J-14 caught up with American Idol alum turned superstar David Archuleta to chat about his new album The Other Side of Down (out today!), the difficulties of love, and the possibility of an upcoming tour!
J-14: How would you describe the sound of The Other Side of Down?
David Archuleta: I think it is a mix of sounds. The main focus is trying to show the energy of songs that were compatible with my energy as a person. That is what I'm really excited about - the things that are being said and talked about are me. And I'm excited to be able to show people who I am and what is going on in my life. I didn't want to pretend that I was this cool heartthrob that is above everybody else. I want people to relate to me because I'm still a normal person. I want people to be able to feel that and connect to that like, "Hey, I'm still normal like you!"
J-14: What does the album title mean?
David: "The Other Side of Down" is about actually that perk, that constant progress and moving forward. Even though things can seem topsy turvy in your life, it is about looking at things in a positive way. Even if things may seem all jumbled up and all over the place, you can turn it around and look at in a way and say, you know what? Things might be looking a little confusing right now, but you just have to keep on moving and putting one foot in front of the other. The grass will be greener on the other side. It is just about moving up, moving forward, and how you can still do that by being who you are. You don't have to pretend to be something else in order to succeed in life. That is what I really want to show to people. Those are the kind of things that the album title touches on.
J-14: What does your hit single "Something 'Bout Love"mean to you?
David: The song "Something 'Bout Love" is about feeling frustrated about love and how it can get you down. Sometimes you feel alone and a bunch of thoughts that might go through someone's head sporadically. In the chorus it talks about how even though there is something about love that can tear you up inside and break your heart, there something about it that is worth it and you shouldn't give up on. So that is what the song is about. It is different from other things I've done, and it is still different from the rest of this album too. The rest of the album is more focused on trying to show people me as a person and some of the thoughts that go through my mind. "Something 'Bout Love" is just more a song that is fun for the radio -- it was a general message instead of a personal one.
J-14: Can you still relate to the lyrics of the song?
David: Yes, that is what the song is about -- everyone feels that way so even if you do feel alone, just know that even though everyone is different and goes through their own walk and path of life, everyone goes through similar things of love. Love is hard. It is something that is not easy. But it is something that is definitely worth it because of how it can make you feel.
J-14: Will you be touring any time soon?
David: Yeah! I might be going on tour sometime near the end of the year. I'm looking forward to that. It's still in the works, but I'm really excited about touring because it is something I love to do. It is just about you and your connection with music and the audience. I just love that feeling!
Photo: Courtesy of Ashley Spencer
