Monday, April 30, 2012

David Archuleta - He's Incandescent




The dictionary has some great definitions of incandescent, and the ones that personally suit this picture of David Archuleta recording “Rainbow” are,

l. The emission of visible light by a hot object.  2. The phenomenon of light emission by a hot object. 3.  A high degree of emotion, intensity, or brilliance.

David seems to glow in this picture and looks genuinely humbled by the moment.  It immediately reminded me of the divine strength within him.

He takes the art of singing beyond the voice itself.  Singing doesn’t come any smoother than when he gently pours out a romantic ballad like” Rainbow”, articulating every syllable while seamlessly spinning phrases into musical paragraphs.

He believes in what he is singing.  Each tone resonates with a part of his body and each note can melt a heart of stone.  He has elegant simplicity and passion in every dimension.

He is filled with the spirit of the music.  David is a true musician and a true vocalist; his lyrics go through his mind and heart.  He knows exactly how he wants a song to sound.  No matter how focused he is on his singing, he is also aware of everything around him and every instrument.

David Archuleta is a clean cut crooner a tempest of sentimentality with passion and fire.  He takes us on a journey into his heart and shows us some hidden treasures.
 
God has used music to speak to him in so many different circumstances of his life.  God has never stopped walking with him, whispering in his ear words and songs of love.

Off the stage and out of the spotlight David is even more amazing singing for the Lord.  He has a depth to him rarely found in someone so young, and he isn’t afraid to open himself up for the entire world to see.  The heart of David Archuleta is colorful, vibrant and unrestrained.  His heart is as beautiful as his voice and that is something extraordinary and rare. 

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

David Archuleta - Covers






Cover songs reveal much about artists, from their ability to simply sing or play their instrument to their own tastes in music.

By playing covers it’s a means for creative expression.  An opportunity to play with different songs formats, song structure and chord patterns.  It also exposes artists to different melodies, rhythmic motifs and lyrical ideas.  An example of this is David rendition of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy.” He made it elegant, taunt and heart grabbing.

For artists that write and perform original music, cover songs are a chance to add some familiarity to their performances.  Recording cover songs can help people find your music.

David gets to know his favorite artists, i.e. Eva Cassidy who inspired “Imagine” by learning their songs.  Every song he learns there may be many other ideas that come up for his own material later on. 

I enjoy hearing David doing a cover in his own way, in his own style, I get hooked every time. Being touched, moved and inspired by what he is saying.  His choice of covers flow from him as if he’s been performing them forever.

A successful cover established the heart of what made the original a hit, and also takes a different direction along the way. It’s a sign of respect and love for the artist or the song.

I once asked David what was his determining factor in choosing to do a cover on a song, was it the melody, the lyrics or just a feeling.  He said it’s usually a feeling about the song and if he felt he could contribute something to the song.

When I heard his reply I smiled inside as David could always contribute something to a song and make it better.

It has been leaked that David’s upcoming album this fall has him singing “Bridge over Troubled Water”.  It was the fifth and final studio album by Simon & Garfunkel released on January 26, 1970. It reached No. 1 on Billboard Music Charts pop albums list and won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.  It has sold over 25 million copies worldwide.

Paul Simon wrote this about providing comfort to a person in need.  It started as a modest Gospel hymn but became more dramatic as he put it together.  At first Simon thought the opening lyrics were too simple: “When you’re weary, feeling small.  When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all.”  He later realized that it was this simplicity that helped give the song a universal appeal. 

Is this a small clue that David’s upcoming album may be a diversity of Gospel hymns?  I certainly hope so.  I can’t think of anything that would be more appropriate and inspiring as an album of David covering this genre.


Friday, April 20, 2012

David Archuleta - Stadium of Fire in Utah


Revisiting some lovely photos of David at the Stadium of Fire event July of 2010!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

David Archuleta - Admiring His Happiness




Some people describe happiness as the feeling you experience when you realize that everything is exactly as it should be, some define it as the state of feeling that you experience after reaching your goals while others define it as a having inner peace.
I admire David Archuleta for his unselfishness, his kindness, his good manners, his honesty and encouragement.  There are many things we do today, that we would never have attempted or accomplished had it not been for his encouraging words.

I admire the way he serves his Lord, with dedication and honesty and integrity. He is without a doubt the kindness person I’ve ever known.  He takes each day as it comes, accepts it as a gift from God and does his best.

Nearly every time you see him he’s laughing, or at least smiling.  And he makes everyone else around him feel like smiling.  Even after spending only a few minutes in his presence you can’t help feeling happier.

David is the happiest I have ever seen him.  All the pictures I’ve seen from the start of his Mission have been a look of contentment and joy. It seems he has found happiness in reaching a goal and perhaps now has inner peace.
Those who make a life of happiness for themselves are the real dreamers, the people who dared to live their life to the fullest.  Deep within the meaning of life, it calls us to come inside and experience it.

David is experiencing life and will serve others and teach them that truth shall be found by those who seek it, salvation be given to those who yearn for it, light to those in the dark and revelation where there is mystery.
Socrates said that “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

Part of happiness is the reflective recognition of the fact that we are happy and have goodness in our lives.  Without examining our lives, our environments, the people around us, and both reflecting on the past and thinking about the future, we would not be able to recognize the extent of our happiness
How can someone so young teach us so much?

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

David Archuleta - Reflections of an Artist - Series Two

 
Often we forget how life can change so quickly.......enjoy what we have today as tomorrow sometimes moves faster than our heart!
 
 
Change Begins Within - Posted July 28, 2010
by Pamela Pike on Yahoo
 
We Can't Get Enough
 
Are we spoiled? David Archuleta often Twitters several times a day, Vlogs when we need the visual connection and Blogs when he feels we should be in the know, even Bubble Tweets from co-writers have kept us updated on his schedule. Oh! Let's not forget those mobile voice messages that we fantasize are coming only to us and not for the thousands they are intended. He asks our opinion on weather he should get his hair cut or grow it long. Mom was right about growing it long!

Recently less activity of all the above have been noticed by many fans. Maybe, we have reached that moment in time when David is just too busy to constantly update his fans every few hours. Hungry for information we imagine all sorts of reasons for the limited updates. We have been spoiled!
David Archuleta loves his fans and will always be grateful for our support and keep us informed of his activities, but there will be a time when less informal communications may occur.

The more he becomes involved with his writing, the business production of his career, the frequent traveling and daily meetings and interviews we may experience less of his personal time. Changes! They are in the making!

Already there is a noticeable change in David and much of that is the confidence he has acquired with experience and the natural process of growing up and maturing. His interviews express more of his thoughts and feelings he once felt was uncomfortable to discuss. He now takes control and makes his wishes and opinions known. He doesn't want to be taken advantage of as he stated it not only affects him but also his family and many of the people around him.

The other day someone mentioned that when a part of his belt was showing from under a T-shirt somehow that was considered edgy. Perhaps it was, and is, but for me it's a sign David is expressing a new attitude to accommodate his new songs, clothing and hair. Hair is not just a style, a cut, a shape...it's an attitude! Your hair is a direct reflection of your attitude and feelings

For some his shoes in a new photo shoot stirred our interest and managed to raise eyebrows! Is there a new David emerging? Definitely, but also an opinion from a stylist to enhance his look for his new single and to prepare us for a more edgy look for his album cover is possible. Edgy, what exactly does that mean?
.
Does he want to push his emotions over that edge into something better? Most often, small changes offer the most rewarding feelings.

We have decided to join David on his journey to discover himself and experience life. It will be a rollercoaster ride so we need to be patient, understanding and keep our seatbelt on as it will be a loving and bumpy ride. But one well worth our time! As I stated once before David is worth waiting for!

Friday, April 13, 2012

David Archuleta - Music and Soul


It has often been said that music is the food of soul. Music is used to express feelings when words fail. Love music to love life and you not only change your mood while listening to good music but you can also change the world with meaningful songs.

David Archuleta encompasses all that's beautiful about music, he is music. On or off stage David is humble, earthy and good natured, someone who is genuinely embarrassed by the adulation of strangers and seems most comfortable within his circle of family and friends. His talent is big but his heart is bigger.

People say that David is kind, and generous, and that's true. But you know, he's one of the funniest people I've ever met. He is just so cool. Music motivates David, ignites his imagination and affects him emotionally. It is part of his identity, the creative and artistic side that he feels when he gets that tingling sensation.

Music is judged on the basis of a person's own experiences and everyday practiced knowledge and linked with a person's interaction with the world around them. At 19, David Archuleta is in the process of writing songs expressing his inner feelings and personality for his sophomore album.

He has found his calling, his passion, and he keeps singing because God gave him a desire to do so, and he keeps bringing joy to those fortunate enough to hear him. Many people feel he appeals only to the teen crowd but that is a misconception. His fans range from the wee teens to mothers, fathers and grandparents who admire his velvet voice, a voice that can take your soul on journey in song.

David Archuleta is a rare talent that can transcend his musical passion to his audience and through his songwriting will give us more of the inner artist's personality and how his life's experiences has influenced his journey.

 


The David Archuleta Music Scholarship



THANK YOU TO THE MOST

WONDERFUL FANS IN THE WORLD!!!




The David Archuleta Music Scholarship is proud to announce a hugely successful 2012 campaign!


We are thrilled to give two-$2,000 scholarships to deserving music students at Murray High School!


We cannot thank you, THE FANS, enough for your support of this scholarship in David's name. It is so important while David is gone to keep his name and spirit alive...and you are doing just that through your donations to this scholarship...so…


THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!


Please be sure to check out our website in late May to see

who the recipients of these scholarships are!!



@DAScholarship on twitter


Photos

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The David Archuleta Music Scholarship


THANK YOU!!!



BECAUSE OF DAVID.....BECAUSE OF HIS FANS


"Twenty-year-old singing sensation David Archuleta has touched countless lives through the power of music. And by staying spiritually in tune, he hopes to continue to inspire others, not only with his voice but with his personal example!"


~from article "STAYING IN TUNE" in LDSLiving

November/December 2011 issue~


BECAUSE OF DAVID...The David Archuleta Music Scholarship was created as a way for fans to give to David by giving to others. It was hoped that fans might be able to raise money to give scholarships at David's high school (Murray High) ....encouraging students to pursue their dreams in music as David is doing. He has inspired and influenced many, many people to make changes in their lives and reach out to others, as we see him do consistently. His personal example speaks more loudly than words could ever do!!!


BECAUSE OF HIS FANS... and their loving, generous support....fans have been able to "gift" scholarships to 4 students at Murray High. After the campaign ends this evening, The David Archuleta Music Scholarship will be able to add more recipients to that list. This has all been possible because fans have been inspired to reach out and help others. David has definitely left his handprint on our hearts, and that handprint will stay there while he is gone....and forevermore. We are so proud of David ...his example has truly enriched our lives.


Thank You So Much Dear Fans... For helping honor David by gifting others. Without all of you and your caring hearts ...we would not be able to keep going. We appreciate every single dollar...as even a little makes a big difference! Fans working together to make this happen has truly been something so special for the fans, David, and all of the recipients.


Thank You So Much Dear David… "Wherever You Are...you inspire others to change...without uttering a word...you help our lives rearrange!"


We’re getting closer to our $4000 goal!

If you have not had a chance to share your gift, there is still time!

TDAMS 2012 campaign is coming to a close at the end of today.

(Midnight...April 11th PT)


<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d7a417a4d544d304f44633d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="420" height="330" alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d7a417a4d544d304f44633d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=hallmark&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="420" height="46" alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmilebox.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center">Customize your own free photo slideshow</td></tr></table>


@DAScholarship on twitter



Monday, April 9, 2012

David Archuleta - "Forevermore" Album Review




Beautiful ballads and upbeat love songs reflecting True Love is a welcomed gift from David Archuleta’s new album “Forevermore”.
Most people experience it through relationships and life’s tender moments.  Everyone has their own definition of true love, but whether he knows it or not, David has given us true love with this gorgeous album.

These original love songs composed by Philippine artists are some of the best love songs the country has produced. David’s interpretations are powerful yet subtle.  This album displays great passion and is eminently listenable.  Many artists are remembered for certain types of songs but David will be remembered for several. 
Beautifully written lyrics and music these songs make me feel good every time I listen to them.  They will remind you of how you feel when you find the one you love.  These songs are a guilty pleasure a collection of poignant love ballads.

“You Are My Song”

You Are My Song, I know down inside

You are mine and I’m your true love

If those lyrics don’t grab you, the soft velvet voice of Archuleta’s singing about true love will deduce you to a large water stain at his feet.

“Rainbow”

These lyrics were tailor made for David –
So baby, please smile, Coz I’m always around you

and I’ll make you see how beautiful

Life is for you and me.

Making life beautiful for so many people, David is an endearing artist who makes every song believable with emotional intensity and a whisper of delicate beauty.  Each song deals with love and in very diverse manners.
Creativity is not bought, sold or born with the vocalizing of a note.  It comes from within, requiring no explanation for its existence.  Such is the growth of David’s journey so far.  His process in music is always fresh and ongoing and his is a voice that needs to be heard.  With David he makes the lyric storyline come to life.  No need for a video when it’s all painted through the music.

What sets David’s voice apart from others is his single, not raw power, but pure emotion.  You can hear feeling in every word. David’s voice is flawless and evokes emotion in every phrase.
David continues to capture and hold me.  His voice is so touching that it makes me cry as his voice takes you to heaven.  He has a magical aura that distinguishes him from his peers.

The music seems to well up in some cavernous place within him, and then floats effortlessly forth.  He possesses one of the most exquisite voices I’ve ever heard. 
He is gorgeous, full of passion with an incredible talent and diversity.  Anyone with even a passing interest in romance should buy this CD.

The David Archuleta Music Scholarship


Hello Everyone,
As you see there are only a couple of days left to donate to TDAMS!  Please see if you can find a little more spare change to give these kids a future in music! 

Thank you.

Pamela



"Music can be so much more than just entertainment. It can be an act of communion,

a dialog in sound, sacred or soulful, happy or sad...it can cover the entire spectrum of human emotions."

-------David Archuleta, Chords of Strength
This is it fans...only 3 DAYS LEFT to donate to The David Archuleta Music Scholarship!!!

We have 106 donors and almost $3,500! Let's see if we can get to $4,000 by Wednesday

...that would allow us to give 2-$2,000 scholarships just like last year!

David has selflessly given so much to us over the last 4 years...so let's give whatever we can...a LITTLE from ALOT can make a BIG difference! This is a great way to keep David's spirit alive while he's away on his mission and say "thank you" to him by giving to this scholarship in his name.

Go here to donate: http://www.thedavidarchuletamusicscholarship.org/

And check out this cool, fan-made video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0snJWDYAKc

Thanks to everyone for your support!!!

 

Thursday, April 5, 2012

David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Two: Imagine

By Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simunovic




 In February 2008, David Archuleta took a risk and chose to sing a beautiful, yet haunting melody by John Lennon “Imagine”.  It is possibly one of the most beautiful works of art ever written.  Words can’t describe the emotion connected with this song.
One of Lennon’s most memorable songs, and in these trying times, his lyrics is just as poignant now as they were in 1971.
David actually picked another song before Imagine but knew he needed to do Imagine.  Idol wasn’t happy that he made the change and also wanted him to sing the first verse.  But David won them over. “There are more important things about the song than the first verse, “he said.  “I leave it to what matters, what matters in life and what matters in music.  That song captures those things perfectly, and it captured what I wanted to do with music.  It captured why I felt like I needed to be there and what I needed to say.”  
It is the greatness of David Archuleta Interpretation, sensitivity and maturity beyond his years that renewed closeness to Imagine and its meaning given by the man who wrote it.  Lennon was born to write it and David was born to sing it.  It was a breathtakingly heartfelt performance of Imagine, one that felt you were hearing for the first time. David never fails to reach the height of artistic excellence.
Upon returning to the American Idol stage on April 7, 2010  Season 9 results show, David gave another inspiring performance of Imagine.  Seated at a piano he provided a pure and natural performance with elegance and grace.

Rosanne's Recollections
Although Imagine was not my favorite John Lennon song, there were many aspects of this song that did capture my attention over the years. I think these important elements escalated after hearing David's musical and artistic delivery of this song during American Idol Season 7.

I loved how David expressively punctuated key words within his phrase line. He was and still is the consummate story-teller, always fully immersed in the emotional core of the song and communicating the lyrics to his listeners in a meaningful and genuine way.

We all know that David's technical skills are impeccable. That is a given! Yet, without the emotion to enhance and energize the technical aspects of this or any song, his music would sound figuratively flat, devoid of passion.

David is smart and diligent enough to know that, although technique can ground and direct your voice, without soul and nuance one's voice cannot capture a listener in a meaningful way.

This is what David brings to all his performances and, in particular, every performance of this John Lennon song.


David performed "Imagine" twice during American Idol Season 7: during the Top 20 Semi-Final show and the Top 2 Performance Final Show.
Here is part of my summation from the Top 2 show:

"You ended your Top 2 showcase with a reprise of Imagine and, once again, you performed this number with perceptive artistry. It was just so beautiful and the words poured from your mouth through your expressive vocals and genuine charisma.

I loved the acoustic ambience of the musical background, as it allowed us to truly hear the beauty of your voice and your heartfelt delivery of the words. What a gentle and inspiring way to end the entire Top 2 showcase. Gorgeous!"
Then, two years later, he was invited back to Season 9 as a special guest and asked to perform his signature number. Here are some of my comments.
Seated quietly at the piano, he performed another inspiring version of John Lennon’s “Imagine”, once again reminding all of us that he is a force to be reckoned with. The sophistication and poise he brings to this performance is pretty amazing. How he is able to pack so much into one song and yet make it sound flawless and effortless is beyond me. He is truly a rare and precious gem in the musical world.
I think all will agree that we fell in love with David when we first heard his rendition of "Imagine". I don't think I have ever heard anyone sing a more beautiful interpretation of this song. It was a very special moment for me as a listener and as a teacher for I finally realized that American Idol found the consummate performer in David Archuleta. He set the bar very high for singers who chose to follow in his footsteps.