met either of us but you can’t trick her. She good-naturedly laughed at my attempt at silliness but knew I was teasing. She sparkles; she’s fun; she’s a people magnet and she pulled me right in.
We had some time to sit in our seats in the venue before the show started. There I had the pleasure of speaking to SilverFox again; we met at a VIP two years ago. Shoutouts to FunnyGirl, who is even funnier than her screen name and Marciami, mi compadre. It was evident that fans were there from all parts of the country and elsewhere. This is such a credit to David and I was proud of him before the show even started.
On with the show…
This was not the David I remember from American Idol. He has evolved into an adult, a charismatic performer, fully in charge and a tease onstage. He knows how to work the crowd with his banter, jokes, and by the way he uses his voice. He came out with a slow saunter, singing the words to “Sleigh Ride”, looking completely different from the teenager in the jeans and hoodie I saw moments before. We gasped collectively when we saw him. We screamed. We stood, honored to see him once again. The New York audience never got a chance to see him sing songs from TOSOD and I was thrilled when he sang the title song. The setlist was eclectic and it worked. There were pop tunes, Jazzy numbers, Christmas standards and new Christmas songs. David was playful onstage but he owned it, giving the band cues, dancing, and joking with us:
“That one’s a mistletoe. I don’t know if it’s active on the stage tonight.” LOL
The highlights for me were:
1) The new bi-lingual Christmas song David wrote with Sunny Hilden, “Fa la la la la la.” It’s fun, upbeat, has a catchy tune. And it gives David a chance to let loose and do a little dancing onstage! It’s going to be my ringtone for the holidays.
2) The Amy Grant cover, “I Need A Silent Night”. Fun lyrics and David’s beautiful vocals. I go to sleep and wake up with this song in my head.
credit 8throwcenter
3) “The First Noel”, “Silent Night”, “O Holy Night”. Exquisite vocals. Beautiful reverent performances.
4) Little Drummer Boy! What on earth???!!! I was blown away by this performance. David chooses songs for a reason because they convey a message. I believe he was telling us that he wants to do music forever, is grateful for his gift and will build his career as he sees fit, thank you very much. He made a bold move and beat aggressively on the drums with mallets, to make that statement. A sight to behold when he held the two mallets up in the air. More power to you David. Own it! It’s yours!
All in all it was a great show and had something for everyone. I left the venue feeling both exhilarated and peaceful at the same time. I spoke to a few people as we were exiting. We all had the same look on our faces. What just happened?
After the show, about 50 of us gathered at the Broadway Diner to try to figure it out. We’re still not sure. Except that when all our powers of reasoning fail us, the words of Michael Orland, Musical Director of American Idol, Season 7 are brought to mind. “David Archuleta came to American Idol as a genius and he left as one.“ On a cold wintry night in December, Mr. Orland’s words ring loud and clear.
Posted by bebereader on Saturday, December 3, 2011
photo credit: I Be TinaB
Ready for more?
Next stop on the My Kind of Christmas Tour is at The Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, in central New York State.
David would be surprised to learn how far his fans travel to see him. We come from near and far, from all different states of the US and as far as Australia, Canada and other countries.
From a Twitter party he had with fans today, we learned that David is going to try to fit more into the VIPs!
We’ll be here, updating with videos and links from Westbury and Irving Plaza. Please don’t hesitate to contribute and join in the fun.
Who’s feeling anxious and excited with David? Yeah, me too! His first stop on theMy Kind of Christmas Tourwas the laststop on hisChristmas From the Heart Tourtwo years ago: The Theater at Westbury in Westbury, New York.
I’ve been to this venue many times and I like it because it’s different. The theatre is in the round, the stage is in the center, and the audience sits around it. It has a nice intimate feel.
I took a ride to Westbury about two weeks ago to scout the area for restaurants for before or after the show.
I found a place nearby in walking distance, in case you get there early and want to hang out or grab a bite to eat before the show. They close at 8pm.
Brush Hollow Deli and Pizzeria 990 Brush Hollow Road Westbury, NY 11590 516/334-4242 or 516/334-2992
For after the show there’s a 24/7 diner about four minutes away by car. It’s called Broadway Diner on North Broadway in Hicksville. Hope we can get a group together even for a little while, after the show.
287 N. Broadway Hicksville, NY 11801 (516) 681-3982
Directions to Broadway Diner from venue: Make right out of parking lot. Go down to the light. Stay to the right. Make a right turn on North Broadway. Diner is 1/8 of a mile on left side.
Hope to see a lot of you there to meet and decompress
after this first show of the tour! Are y’all ready for this? Well, GET READY cause here he comes!
djafan
Abrra
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