bebereader
djafan
voiceadmin
“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.
The Voice David Archuleta 