David Archuleta: “It should be about the music”

Tribeca
As many are aware, a recent performance at the AMA’s has caused a lot of spark and debate around the world of music. I’m delighted in reading all the different perspectives on why or why not, this “performance” was necessary, fun, revolting, or acceptable. I won’t name names, or point anything out in fear of sounding harsh or critical. I accept not everyone has the same taste in music, art, politics or religion.
However, in contrast, if it’s even possible, it really made me appreciate David even more. I’ve seen David live this year 8 times, with another 5 shortly to come. Why on earth would anyone attend the same concert more than once? Well because it’s David. He doesn’t sit down and agonize over all the unnecessary factors of what could be construed as “entertainment”. He only cares about his voice, and putting on the best show that he is capable of putting out there. He doesn’t confine himself to what the song sounded like yesterday; he’s open to his own interpretation, EVERY time he opens his mouth to sing. He’s grown confident enough to let himself explore different runs, different octaves, and different rhythms. David has said many times over, “it should be about the music”. And not until today, did I fully understand what he was trying to say. (boy oh boy he’s a smart guy).
Does he have fun when he’s on stage touring? You bet he does, from his reaching hands during the opening number, straight through to the jumping of Zero Gravity, David is encased in his moment. Some of the best smile photos ever taken of David are during a performance for his fans. He just breaks out into these genuinely happy ear to ear grins that can convey without words, how truly happy he is with life right now. He’s on stage, doing what he loves, for people who love and support him. Ardent fans that come from all over the country, all over the WORLD to see one of his shows. In the last 4 shows I went to, he wanted to know where everyone was from; maybe he’s getting to realize that we easily jump on planes, trains and automobiles to share in the fun. I bet when he sang “A Thousand Miles” he didn’t realize how many fans would travel THAT far just to see him live.
He loves to move, and feel the music, he loves when the crowd reacts and the exchange of mutual love and respect is not something easily explained. He enjoys the interaction, and he’s never truly been able to put into words what he feels when he’s on stage for his fans, but we get that he’s a pretty happy camper. He doesn’t have to have fancy costumes; we’ve seen him wear the same plaid shirts over and over again during the Demi tour, which will be “2009 The Year of Plaid” for me. He doesn’t require choreographers to create a spectacle or a fancy dance routine. Anyone that wants to see things set on fire, trapeze acts, or dazzling light displays, should not expect such things at a David Archuleta concert. He doesn’t require a make up artist OR a hair dresser. From my Tribeca experience, I’ve learned he doesn’t require a band. From my VIP experiences, I’ve learned he doesn’t even require a microphone. To really enjoy and appreciate David’s talent, all that’s required is listening.
In case we don’t get a chance to remember why we love him as much as we do, I thought I’d just take a minute or two to remind us. Since this is Thanksgiving week and all. I am very thankful for David, for knowing WHO he is, and I’m very thankful that David has the COURAGE, to be exactly who he is. He is tireless, and dedicated. I am thankful that David figuratively says, hey.. let’s all get together and hang out, we’ll sing some songs and have a grand ole time.
Commentary






Great article Dawn!
Treat your audience with humility and respect
Let your talent and the music speak for itself
No gimmicks necessary
When did it stop being about the music ?????????
Hopefully David, and those like him will help us get it back.
ArchieFanDoc
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:08 pm ArchieFanDoc(Quote)
I agree wholeheartedly! Watching the AMA last night was rather painful for me. It certainly wasn’t about the MUSIC! I hope never to see David wearing anything as scary as a jacket with spikes, tattoos carved down the chest, or anything with Spandex. The AMA show made me even more grateful for David and his ’simply beautiful’ voice.
minna (minja)
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:14 pm minna (minja)(Quote)
Wow Dawn.. couldn’t agree with you more. In fact, I tweeted this morning (after watching the performance you are referring to) how much more I appreciate David Archuleta now. It actually saddened me to watch the awards show last night, seeing how so many artists feel they need to do some type of shocking “performance art”. Some performers need to hide their poor vocals behind choreography, but it has gone wayyyy over the top and seems to be the norm these days. Now it’s all about shock value and not the connection to the music.
Interestingly, Brooke White tweeted after the show last night, and said “Watching American music awards and thinking… I was born in the wrong time”.
I am thankful for David too, for being himself, and sharing that with us. Personally, I too find it much more brave to have to stand in front of a crowd, without embellishment and distraction. He needs nothing but his VOICE and his connection to the music.
Deb
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:19 pm Deb(Quote)
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by David Archuleta AFS, dolores frisella. dolores frisella said: RT: @FanScene David Archuleta: “It should be about the music” New article by Dawn at http://bit.ly/8aeaTR [...]
Tweets that mention » David Archuleta: “It should be about the music” DAVID ARCHULETA FAN SCENE, DAVID ARCHULETA | DAVID ARCHULETA FAN SCENE -- Topsy.com said this on November 23rd, 2009 at
I’m glad everyone is enjoying the post. I knew that there were “others” of us out here that thought the EXACT same thing. Thank GOODNESS we have David. When I think about the contrast from last night’s “performances” (using that term ever so loosely) .. and David fitting Kaleidoscope into his frantic schedule.. I’m so flippin proud of him .. there are no words to do it justice.
Dawn65
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:31 pm Dawn65(Quote)
I like (or at least I did) Adam Lambert, but the only thing entertaining about his AMA performance was when he tripped on stage.
Give me David bouncing around to ZG any day over that spectacle.
archuletafanscene
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:43 pm archuletafanscene(Quote)
Thanks for a GREAT article Kizzi!! You’ve really got the essence of David in it and WHY we actually love him so much – a question I often ask myself and also how long will it last?? Sometimes I hope it will be short because I’m behind with almost everything in my house after I discovered David – but I’m afraid it’s a lifetime love because he is who he is ……and nobody else – and I’m pretty sure he will stay that way!
I know he is such an inspiration to us all and I just hope he is that too to many of the new artists out there – it’s not all that pretty what we see!!
And that is also why – like minna wrote – I’m very grateful for “knowing” David – his incredible beautiful voice and all that he stands for!!
Hanne - Denmark
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:43 pm Hanne - Denmark(Quote)
Sorry Dawn – I just discovered I wrote Kizzi – I meant of course YOU
Hanne - Denmark
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:45 pm Hanne - Denmark(Quote)
Yes, you get it… I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to explain why I go to so many of David Archuleta’s concerts whenever goes on tour. People don’t understand that even though the song list is the same…each performance is different somehow. David has a way of making each show special. David’s concerts are just so much FUN. He always adds a little change that make us all go “oh wow” did you see or hear that?!! David’s music just touches my heart & soul and I’m so excited to be going to 5 of his holiday shows — yes…he is that good! and I just love him for the beautiful person he is on the inside as much as the outside (okay he’s gorgeous on the outside). David’s voice is just amazing. Bring on the tour!!! WOOT
TrudyFOD
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:46 pm TrudyFOD(Quote)
[...] Read the original here: » David Archuleta: “It should be about the music” DAVID ARCHULETA … [...]
» David Archuleta: “It should be about the music” DAVID ARCHULETA … | Czech Today said this on November 23rd, 2009 at
Hi Dawn, I think this is my first time posting maybe second
anyway… great article right on the mark !!! Loved it. I accidently rated it 4 stars .. tried to fix it sorry. IT IS TOTALLY A FIVE STAR and then some article !!!
Thanks so much !
Trish
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:55 pm Trish(Quote)
ooohh, you so mean – and I could not agree 100% more
I “broke down” last night and watched the youtube video of it – and quickly lamanted that I just lost 4:15 minutes of my life I could never get back.
Thank you SusanM who saw that tweet and sent me a link to one of David’s Kaleidoscope performances to make up for it
ArchieFanDoc
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:22 pm ArchieFanDoc(Quote)
Beautifully said Dawn. All I can say is Ditto.
♥ {{{Hugs}}}
Kizzi
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:06 pm Kizzi(Quote)
How can Lambert be featured on that show and David is left out. Yes, I know people have different tastes in music. But apparently I need to have the word “music” defined for me. What I’m hearing cannot be called music. How can people hear so differently. How can they miss what is so obvious to us.
More and more, I’m getting angry with ABC shows for leaving David out of the fold. They didn’t even include him on GMA when they had Kris Allen and Adam Lambert (Season
and David Cook of (Season 7) on the show. Excuse me, there was a runnerup on Season 7. Duh!!
Rose
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:48 pm Rose(Quote)
Now that I vented, I want to say how nice it is that the sumphony in Ann Arbor feels they will have a successful season because they’ve invited David. Of course, they will!!
Rose
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:52 pm Rose(Quote)
Dawn, I knew from the first few sentences this article was written by you! And I wholeheartedly agree with every word. There is no one in the world like David. No one!
Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Silverfox
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:10 pm Silverfox(Quote)
wow, very well said. i couldn’t agree more. =)
faye_ap
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:18 pm faye_ap(Quote)
Well said…Thanks Dawn!
Carly
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:38 pm Carly(Quote)
At first I was a bit upset that David wasn’t invited to the AMA awards last night. However, after watching the show, I came to the conclusion that it wasn’t a family friendly show and that I quite honestly feel David is too good to attend a show like that. After watching all those raunchy performances, I was glad that David wasn’t there. Thank goodness we are fans of such an incredible artist who doesn’t have to stoop down to that level to be popular. All he has to do is be himself to have us wrapped around his fingers. It will be so refreshing tomorrow night when I witness a true artist in his element when I attend David’s first show to kick off his Christmas tour. BTW, I am one of those many archies who have traveled thousands of miles to see him. For David, I would do it again if I ever have another opportunity to do so. I can’t think of any other artist I would do that for.
Utah Archie
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:53 pm Utah Archie(Quote)
I witnessed that debacle last night as well. I’m pretty broad-minded but, sorry, that show was over the top in bad taste. Think of Josh Groban or Boccelli appearing on that show and I get the feeling that a serious artist wouldn’t go anywhere near it. At one point, there were fifteen “bleeps” from one of the rap artists. So glad David wasn’t there. I am so disappointed in Adam. I really liked him. No more.
Mary Lou
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:27 pm Mary Lou(Quote)
I love what you wrote. I can feel the passion in your words and you conveyed the message very well that it’s all about the music. I agree with you 100%
kathykat
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:13 pm kathykat(Quote)
I will go to David’s concerts as often as I can for as long as I can to hear him SING. I can not say the same about any other artist.
BTW, this is my first time posting here. Hi everyone. Great article Dawn. David dazzles us when he flashes one of his megawatt smiles while performing. And he certainly sets the stage on fire by singing favorites like “Don’t Let Go”.
goboywonder said this on November 23rd, 2009 at 10:18 pm goboywonder(Quote)
So happy to see so many familiar and new faces coming around to talk about this. It does bring out some discussion and some passion. That’s David’s fan’s, nothing is done half way ~ we go full throttle, and that’s what I love about the community in it’s whole. David has a great bunch of folks helping him every step of the way.
As to ABC and not inviting David.. we don’t know.. perhaps he WAS invited. We never do really know. He was invited to this year’s TCA remember? And of his choosing, he decided that was not the event for him. We all seemed a bit disheartened when we found out he chose not to attend after winning three surfboards.
But then, a few weeks whip by, and David receives ALMA’s Rising Star award .. and he chose to go, and he chose to perform, and we all know he made a GIGANTIC impact that night.
David .. is crafty, and smart as a whip. In my dream world, where everything is exactly as it should be, and David doesn’t have to work so hard .. he’s invited to all events, and turns down the ones he doesn’t fancy. (wink)
HOWEVER.. with that being said, in my prances around the reviews from the AMA awards, I did come across some interesting points on Taylor Swift. There are a few places where I read, that it’s too much too soon for this young girl at only David’s age. And she’s peaked “too early” .. meaning .. the expectation for her to consistently reach that level of achievement lies beneath the surface of everything she does.
This too made me think.. hmmm.. boy that David.. he’s one smart guy.. cause he IS pacing himself.. he’s taking this time he has to explore all different things. He’s loving and learning how to really roll up his sleeves and tell a story in his own words. He’s learning how to play the guitar. He’s learning and growing, and embracing every experience that’s thrown his way.
GOOD for David !!!! Not many artists have the fiercely loyal fanbase, that will walk this walk with him, and we are not only willing, we are eager to do whatever, and whenever .. for as long as his heart desires.
Dawn65
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:35 pm Dawn65(Quote)
A debacle indeed. This is the best the music industry has to offer???? These awards are obviously not about the music any more. There was more than one performance that was just based on sex and shock value. Complete trash. Even though David was more worthy of an award than most of the “artists” there, something tells me that if he were in the audience that night, he’d have been completely appalled and embarassed of his “peers”.
chergehr
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:41 pm chergehr(Quote)
Fantastic article Dawn65! I couldn’t agree more. I’ll take David and his “real” self over that crap I saw last night any day.
angelofdja
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:49 pm angelofdja(Quote)
I have never been so disgusted in my life as I was last night when I watched the AMA’s. Adam Lambert’s, Lady Gaga and others performances were absolutely ridiculous. I’m so proud to be a David Archuleta fan. He is not only talented but beautiful inside and out. My sister, niece and I have the privilege of seeing David tomorrow night in Salt Lake City. We can’t wait to see our wonderful David. Thanks David for being you without the over the top gimmicks! You are the best!!!
Cassie
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:56 pm Cassie(Quote)
I can NOT believe CFTH tour kicks off already !!! For everyone attending tomorrow’s kick off show ~ please come back and post every single experience, from the electricity in the air waiting for him to make an appearance on stage, til that last chord is hit, and he slips off the stage. I want to hear it all, from anyone and everyone that attends !!!!
Dawn65
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:26 pm Dawn65(Quote)
How I wish SLC’s entire show would be recorded for us to watch. It might be even more fantastic to have the Ann Arbor show to watch. Do you suppose that may be happening?
Rose
said this on
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:35 pm Rose(Quote)
I hope they’ll allow cameras for the SLC shows Rose. My wish for the Ann Arbor concert is for someone to realize this is a perfect Live DVD concert to market. I’d buy it.. or several dozen. haha
Dawn65
said this on
November 24th, 2009 at 7:14 am Dawn65(Quote)
I left this comment over on Masterclass Lady’s website on her critical article about the AMA’s. I think it also pertains to the article you have so nicely written, so I hope it’s OK to post it here:
I attended the AMA’s so I got to see the unedited version of some of the egregious performances first hand and yes, Adam Lambert was more vulgar than what the viewing television audience was subjected to…thank goodness the network has some sliver of a standard remaining.
I will admit that I was pleasantly surprised with the overall performances of Green Day, Keith Urban, and a few others. I agree with much of what you have said, and unfortunately you are probably right. David Archuleta might come across as boring in contrast to many of the other indulged performances….but then again, maybe he could incorporate the smashing of guitars and pianos while he sang “Crush”…get it??? Oh, and he could light them all on fire as he belts out the ending note just for that dramatic effect.
Then again, maybe not. I think that David, and his fans, shouldn’t worry about that kind of fame, but the kind that really matters. Music is meant to move our souls, and David Archuleta is certainly a soul mover. That is his gift, and so I think it’s best to leave the glass smashing, laser wielding, and over-sexed antics to other performers. After Adam’s performance, the lady sitting next to me was just about in a convulsing frenzy. For her it was sheer bliss, and for me a torment from the bowels of Hell.
No matter how hard you try to mix oil and water, their intrinsic nature prevents it. My vote is for David to continue doing what he does best and to continue touching the souls of those who have ears to hear; albeit a smaller and less crazed audience. David may not ever make it on the prime time AMA’s, not because he’s not musically worthy, but because he understands and respects the value of his gift. It is one thing to have a gift, and another to use it wisely. David’s voice is like a precious diamond and his character the setting that displays it to the world.
Take Care and keep up the good work on AFS!
Gallie
archiefandoc
Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 3:33 pm archiefandoc(Quote)
LOL Gallie! YOU were at the AMA’s ????????? Now just observing you wathcing it would have been the most entertainment to me
. Must say – I can’t imagine David ever smashing his guitar or setting his piano on fire becuase that woud be ruining a perfectedly good instrument – and if he did not want it = someone else in need would.
Gallie
said this on
November 24th, 2009 at 11:57 am Gallie(Quote)
Economy in America is really that bad for those people in showbiz industry, particularly those in the music industry to display their so called “craft” or talent in AMA. Probably they thought people will just take what they give. It’s refreshing to know that our David treats his audience with respect.
Au said this on November 24th, 2009 at 12:15 pm Au(Quote)
Dawn,
You are so right about the AMA show. I saw only parts but it looked to me like the circus come to town. Send in the clowns…don’t bother. They’re here.
Great read!
Angelica
said this on
November 24th, 2009 at 12:16 pm Angelica(Quote)
And oddly enough, as all the world’s still a buzzin with the antics, possible fines and what have you.. we’ve collectively moved on to a more important agenda… CFTH KICKOFF !!!!!
everybody say woot woot !!
Dawn65
said this on
November 24th, 2009 at 12:25 pm Dawn65(Quote)
Dawn, great post! Agree with every word. And I thought the same thing re Taylor Swift. She’s at the top of the world now, which is often when all the stones begin to be thrown, sadly.
I used to love to watch awards shows, now they seem so vacuous and utterly meaningless. At least the performances themselves used to be worth watching. When David is asked to perform on them in future, I hope he does so via satellite, from one of his sold-out shows!
TOfan
said this on
November 24th, 2009 at 3:17 pm TOfan(Quote)
WOOOOT WOOOOOOT!!
ArchieFanDoc
said this on
November 24th, 2009 at 3:21 pm ArchieFanDoc(Quote)
Originally I was very disappointed that David wasn’t on the AMA, but after watching the show I realized he is totally in a different legion. He doesn’t need all the glitz to be great. Just his voice and his smile is enough for me. I’ll get to watch him perform Thanksgiving on Kaleidoscope and I know he’ll be on TV on December 10th, don’t know any details though. If anyone has any info on that performance I would love the details. And if the music industry is smart, he will perform on the Grammys (maybe even receive one).
Rose
said this on
November 24th, 2009 at 3:31 pm Rose(Quote)
Oh Gallie – I miss you !
archiefandoc
said this on
November 24th, 2009 at 3:36 pm archiefandoc(Quote)
AFD…thanks…and I haven’t given up the ghost just yet. I’ll share my two cents from time to time…but remember, don’t pay a penny more…it ain’t worth it.
Gallie
said this on
November 24th, 2009 at 5:14 pm Gallie(Quote)
Thank you so much for sharing your astute observations about David!! I’m one of those people who literally traveled 1,000 miles to see David in concert and although I haven’t seen him quite as many times as you have (only 5 for me) – I will continue to do my very best to see him in concert as often as I can – he is not only a remarkable talent, but a remarkable person and because of the example that he sets, he makes me want to be a better person!! He truly is the “angel” whom we admire so much!!
sharon g said this on November 24th, 2009 at 8:46 pm sharon g(Quote)
Dawn! My road tripping pal! You have written a wonderful article on what we have come to know and expect of David Archuleta, the artist. He delivers music in the best sense, No gimmicks or flash, just David and a song.
Abrra
Abrra
said this on
December 1st, 2009 at 4:20 pm Abrra(Quote)
Hi Gallie! I love your term “soul mover.” Describes David’s singing to a tee.
Susan M.
said this on
December 1st, 2009 at 5:08 pm Susan M.(Quote)
Hi Dawn,
I didn’t know you had written an article. I’m so happy to see you somewhere, I’ve really missed you. You are so right about David and his being happy, it radiates from him, on stage performing for his fans is a place of joy for him. I’ll be seeing him tomorrow in Anaheim. I’m so excited!
If you have a chance come by and see my first article ever. That part of my brain needs a little oiling but I’m have so much fun.
http://thevoicedavidarchuleta.com/
djafan
said this on
December 1st, 2009 at 11:13 pm djafan(Quote)