Sunday, April 21, 2013

David Archuleta - Eleven Months & Counting






As the music business struggles to identify financial models, artists are taking their career into their own hands.  It’s all about going with the flow and knowing when it’s time to stand up and claim the life that belongs to you. 

Presently David Archuleta is connected to E1 Music an independent record label in the United States.  It is widely regarded as the top independent US record label, having garnered the most Billboard hits of any independent record label in history.  Its four primary businesses are E1 Television, E1 Films, E1 Music and E1 Entertainment Distribution, which collectively represents film, television, music, and kid’s content.   E1 Music covers all musical genres from adult-contemporary to rock urban to country, children’s to classical.

E1 Music also streams on SoundCloud an online audio distribution platform that allows collaboration, promotion and distribution of audio recordings by users.  Its intention is to allow musicians to share recordings with each other and to distribute their music tracks.  It also allows artist to interact more nimbly with their fans.

Three elements that make music successful are a goal, a plan, and a team.  David seems to be on the right tract.

He will be prepared to bring it back with the same energy, passion and excitement that became his hallmark.  Wowing new and old fans in epic concerts that will show how he can have his artistry into a magnificent music machine.  It’s all David fans need to stoke the fires of their devotion.
His art form connects with fans and the demand for his music is always going to be present. His singing has the power to express love and you can hear this from his heart. 

His voice is so versatile that he can sing just about any genre including gospel, blues, ballads and pop.  Songs can tell the story of the lyricist but they also tell the story from the listener’s imagination.
I don’t have any other information except that it is going to beyond anyone’s imagination.  We will just have to wait a few more months for the unveiling to begin.  It will be time to continue his dream of music; hopefully he will be ready to give his fans what they’ve been missing.

While David takes inspiration from the past (AI) he lives for the future moving forward to greater things.  It just depends on what his life may bring surprises perhaps, the very least it allows fans to dream of what might to come.

The private David seems as he appears to the public; a quiet self-effacing young man who considers his singing abilities as strictly tertiary to his family and his faith.  He is widely respected for both his professional standards and the conduct in his personal life.  Occasionally someone like David comes along and won’t go with the flow and still prevails in spite of all the others who surround him and importune him to yield to their values.

David Archuleta is unique and the core of his significance as an artist is his amazing voice and emotional commitment to his songs.

It will be exciting to see what David has in store for 2014!

Friday, April 12, 2013

The Sounds of David Luncheon and Fan Mixer




If you missed The Sounds of David Luncheon and Fan Mixer on Saturday April 6, 2013 it was an amazing event experienced with many great performers.  Michael Orland and Dorian Holley took to the stage with “Man in the Mirror” and “My Funny Valentine” and Sunny Hilden our MC gave us “Dream Sky High.”

Newport Platinum Dance Academy provided us with three dancers, Stefani, Sarah and Nicole performing to David’s “Zero Gravity” and Aaron from TJ project with a little help from the audience played “Crush” on his Guitar. Mariner’s Elementary School Choir added their talents by singing “Nandito Ako” and their exuberant rendition of “Elevator”, was adorable. Our special guest speaker LDS President Brad Bowen gave us some insight on the sacrifices missionaries, including David make to serve on a two year mission. Videos from Dean Kaelin and Rosanne (MasterClass Lady) were highlights to the afternoon.

 Added to the excitement Kari Sellars dropped by with guest Jon Hunt who co-wrote “Broken” with David.  She mentioned through some tears how David will be back better than ever in 2014. 

But the shining stars were the children being sponsored from ChildFund International and those hospitalized at CMN Hospital (CHOC in Orange).  Guests sponsored many children and “Archubears” for a minimum donation were adopted and named by guests for those kids at CHOC Hospital.  I applaud the volunteers who took time out of their daily lives to man the charity tables.  Christine with Marilyn from ChildFund, and Maggie and Deborah from CMN Hospitals thank you for joining us.



 I received great feedback from Kate Nare Marketing Specialist from ChildFund Int. “Hi Pam, I heard from our volunteers that the David Archuleta event went very well. They sent me photos of the ChildFund table and it looked great.”

From Maggie Irias,  Development Coordinator - CMN Hospital (CHOC). “Hi Pamela, Thanks so much for having us, I truly had a blast and learned so much more on David’s sounds.  The Archubears were a hit! Choc is very grateful for all your efforts and once again, thank you – thank you!”

As the afternoon unfurled it was apparent everyone was having a good time and I was grateful for the opportunity to support David Archuleta and shadow a little of his big heart and give back to those in need. 

There is also a group of young teenagers who spent hours decorating, setting up and show casing the live auction items Carissa, Taylor, Savannah, Tatum and Jen.  The Sounds of David Committee and I thank them for their hard work and their efforts to focus on the charities and honor David Archuleta and his music.  David will need young fans like these when he returns to music in 2014. 



Various others need our Thanks such as Peter Rodriguez our DJ, Saul Dahli our sound engineer, Andre with Los Angeles Film Institute and many vendors and donors who contributed items for auction.  Also I wish to Thank Kelly Herbst our Marriott planner for all her hard work and patience.  

My job would not be finished if I didn’t Thank a group of women who donated personal time from family, work and free time to fulfill a vision.  They timelessly mulled over outlines, drafts, suggestions, pictures, ideas, dates, constant changes, long meetings, texting, phone calls and the 3:00 AM emails.  They are part of the heart that beats within me, special women who love and promote David’s music and honor David the man.  Thank you Cass, Julie, Lily and Madison for all your support and hard work and know you will forever be in my heart!  



Sunday, April 7, 2013

Sounds of David Luncheon and Fan Mixer Photos


A few pictures from the Sounds of David Luncheon and Fan Mixer on April 6, 2013


President Brad Bowen - LDS Speaker - Talks about Missionaries

Mariners Elementary Children Choir

Fan Volunteers - Love the phones


Received Picture from MaryLou

Program Discussion


Kari & Pam





Friday, April 5, 2013

David Archuleta Retospective Series Part Fourteen: Be Still My Soul







By Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simunovic



 
Pamela Pike’s Recollections

“Be Still My Soul” is a popular revival hymn written by Katharine von Schlegel (1697–1768) and translated into English by Jane L. Borthwick (1813–1897).  The music was composed by Jean Sibelius, from his music “Finlandia.” His music is characterized by a nationalistic spirit along with poetry, often evoking his homeland’s majestic charm. The scripture reference of this hymn is found in Psalm 46:10; “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

David has blessed us with this beautiful hymn on several occasions, at his concerts, firesides and also included in David’s album “Begin” released last August 7, 2012 which he again sends tingles down your spine as his genius is spotlighted with this song.
In my review of “Begin” I stated:

His “Be Still My Soul” comes deep from the depth of his spirituality, his voice shines and soars and drives straight to the center of your heart.  He sings with a conviction of his place in heaven, and perhaps his pace in singing history.  The emotions David arouses and masters with this song establish his connection to his music and his faith.

I’m always struck by the depth of his lyrics and the honesty of his sound.  One of the things that set certain singers apart from others is the distinctiveness of their voice.  They are just unique, that was the thought I had while listening to David Archuleta.  He has a tremendous talent and spirit and every note is perfect.

I still remember the first time I heard David sing this song.  I was immediately gripped with the beauty of his vocals and how he reveals his real heart of worship. His tone makes you feel every word he sings and while he is immersed in the music it gives you a glimpse of the sheer majesty of his voice.

There are other hymns that David has used to touch our hearts at different times, but Be Still My Soul is one shinning start at the top of the list.
This song is breathtakingly glorious, always lifts my spirits and gently places me in the presence of God.  It encourages us to trust God’s faithfulness and favor toward us, even in life’s darkest circumstances.

Singing is one of the great blessings of our worship together and the scriptures stress the importance of singing with “understanding.” 

David more than any one of us knows this simply must not be forgotten.


 http://youtu.be/p92fMgMt_Zw

 Rosanne Simunovic's Recollections
The first time I heard David sing this gorgeous hymn, I truly felt that I was in Heaven. His voice caressed the simple but expansive vocal line in a deeply soulful manner and the words resonated with me long after the song was over.

I have since listened to the song many, many times and have been moved to tears each and every time.
The song is not a difficult song to learn - the melody is a simple one and repeats from verse to verse.
However, what makes this performance truly special is the expressive manner in which David delivers the message contained in each verse.

By doing so, one never gets the feeling that we are listening to the same melody from verse to verse. Rather, we are taken on a very spiritual, very emotional journey, one that only David and his God-given voice can create for us.

Featured as one of the tracks on David's luscious new album, "Begin", this song takes on new life with the addition of a lovely cello and piano accompaniment. 

How I love the sound of a cello - the plaintiff sound coming from this instrument just heightens the sense of tranquility and peace one feels while listening to this number.

And I was so taken with the soulful ad lib section, where David freely repeated "Be Still My Soul", using his vocal gift to heighten the quiet intensity of this song.

Which brings me to another point - David never, ever over sings. He sings, passionately -yes, but he always has respect for the lyrics and the music. He sings as he would speak, with sustained inflection and nuance. And always with heartwarming sincerity.
 As I write this article and listen to this song, all my worries and concerns just melted away.  Thank you David for bringing this song to my attention and for communicating it to your listeners in such a special and meaningful way.



 Rosanne Simunovic
 http://www.masterclasslady.com
 http://www.granniethegeek.com