Monday, September 24, 2012

Finding His Place








In his pre American Idol days David Archuleta was a young artist very involved in music and recorded two songs written with Merrick Christensen a young man the same age as David.  Both songs “Angels in The Alleyway” and The Most Beautiful Part About This Is” reflected personal and family struggles Merrick had, and with his fears of letting himself and God down.




The songs gave Merrick faith, inspiration and hope as he turned to God and realized his support was present.  By David recording these songs with him it has had an incredible impact on him and his family’s life. 

Music can reflect our actions and give us guidance, direction and carry messages of inspiration.  Faith is built and strengthens by songs of many artists today one of which is David Archuleta. Many songs are filled with messages about appropriate and inappropriate attitudes and actions toward morality. 

No matter how much music may be different in various cultures, it seems that music serves a general common purpose; to bring people together.  David leaves a resonating sound for all listeners and illuminates passion for meaningful music.

David’s creative interpretations of touching songs give way to his productive future and his dedication to poignant melody’s will continue to give listeners the promise of a devoted singer in the music industry.

A struggle for power in the music industry causes conflict when many artists leave their music label in order to attain greater artistic freedom or better contracts.  The industry and producers have the ability to control messages, influence lyrics, build specific fan bases and promote artists most likely to make money leaving less desirable but sometimes more talented artists in the shadows.

Radio play is essential and much more effective at selling music than print reviews.  David could certainly use more radio play; his talent deserves more attention. 

So the question as to labels for David on his return, very well may depend on his choice of the direction he wishes to take his music and if he feels a need to compromise his values.  Falling into that well of dark discussions and decisions doesn’t seem to be in his character.  There will be choices for David and many of them I have no doubt, and upon his return a more life experienced and mature young man will find a place for his music. 

No one knows the rhythm of our hearts better than David Archuleta and the following two songs proved that at his early age music was food for his soul, and as it turned out he is food for our soul.  


http://youtu.be/IHxtf7Ndtns




Friday, September 7, 2012

David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Seven: Works For Me




http://youtu.be/nujvOf2GpUc

Pamela Pike's Recollections

“Works for Me” is a song released on David’s self-titled album through Wal-Mart as a Bonus Track back in November 2008.  This song represents David’s self- image, a time in his life when he felt indecisive and had to deal with certain challenges. He co-wrote this song with Daniel Bedingfield and Toby Lightman.

A call from Daniel Bedingfield to Toby Lightman asking her to come and write with them early one morning back in 2008 started their creative process.

With David barely awake, Daniel downing Chai lattes and Toby with guitar in hand the basics of a song were started but not finished.  A call from Sony a month later requesting them to finish the song required them to fly to Tulsa, Oklahoma, David’s last stop on his American Idol Tour.  And as they say history was made or at least “Works for Me.”

Challenges sometimes create change and with that make life unpredictable. Everything we do is filled with possibilities of change when we least expect it.  It is what we do with those moments that count in the end.  Some of the lyrics in the Bridge say, “There were days when a song could not be found, There were days when my voice would make no sound for me”. 

And in the chorus he wrote, “And I know you’re just trying to help me out Thanks, but I’ll follow my heart instead”. It seems David is still following his heart.

This song illustrates a melody and dynamics that make David shine.  It allows him to experiment with his amazing voice.  Every sound and layer is put exactly where it needs to be.  The up-tempo and easy chorus has you singing along in no time.

He tells a story with his songs and voice and that “Works for Me.”



http://youtu.be/nujvOf2GpUc

Rosanne Simunovic's Recollections

As I write this article on "Works For Me", I must confess that this is the first time I actually heard this terrific song. It was Pamela Pike who suggested this song for review in this David Archuleta Retrospective Series.

Well, what took me so long? I love everything about this number - the catchy rhythmic structure, the contagious melody, the luscious harmonies supplied by David and, of course, the seamless and transparent vocal delivery by David on the solo line.

Once again, David highlighted the easy accessibility of his ringing head voice during the repetitious line: "work out just fine".  His voice sounds so liberated, so flexible and he manages to carry this head voice element throughout his range.

As a result, David's voice always sounds clear and centered. David never over sings - he sings tastefully, calling on the emotion to dictate how he will phrase his music. There is nothing contrived in this song - just pure, joyous singing, plain and simple.

The simulation of the finger snapping at the beginning of the song set the mood so perfectly. It not only reinforced the catchiness of the tune itself but also reminded us not to take life so seriously. It's a journey and there will be smooth roads and rocky ones.

Once again, this song is a strong testament to David's positive, yet ever-evolving nature and his ability to trust in something or someone more powerful than himself.

Bravo David!

Rosanne Simunovic
http://www.masterclasslady.com



Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Great Expectations


Trees have traditionally been planted in many cultures in honor of an accomplishment or an important rite of passage.  They can symbolize an effective visual reminder of your goals and help you fulfill dreams and visions for life.

The Oak tree’s symbolism is strength and courage, the Willow includes magic, inner vision and dreams and the Pine tree includes creativity, life, and longevity while the Elm tree symbolizes strength of will and intuition.  These all seem to represent David’s paragons of virtue.

Back in December 2008 just before his 18th birthday, his service project to help complete his Eagle Scout requirements consisted of planting 180 trees and shrubs in a community park.  An Eagle Scout is one who has taken the Scout Oath and Law, to which he has promised to do his best to do his duty, first to God and his Country, second, to other people, by helping them at all times and third, to himself, by keeping himself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight character. 

David’s mission for his church just seems to be a continuation of his growth of character and his natural progression of life’s evolving changes in goals. David takes ownership in goals established around his interests and desires and is grounded in his family’s shared values.  Reality dictates that as David makes changes in his life so must we.

Sometimes we often find ourselves in situations that no longer satisfy who we are or want to be.  We’re grateful for the path we’ve taken; we just reached a point when it’s time to make a change.
As we pull back from twitter, blogging or Facebook and take challenge in our own goals and family obligations we shouldn’t feel less loyalty to David.  His soul is connected to ours and grows with each moment we share his journey.

We put so much time and energy into his career we feel he is an extension of us.  Our pride shows if he does well, then we have done well, by choosing to support him.  We need to remember that our goals may not be the same as his and like a parent we want to support and protect but we need to give him space and the opportunity and the right to decide his future.

David loves making music and he loves being able to give the gift of music to others. He will never lose his love for music and will certainly be ready after his mission to resume a career.  David Archuleta inspires a level of devotion in his biggest fans that can rival most artists.  His devoted fans will flock wherever he may land.

As a devoted supporter of David Archuleta this blog site will remain active until he returns from his mission.  MasterclassLady and I have committed to posting our Retrospective Series the first Friday of each month and will continue through April 2014.

As we all make changes in our lives and become involved with charities, family obligations, friends, and traveling my heart will hold open the music of David Archuleta and keep promoting what he holds dear……..inspiring and connecting people through his music.

Charity Event


The Sounds of David Committee invite you to join us at this exciting fan event for 2013!
To purchase tickets please go to:
http://freelancedesignpros.com/soundsofdavid/Information.html 

Hope to see you there!




Notes The Sounds of David Notes
Luncheon and Fan Mixer
Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 12:00 to 4:30 PM

In honor of - David Archuleta and his Music
MARIOTT
Newport Beach Marriott Bayview Hotel
500 Bayview Circle, Newport Beach, California 92660


$45.00 per person – Buffet Luncheon Included

Limited space/reserve early

Entertainment
Sunny Hilden – Songwriter/Singer
Michael Orland – Music Director from American Idol & Dorian Holley
- David’s coaches from Season 7 (subject to availability)
Mariners Elementary School Choir of Newport Beach
Billy Clower Dance Students

Special appearance by
Rosanne Simunovic (Masterclass Lady) Voice Instructor
LDS Missionary Guest Speaker - President Bowen
Kelsi Johnson - Special Musical Number

Charities Benefited

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
CMNH

Child Fund International
CF
Slideshows
Free Drawings
Silent Auction
DJ Music by Ron Sayoc
Free Photo Op
Video of Event provided with pre-paid postage (SASE)

Contact Information:
Daytime Phone PST: (310) 710 - 2889
After 5PM PST: (626) 533 - 1379
Event Information Email:
pikepss@yahoo.com

*Program subject to change
No Refunds
Thank you for your support and we hope to see you there.