Tag: David Cook

Wait…WHAT?’s 2017 Summer Jamz Playlist

The best part of summertime is driving around with my windows down, listening to my favorite music. And of course, this summer is no different! Continue reading Wait…WHAT?’s 2017 Summer Jamz Playlist

Wait…WHAT?’s Favorite Albums of 2011 (#10 – #6)

I cannot tell you how hard it was narrowing down my 10 favorite albums from the past year. As my taste in music evolved a bit this year, I found myself clinging to albums from artists that I never imagined that I would be into as much as I am now. Earlier this week, I finally narrowed down my list and there are my favorite albums (#10 – #6) from 2011!

Continue reading Wait…WHAT?’s Favorite Albums of 2011 (#10 – #6)

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Carolina Liar’s Chad Wolf Talks Touring and “Going For Broke” on ‘Wild Blessed Freedom’

Chad Wolf, lead singer of Carolina Liar, discusses touring with David Cook and  Gavin DeGraw and the band’s latest album, Wild Blessed Freedom.
Continue reading Carolina Liar’s Chad Wolf Talks Touring and “Going For Broke” on ‘Wild Blessed Freedom’

James Durbin Discusses His Debut Record, ‘Memories of a Beautiful Disaster’

On November 21, American Idol season 10 favorite James Durbin released his debut record, Memories of a Beautiful Disaster, on Wind-Up Records.

The 11-track album, produced by the highly acclaimed Howard Benson, is a well-crafted mix of rock music. From the roaring “Higher Than Heaven” to the nod to Aerosmith on “Love in Ruins,” to the power anthem “Stand Up,” 22-year-old Durbin proves to be a real contender in the world of rock.

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with Durbin, where we discussed his debut record, which collaborator he’s learned the most from, and what’s coming up next for him.

How does it feel to have all your hard work out there for people to hear?

It feels great. That’s exactly what it was; it was a lot of hard work. I actually finished the vocals on the record in two and half weeks. It was basically singing three songs a day and getting them finished, having to sing each song 15 times or so to really get the right one. That was a lot of wear and tear on my voice, but it was well worth it.

On the release date, were you more anxious or more excited about your record coming out?

Definitely more excited. Before the release, all my fans were counting down the days, and I was counting along with them. It was very, very exciting. I think it’s more exciting to have it out there. I found out today that I sold 28,000 copies my first week. It’s like, wow, you know? This is like the moment of truth. This is what all the hard work paid off for. It wasn’t just having a record out there, it was really seeing the extent of my fan following. It’s so great to know that I sold that many. It’s unbelievable.

So you had a signing in your hometown of Santa Cruz the day your album was released; what was it like being home on your big day?

It was great. Not only that, but one of my favorite things to do is to see all my fans; just to see all my fans face to face, see who’s buying this record, getting to thank them and shake their hand. And be like, “You know what, thank you so much for your love and support. It means so much to me, it means so much to my family.” This has been my dream. And now my dream’s come true. I get to work in music and support myself and support my family in the process. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.

Continue reading James Durbin Discusses His Debut Record, ‘Memories of a Beautiful Disaster’

VIDEO: David Cook Covers Meredith Brooks’ “Bitch”

The other night at David Cook’s show in Springfield, MO , he was apparently asked to cover “Bitch” by Meredith Brooks in honor of a couple’s anniversary. Who was the couple? His tour manager Jody and his wife, singer Meredith Brooks! Check out his performance below!

Yeah, so this is pretty much my new favorite cover that I didn’t even know I wanted.

What do y’all think of the new cover song? And what other female singer’s music catalogue should DCook dive into? I’m thinking Liz Phair…

VIDEO: James Durbin Performing Live at Santana Row

Earlier today Windup Records recording artist and American Idol season 10 alum, James Durbin, made an appearance at Santana Row in San Jose, CA.

After doing a meet-n-greet with fans, James performed a stripped down set of songs from his debut album, Memories of a Beautiful Disaster for the crowd.

Set list: “Stand Up,” “Right Behind You,” “Love Me Bad,” “Screaming,” and “Love in Ruins.”

Check out video of James’ performance below!

“Stand Up”

Two more videos after the cut! Continue reading VIDEO: James Durbin Performing Live at Santana Row

FLASHBACK: November 18, 2008 – David Cook’s Debut Album is Released

Alright Cook fans, do you remember where you were on November 18, 2008?

I do; I was on my computer at midnight downloading David Cook’s self-titled major label debut off of Amazon.com. And I’m going to assume that I wasn’t the only one.

The next morning before heading out to buy physical copies of the record, I sat down and wrote a blog post, which you can find HERE.

Last month during an interview I conducted for Blogcritics, I asked David about how his debut record resonates with him now – three years later. Check out what he said below!

I say this, and it’s not to discredit that record or anything like that, but it really feels like every other record that I’ve done up to this point. I go back and I listen to it, and it seems like a very accurate, very honest, I guess, self-portrait at that time. You know, I hear a lot of energy, a lot of spastic energy on that record.

I think coming off of Idol, finally after 10 years of toiling in clubs, and bars, and coffee houses, and stuff like that, I’m finally at this spot. There’s a great vibe to that record. I’m really proud of what that record did. I’m glad I got to make it. With this record, the new one, I think there was just a bit more of a concise focus. I think I was able to put blinders on a little bit with this new record and focus on a singular idea.

And now Cook fans, I turn to you. Being that it’s been three years exactly; how does David’s self-titled debut record resonate with you now? And which song off the record has remained your favorite? (My fave is “A Daily AntheM.”)

Hit me up in the comments!

RECAP: Gavin DeGraw & David Cook LIVE in Santa Rosa, CA

[Note from Kirsten: Yes, this is a recap of my show from last month…better late than never, right? Enjoy!]

If you follow me on Twitter (and if you’re not, get on that), then you know that as soon as it was rumored that Gavin DeGraw and David Cook would be hitting the road together, I was legit excited.

October 20 finally rolled around, and my friend Sarah and I trekked out to Santa Rosa all in the name of seeing what was sure to be an amazing show. And was it ever!

The night kicked off with Carolina Liar, whom I was feeling pretty enamored with at the end of their set. Admittedly, I only knew the songs off their first album, but I’ve already rectified that issue with some Spotify listening sessions.  The band did a great job of getting the crowd going and ready for music from the night’s headliners. I truly look forward to seeing them play again; they brought a lot of excitement to the stage.

Next up was the performer that I was probably most looking forward to seeing that evening, being Mr. Gavin DeGraw. I’ve seen Gavin a couple times before, but I was so looking forward to hearing the new material from Sweeter. I have a lot of love for his latest album. When an artist can take their sound and build on it, to me, that’ s exciting. Plus, I couldn’t wait to see how the new material would be showcased onstage. And, oh man, did he and his band ever deliver!

From the moment Gavin kicked off his set with “Candy,” a song off his new record, I was up and on my feet singing-a-long with the rest of the people in my section that were there to have a good time that night.  Continue reading RECAP: Gavin DeGraw & David Cook LIVE in Santa Rosa, CA

VIDEO: David Cook Covers Led Zeppelin’s “Rock & Roll”

Last night during a tour stop in Grand Prairie, TX, David Cook covered Led Zeppelin’s “Rock & Roll” during his set!

Check out David’s performance below!

Holy crap. 

Way to rock it out, DCook!