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Band Series, Part 2 ~ Introducing David Archuleta’s Band

Posted by bebereader on Saturday, May 7, 2011

Photo credit PaulaFOD

Percussionist: Steven J. Robinson

When I began to research percussionist/actor/singer/songwriter and producer, Steven J. Robinson, I found very little on the web. But I noticed that he’s active on Twitter where he’s very popular with the fans. I took a leap and decided to tweet him for some help. It soon became apparent why he’s so popular; he’s a delightful guy, very easy to talk to and really friendly. Bursting with excitement, he graciously answered all my questions and then some, without hesitation. :-D

Born in 1989 in Los Angeles, California, Steven Robinson comes from a family of performers. His Mom and Dad were singers and ministers in the Pentecostal church. It was only a matter of time before Steven set his sights on a similar career.

How did you become interested in music and particularly percussion?

“Drums was the very first thing that intrigued me. I was very small-around the age of 2-in church. I didn’t know anything about drumming, or what it’s main purpose was in a musical setting. All I remember is that the sound and physical nature of the instrument grabbed my attention, and never let go! The more I got into drums as time went on, the more I got into music.

Funny story-because I was so deeply rooted in church, and gospel music, my first time hearing secular music was in 3rd grade. The kids at school would bring their CD’s. Around that time, Britney Spears, NSync, Christina Aguilera, 98 Degrees, and Spice Girls were HUGE. I knew the sound wasn’t gospel, but I liked it! It was simpler, and most of the time, less dramatic. ha ha It was a nice change. But now I incorporate my gospel roots into my pop/r&b gigs, and people love it. :) ”

According to his bio, Steven started playing drums professionally as early as junior high school!

When did you start playing professionally and getting gigs?

“In my sophomore year of high school, I was asked to play behind Marie Wise-Hawkins, a local country singer. I played with her for a year or so, doing local gigs and demo recordings. From her, I went on to playing in a rock band called NuLvL.“

After high school, he won a music scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston. While in Boston, he auditioned at a local theater and began to get interested in every aspect of the entertainment industry including acting. He also worked in the studio with Japanese artist Sylvia Lynn and singer/songwriter Tori Salisbury. He has graced the stage musically and theatrically, in various productions from one coast to the other.  His artistry grows from writing, recording and performing his own material.

Were you in a band in college?

“During college, I played in an R&B band called “Aftershock”. We were a 20-piece band! This was my first experience playing r&b in a huge setting. I learned so much! From this opportunity, I was given my first semi high profile gig, with Universal Motown’s Devin Johnson. Devin sang and played keyboards in Aftershock. During these playing experiences, a good buddy of mine named Andre Brown shaped and molded the raw talent inside of me. Andre taught me how to play to a click track (much different than practicing to cd’s!), and showed me different ways to approach r&b drumming. I thank God for having Andre placed in my life.”

Have you had prior band experience?

“While in LA, I’ve been on the hustle as a drummer and an actor, looking for the next great opportunity. I played for a number of up and coming acts before landing the gig with David. At the end of the day, it’s all about networking, and building relationships with fellow entertainers. That’s how I got the recommendation for David’s new band. :) ”

Which brings us to this week’s Twitter parties. Enthusiastic fans asked Steven all kinds of cool questions to which he so generously obliged. ;) Names of tweeters have been removed to protect our innocence. LOL.  Steven’s replies are in italics.

How did U come about joining @DavidArchie’s band? Did U know about him before joining his band?
His last drummer was an acquaintance of mine…he called me in to audition.

How’s the music coming along?
The music is great! Cant wait to get back to work!

Luv new vibe- David Archuleta’s band with your bongos adds new flavor & vibe.
Awesome! That was the plan!

Who are some of your favorite gospel artists?
GREAT question-Hezekiah Walker, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Doobie Powell, Tye Tribbett, Skillet, the list goes on!

What’s David doing today?
Not sure….lol check his tweets

You are so sweet. ‘family’ .. you have such a positive, sunny attitude..I love that. no wonder David chose you.
Thank you so very much! :-)

Are we getting any closer to Tour news???
Everyday that passes gets closer to news. :-)

Any more ‘sexy acoustic sets’ in the works? Loved the last one!!
Oh yeah! Much more sexy acousticness in the works!

“Much more sexy acousticness in the works!” Lord have Mercy on us all. Imma start prayin now.
Talk to the Lord!! Lol

How do you transport those big drums?
A car, and lots of patience lol

*cough* going to Asia soon? *cough*COUGH*
ha ha ha dont know yet…hopefully!

Morning! Do u guys rehearse in a set studio or do u pack up ur drums each day & travel around?
We’re in a set studio.

Any particular reason for choosing drums as your instrument? Do you have a favorite drummer?
I was chosen by God to play drums. :-) For whatever reason! Fav drummers-brook alexander, teddy campbell, aaron spears

Will david’s tour start in June!?
June? Who said that?

Have u ever heard @davidarchie sing some Prince?
We’re trying to convince him actually! #iloveprince

I have all the tamales you need. just need tour dates and you can have them all :P
ha ha ha ha you little sneak!! Lol

ooh rehearsals tonight eh? i raise my bribe by 10 tamales if you agree to cellcast the rehearsals tonight ;)
ha ha ha ha!!!!!! I really cant wait to meet you! Ha ha what show are you coming to?

You skipped over my tweet about “full set at Myrtle Beach”??? but I’ll forgive you this time! LOL
Oh Im sorry!!! Yes full set!!

or we can meet in INDONESIA in JULY :P
ha ha ha!

oh yeah! My man, Steven, is a clever dude! Not gonna get one over on him! But good try! haha ♥ you guys :)

Good Place Good Place Good Place (trying subliminal mind control) Good Place Good Place Good Place
ha ha ha!

Hi! Question, don’t know if it’s been answered… Whose brilliant idea was it to mash up Gotta Get Thru This & Msg in a Bottle?!
All collaborative my friend :-)

Thanks 4the twitter party & info about the Cajon, my music shop closed in the neighborhood :( Boo hope we didn’t overwhelm U :)
Not at all! I throw the twitter parties cause yall are awesome!

We do know for sure that there is a summer tour, right?
Not confirmed yet.

Hmmm….boss man just called me. Indonesia. :-)

Call me ignorant but do you mean David by “boss man”? Don’t want to assume!
Yep. That’s David!

Tell @DavidArchie that we love when he adds lots of na na na’s, yeah yeahs and humming in his songs! :)
He knows, that’s why he does it! Ha ha

Yeah, that @DavidArchie acts so innocent, but he KNOWS what he’s doin’! haha
Agreed!!!

Uh oh. With that last reply, I think we’re headed for Trouble with a capital T.

http://twitter.com/#!/StevenJRob
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1578400912

Posted in artistic freedom, concerts, David Archuleta, fandom, music, Musical icon, performance art, tours | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 87 Comments »

New Series: Introducing David Archuleta’s Band

Posted by bebereader on Saturday, April 23, 2011

1. Keyboard Player: Mark Nilan Jr.

He’s David’s new keyboard player and he’s all that jazz! Mark Nilan Jr. was born in 1983 and raised in Detroit in a music loving family. At an early age he became familiar with legends like Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Ray Charles and Chick Corea, all who helped bring him to where he is today, an accomplished jazz pianist and composer who is also the studio and on-screen keyboard player for Fox’s hit TV show, “Glee”.

During his high school years, he won awards for ‘best jazz soloist’ at local music festivals, received a spotlight performance at the Detroit International Jazz Festival, played professionally and taught music theory at his school. He received a full scholarship to Wayne State University where he studied jazz piano and was honored in 2004 as Best Jazz Composer. Then he went to Los Angeles and earned a Master’s Degree in jazz piano from the California Institute of the Arts.

One year later in 2009, he wrote his debut album, “Hands On”, containing ten original songs. He said:

“I really wanted to break the smooth jazz stereotype of drum machine grooves and eight bar loops and just write great songs with a live band. My goal is to bring back the fire to jazz—a hot, intense vibe to the contemporary jazz world.”

The master engineer for the project, Ron Boustead knew a good thing when he saw it. “I could tell 30 seconds into the album that this was a high quality project—the tunes, musicianship, recording and mixing are all top notch.”

But Mark Nilan isn’t all about jazz.

”I love music, all genres…I love living in all sorts of musical worlds. During the making of the album I’d go to Paramount for a day of shooting Glee and playing pop tunes and then come home and work on some of my great fresh jazz music.”

He works in a vast range of music including jazz, pop and rap. He’s able to combine jazz with current music to create a unique sound which is why he’s known in the field as a “musical monster“.

UPCOMING SHOWS

David Archuleta LIVE at the 60th Annual Sun Fun Festival
05.28.11
Myrtle Beach, SC
Performing LIVE with David Archuleta as we kick-off this year’s Sun Fun Festival!

David Archuleta LIVE – Stadium of Fire
07.02.11 | 8:00pm
Provo, UT
Performing LIVE with David Archuleta during America’s Freedom Festival!

http://twitter.com/MarkNilanJr

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , | 54 Comments »

Archieology 201 ~ Advanced Phrasing

Posted by bebereader on Wednesday, April 13, 2011

“He digs into lyrics, considers words, lingers over them and has a master plan of the effect for the song. “

~Pamela Pike

Reading the dictionary was a hobby of mine when I was a child; I was fascinated by the syllabication and pronunciation of words and later by grammatical goodies like alliteration and onomatopoeia.  By the time I was in college I realized that I was super-sensitive to the timbre of a person’s voice. There have been times when the sound of it is so repelling to me that it sends shivers down my spine, while at the other extreme, so intoxicating that I cannot get enough of it. David Archuleta has the most beautiful voice in creation, whether speaking or singing.  With the soulfulness of someone older, he has the ability to control the power of  his voice to create his unique sound. I was drawn to David immediately, in part because of his crisp enunciation and the compelling way he phrases his songs.  His diction is nearly perfect. Unlike others who drop the ending consonant of a word, David, 99% of the time, ends his words with their rightful letter, like the ending “t” when he sings the word “night” in “Something ‘Bout Love.”

He’s very deliberate in his lyrical style and there’s no doubt that he instinctively knows what will work. A master at interpreting a song, David knows how to manipulate notes and lyrics, and he plays with them to get a desired outcome. The result is that he tells the story of a song with such emotion that he makes us understand. His use of phrasing is impeccable; he has the ability to tailor musical passages and control his breathing to make a song as expressive as he wants. Once he makes a song his own, it is untouchable by any other artist.

In “Imagine,” David conveys John Lennon’s message, that we should all be one country, one world, one people. To create a cry in his voice, he intentionally stretches out the notes and you can hear it throughout the entire song.

“A bruuuuutherhood of maaaaaaaan
Imaaagine all the people sharing for the world
You-hoooooo, you may say I’m a dreamuhhh…
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you‘ll join uuuuusssssss
And the worrrld will be as one
You may say I’m a dreamuuuuhhh
But I’m not the only one
Take my hand and joinnn us yeah
And the world will liiiiiiive, aaaaas one.”

He does the same in “When You Say You Love Me,” where one syllable words suddenly become multi-syllabic, as in “breathe” “be” “could” “alive” “fly” “words” “me” and “you.”

“What couuuuuuuld it beeeeeee that comes over me?…
At times I can hardly breeeeathe
For a moment, there’s no one else alive, iiiiiiiiiiiive…
When you’re with me if I close my eyes
There are times I swear I feel like I can flyyyyyyyyyy
For a moment in tiiiime
Somewhere between the heavens and earth, fro-zen in time
Oh when you say those woooooooooooooooords…
When you say you love meeeeeeeeeeee….whooooooooo
When you say you love me, do you know how I love youuuuuuuuu.”

When he sang “Contigo En La Distancia” at the ALMA Awards, his voice was as smooth as silk as he conveyed the heartfelt message of missing a loved one. You can hear his soft consonants and the control he has as he switches effortlessly from soft to powerful and makes an emotional connection with the audience.

David has the ability to use his voice as if it was a musical instrument, another example of phrasing. We’ve teased that we’d buy an album of his hums and wails but it’s not a joke. He uses this technique sometimes in “Barriers.” Does “mun-a-mump boom boom” sound familiar? And again at the beginning of “Something ‘Bout Love.” Another time at the end of “Angels We Have Heard on High,” throughout the entire repertoire of Christmas songs…

…and again when he performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the very end of “Los Pastores a Belen.”

In “Falling Stars,” Eman, the writer, felt the song had a different energy and wanted David to leave off the vibratos he’s famous for so he wouldn’t sound like himself. The result: David delivered a powerful recording, filled with angst, vulnerability and sensuality. He also changed the pronunciation of the word “me” to “ma-ee” and “to” becomes “to-uu” creating the different vibe.

“…I won’t be offended
‘Cause I always knew that the day would come,
When I’m not enough to make you stay
You tell me it’s not possible, no way that we could break
But nothing is illogical, believe me…”

In “Crazy”, he teasingly mocks the lyrics as he sings them tongue in cheek:

…Do you really think you’re in control-oh ahhhhh?
I think you’re crazeh, I think you’re carrrazy,
I think you’re crazeh just like meeeee-ee.
I think you’re CRAZY! I think you’re CRAZEH,
I think you‘re crazy crazy crazy crazy just like mee-eee.”

Phrasing in music can be used to stretch out notes for emphasis, to speed up a song to create excitement, or to slow down a passage at the end of a phrase. Changing the pronunciation of a word is another example of phrasing. David has used all of these and more when he sings. His natural phrasing, runs and nuances have become his trademark and he never sings a song the same way twice. His ability to match his voice to a musical passage and use it as an instrument is astonishing to me. His uncanny ability to interpret music and connect to the audience is pure genius.

Posted in David Archuleta, music, The Voice | Tagged: , , | 139 Comments »

Pray for Japan

Posted by bebereader on Sunday, March 27, 2011

On March 11 there was an earthquake approximately 250 miles northeast of Tokyo, Japan, triggering a devastating tsunami that swept over the northern part of the country, setting off warnings as far away as the west coast of the U.S. It reached 9.0 on the Richter scale and has been reported as one of the planet’s strongest earthquakes in a century. According to news reports, as of March 21, the official death toll rose to more than 8,600. The final toll is expected to reach almost 20,000, with more than 13,000 people listed as missing and more than 400,000, living in shelters.

Although Japan embarked on a rescue effort, sadly the country also faces a nuclear emergency with leaks of radioactive gas and explosions that have released radioactive material into the environment. Rescue efforts are underway but are complicated by weather conditions, aftershocks, tsunami alerts, radiation risks and electricity outages.

The accounts I’ve been reading are reminiscent of the descriptions of the wreckage of war, except this was not man-made; this was a natural disaster. One account I read was from AP reporter, Todd Pittman, who flew to Japan the day after the earthquake. Here, some excerpts from his report:

 

Video by Abrra

The Voice extends it’s heartfelt sympathy and support to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. With sadness, we’ve seen coverage of the horrific devastation and astonishing destruction. We invite you to join us in supporting the Red Cross’ relief efforts, if you are able. If you’re not able, then as David suggests, please keep those affected by this catastrophe in your prayers.

The American Red Cross is currently supporting and advising the Japanese Red Cross. You can help people affected by this disaster by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Posted in Hope for Japan | Tagged: , , | 60 Comments »

Tour. News. Now. Please. ~ David Archuleta

Posted by bebereader on Saturday, January 15, 2011

Anxiously awaiting news of David’s upcoming tour for TOSOD, “here I am with all these questions hanging on my ceiling low,” when will we receive a tour schedule?  Will he tour solo?  Will he have an opener?  Will he co-headline this time?  Who will that be?  Should David tour with an established band to gain new fans or should he co-headline with someone who has been in the business for as long as he has?  Will he make a stop in Canada this time?  Should he travel the US first and then leave for international touring or tour internationally first, then come back to the states to tour on home turf?  These questions are being asked and discussed daily, all over the web.

Names of possible tour mates that have been tossed around include We the Kings, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Justin Timberlake, Elton John, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson and more.

I respect tour planners; it cannot be easy work to plan a tour.  A lot of research goes into considering all the variables like weather issues, size/availability and type of venue, flight and hotel, to mosh or not to mosh. Something else to consider is which parts of the world has TOSOD sold the most?  Where are the key locations that would fill up venues?  Which areas of the United States do David’s fans live?  In which states would it make the most sense to have shows to get the most fans to come out?  In the end, the powers that be will work out the logistics, down to the last-minute detail.

If I had a say in tour planning what would be important to me?  I would like David and his entourage to be safe when traveling and not have to put up with harsh weather conditions.  Malaysia is located on the equator and has uniform temperature throughout the year.  Asian fans have always treated David with love and respect and have waited so long to see him in concert.  If David is in fact traveling internationally on this tour, I’d want Asia to be first in line, at the beginning of the tour.  Coming back to the states in the spring would make sense, weather wise, and continue the tour on the East Coast and Midwest to avoid last year’s weather mishaps.  On the CFTH tour, a snowstorm in Minneapolis caused a show to be canceled.  In addition, New York was bathed in two feet of snow over icy roads last December, making travel hazardous when David’s tour bus made it’s way from Massachusetts to Westbury, NY for the last show on the tour.

I have one more request.  Not a big fan of moshing; if it was up to me, I’d like David to perform in venues like Philharmonic Hall, or at the very least, one that is set up like a theater, with seats.  And while I’m at it, I want the band with him at every show.  Other than that, just point me in the direction of the tour schedule.  I’m easy! :-D

Posted in Editorial | Tagged: , | 89 Comments »

Joy To Our World – David Archuleta

Posted by bebereader on Sunday, December 19, 2010

There has been an outpouring of love and respect for David in the last few days on all of his fan sites, on you tube, Twitter, blogs, and in reviews of his performances as guest singer at the sold-out Mormon Tabernacle Choir‘s Christmas Show.  Known for their outstanding performances,  The Mormon Tabernacle Choir combined with the stellar vocals of David Archuleta is surely a match made in heaven.

I was unable to attend the performances, but that didn’t stop me from recognizing on comments and recaps that David outdid himself and has grown tremendously as a performer since we discovered him three years ago on a reality show. The strides he has taken since then have been remarkable and we are so honored and blessed to be his fans.

Let the comments, collectively, and taken from reviews and recaps all over the web, speak for themselves. Names have been removed but if you recognize yours, don’t hesitate to stand up and claim ownership! :D

Fought traffic, crowds, ice, & snow last night for MoTab & David Archuleta. It was all worth it; now I’m ready for Christmas.

I know David was born for this purpose. He has arrived.

FLAWLESS. PERFECTION. UNREAL

This is beautiful. Thank you. I love the way that David is able to control his voice so well….to compliment other sounds and take power when called for. I can’t believe this is a teen.

Thursday night’s dress rehearsal “was magnificent,” said choir president Mac Christensen, “probably the greatest opening night we’ve ever had.” And it’s just going to get better, he said. “David was out of this world.”

He just did things with his voice I’ve never heard.

CFTH version of Silent Night. No choir just David + full orchestra. Intense & amazing.

Man walking behind me “I had low expectations of Archuleta, but he delivered. He was especially charming on that little spanish number”.

Wow – quite overwhelming just to watch the live streaming – @DavidArchie is out of this world, born to do what he just did :)

He touched something in me , I don’t know how to describe it but that’s what I’m feeling now.

That was the most beautiful Silent Night I have ever heard.

He showed off every facet of his voice tonight with such control!

There is no way i can describe what I just experienced,

Glory note x 1000000000 to end the show. His voice commands the choir & orchestra. What an unbelievable experience!

Now the world will know why we love David so much!

20,000 Standing O for @DavidArchie at MOTAB concert.

Totally bawled during Silent Night…he even did a little hunkerdown at “loves puuuure liiight” One word…stunning!!!!!

David Archuleta, you are a genius! That was the most amazing beautiful thing I’ve ever heard in my life!

Seeing all of them together on stage and hearing him reach that note with the choir was something that no words can describe.

I feel like history is being made! What a wonderful moment!!! (sigh) David is all grown up. And he is beautiful. There was an electrical charge throughout the building whenever David was on stage. His glow was extreme. He looked and sounded so much more mature than I have ever seen him. He made me smile, he made me cry. He gave me chills.

He was beyond anyone’s expectations.

SilentNight by @DavidArchie is the best SilentNight sung by any artist ever!! In the History of Christmas Music!!

Walking in a crowd of 1000′s! @DavidArchie’s name is heard everywhere!

Holy smokes! He’s amazing! That last note. WOO. -dies-

WooHoo David, you sound glorious. So this is the start of some incredible joys to come. Those notes are spectacular. Bravo David. You are a STARRR!!!


He is most definitely incomparable! What a genuine talent and what an honor to perform with the Choir! He shines like a star!

What a linguistic ear, is there anything he can’t sing!

Is this spanish song? or opera?

He looks so humbled and amazed being in the stage and with those people watching him. His VOICE soars high like the angels in heaven above. You can feel that this is what he wants, to share his talent in a more meaningful way…

Absolutely out of this world performance.

What a dream come true this must be for David!!! Only 19 years old and already headlining holiday event with a world-renowned choir!!!

 I seriously felt like I needed oxygen after Silent Night.

So. Worth. The. Trip.<3

He certainly deserved it. I would’ve stood there all night if it would’ve brought him back out again!

MoTabChoir Great show with @DavidArchie last night. Another one tonight. And don’t worry, it will be on CD and DVD next year.

…an unexpected (by me) side benefit to all this is that this invitation and his performance at such a well known, world-class level will open even more national and international doors for him and give him greater recognition for his musicianship among the musicians of the world..

1/4 through Silent Night, me and an old man next to me started sobbing.

All indications are that David has stepped into a new realm.  To those fans who are traveling home today and tomorrow, have a safe journey.  And to David, thank you for all the joy you bring to our world.  We are bursting with pride.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , | 216 Comments »

“Spreading Christmas Joy Around” with David Archuleta

Posted by bebereader on Monday, December 13, 2010

¶There was no mistaking that velvety rich voice singing, “Riu Riu Chiu” when I entered the Brewster Hill Deli yesterday to get a sandwich.  The store was crowded and I almost couldn’t hold back.  I wanted to shout:

“EXCUSE ME!
DO YOU KNOW WHO IS SINGING THIS SONG?”

But that’s what I would have done about two years ago, when I couldn’t contain myself and had to talk about David to everyone I met.  This time I played dumb.

Me: Is this the radio or piped in music?

Deli worker: No, it’s my boss’ cd.  Can I help you?

(completely forgetting where I was, why I was there, my name…)

Me:  Do you know who is singing this song?

Deli worker:  No. What can I get you?

Me:  Oh! #8, the Balboa sandwich, mustard on the side. Please.

 

She was just doing her job but her attitude bothered me. She almost didn’t get the ‘please.’  As I waited for my lunch, strains of David singing “Ave Maria” filled the entire store…

Me:  This is David Archuleta.  Do you know him?

Deli worker:  (handing me my lunch) The kid from American Idol?  I didn’t know he sang Christmas songs.

(duh)

Me:  (shameless promotion)  He sings Christmas songs and a whole lot more.  He put out a Christmas album last year.  That’s what your boss is playing.  He has a new pop album out now called “The Other Side Of Down”….blah blah blah….” :D

Last year I gifted several copies of  Christmas From The Heart to local stores in my neighborhood including United Parcel Service, a manicure shop, a dentist’s office, a small clothing shop and two sandwich shops, including The Brewster Hill Deli.  You can imagine how delighted I was to hear David’s voice when I came into the store.

Gifting CFTH has it’s advantages.  It spreads David’s music, it boosts sales, and it also makes you feel good.  It’s time to start gifting again.  Most places will gladly welcome a cd donation, unless they only play pre-packaged music.  But you can also donate the cd to libraries, schools, hospitals and other institutions in your area.

David sings Christmas like nobody else.  


(humming mashup by omygoshashley)

Click here to buy at Target
Click here to buy at Walmart
Click here to buy at Amazon
Click here to buy on itunes

 

Spread the Joy.


Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , | 115 Comments »

Happy Anniversary to The Voice!

Posted by bebereader on Wednesday, November 10, 2010

One exciting, fun-fulled year has passed since this site was started, with love and respect for David Archuleta.

With pride, we revisit the words of Angelica, written one year ago:

“There is David the artist.  The Voice.  That terrible, wonderful,  glorious, soul embracing, knee buckling, sigh inducing, tear producing Voice.  Then there is David the song writer, who we are just getting to know and anticipate the fruits of his labors there.  *insert squee*  There is David the dancer/performer, also a work in progress, and the work is going very well, I might add.

But over and above all this, the crown jewel, the cherry on top of all that delightful, delectable,  deliciousness is the man himself.  The David we have come to know off stage.  A man of  quiet strength, compassion, courage, humility and character.  A man after our own hearts, when all we meant to do was love his art.

So we are here to celebrate his art, which is awesome, and his humanity, which is awesomer.    We are here to celebrate the totality of his awesomeage.  And that, though linguistically incorrect, is the charuth.”

Thank you to all the writers, contributors, commentors and lurkers
who have helped make this place home.

“It’s a good place.”


We look forward to many more years together!

Sincerely,

Angelica
Djafan
Bebereader
Abrra

Posted in Uncategorized | 51 Comments »

Hold on Tight

Posted by bebereader on Wednesday, November 3, 2010

David sends inspiring messages of hope in his lyrics in the songs on “The Other Side Of Down.”  He sings of moving forward, not giving up, of silver linings, bouncing back and of holding on.  Because he’s exceptionally talented, we, his fans, would like for him to attain stardom now.  Or yesterday.  But perhaps this is unrealistic and we sometimes confuse our desires for David with his own expectations for himself.

I met David for the second time at a book signing last June in New Jersey.  As he signed my books, I told him that I helped run a fansite called The Voice.

He seemed like he didn’t get it or something so I told him that he is The Voice and that, “A voice like your’s comes along once in a lifetime.”  I also told him that we love him with a passion.  I had to.  Not only because it’s the cha-ruth, but because I promised several fans, unable to get to a book signing or VIP, that I would deliver that message.  He looked down as he diligently autographed the books and then looked up at me, a little embarrassed.  Maybe because I referred to him as “The Voice”?  I don‘t know, but luckily the store manager broke the ice…“They certainly do love you!  Just look at that line!” pointing to the huge line of fans still waiting their turn.

I should have said more to David that day but there was no time.  And now, with the release of “The Other Side Of Down”, there’s even more to say.

At his young age, David has taught me about life, about hope, about having a charitable heart and how good it feels to help someone in need.  About sticking it out, picking yourself up and trying again.  About recognizing that there is opportunity in everything and about looking at the bright side.  And most of all, that the struggle is worth the outcome.

Dear David,

I’m one of a base of many fans who will wait as long as it takes for you to make your way and find your place in an industry that is, at best, not an easy one to be a part of.  It is a thrill to watch as your talent unfolds.  We respect so much the way you deeply respect and cherish your gift.

With “The Other Side of Down”, you share your zest for life in an uplifting collection of songs straight from your heart.  Each cut is a unique gem in a beautiful setting of meaningful lyrics, catchy hooks and upbeat melodies, resulting in hours of singing, jamming, reflecting, and just pure glistening, listening pleasure.

Thank you for a jewel of an album.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , | 209 Comments »

Please Welcome Our New Staff Writers!!

Posted by bebereader on Tuesday, October 12, 2010

A big smile to welcome our two new Staff Writers, Betsy and Paula!  We look forward to more of their unique talents on The Voice.  Let’s give them both a

 

This site is dedicated to David Archuleta, who we lovingly refer to as THE VOICE, and to his fans, who also have a voice.  Do not worry about being eloquent.  Everyone has something of value to say.  If you speak with sincerity and passion, you speak with the tongue of angels.

 

If you would like to submit an article to be published on The Voice, please send it to the attention of Angelica at

TheVoiceDA@gmail.com.

Posted in Uncategorized | 38 Comments »

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