Interview: David Archuleta's 'Down' with new album, plots Spanish-language album
The “American Idol†star sets his sights on producing, talks on Jennifer Lopez as AI judge
David Archuleta
Credit: 19/Jive
The first time David Archuleta released a full-length album, he’d co-written two of the 12 songs. For his newest “The Other Side of Down,” he’s credited for 10. The result, he says, is a set of songs that lift the veil on some of his quirks.
“This album is about personality,” Archuleta says in a phone interview. “It’s embracing that I’m not perfect, but I have to be the way I am or I’m not gonna be happy.”
One fair example is “Elevator,” which was recently added at radio, as promoting the single “Something ‘Bout Love” winds down. The 19-year-old former “American Idol” star describes how the track is about “a dream I had. It’s kind of dumb,” he says, laughing. “Its just kind of a goofy, quirky song, just the kind of thing I’m wanting to show people this time around. It’s just kind of my dorkiness.”
Dork or not, Archuleta is pleased that he achieved his songwriting goals with “Down.” Next stop: production. A handful of producers like S*A*M & Sluggo contributed to this effort, but the 2008 AI runner-up sees himself running his own show from behind the decks on a follow-up.
“Production is so influential. I think it’d be good to… have a more cohesive sound. The first album [his 2008 self-titled set], was a huge learning experience. This album, the biggest thing is the lyrics. Especially with songs from ‘American idol,’ those served a different purpose. After this, I want to make every song my own.”
And that may even mean making them his own in another language.
“I really wanna do a Spanish album,” the Utah native mentions, noting that his mom is from Honduras. “I have that Latin culture background. It’s a part of me. I’m not the best Spanish speaker, but I have a longing to connect with that. I just think how supportive the Latin community has been, even during ‘Idol.’ I’d like to give back with something like that.”
He says he hasn’t laid down any tracks for the project yet, noting that it’s all about “the right time. I’m just focusing on getting this project together and stuff.”
Archuleta says he appreciates that “AI” producers went with Jennifer Lopez as a new judge on the show considering the pop star’s Latin background. But no matter who judges, he says, it’s ultimately the crop of contestants and finalists that will keep the FOX singing competition fresh. “It’s always best when you’ve got a lot of personalities.”
David Archuleta’s “The Other Side of Down” hits shelves on Oct. 5. The album is streaming in its entirety here.
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About This Blog
Katie Hasty is HitFix's New York outpost for movies and music. She served as a web editor and columnist for Billboard Magazine for five years, and has freelanced since 1999 -- as a writer, editor, music supervisor, A&R consultant, radio correspondent, recording artist and concert promoter. She plays guitar and sings in her Brooklyn-based band Numbers And Letters, and loves Christmas songs, dark beer, Tom Waits and serial sentences.
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Login or create a HitFix account Login SignupDebToronto
September 28, 2010 at 11:05AM EST Reply to CommentAwesome interview, thanks! LOVE Elevator and can't wait for his Spanish album!
Kath
September 28, 2010 at 11:19AM EST Reply to CommentThis album full of great gifts!! I love every song! David did an awesome job of bringing great messages with yet upbeat, happy, and inspirational spirit!!! Davids voice and heart are full of WIN!!!! There is so much to love about this album!!!
Sharon
September 28, 2010 at 11:27AM EST Reply to CommentIf David is a dork....then the world should have more dorks in it!!! This album is beautifully created with such heart!! David is a musical genius and has created a masterpiece. This is Epic.
Congrats David...You are an amazing singer, songwriter and person!! I love every song!!!
waffles
September 28, 2010 at 11:40AM EST Reply to CommentThis is an amazing cd from David! There's a lot of growth and maturity here and the result is a beautiful cohesive collection of great songs (lyrically and musically). Really need the cd NOW!!
lct
September 28, 2010 at 12:07PM EST Reply to CommentOnly David has the unique ability to change gears, genres... with all that talent! I simply have enjoyed this album and can't wait for Spanish. His voice is to die for in that language!
sara
September 28, 2010 at 11:38PM EST Reply to CommentI have no doubt he will be a complete musician from writing, singing to producing. Because this kid is born to do music; hard-worker, careful observer, sensitive thinker with inborn musical sensitivity and instinct. Great future is ahead of him.