David Archuleta On Songwriting for his next Album

It’s funny. Several times now I’ve noticed how excited he gets when talking about the upcoming album. I’m glad he is enjoying the process more. Even the way he speaks about the new material seems different. It must be nice to be creative without those hard and fast deadlines looming.

I’m like really excited for this album!

Perfect timing for the new thread. Just saw this video posted over at FOD:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NckF4yU120

Can’t wait for David’s new CD..hoping in comes out in time for him to do a 2010 summer tour!!

david’s growth and progression continues… i hope he does have more input in the songwriting process, and begins with this next pop cd to shape and define what he considers to be his ”sound”… it’s great to see his enthusiasm for everything and everyone he’s been meeting and mentoring with, from nashville to new york… i’m also glad to see them taking more time this go round to craft and produce the cd, and i can’t wait to hear those new songs… the excitement continues, and continues to build…

btw all 3 vids play one after the other in the first vid.

i almost spit out my juice when i read his collaborators. i’m a huge fan of matt wertz and joy williams, and was just as excited for them that they got to work with david. can’t wait to hear what they came up with.

First Mat Kearney tried to dirty up Kris Allen and now he has his hands on David A. what is Jive thinking? It just seemed strange to me that they would setup another Kearney colab for DA since the Kris one did not make it on his album.

I am so intrigued. I really want to hear what kind of songs Archie comes up with. He always seemed like a songwriter type to me. Good stuff!

I’ll be curious how much payola money Jive throws Archie’s way with this second album. Crush must have cost a ton to push up because they sure didn’t spend much on the subsequent “singles”.

The visual of Kearney attempting to “dirty up” David Archuleta is laughable.

who knows, maybe kearney will come up with something that is a better fit for david… david and kris have two very different vocal styles, so the approaches to songwriting for them individually may be different… i’m curious to hear what came out of this collaboration… david has expressed a desire for his ”sound” to segue into a more organic, soulful pop leaning direction, so it’ll be interesting to see whose collaborations with him pass muster, come album song selection time…

I’m really looking forward to his 2nd album. The collaborations sound interesting, some people he’s worked with before and some new. Plus, sounds like more writing from David than before!

”crush” sold itself after its premiere on z100, and subsequent release on itunes… and continues to sell… whatever promotion jive spent to promote it i’m sure has been more than recouped – there are known for their frugality, so throwing boatloads of money around doesn’t fit their business model… if the songs on the next pop cd are well crafted, and the album is well produced, and jive uphold’s their end in promoting to radio, and to public, it’s gonna be all good… i know the songs are gonna be well sung, and the fan excitement for the cd is huge, so it’s on those other variables and players to fall into line

According to Robert Marvin’s Tweet, David finished writing 2 songs w/ him “Sooner or Later” and “Falling Awake ” .

Love David’s enthusiasm for the new CD, hopefully JIVE will let him have some of HIS SONGS OF CHOICE on the album. Can’t wait to hear an album that hopefully expresses the man himself and show case’s his smooth vocal skills “-)

Btw… guys its not matt kearney who he worked with but his ‘producer’

CRB -

The visual of Jive payola-ing a song up for David Archuleta is laughable.

His collaborators sound very proud and enthusiastic about the songs they have produced with David. Read some of their tweets…

joywilliams: Wrote a killer one today with @davidarchie & @mattwertz …sweet!

joywilliams: 9 hours in the studio and counting today. So excited about this song penned with @davidarchie & @jeremybose!

joywilliams: In the control room: me, @jeremybose & @nateyetton. In the vox room thru the dark glass: @DavidArchie killin’ it! http://twitpic.com/lz2rk

nateyetton: Dutchland Studios = my office today. Joy, Archie, Marvin, Bose session in the tracking room. This track, that melody = magic to my ears.

nateyetton: Still hanging in studio w/@DavidArchie, @joywilliams, @jeremybose and Robert Marvin. Sounding insane! Go team.

mattbronleewe: Awesome day working w/ Andy Dodd on a song we wrote w/ @joywilliams and @DavidArchie – it rocks! Now headed to @plumb_artist release party!

robertmarvin: Working on some new David Archuleta songs. Sweet pop!

robertmarvin: David archuletta songs are sounding killer! He can sing!

robertmarvin: Just finished 2 David Archuleta songs “Sooner or Later” and “Falling Awake”. They are addicting! Let’s see what happens.

This week David is in LA working with Victoria Horn (@ladyvmusic) who’s worked with Katy Perry, Boyonce, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks and Brandy.

Also working with David and Victoria, is Matt Squire (@Matt_Squire) who’s worked with Panic! at the Disco, All Time Low, boys Like Girls, Emily Osment and Katy Perry.

The tweets back and forth sound like they are all having a blast and sounds promising. They’ve got a couple of completed songs already and will be writing again today.

On the Nashville front, Robert Marvin has been finishing production on the demos they cut of the 6 songs written there. His tweets have been building the anticipation. And David got to hear some of them yesterday.

Sometime in the next few days he’s scheduled to have writing sessions with Daniel Bedingfield (who he co-wrote “Works For Me” with – a bonus track on the first album and a fan favorite).

And then I guess it’s off on promotion appearances, rehearsals, and touring for the Christmas CD until the end of the year.

2010 is stacking up to be a pretty good year. CAN…NOT….WAIT!!!!

Hi guys – Archie isn’t working with Mat Kearney. Just his producer. I think it’s an awesome fit. I love how Kearney’s last album sounds. I described it to Mat as “underwater rock.” (He had a good laugh about that, but finally conceded and understood what I meant.) It has a very nice dreamlike feel to it. Yet still sounds clear and analog-y. I HATE how pop/rock albums are now mastered within an inch of their lives and it just sounds like a wall of digital noise. Kearney’s stuff always sounds clean. I hope we get to hear those songs. Would love to hear David’s voice on a really well-produced song.

Cool, Jim! Thanks for stopping by! You have no idea how much the fans appreciate your interviews and vids.

Oooooh!!! It’s Jim Cantiello himself! Hi, Jambajim! I’m a big fan! So sweet of you to drop by.

here’s david singing a joy williams composition in providence, ri on 10/30… sweeeeeeeet…..

”waiting for yesterday”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne9te1BYsxI&feature=related

Hey Jim! Can you be David’s “Official Interviewer” from now on? haha! He seems to really like you and feel comfortable with you, and when he feels comfortable he really opens up. It’s fascinating to watch. And you have fun with him, yet ask him serious questions about his music and then let him run with it. Very cool.

It’s always disappointing when interviewers ask him questions about his “celebrity” instead of his music and it’s same old tired questions. And when they have already answered the question in their own mind and don’t let David talk. They sometimes just talk right over him before he can get the answer out. If you let him talk, he’s got a lot to say.

So, thanks! I’d hug you if I could. haha!

Jim! Nice interview with David! I’m with you – anxious to hear David’s voice on a well produced song also.

As much as I’m loving the Christmas CD, I’m also very excited at the thought of new songs by David, and along with his other fans I’m hoping that a lot of his music makes the cut. I’m not one who follows music all that closely — I know what I like when I hear it — but many of these collaborations sound fantastic. When David is feeling comfortable, it shows. Hope some of the stuff with Joy works, just for that reason.

Jim, if you stop back by, a big thanks from me for all of the videos and writeups. I’ve enjoyed every single thing.

JRB — hilarious that we said the same thing about David’s comfort level showing, because I was writing when you posted and didn’t see what you said until after I posted. LOL!

jambajim, you rock! thanks for that info… a lot of david’s fans deepest desires are to hear david’s vocals captured ”on a really well-produced song.” hearing david live, hearing those unvarnished, rich golden vocals live is a mind blowing experience, if all you have to reference david from is the debut cd… i’ve heard both, and hearing him sing live is just… magnifique. it’s like hearing him anew each time, because he never sings the same song the same way twice, he has a gift for adding little nuances and shades that heighten the listening experience… the song or producer that’s able to capture that energy… umm, umm, umm

Hey Jim, Glad to see you checking in here. Hope you know that many of David’s fan sites have been estatic about the caroling, interviews etc. that you have done with him. i’ve tried registering @MTV to give you feedback but got rejected so haven’t been able to give you feedback. Hopefully you check Fans of David, FanScene, Snarkies, SoulDavid,Snow angelz, David Chronicles and of course MJ’s, Idol Chatter,Rickeys,Idol forums. Lots of kudos for your support of David even when its Snarky. Thanks to you too MJ for keeping David’s info out there. Love this interview and am so excited for the Second album. (meantime enjoying the first album and the Christmas album) ha! ha!

Oh hey its jim! You are one awesome dude heh! Thanks for the interview!

Here’s one I missed…

matt_squire: wrote a smash today with @DavidArchie and @ladyvmusic

Wow Jim, thanks for being the great interviewer and bringing out What we know David is capable of doing! We are all hoping that the next album won’t be over produced and we’ll hear more of his talented vocals! Can’t get over how talented the guy is!!!

i’ve tried registering @MTV to give you feedback but got rejected

It’s impossible to sign up there. These endless loops. I don’t know why they make it so hard.

Hey Jim–If you’re still checking in on this thread–I wish you were my neighbor. (Seriously, I think you’d be a great neighbor.)

Loved your singing shenanigans with David.

‘Eloquent and excited’
I think is how Jim put it….
it was wonderful and so informative and the two of them
seemed to get along really well from all the footage we have been
so graciously treated too….
wow just beside myself with ‘Glee’ and I wonder if Jim can
follow him around from time to time?!
Jim seems someone who… lol
is snarky and quick on his feet yet has a wonderful way of being respectful
and intelligent when the time is needed.
Great questions
Great answers!
What a blast and all I have to say is….
I WANT MORE!
Oh and I think there may be another identity in control of David’s hands.
Please never let him lose any of all his incredible charm!
Thank you Jim and MTV!

Oh–did you guys read that the three songs sent to radio stations for Holiday play are: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Joy to the World and Melodies of Christmas.

I don’t think that Jive has a good sense of what makes a perpetual holiday song. Pat-a-Pan is it. Just like It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year belongs to Andy Williams, Pat-a-Pan could belong to David for all eternity. But no–Jive picks two songs made famous by other people and Melodies of Christmas, which is just too cheesy to catch on.

Eagerly awaiting the new pop album next year. Hope he gets a single out in time to do it on AI.

I agree, JRB5776. Jim allows David the space to be comfortable and freely share himself, his thoughts and feelings. He should be given the title of Official David Interviewer. You can tell how much David enjoys the process of songwriting and I do hope the label gives him the support he needs to get his own music out into the world. Obviously, there are no guarantees. I love how David breaks down the genre walls – if its written and performed by him, then it’s a David genre. No inconsistency or barriers. Just David’s soul coming through the music. Simplicity is David’s friend, for sure.

Watched the you tube video. Just love his smile as the audience screams for him. He is so geniune and happy! Can’t wait to hear what he comes up with. Great interview.

I never get tired of seeing David’s smiling face and genuine enthusiasm. Can’t wait to hear the new CD.

Jambajim, enjoyed every minute of your interview with David.
Loved, loved and laughed a lot on the David Archuleta Locomotion.
Very talented creator. Thanks.

Jim,
Loved your David coverages. You are funny, sensitive, nice, hard-working and funny (Did I say that again?). Thank you for giving David a super duper time there at MTV. I am sure he has more control in song writer selection for the second pop album compared to his first album when he didn’t have any specific direction except his desire to sing contemporary pop.

jambajim
Nice of you to drop by and give us a heads up “-) Awesome interview with David and well thought out questions. Thanks

What an impressive list of songwriters collaborating with David on his next album…when I heard the title “Falling Awake”…I said to myself..”how clever”…and immediately went to work in my mind trying to figure out what it could be about…falling in love, perhaps??? Being in love makes you feel awake for the first time in a certain sense! I don’t usually wish time away but, in this case, I wish it was the date for us to be ordering this next album which will, no doubt, be out of this world! David just keeps us on the edge of our seats, wanting more! Take your time, David, we’re a patient bunch and we want you to relax and enjoy the process of the creation of your next album….you’ve earned it!

I am so excited now for this next album. Thanks to Jim for giving us these last few interviews with David tidbits. Oh yeah!

And, CRB, Crush didn’t get the big Jive push. Crush got the David push. He was interviewing and had some shows, but isn’t that Azoff management, not Jive? Anyways, I remember when Crush came out, and the fans all complained cuz it was getting no push by Jive or even the radios. That song made it on its own two legs…David’s two legs or voice, I should say!!! And the help of great producers and writers whose names and know how made this song a “hit”!

from ”lightning in a bottle” below to….?? the possibilities, oh the possibilities….. it hasn’t gone awayyyy after all these months david… take your time, young man, with your sophomore effort… we’ll be waiting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yff9nCctMkg

Jambajim you are crazy, and I mean that in the most complimentary of ways. You bring out the best in David, and it’s fun to watch. Thanks for that.

I can’t wait for David’s new pop stuff. He might just turn out to be a brilliant song writer. My 12 year old just discovered Works For Me, (I gave her the regular cd from Target) and she is obsessed with it. Last night she was on Lyrics.com at the computer with her MP3 player plugged into her ears. It was so cute. That is how he is going to get them, just like Michael Jackson and Elton etc, got me when I was a little kid. We are not just fickle creatures who automatically move onto the next cute thing. David has the goods to keep his fans interested and growing with him as he matures. These writing sessions will be very good for him. GGdoorsfan, loving the videos….keep em coming!

how can i refuse you abbysee? feast your eyes and ears on an artist at the full capability of his power… ah-may-zzzzzzzzzing.

Don’t Let Go ~ David Archuleta ~ Providence RI ~ October 30 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHMMuB2hp90

jambajim–U rock–U need a raise Awesome personal interview with David–thx:)

For abbysee – I’ll throw one into the pot.

I’ll match and raise you one ggdoorsfan. heh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l73jFi8RRlw

Thanks guys for feeding my Archie addiction. He’s infectious….that smile is one for the ages!

I’ll match and raise you one ggdoorsfan. heh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l73jFi8RRlw

Thank you JRB! I think that’s my new favorite video of DA, lol. Loved the “SING IT!” he threw in there a couple of times. He’s letting loose on the stage more and more!

I thought his Christmas album is the last record made under Jive contract. That is way I’m surprised he is working on his next pop record.

koka, no. I’m always a little fuzzy on these kinds of details, but my understanding is the 2 album contract with open option did not include the Christmas cd. I’m sure someone can correct me if I’m wrong.

For some reason, I don’t get the impression that David will be doing as much “love” songs in next album, especially if some are the ones he is writing.
Marylee, you mentioned that you are brainstorming what “Falling Awake” might be about. I didn’t think love song. I’ve heard David mention in the past about how hard of a time he has falling asleep at night. Maybe this is in reference to that. I don’t know, maybe double meaning relating to hard time falling asleep, theeeeeen the agony of falling awake the next day, and maybe relating to a relationship, I don’t know. This may sound silly, but I’m trying to think in David’s mind here. He told Jim that these songs are about him. Sharing more about who he is.
Does anybody remember David mentioning he’s not a morning person, and that he has a hard time going to sleep and then getting up?
Could this somehow relate to this and then dig into deeper relationship stuff? Gah!

Stan, not sure about the song, but I do remember that David has mentioned he is not a morning person. In fact, I’ve gotten the impression he is quite the night owl, when he’s not wearing himself out by working out, that is.

LadyVmusic: oh wow you know when you write one of those special ones.. not nec a hit but a beautiful song.. sooo happy

DavidArchie: Got another song today! I love how a song can really bring out a feeling you have inside.
14 minutes ago from web

David has a Jive contract for two pop albums and the Christmas album. Could be negotiated for more depending on how things go and what David and Jive want to do from there. He will be busy for some time finsihing the second pop album, touring, doing charity work etc……………………….Stay tuned. More music from David Archuleta….Yeh!!!

I think “Falling Awake” may have something to do with his “spaciness.” You know how he’s always talking about that. In that sense, “falling awake” would be equivalent to his snapping out of one of his bouts of hypnotic spaciness and coming back into alert focus to his immediate surroundings.

heh. I thought the contract was for 1 album with an option for 2 more. Who the heck knows!

JRB, I think you are right. That is sounding familiar.

Thanks Mj for posting. I always love the interviews where people ask intelligent questions and try to find out more about David and what he is doing, as opposed to some of the really bad radio interviews he has had where they guys are jerks.

I always thought his randomness will be transferred to his song writings. When he recommended Rabbit (Matt Duke), Fireflies (Owl City), Too Much Food (Jason Mraz), These Words (Natasha Bedingfield) etc. on his blogs, he seemed to be attracted by songs that are not necessarily love songs but interesting random themes. For example, in an interview in Philippines, a reporter asked him which song would describe what he felt at that time, he answered “These Words”.

David is a king of randomness and I think we can get best of ‘who David is’ out of his random thoughts. Of course, it’s fun. Remember? His random rambling about wheat bread? And he said maybe he’s gonna write a song about it? haha.

ghl – The wheat bread thing was funny.

Somehow, in a VIP, he and the fans got to talking about food (I think because he wanted to know what was on the snack table in the VIP room) which segued into wheat bread (how, I do not know), which he is a big fan of. He does NOT like white bread, thank you very much. So I guess someone asked him to write a song about wheat bread and he said he’d have to write a song about wheat FIELDS because that was more romantic. But that even if it was so romantic it became a wedding song, he’d always know it was about wheat bread.

ROFL!!!

Back to “Falling Awake,” if I may. I just had another thought. Rather than falling out of one of his bouts of hypnotic spaciness,” maybe it means a falling into spaciness, which makes sense since when he’s spacey he’s still awake, hence the title “Falling Awake” as opposed to “Falling Asleep” to describe his spaceyhood. Get it?

ETA: I’m glad he’s avoiding white bread. Not good for you. It makes you fat. I’m so glad Kendra is there to be a good influence on his eating habits.

JRB5776 It wasn’t about the snack table. He was telling us about what he had for dinner the night before. He had just finnished the LA show and had went to dinner with Brooke White and Jason Castro and he had a turkey burger on Wheat bread. The he extolled the virtues of wheat bread over white bread and like you said

I guess someone asked him to write a song about wheat bread and he said he’d have to write a song about wheat FIELDS because that was more romantic. But that even if it was so romantic it became a wedding song, he’d always know it was about wheat bread.

He had us all laughing. He is so random. But that is one of the many things we love about him.

Ozarka – It was suggested “Falling Awake” could be about his dreams become a reality.

JRB,
Yes, I understand what David meant, which is magic of song writing. His development as a song-writer is really interesting and fun to watch. I love Works For Me which should have been made on the main album, and if songs on his next album are more about himself like Works For Me, they will be ear warming fun songs to listen to.

Oh! Thanks for clarifying gemzone. I know he had an early fascination on what was offered up on the snack tables during VIPs. I thought that might have triggered the conversation. lol

(sorry for a separate post, the edit function is messed up for me.)

It was suggested ‘Falling Awake’  could be about his dreams become a reality.

Hmm, that’s clever. I like that. It reminds me of what he said during Top 2 night, “It’s like a dream. It’s a dream come true. It’s just…so clear.”

If nothing else, all of his personal family drama gives him some good writing material! I am hoping to hear some kind of awesome venting song in the vein of Kelly Clarkson’s Because Of You from him. He needs to have some kind of outlet I would imagine.

LadyVmusic: in da stu stu studio with @davidarchie and @matt_squire cutting vocals.. sounds beeeaaaautiful

LadyVmusic: Hey Archie fans, it’s all good we’re finished for the day.
3 songs done.. will try and get another pic for you all tom it’s 10:30 in LA

LadyVmusic: aweee i wish i could say the titles.. the record labels like to keep them secret,,,, but 2 are uplifting and 1 is a ballad .. so far..
10 minutes ago from web

ETA: I’m glad she didn’t tell us the titles. Otherwise, we would be speculating about them forever. It’s way too early to be doing that.

^^^ Like “Falling Awake”? Bahahahahaha!

It’s just such an intriguing title. Gah!