“The Other Side of Down,” David Archuleta’s new album, is out in just two weeks.
And local fans will get a chance to hear some of that album Friday night, when David headlines that FM 97 (WLAN) Birthday Barn Dance at the Pullo Center at Penn State York.
Tickets are $18 and $25, and WLAN is giving some lucky fans a chance to meet the stars of the evening backstage. Other performers include Shontelle (check out “Impossible” and “Licky”), The Ready Set, Hot Chelle Rae and Runner Runner. Go here for details.
Meanwhile, David, still just 19, took time out of his busy schedule Tuesday to talk to Idol Chatter about his new album.
Editor’s Note: The interview that follows is the copyrighted property of The York Dispatch. Feel free to use a snippet and link to it. Permission is not granted to post the entire interview elsewhere online.
Idol Chatter: I interviewed you last December and, at that time, you said you wanted to put more of yourself in the second album. Do you feel like you accomplished that, and why?
David: I do, actually. I am actually really happy about that. The lyrics are just a lot more in tune with who I am as a person. I think (they will allow) a lot of people to connect with the more thoughtful and the lighter, goofier side of me.
Chatter: So, how many of the songs do you have songwriting credits on?
David: Ten of them. I was really excited. And the songs I didn’t write (“Complain” and “Falling Stars”), I still felt they were good additions. One of them is a really beautiful song. It’s not as much about my personality as it is about singing a very emotional, heartfelt song. The other one is a song I totally believe in. I feel like it’s my song because it’s something I believe in so much and it has a good message.
Chatter: Is songwriting something you’ve been doing for a long time, or is it a relatively new endeavor for you?
David: I did a couple of songs when I was 14 or 15. It’s not something I’ve done very much. It’s definitely something I’m just really getting the hang of. When I do try to write songs, it’s hard for me to complete or finish what I want to say.
Chatter: Judging from the updates you’ve been providing on your website, you did quite a bit of traveling to Nashville and back to collaborate with others on the songwriting for the album. Did that help?
David: It was really great. The people in Nashville, the thing that they’re focused on and what they try to bring out in an artist is a lot more heart-driven I think, than just looking for the hookiest, catchiest radio song. I think that was really great they were able to do that.
Chatter: Now, you said you wanted people to see the lighter, goofier side of you. Is that something you intentionally set out to do on this album? Because on Idol, when you got the most attention seemed to be when you sang very serious, emotional ballads.
David: I did. I feel like they are both sides of me. I just feel like the lighter side is the one I haven’t been able to show other than at my shows or in person to the fans.
Chatter: Why’d you decide to make The Other Side of Down the title track of the album and what’s the message you’re trying to relate through that song?
David: I chose that one because I felt like that song, the words, shows perfectly what I’m trying to do right now in my life. It just represented the stage and the way I’m looking at my life and the way I’m looking at the future.
You may not always know what life is going to give to you. Sometimes it’s like, wow, life can be confusing. But there’s always something that you can take to help you be hopeful and look at things optimistically. And be able to reach out and help other people look at it in a positive way too. Because I know a lot of people can get stuck in looking at life and thinking how difficult it can be and how frustrating it can be.
Chatter: Seeing as how you’ve had a hand in writing many of these songs, are there any you’re particularly proud of because of what you were able to accomplish lyrically, or a certain message you’re trying to convey?
David: Each of them in different ways. It’s not like I’m this poet or anything. That’s for sure. I’m not the most elegant person, but that’s what makes me who I am. And that’s what shows in these songs. That I’m not this sophisticated, elegant sort of person. I’m a teenager. I’m still young. I’m still enjoying being young. I like how there’s a good balance of the more youthful sounding songs, the lighthearted songs balanced with the little more serious, but not too serious, things on the album.
Chatter: Any plans to tour after the release of this album? If so, how soon after the release of this album?
David: We’re actually talking about doing some touring soon. I can’t wait to go on tour again. It’s something that’s really enjoyable. It’s where it all pays off after the hard work of doing the music. You get to perform, have a good time, sing to the fans and see what songs they react to and see them having a good time.
Chatter: Finally, on Friday night, you’re playing York. Are the folks going to hear mostly material from your first album or can they expect a good sampling of songs from the new one?
David: They’ll be able to hear some of the new songs. It should be a good time. It’s been fun getting to perform again. After being on a hiatus while recording, it’s good to be reminded, “Oh, this is why I’m doing the music, to be able to share it with other people.”
Chatter: You do have some great fans.
David: Yeah, they’ve been great. It’s great to see that they’re still there. That they’re still supportive. Sometimes, I’m like, “I don’t know. Maybe they were just fans of American Idol.” But they’re still there. And I’m really appreciative of that.
36 Comments
What’s great about David is that he’s down to earth, doesn’t make any false impressions about who he really is as a person or an artist. He’s grounded in his beliefs and his love for friends and family.
He has a positive spirit and it’s contagious and he has changed the lives of so many people, mine included.
He has fans of all ages who have forged friendships all because of meeting up with each other and having a common love for David and his music.
Fans of all ages enjoy David’s music. As an older fan (his mom’s age) I look at myself as a “mama” fan and couldn’t ask for a better guy for my 14 yo daughter to have as an idol.
His new songs are brilliant! They don’t have to be “elegant”. They are fun, some goofy, and some heartfelt. The way we view David. So bravo to him and we can’t wait to hear all the songs in their entirety.
Thanks Idol Chatter for a great Q&A with David.
See why I love David!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David, we’re your fans for life whether you want us or not. But I’m appreciative of AI for finding you and bringing you into our lives!
Why so serious David? Why can’t there be songs about fun things or nothing on your album? Not everything has to be uplifting and have inspiring messages. Lighten up kid. No one cares about your personality. They just want music they can have fun listening to.
Hey! Melanie J. You are obviously not a true fan. Speak for yourself! He is trying to be uplifting and have inspiring messages, because there are no other artists trying to do that. That’s what makes him unique; plus, he can sing!!!!
Why so rude Melanie?You call David a kid so you must be an adult but your attitude show’s your ignorance and pathethic.You should be the one who grow-up,David never done anything wrong to you to post a comment like that to him.One more thing David has all the good qualities that you don’t have oh btw.we love and cares David personality!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So so wrong Melanie J,
We do care about his personality and his positive and uplifting character, and love his inspiring music along with the fun and quirky songs.
Melanie – First, David is both serious and fun. Things are Gonna Get Better and Elevator. Have you heard these? Elevator is fun and quirky – as David is! Most of David’s fans like that he has a serious and uplifting outlook on life, even while he’s having fun, being a teenager and enjoying the ride. So, lighten up Melanie.
Marlie7
First, how can you say “noone cares about your personality?” that’s way rude! that’s basically saying “noone cares about you.” Not only is that completely false (because I am someone who cares about him), but it’s hurtful. And besides that, I’m not really sure where you got there were only those kinds of songs because he def said “I like how there is a BALANCE of more youthful sounding songs” personally, I’m thankful David is left to stay true to what music is all about and true to himself! Why would we want more of the same? Don’t we have enough Lady Gaga’s and Katy Parry’s on the radio today? Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy some of their songs as well, however, it’s nice to have someone like David in the industry who is willing to take a hit success wise if it means reaching out to someone in his music. There always has to be a critic I suppose.
I CAN’T wait for the CD…I’m already in love with “Something ‘Bout Love” and “Elevator”!!!
David gives us all the inspiration to follow our dreams and be true to ourselves. Something every one should aspire to. He has it all…looks, charisma and how could anyone forget his voice!!! Thanks David for being YOU!!
Melanie, if you knew David, you’d know that he has sung MANY “fun” songs! I personally LOVE just about anything he sings ~ it’s his voice that I love! But I would say “Elevator” is a pretty fun song, wouldn’t you? Have you listened to it yet??? If not, catch it on his new album, October 5th!
And by the way, Melanie, we fans LOVE David’s personality ~ it’s a big part of what attracts us to him ~ he’s the whole package ~ voice, personality, good looks, humility, humor, humanity ~ and di I say humongous talent? He has that too! And if you met him in concert, he’d win you over in a minute!
DAVID ARCHULETA IS AWESOME!!
We appreciate and respect David just like he appreciates and respects his fans!! We will for ever be David Archuleta fans!!
Awesome interview! Thank you for asking such good questions.
Even though I discovered and fell in love with David Archuleta on American Idol…it’s also what he has done afterwards that has made me a fan of David’s forever. David, his voice, and his music just make me happy and I want and will support him forever. I think he is just an AMAZING singer / songwriter (and I really enjoyed reading his book) and he does have the best fans. I have met many of David’s fans either online or at concerts and we have been having the time of our life following David and his career. David is amazing on stage and his concerts are so much FUN! I am one of David’s older fans…and I can say that no other artist or his music has affected me more than David’s. He just always inspires me to enjoy life all has to offer. I really like all I’ve heard about the new album…and think this new music will definitely be more of what David wants to put out there. I really like “Something Bout Love” and “Elevator” — so am super-excited to hear all the other songs on the new album.
Thanks so much for the great interview of David!! Janel…your comments spoke for me too!! David’s music is like no other!! When you add his charismatic, magnetic personality, you have such a winning combination. Those of us who are fans really are fans of David the voice….and David the person. You cannot separate the two of them! His heart is felt in each and every song that he sings…even the fun ones!!! David and his music is real….and really fun too!! I actually can listen to David’s lyrics. Going to a David concert is an addictive event!! Watching David perform is just mesmerizing. You cannot go to just one…oh no way!!! Listening to David’s music is FUN…extremely fun!!! David is FUN…extremely fun too!!!!
Great interview.
“No one cares about your personality”? What!!! Absolutely wrong there. I love his personality and I love it showing up in the snippets I’ve heard. I’m excited about The Other Side of Down (the song) and Stomping the Roses. I can hardly wait to get that CD in my hands.
Every small piece of music i have heard from david’s new album sounds good…can’t wait to hear all of Stomping the roses, and others. thanks for this great interview.
You see, that is David. The one who would tell us to lighten up… Life is short and to find the positives instead of the negatives in your life is a really cool message. The fact that Davids messages come through his songs in a really brilliant musical way should be considered an asset, not in a negative manner as Melanie would believe he is sending. I know I don’t “know” David, I can only tell you that I think about my actions a little more carefully than before I “met” him. That can’t be a bad thing…just sayin’.
Oh, pardon me. I forgot to thank-you for a very well handled interview. Good questions. Professionally given. NICE! I’m going to check-it-out again right now!
We can tell he is a serious musician. He could just sing baby, baby, baby, oh baby, kiss, kiss, kiss me, oh baby or having 3-way sex, getting drunk and swimming naked. Isn’t that most of singers singing about in today’s music? Just have fun. Life is short. But there are many people who still believe music can be so powerful and a positive influence on people.
David is a different and unique artist that I have never seen in my whole life. Yes, he is sincere, tender-hearted, respectful, fun loving, quirky, humorous, but serious about life itself. I always thought 75 percent of his brain is related to music. You know he has a song for every word. You say one word, and he would sing a song related to the word. He said this album is his BABY. If you were not an artist and never made your own album, you wouldn’t understand why he is serious about his album representing who he is. Because you music is you.
Wonderful interview, Mark. We are waiting anxiously for the next tour so we really appreciate you asking, soon sounds great!
And Mark, thanks for saying David’s fans are great and not CRAZY!
Melanie’s comments just prove that there are so many people out there willing to accept auto-tuned, everything sounds the same, sex/baby/baby music. Melody doesn’t care about personality because all of the artists out there only have one purpose and that is to out-shock each other and make it into the gossip news. They are all interchangeable. Fortunately there are still many of us who appreciate natural vocals, melody, appropriate lyrics, and a charming quirky personality. If it wasn’t for David Archuleta I would have completely given up on music. Instead I will be buying David’s cd on Oct 5!!
Thank you for this interview!
Some people are so funny, can see right through them, or should I say right through her, haha
Thanks for the great interview. Can’t wait for the new album! Other Side Of Down for the win!
I think there are a lot of people out there who are unwilling to show their heartfelt interest in honest, moral, positive people and entertainers. They feel they have to stay with the “mainstream”. I am so thankful that David is out there and staying strong. Maybe others will get it, and realize you don’t have to pretend to appreciate that other stuff.
Thanks for a great interview! David is an unreal talent and an incredible person. He’s so fun and funny, and so REAL. No pretense, no facade. I love him beyond words. Whoever said no one cares about his personality is clueless. We are LEGION, girl, just so ya know.
I’d stopped listening to popular music, but David brought me back. I’ve been to see him ten times in five states, and I’m not done yet. I can’t wait for this CD to drop, will snap up more than one, and will be at his concert(s) without fail.
I will be a huge fan of David’s from now until forever. Guaranteed. Bet the farm.
Such a wonderful interview, Mark. Thanks for asking great questions instead of the typical ones he gets all the time. David is a wonder and I appreciate him on so many levels. I will be a fan for life, so keep making music, David, because I will be buying. Love all the snippets and can’t wait to hear the full songs on Oct. 5th.
me encanta David Archuleta su personalidad aunque algo infantil pero ya MADURARA
David Archuleta I love his personality but somewhat childish but mature