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David Archuleta’s MKOC Tour ~ On to Stroudsburg, PA

Posted by djafan on Sunday, December 4, 2011

                                                                 photo credit: @rhiminee

Next stop on the My Kind of Christmas Tour is at the Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA.   From all accounts this tour is already a complete success.

THE SHERMAN THEATRE


credit SandyBeaches

I  had never heard Amy Grant’s I Need a Silent Night so I went and took a listen, it’s David’s song now.  Sorry Amy.


credit 8throwcenter

credit David’s OS

We’ll be here, updating with videos and links from all the epic concerts. Please don’t hesitate to contribute and join in the fun.


ME AND MY DRRRUUUUUUMMMM!

credit @lilyarchuleta


Posted in artistic freedom, concerts, David Archuleta, genres, music genres, My Kind of Christmas Tour | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 87 Comments »

David Archuleta’s MKOC Tour ~ Next Stop: Turning Stone Resort/Casino Verona, NY

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.

photo credit: SandyBeaches


Posted in artistic freedom, concerts, David Archuleta, genres, music genres, My Kind of Christmas Tour | Tagged: | 55 Comments »

David Archuleta’s MKOC Tour Irving Plaza tonight!!!

Posted by djafan on Friday, December 2, 2011

 David is ready and inviting you to the show!!!

David wowed us last night.  Unbelievable.  What is in store tonight?  I can not wait to quote SandyBeaches who quoted zerogravity we now have “Rock Starchuleta” in the house!

Imagine him here tonight!

I’m picked myself up off the floor and I think I’m ready for tonight.  We’ll be here waiting anxiously for any tweets, texts, twitpics, whatever tidbits come our way :)

I’ll be updating with videos or whatever may appear from Westbury.  Don’t hesitate to bring links if you find any!

Here’s djbell’s Drummer Boy!

Posted in artistic freedom, concerts, David Archuleta, genres, music genres, My Kind of Christmas Tour | Tagged: , , , | 65 Comments »

Hong Kong ~ Acoustic David Archuleta

Posted by djafan on Wednesday, November 2, 2011

These two tweets say it all.

 CraigLeesonCraig Leeson

@misscaragrogan @david never heard of this bloke until today. Ridiculously talented. What a voice.

CraigLeesonCraig Leeson   If my voice dies I want it to come back as david archuleta. Just want to flick his ears the young pup.

I couldn’t sleep and went to twitter and surprise surprise.  There was a link to watch David perform on livestream along with many up waiting for David to perform.  Was fun.  Wait sucked the air out of me.

JR has great quality but doesn’t have them all up yet.  Westlife has them up.  I’ll update with JR’s as she uploads them.


Song List from Bebe (who was also up lol)

Gotta Get Through This
Everybody Wants To Rule The World
The Other Side of Down
Wait
Crazy
Crush
Stand By Me

Gotta Get Through This

Everybody Wants To Rule The World

The Other Side Of Down

Wait

Another Wait credit

Crazy

Crush

Stand By Me

And here is the full concert minus GGTT credit TamyaYan

Crush and Stand By Me credit likezerogravity

David Archuleta at CASBAA from Larissa Cheong on Vimeo.

 credit rotanrm

Posted in artistic freedom, David Archuleta, Hope for Japan, music, Musical icon, The Voice, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , | 141 Comments »

David Archuleta ~ Portrait of a Man

Posted by Angelica on Tuesday, June 21, 2011

In a recent interview with Yes World, David painted a portrait of himself. It is the portrait of a man. A man of deep convictions and a will of iron.  A man of clear-eyed vision and remarkable patience. A man of wisdom and courage. The kind of wisdom to “know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em and know when to walk away” and the kind of courage to say no to what feels wrong, let the consequence follow. In this interview is revealed a man who is nobody’s puppet. A man who is not afraid to chart his own course, who can not be bought, and who will not be moved from the path he has set for himself. He will be true to the gift he has been given from that God he relies upon. He talks candidly of leaving his label and management. He tells of other offers he has had to sign with other labels. He turned them all down in order to find his own direction and his own style.

What did they offer him? They offered him money. He knows it can’t buy happiness. They promised him fame. He knows that “gets old fast.” They offered him the world and he chose the road less traveled. He chose to stay true to himself and to the kind of music only he knows is right for him. No one can tell an artist what to paint or what to sing or write or in what direction he should grow. That kind of growth needs time and space to develop and thrive.  David is wise enough to know that and he is not willing to compromise his genius. He would not call it genius, he is too modest, but we all know what is at stake here.

There are so many things about this interview I find irresistible: the powerfully simple statement that God is his mentor and guide. His incurably romantic yet patiently responsible views on love and marriage and having kids. My absolute favorite part is where he paints a scene, thrilling in its boldness (love the ego) of the present unfolding into a future of his own making, a future of his decisions married to his vision and his unshakable belief in himself.

“I want to spend time writing, get those songs together, and then go out and say I’m ready. I’m ready to make an album and show it to the record labels and say this is the music I’m going to do. Are you supportive, do you believe in me?”

 

Now that’s how a real man does it.
 

Posted in artistic freedom, David Archuleta | Tagged: , , | 157 Comments »

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 »

 
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