Lead photo: Nick Spanos
David Archuleta continues to go from strength to strength with his impressive recent material. The US singer-songwriter now pays tribute one of his pop idols with a stellar cover of George Michael classic Freedom, with David putting his own distinctive spin on the classic pop tune.
The musician works with producers Philip Lawrence and Davy Nathan on the number which was of course originally penned by Michael. David’s version arrives on the thirty-fifth anniversary of the track, which had a defining impact on the musician. He shares more about the inspiration he found in the original track:
“When I came out, George’s music took on a whole new meaning for me. I could feel him breaking out through his music that I craved to experience myself. It was like a motion helping me forward in my own journey. To honor that step ahead, I’m covering his song “Freedom” which again I can relate to so much. “Heaven knows I was just a young boy, didn’t know what I wanted to be.” Being in front of millions as a teenager on TV to now having to reshape who I am and what that means for me in the public eye, and hopefully sharing that spirit of George with today’s generation.”
David would also channel the British pop-superstar on his Idol finale, duetting with Sir Elton John on Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me back in 2008. David reminisces: “After so many years, I went back and listened to that song and had it on repeat. Because the meaning took on so much more than when I first heard it as a closeted 17-year-old on Idol. It holds the combination of feeling the pain life can bring, yet a hope for the future and empowerment that I needed — to feel seen, understood and keep going today. I am grateful for the genuine expression that was always felt in George’s voice as he sang.”
Like George Michael, David has also found a passion in EDM sharing: “EDM festivals and dancing have been a new way of feeling a sense of community and togetherness that I was worried I would lose,” he says. “Feeling a oneness through music and dancing is so magical and therapeutic—it’s freeing and also creative. It has encouraged me to be more fearless and to not be afraid to express myself in more creative ways.” This inspiration can be heard in some of David’s highly danceable recent tracks, which you can stream below.
Rather Be Lonely – HERE
Hell Together – HERE
Afraid To Love – HERE
I’m Yours – HERE
Up – HERE
Faith In Me: HERE
Movin’: HERE
OK, All Right: HERE
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