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Nashville, A Good Place ~David Archuleta vlog

Posted by bebereader on Friday, June 10, 2011

screencaps by djafan

“I’m back in Nashville and it’s been good”, David says in his latest vlog. I believe it’s mutual; David likes Nashville and Nashville likes David. He has said that in Nashville he had the best writing experience he’s had so far and that he always looks forward to going back. Whether he’s there to interview songwriters for future collaborations, to have meetings, to attend the Country Music Awards and Festival this week, or to go to Trader Joe’s for some goat cheese pizza, Nashville agrees with David.

It’s apparent that he’s in a good place. I’ve never seen him look happier, more focused, well-rested, content and confident, the master of his universe. He wants the songwriters to understand where he’s coming from so that he can write more meaningful songs. Not too concerned with what’s popular, he’s respectful of the way his music influences people and wants to write songs with this in mind. Most important, he wants his music to come from his heart.

I hope David takes his time and enjoys his newfound freedom, away from the restraints of a controlling label. I hope he doesn’t worry about getting songs together in a hurry as he did with previous albums. However long it takes will be so worth the wait!

Posted in artistic freedom, career longevity, David Archuleta, Nashville, Personal freedom, song writing | Tagged: , , , , , | 95 Comments »

Subtle Changes ~ David Archuleta at Myrtle Beach

Posted by Angelica on Monday, May 30, 2011

Recap by SB, SF, and Hooked

We arrived in Myrtle Beach with excitement and anticipation which quickly turned into cultural shock when we encountered thousands of motorcycles which had overtaken the streets of Myrtle Beach. But, that is a story of its own.

Our anticipation turned to fear and anxiety when we saw David’s tweets from LA while we were in Myrtle Beach. Why isn’t he coming? We decided to be positive as we knew David would eventually be here. We braved the motorcycle traffic to scope out the venue which made our anticipation even greater. We couldn’t quite believe that we would finally be seeing David on this very stage.

We woke up the day of the concert by his tweet telling us he is here. Knowing David’s fans quite well we decided to go to the venue and mark our spot. David’s fans were already there eight hours before showtime. After watching The Band do their sound check without David we decided to leave our chairs and get out of the heat for a while. We heard that he was visiting a hospital during this time.

When we came back the other performers had ended their sets and people started chanting…David,  David, David. The Band came on first encouraging our chants until he finally ran up the steps and onto the stage.

He started with “Stomping the Roses” and from the first few notes we could soon hear he is slowly evolving with the most subtle of changes. His hair was blowing in the breeze. He remarked that it was the first time that he had performed so close to the ocean. It was so warm that after a few songs the humidity made his hair glisten with moisture and at one point he did a head whip that caused a spray of perspiration. He never stopped smiling from the moment he hit the stage until he suddenly left it.

It was brilliant the way he incorporated the band introduction into his performance of “Gotta Get Through This.” He allowed each band member to be in the spotlight. He looked as awed by their performances as the audience was of him. He also showed the audience just how proud he is to have a band of such caliber and talent.

It is the emotion and passion that highlights each of his own songs. The covers he did were nothing short of brilliant, totally leaving us in awe. His choice to sing “Rule the World” was he said, an appropriate song given the sign of the times and his rendition was fantastic. “Blackbird” showed us another dimension of his vocal genius. He raised the bar yet again.

His voice was clear and precisely where it needed to be and growly where he wanted it to be. His voice is deeper, stronger and richer than ever, even though he did not feel the need to drink from the familiar water bottle. It seemed all too soon that he was singing his last song. After he sang his encore “Crush” it was suddenly over.

As we were leaving we noticed the limo on the street behind the stage and a large group of fans waiting for him. David and his band were in a tent being treated to an array of food before he emerged smiling to sign autographs. While waiting for David, we spoke at length with the band members and showed our appreciation for the fabulous concert.

Like days of old, he went down the line, signed autographs and high-fived everyone as he ran back. Then David and The Band were whisked away in  a white stretch limo. It was very impressive and gratifying to see David treated like a star by the organizers and the Myrtle Beach fans as he stepped into his new musical era.

Last night his fans let him know that he does not have to ever worry about just being a memory or nothing at all because after last night, he will always be in that good place.  ♥

SB, SF and Hooked

Posted in artistic freedom, concerts, David Archuleta, recaps, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , | 113 Comments »

I Had a Dream Last Night

Posted by amb4da on Sunday, May 22, 2011

“I had a dream last night…I didn’t know just what it all might mean….heyyyeyy”…

Sunday Morning, May 15… David shows up in a dream. A rare occurrence, only the 2nd time in my three-year obsession with all things Archuleta and feeling so real, like a parallel life taking place on another plane, I decide to jot it down to reflect on what perhaps my subconscious is telling me today…

I’m at a house party in the midst of people meandering about. The two Davids show up and start rehearsing at a piano. Both are sick with colds and seem a bit road-worn.…still they struggle to practice a mutual project. They seem so “normal,” not the famous public personas…just two guys working on music, even uncharacteristically grumbling in their effort to sound good while feeling sick. They pound out a tune on the piano…it’s ” Crush”…it sounds edgier, slower, more forceful and dramatic (Cook’s influence, I think to myself). In theory, the arrangement should be all wrong for the sweet song about young infatuation but in fact, it sounds so good. I’m across the room. There’s a moment Cook leaves and David’s sitting alone, frustrated with not feeling up to par. It feels natural to go talk to him, not as a fan, just two people at the same party on common ground. So I walk over to him, wanting to lift his spirits and let him know, “That sounded great, what you did on the piano.” He looks up and smiles, is his usual polite, receptive self, easily connecting over the music. I go on, trying to make sense. “Those stronger…what were they? Chord progressions? Sounded great!” He laughs as I quickly disclaim, “I don’t mean to sound like a musical expert. Anyway, it just sounded so good.” He thanks me and we chat more…at which point Cook returns and they turn to leave. I reach out to David, to get his attention before he goes, suddenly urgent, and more as a “fan,” I randomly say, “David, we’re always going to want more, more, more from you…we never get enough….but please know we just want you to be OK, first and foremost.” It’s understood, and we wave goodbye with some words about seeing him at an upcoming show…

It’s a simple dream. I like the easy exchange in a natural setting. I think to myself, Cook was there because of an interview I’d seen online the day before where David is asked if he and Cook ever plan to collaborate.

But it was David’s well-being and the sense of urgency in my last words to him that stayed with me as I woke. Funny timing, when just days later it took on more meaning after seeing two videos that also left an impression with me, and apparently many other fans too. His soul-bearing, candid ASCAP interview, where we witness, not surprisingly, the effect the past few years in the post-idol grind have had on him, leading him to wisely step back, take a breather, live life and chart new courses for himself. Then the short video message, taped after a promo for Utah’s Entertainment and Choice Awards, where David speaks to his fans a heartfelt thanks for sticking by him as he sorts out life.  (ohhh, *pang*, David…of course!)


How weird it must be to start out on a journey, “just David,” a kid who loves to sing, and now have all these fans he appreciates but also feels he has to manage and maintain, while just living his life! Suddenly, just like in the dream, I want to reach out and let him know__please don’t feel any pressure out here David, to be anything other than yourself and who you need to be, for you. While musically we might always “want more, more, more and never get enough, first and foremost we just want you to be OK, whatever you decide to do, or not do. It’s your authenticity as a human being your fans respect as much as your wonderful talent and music. I think many understand and support your need to have a life as well as a career on your terms…ones that satisfy you and bring you the most joy. In fact, that makes the best sense to me, to maintain balance and sanity in a crazy business, while using your talent in ways that matter most to you…and consequently to others. You are right, once again. Shoot from the heart, always.

So while I have lots of anticipation about what might be next for you, I have no set expectations, timelines or demands of you, David. Feel free and follow your heart…and for whenever we may get to share the music and follow along…thank you.

Posted in artistic freedom, Balance, David Archuleta | Tagged: , , , | 186 Comments »

Band Series, Part 3 ~ Introducing David Archuleta’s Band

Posted by bebereader on Thursday, May 19, 2011

Guitarist, Brian Green

We’ve already learned about two of David’s new band members; keyboardist Mark Nilan Jr and percussionist Steven Robinson. Each, with his unique abilities and background brings something special to the mix to complement David’s voice.

Next up is Brian Green, an accomplished guitarist/composer with an impressive resume. I contacted Brian on facebook (he’s not on Twitter) and asked him for updated biographical information for this article. He immediately and good-naturedly responded with a link to his website. His music stretches to many genres including jazz, pop, ambient, Brazilian and groove music.


What is groove music? According to Wikipedia:

“Groove is the sense of propulsive rhythmic “feel” or sense of “swing” created by the interaction of the music played by a band’s rhythm section (drums, electric bass or double bass, guitar, and keyboards). Groove is a consideration in genres such as salsa, funk, rock, fusion, and soul. The word is often used to describe the aspect of certain music that makes one want to move, dance, or “groove”.

Hailing from and residing in Los Angeles, California, Brian first picked up a guitar when he was just eight years old, to impress a girl he liked in grade school.  He credits rocker Eddie Van Halen as his earliest influence but later became interested in jazz when he was in high school. In 2000 he was a Spotlight Award finalist, giving him the opportunity to perform at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with renowned pianist Gerald Clayton.  In 2001 he was honored as a Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Fellow and selected to participate in the 2001 Grammy Band.

Brian was accepted to the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California in 2002, where he studied jazz and classical music and began a degree in Studio Jazz Guitar. In 2004 he worked with and recorded for producer David Foster as a featured soloist on Michael Buble’s hit single “Home”.  Then Warner Brothers approached him to play with Michael Buble on a tour around the world for a year and a half. After the Buble tour, he concentrated on completing his degree at USC and on being a composer and artist. He graduated with honors in 2007, the same year he recorded his debut album of all original jazz music, “Scenic Route”.

“The disc is fantastic for relaxing at home but the music is at its best live, where, in the tradition of jazz, Green and his band create plenty of improvised solos and experimental melodies. His is a modern jazz, often eschewing the piano but making use of other tools such as looping pedals to lay down melodies live and solo over them.” ~from Brian Green’s myspace page

“I always prefer playing live shows. Something can be lost in jazz that is too studied. Sometimes it’s better to create a vibe for the audience, an aesthetic. That’s what I try to do with my music…
I want to make a fun environment for everyone so that they can relate to me, the performer, without needing extensive knowledge of the history of jazz.” ~Brian Green

Brian and Steven accompanied David to the Invisible Children event  in Nashvile last month. We were treated to a new acoustic guitar-driven “Crush” that gave the song new depth.

credit JR

Since October 2010, Brian has been singing vocals and playing lead guitar for his own jazz/pop/indie band, Montë Mar. He credits The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Johnny Marr, Milton Nascimento and Radiohead as the band’s major influences. With music that grooves, improvised solos and experimental melodies, Brian’s skills and experience make him perfectly suited for David’s band.

The versatility of David’s new band is exciting and I can’t wait to hear them meld their sounds together and get their “groove” on!


Click on pic above to go to Brian’s Facebook page.

Posted in artistic freedom, concerts, David Archuleta, David Foster, genres, Invisible Children, jazz, Michael Buble, music, music genres, Musical icon | Tagged: , , , , | 125 Comments »

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 »

If Only We Can Get Through This

Posted by Angelica on Wednesday, April 27, 2011

I told you all we had a serious situation on our hands.  Now look.  Performing a brilliant cover of Daniel Beddingfield’s debut single “Gotta Get Through This,” David Archuleta has ratcheted up the intensity of his considerable skills and given us a glimpse of the shape of things to come. From where I sit, uncontrollably pressing the replay button, I’m hooked. David Trueman, in an editorial review of the song on Amazon. com described Daniel Beddingfield’s sound as “poppy soul funk.” If this is the direction David is taking, we are gonna need to hang together to get each other through this next phase of his evolution as an artist.

“Gotta Get Thru This” is the first single by Daniel Bedingfield which was released at the end of 2001. It was made after an ex-girlfriend gave him the idea of singing. The track, along with some others, were recorded in Bedingfield’s bedroom with his PC and a microphone, using the music software Reason. The single went to #1 on the UK Singles Chart in both 2001 and 2002, making it one of Bedingfield’s most successful singles there. It was also his most successful US single, and his only to crack the top ten, peaking at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Bedingfield earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.  ~  WikipediA

Video credit hughestube1003

I am particularly addicted to the note delivered at the 1 minute mark and the “aaaaaahh” with the turn away at 2:18. Love the new band members too. Very laid back cool vibe and mad skilz. Yes, my friends. This is some serious situational crisis stuff and the only way we’re gonna get through this is together. And don’t look to him for help. See the new photo from his OS?  See any pity? OK, Mr. sassy britches. Bring it. ♫ Come on over! ♪  ♫

We’re still standing!  We may need a little support from each other to stay that way though.    

Posted in artistic freedom, concerts, David Archuleta, Matt Clayton Photography, music, The Voice, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , | 134 Comments »

Who He Is

Posted by Angelica on Friday, April 1, 2011

David Archuleta graced us with another video blog yesterday saying what could have been said in half the time, yet in typical David fashion, he would go on.  blah blah blah blah blah.  For 8 minutes and 37 seconds to be exact, talking about building foundations for the future.  Yawn.  I’m so over him.

That’s the best I can do for the gag fest that typically marks the 1st of April, because for me, this is a day for keeping it real.

The charuth is, he had me at buenos dias. I really meant and need to say that in typical David fashion, he exceeded all expectations. He is in control of his destiny and it showed in every poorly lighted frame of his video blog. If I had to find a fault that would be my only one, not enough attention to the aesthetics of good lighting. We have to make screen caps and collages with this stuff, dude, work with us here! Never mind. I can’t complain. He gave us the scoop and let us into the workings of his genius and it was a beautiful thing to see even in the poorest of light. Behold, the solid foundation he is laying:

This time around, he is hand-picking the band and keeping them close together, close to the action in his home base of LA.

He wants to work as often as he can with them to get, as he put it, the “vibe,” “feel” and “chemistry” just right, so he can “feel inspired by the people I’m working with on stage.”

He is writing alone now to find out “what David is.” When he figures out what he wants to say and how he wants to say it and gets more skilled at it, he will collaborate with other writers again. Until then, this is his time to find out what he is capable of creating, without outside persuasion, from the depths of his own beautiful soul.  Very smart move.  I swear he slays me.

He wants to sometime do a vlog during a  jam session with his band and let us actually watch the process.   I declare he will be the death of me.

To that end, (being the end of me) he proceeded to write a song on the piano, using keys in the lower scale he never uses to write with but which he finds himself suddenly liking. He sings in his elfin tongue words that are unintelligible to the human ear but nevertheless, enchanting.  I know he will be my demise.  I’m willing to live with that for as long as I can.

One more thing and this is the best part of this whole excellent vlog for me. Music is the universal language but he takes that metaphor even further.  He describes the different genres of music as separate and unique languages in themselves. You can hear him in the video but I will record it here in his own words because he gets this so right it’s scary.

“Before I had some really great musicians and band members that I was really learning from…you know, really great pop, great at doing pop stuff. It’s almost like they, in a music sense, they, the past members I’ve had, spoke English and Spanish.  But now, I’m trying to learn more languages, like these band members will speak five or six different languages.  So I want to broaden my horizon as a musician and learn to speak those languages or different cultures of those different sides of music.”

What musical languages he will learn in the days ahead is what keeps me hanging on for dear life.

“You have to get a sense of who you are before you can know what decisions to make. “

David Archuleta ~ March 31, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in artistic freedom, David Archuleta, music genres, vlog | Tagged: , , , | 125 Comments »

It’s All About Balance

Posted by MT on Wednesday, March 23, 2011

“Problems arise in that one has to find a balance between what people need from you and what you need for yourself.”

Jessye Norman

In David’s vlog, “Decisions, Decisions,” we heard him express his joy at finally having the freedom to make music in his own way and in his own time now that he is free of label constraints. Although we don’t have all the gory details on exactly what went down resulting in David opting not to renew his contract with JIVE, he’s made it clear that one overriding factor is having complete creative control of his music and the direction his career and his life will take.

I think there is much David wants to say to the world and music is the vehicle he has chosen to share those thoughts. Now that label and management are out of the picture for the moment, David is free to write, and write, and re-write, to assure himself that his thoughts are interpreted in a way that accurately expresses how he feels and who he is as an artist.

I’m looking forward with great anticipation to what David has in store for us musically. I can’t wait to hear the melodies he will create to go along with he messages he wants to share. But there are many things for him to consider during this time. Decisions will need to be made as to when the time is right to sign with new management and label, and whether to write completely on his own or if teaming up with good quality writers for some of the songs on his next project would be the right move. Also, in regards to time away from his fans and the public, how long is too long?

One of the most difficult things to do in the coming months may be for David to find balance. He does need time for a personal life and to write his music, but not necessarily to the exclusion of everything else. During this time, he could still make himself seen and heard, maintaining a presence in the fan community and in the music industry. There are ways that he can do this.

First:  It would benefit him to get himself out there, on stage, performing from time to time. This will accomplish two goals.

1) It will feed his hungry fans by way of live performances, videos, photos, and anticipation of upcoming events.

2) I think it will also help to assure that when he releases new music there is still enough interest by the media that they will pick up on it and spread the word. The announcement of the Stadium of Fire performance indicates that he can indeed do concerts without a label. This is good news and my hope is that we will see more and more performances being announced.

Next:  Staying in communication with fans. He recently tweeted about how “communication is key.” I hope he keeps that in mind in the months ahead. This will be crucial in keeping his fan base intact. Vlogs, blogs, and the occasional photo or video of him writing/recording will help to keep us informed about what he’s doing and keep us entertained while his creative juices are flowing. (Or even a leaked song, by the man himself! How cool would that be?) He would be keeping the excitement alive for his fans and maintain that connection. I admit this may be a purely selfish perspective on my part. We are a hungry lot and we have been spoiled.

If the time without label/management turns out to be an extended period, in the interim, he could also decide to put out an EP, or just a single. It would be wonderful for fans to have new music and it would be an opportunity for David to get some feedback on the direction he is taking with his new music.  According to an article called “Using singles to build your fan base: The Incremental Album” from The DIY Musician, it could be done. See excerpt below:

“Music fans are getting more and more accustomed to instant gratification. They want to feel connected to the process and the progress – not JUST the finished product. Waiting a year or more to put out the “perfect collection of songs” all at once could actually be costing you. But with CD Baby’s new singles program, you can release songs one-at-a-time getting them up for sale right as you finish up with each track.
To read the rest of the article, go here:

David has many options on how to proceed from here. Whatever he decides to do, I’m sure he thought long and hard about the move to release himself from the constraints of having to satisfy a record label with every move he makes. I just hope he is able to find that balance between taking some much needed time to figure out where his life and his music are going and maintaining a public presence while he works it all out.

After all, it’s all about balance.

Posted in artistic freedom, Balance, David Archuleta, Matt Clayton Photography, music, Personal freedom | Tagged: , , | 112 Comments »

David Archuleta Vlog!

Posted by djafan on Friday, March 18, 2011

screencap credit djafan

Article by Bebereader

Hah! David’s newest vlog may appear to be a St. Patrick’s Day vlog to some, but to diehard fans, it’s much more. In fact, it was packed to the gills with so many random implications, things we’ve been patiently waiting to hear. Were you sitting on the edge of your seat, afraid you’ll miss something? How many times did you watch it?

Wishing us a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, he stood to show us that he has his green on, wearing a Gremlin t-shirt. He just wanted to check in and tell us that it’s been a crazy week!

Honoring the victims of the Japan earthquake, he points out how technology gives immediate access to show us exactly what is happening in Japan. He tells us to be mindful of others who may be going through hard times and encourages us to donate even a small amount. If you can’t do much, at least keep them in your prayers.

It’s been a really good week, he says! I’d really like to know what he really means by ‘really’. He’s working on some songs but it’s a matter of finishing them. He compares himself to the mad scientist on Jimmy Neutron who’s never able to finish anything. You know, it’s all a matter of narrowing the songs down, he says. Gee David, all you have to do is say the word and we can help.

He goes on to say that there’s been a lot of phone calls this week. David, I hope your cell was ringing off it’s hook! It’s his last day at home and wants to spend time with his siblings. Last day in Utah? Where are you going, David? “Going going back back to Cali Cali” and excited for tomorrow.  Did you catch that sneaky grin? What’s going on in Cali Cali in the next few days? Writing more songs? Signing with a label? Interviewing new management?

The part that excited me most was when he talked about a foundation and of needing to get that foundation built before building the tower. The tower??!! I know what a foundation is but was more than happy to look it up since he sounded serious.

Definition of FOUNDATION

1: a basis upon which something stands or is supported
2: funds given for the permanent support of an institution
3: an underlying base or support; especially, the whole masonry substructure of a building
4: a body or ground upon which something is built up or overlaid
5: a woman’s supporting undergarment
6: a cosmetic usually used as a base for makeup
I’m assuming David means #1 #3 or #4.

Excited for today, he’s looking forward to letting us know what’s coming up, and will talk to us guys next time. He said “See ya.”

What a tease he is!@!@E#@@

So, what do YOU think is going on back in Cali in the coming week?

collage credit djafan

Posted in artistic freedom, David Archuleta, fillers, Music industry changes, Personal freedom, song writing, The Voice, vlog | Tagged: , , | 109 Comments »

David Archuleta ~ Surfing the Net/Conquering the Wave

Posted by Angelica on Tuesday, March 15, 2011

In 1999, Napster, a free online file sharing site arose. The music industry fought back by bringing suit and vanquished that foe but like the heads of the mythological Hydra, dozens of other sites sprang up in its place. That should have been all the heads-up the industry needed but it was not until 2003 that iTunes emerged. By that time, people who were accustomed to downloading tracks for free, didn’t find the 99 cent deal as tempting. Now, according to online download tracker BigChampagne Media Measurement, the volume of unauthorized downloads represents 90% of the market.

“It first started with computer software. Most computer users have routinely downloaded freeware (free to use) and shareware (free use for a certain time period, then pay a nominal registration fee for continual use). These habits strengthened with the migration of the publishing industry over the Internet. All major newspapers and magazines provided, and most of them still continue to provide their content, for which the print subscribers would pay, free of charge over the Internet in exchange for “eyeballs” and resulting advertising revenue. These habits are now affecting music, a newly recognized information good. The convergence of computing with audio technology and the advent of MP3 and other digital formats has allowed music lovers to download and distribute both legal and pirated music over the internet. “

The Music Industry in the Digital World: Waves of Change/Mihir Parikh musicwave.pdf

In the last several years, the music industry has undergone a sea change. The tide has turned and the old ways of doing business will not work in the new global Internet environment.

There is no turning back the onslaught of this new wave. This is a an inevitable change in an industry that has experienced many technological innovations over the years. We have moved from vinyl albums to cassettes to CDs and now the change is from a tangible product to intangible access.  In this Information Age the internet has altered the structure of the music industry and the way it works forever. People are going to download music for free.  Period.  Even if all the sites that offer free downloads could be tracked down and punished, it wouldn’t touch the millions of P2P (peer-to-peer) collections that share music and are unpublished.

This is not a bad thing. It is a change in the means of distribution from the labels to the artist and his fans. In the old structure, the labels collect 85 to 90% of the profit from music sales anyway. That means an artist has to sell an awful lot of CDs to see any of that money. The little they do see goes back into the business of making music and touring.

In the new paradigm, artists will move closer to the center of power. They will gain much more control over the marketing and distribution of their music. Many will choose to remain free of a label and labels themselves will have to change or get left in the wake of the outgoing tide. In the very near future, the label’s role of finding talent will still exist but their position will evolve to a more managerial/consultant role.

Artists who understand this change and embrace it will find themselves freer and in more control of their art and the revenue from it than ever before. The Internet, in effect, cuts out the middleman and allows the artist to interact directly with his fans.

Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter along with a well designed, dynamic website will be the method of distribution for music and information and connecting with fans. The website could provide free downloads of music, (yes, I said free) vlogs, chats with fans, information about upcoming events, tours, and tangible merchandise for sale including CDs, high-end T-shirts, mugs, posters, and other products as well as advertising revenue. Video-taping and fan photos from concerts should be encouraged and promoted and occasional HD streaming of a live concert could be offered for a substantial fee. Most fans unable to travel to the concert would be more than happy to pay for this virtual experience in real-time. All of this is money in the artist’s pocket to help fund his tours, which also, without a label to take the lion’s share of the profit, will be much more lucrative. With or without a label, good management will be key but ultimately, his financial survival will depend on live performances and a devoted fan base. The recorded music will in effect be a way of introducing himself to a public of growing fans who will then pay money to see him live. Gone are the days when an artist was able to make a living on recordings alone. Ironically, the new age of computer technology that brought with it digitally engineered recorded voices has also, due to free access to that recorded music, ushered in a return to the sincerity of live performance. If a singer is of that rare breed who is actually better live than in the studio, he is well poised to take to the stage with confidence. If he, in addition, is getting a huge amount of illegal downloads of his music, he is standing at the crest of a rising wave, that if taken at its peak, will lead to a great future.

Posted in artistic freedom, David Archuleta, Editorial, Music industry changes, The Information Age, The Voice | Tagged: , | 104 Comments »

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