Happy Father’s Day to Mr. Lewis and all loving dads out there!
We want YOU!
Latest Posts
- New Chat Thread and Tour Dates!!!
- Vote for Lupe
- Weekly Chat, 8/10 - 8/16 + Pop Culture Video #4
- Pop Culture Video #3
- Pop Culture Video #2
- Blake’s Hollywood Pop Culture Video #1
- Sir Diddimus
- Weekly Chat, 8/3 - 8/9
- Weekly Chat, 7/27 - 8/2
- Happy Birthday, Blake!
- Weekly Chat, 7/20 - 7/26
- Weekly Chat, 7/13-19
- Weekly Chat, 7/6 - 7/12
- Weekly Chat - 6/29-7/5
- HMW #21 on Billboard’s Dance Charts + Massive Attack
Oh, you guyssss…The SummerJam in Nashville was last night. Here’s the Link to vids, and they have pictures and stuff too I guess. They gave Jordin a big Surprise Guest while on stage: Melinda Doolittle!
I’m still wiping the tears, it was really sweet.
ACCORDING TO WIKIPEDIA,
Blake Lewis will release “Without You” as a single in Japan! Can anyone verify this?
hmmm.. IDK bshorty4L but that sounds so cool!!!
That is odd - WY is my least favorite on the CD. Don’t dislike it, just ranks below the others.
TODAY is the 21st! Cue the series of Events, and film-age to follow!
Radio station interviews to look for as well, so let’s all enjoy the flood of happy stuff.
Have a wonderful time, those of you out there fortunate enough to be seeing him in person!
Oh man, it’s so ironic! Blake’s going to be in Agawam, MA tomorrow and I came up to Boston, MA with a friend for a weekend trip…. It’s still 2 hours away and I wouldn’t be able to go, but we’re both in MA at the same time! Hahaha!
Can’t wait for all the footage. I’m pumped. :)
Bully,
I just through watching that vid and it almost had me in tears! How sweet is that? That is what you call a lifelong bond! :)
While we’re waiting for any little scrap or sweet morsel of video that anyone is willing to throw us of Blake’s performances today (can’t wait, can’t wait), here is some good news about the Dance Club Play Chart for 7/5/2008.
HMW has moved up from 39 to 29. Woot Woot!
My friend went today she told me he did Here’s My Hello, 1000 Miles and HMW, Johnny is with him. She has video. I believe she’s working on it now :)
and he spent a lot of time greeting fans!
http://maximumthreshold.net/
^he’s gonna be on that internet radio show around 10pm est.
ps that melinda and jordin video made me cry too! so sweet!
Thank you heather for the information. The set Blake chose sounds wonderful. My three favorite songs from the album.
EOTW, This is wonderful news for Blake. I hope it will keep climbing up.
Blake beatboxed my name! :D
:( Blake got dropped… Ugh.
I know greeneyesxo I was listening to the radio program. That is their loss. If they did not believe in Blake’s music, they would not support it anyway. I hope he will find people who will see the potential and talent that his fans do. I can only say that I admire Blake to being upfront with that information on the radio program and going on with music and shows despite that setback.
But there were some things that Blake mentioned that we can look forward to and we should not overlook. Blake said that they have a nice arrangement of Emotional Waterfalls for EP. There is also a possibility of a tour starting in September. Plus he is working on a new album and has been collaborating with other artists.
I can’t believe they dropped him. Hows he gonna release KMN now?!!
I guess we all saw it coming, but it is still a bummer to hear. I just get so mad at the record industry these days. If you don’t fit into the perfect mold of what is “popular”, ie., R&B you are considered a no-talent. It is so sad. We the public are missing out on so many talented musicians. Today it just seems like they want a voice and then have “professional” songwriters write the music and then just have the voices sing the songs. It is not about musicians anymore.
It is amazing to me that they take almost every A.I. person and just kill them if they don’t fit into the genre. How can they not capitalize on these very talented people? Whether you liked a particular contestant or not, they were exposed to millions of people. How can they not take advantage of that in some way? I thought Taylor was very entertaining and his pre-idol music was really good. Bo Bice was really good, but look what they did to him? I was not a big fan of Katharine, but she is gorgeous and has a lovely voice and seemed popular. Elliott was amazing, but they passed on him because he did not fit. It is sad that they cannot/do not want to think outside of the box. I hope that records/major record companies actually disappear and people/smaller labels release singles. I think that would give new music a chance to be heard. It is too expensive to make an album unless you have a major label to back you. And you don’t get airplay without the major label backing that either. Also, I hope Myspace and other websites can succeed in promoting new talent.
We actually shouldn’t be sad about the news….they didn’t promote him anyways. They should have let him tour.
Thanks for the great post Kasia. It IS their loss. I can’t wait for the release of Emotional Waterfalls!!!!
I guess Blake was in Vegas recently? Blake siting.
I was listening to that interview, and if that news had to come I was grateful to hear it from Blake himself instead of from some other sources. What a year it’s been for him. In a way, “How Many Words” is a metaphor for his experience with Arista. He’s amazingly talented, determined, and willing to work hard to get his music out. Despite this setback for him, there are several projects under way. He’s been working all along and is not giving up.
music4me and EOTW,
Wonderful posts and spot on. I am also glad that Blake was the one who broke the news. It must be in a way a relief for him that it is out. Now, he can move on with his plans. I do hope that he will find the label that will be supportive of his music from the beginning and will not try to make him fit a specific music format or have a primary goal of making fast and now profit.
Yes, I agree girls. Better to hear it from him, himself.
The news of more stuff coming anyhow, like an EP of EW is rather exciting. I am looking forward to the projects we have heard about.
I agree and feel the same way as you all do about this news. I was also listening to the radio interview and when Blake announced that Arista let him go, I felt bad for him. Based on what he said though, he seems to be fine about parting with them. Good for him. He knows and we know that Arista did not promote or support him like they should have. After following and supporting him for over a year, we know that he’s a determined guy, who is dedicated to his music. Blake said Arista gave up on him, but he won’t.
Ohh, I’m also excited for that Emotional Waterfalls EP, and everything else he has lined up!
EOTW, yeah Blake and ADD played at the HP Software Universe thing in Vegas. Some pictures of him performing. And a nice mention of Blake’s performance at the Fly Summer Jam, here.
Here is a link to the summary of the radio program and podcast of it, if you missed it. It is an entire show recorded.
http://podcast.maximumthreshold.net/podcast/?p=86
bummer…somehow we all saw the writing on the wall BUT ….from a positive stance, Blake can promote his music and not what Arista wants … the good thing is that AI did open the door and his name is know “known” great exposure…as someone mentioned earlier, Blake will continue to make music maybe not the POP superstar 19E wanted or expected but indeed as a true musician making music and has grown a following of many fans who appreciate his music and his ability to write and arrange those notes1
p.s. love all the new ads someone has created over there on idolbored..he should use them to promote himself..someone is really creative!
???? his CD….does Blake own this or will future sales go to Arista????? becuase if Blake owns the rights and receives the profits from the CD then he’ll need continued support from us to get more sales
dag,, yesterday I went to a baby shower and on the way there and back, I phoned in my requests for HMW…I had an ear “headache” from all the calls..was this in all vain?….I don’t know gotta keep his name out there
can’t wait for a new CD as well as a tour..most likely small venues but that would be nice and personal just like the upcoming Canal Room..
When I listened to the radio yesterday, I missed some information. So , it sounds like Blake is still with 19. He mentioned that he and 19 are trying to figure out things about the tour. I am all for RV with Blake decorating it with ads, if that is what it will take. Good that he still has 19 supporting him.
Ok, can I just say awesome. This is the best thing that can happen. It means more work on B’s side, but at least he will be in more control now and I think he thrives on that anyway. As for 19, you don’t usually hear management companies dropping clients, it’s almost always the other way around. I can’t see 19 kicking him to the curb. Too much potential.
Honestly, when he started talking about touring with BT this fall, I figured that contract was going to be dropped. That tour would not be a record label thing at all, nor would it be much in the way of promoting the pop sound that B was going for on the album. It’s the avant garde side of things and that is exactly what Arista didn’t know what to do with. No big label will support that type of thing.
I do wish he hadn’t said that he never wanted to sign with a big label and that he was forced into it. I would seriously doubt there was any forcing there. To me, he just chose the wrong label to sign with for his music style and personality and that’s not their fault really. But, I bet he learned a lot about how the business works through them and I’m sure he will use that knowledge in the future.
I used to cringe when he was asked how things had changed since idol shortly after idol and he would say, “things are still the same, but I don’t have to do my own promoting now.” He obviously misunderstood that part. There is always self-promoting opportunities in this business and every artist needs to take advantage of that.
Now, it’s on him and it sounds like he is up to the challenge. I would love for a smaller label to pick him up and give him some support, but doing it solo might give him some of the cred back that Idol took…and yep being on that show does take cred from artists in other artist’s minds.
Not to change the subject but I found a nice picture of Blake that I thought you might want to see. Looks like it was from a show of Common Market a few days ago. Common Market mentioned that Blake might just stop in. And he did.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristent/2585367099/
Thanks for the photo Kasia. Man, it’s going to be a tough day out on the Idol boards. My blood pressure is already going through the roof. All the haters are coming out in full force. I WILL be strong though and not comment on any of them. If I start feeling weak and I am getting ready to post, I will come on here and you guys can talk me off the ledge!
If anybody has articles, pictures, or videos from his performances yesterday and today, please post. I think we all need a positive distraction!!!!!
LOL, EOTW! Yes, the haters are having a field day but I too promise I will behave. I’m here for ya!
Kasia, thanks for posting the photo and the podcast link.
EOTW,
Hang on. You know what people who “hate” Blake will say, so is there any need to confirm it? Come back here any time for support.
I have to admit that I have been actually so surprised, as this is my first experience with AI stuff, that there is so much negative emotions and hate toward Blake, by people who most likely never met him. Some of the reactions were so strong almost giving the impressions as if Blake did something personally to those who expressed those emotions. The intensity of emotions is something that was puzzling in my journey.
I am hoping that this experince will allow Blake in a way to distance himself from AI. The advantage might be that he and not the show producers etc will be telling others what his music stands for. I agree with the points that newduck made. I felt that AI show by forcing the contestants to sing material that very often not represented their musical style took away some credibility and pigeonholed them.
Exactly why do you go to these boards if you know it’s going to be nasty. They really aren’t worth getting angry over
An interesting blog from Chris Sligh about Blake.
http://frommymindtoyoureyes.blogspot.com/2008/06/rip-add.html
I haven’t heard the interview. Had a computer meltdown after I removed blasted Norton. So, coming to work and checking in here is the first I’ve heard.
I have mixed feelings about his being dropped. The label never gave it the support it should have had. Arista/J almost seemed to have a split personality in regard to the treatment of Blake. They had to put a lot of money into the production end of it with the expensive producers they hired. Then, it was like they moved on and gave it nothing more, and could care less if it succeeded or not. Probably because of the shake-up at the label. But, who really knows?
I’ll be glad to see Blake have the freedom to plan his own path, with some lessons learned, the support of a lot more fans than he had before AI, a top-notch management company, the friendship and respect of top producers and artists, etc. He still comes out with many more gains than losses from this past 1.5 years.
I agree with Crystal J. I wish Blake the best of luck now that he’s an indie artist again. Chris Sligh’s blog post is dead on accurate IMO. I still think Blake has a great future ahead in the music business. He may never be a mainstream superstar, but he’s going to have his niche as a singer/performer/songwriter/producer/musician. He’s too talented not to do music in some form or fashion.
By the way, remember last winter when we’re speculating on what was the one song on ADD that Blake supposedly didn’t care much for? Most speculation centered on Without You and I Got U. But now I think the song was Break Anotha. Since that song came out I’ve learned that Clive was the one who suggested Blake record it; that the song was written by a couple of hired gun songwriters that Clive likes to favor; that it was originally intended for a woman to sing (makes sense given the subject). Blake and Ryan Tedder do have a co writing credit on it, but I think they just tinkered with the song a bit by adding the lyrics about the “two sides of me” so that a guy could sing the song with some credibility. I have a feeling that Break Anotha was one of the songs Clive wanted Kelly Clarkson to record for her My December album that she passed up on.
Kasia, it is amazing isn’t it? The intensity of the emotions is almost scary. I think it will be good for Blake to get away from Idol. He can still be grateful for the experience and the exposure it gave him, but in most cases, AI fans really are a fickle and (different?) bunch.
CrystalJ. Great post. We do have to remember that he does come out with more gains than losses from this past 1.5 years. I know I have to keep reminding myself of that. He has met a lot of amazing people that he can now collaborate with.
newduck, I agree. But some of the sites are ones that I enjoy going to like MJs. I think it is a great site and MJ runs it in a very fair way. There is some great Idol info on that site and I enjoy being a lurker over there. Just not today :)
Thanks Kasia and music4me! I have alleviated my stress by cleaning my entire house today! I haven’t once meandered onto my window’s ledge!!!! Of course the fact that it is like 110 degrees outside probably influenced me also.
Crystal J.,
That put things in perspective nicely.
Although I’ve had mixed feelings about Chris Sligh, I respect him for making that post about Blake. I think he spoke as a friend, as well as a musician.
I have yet to read or hear anyone say that “Break Anotha” was a great first single. It seemed to be the one track that least represented Blake and the album, but it set the course for A.D.D. and everything that followed. Arista is doing what many businesses do when they are on the ropes — reshuffling and looking short-term to try and stop the bleeding.
charles c.,
I agree!
For those who think this was Clive’s failing. He was not the button pusher and hasn’t had control of that since before Blake was signed so he isn’t to blame for this.
HAVE BEEN READING THE POSTS HERE. WOULD LOVE TO GIVE BLAKE A BIG HUG RIGHT NOW. ARISTA REALLY DID NOT PUT ITS HEART INTO THIS ALBUM. I REMEMBER THE FIRST WEEK IT CAME OUT-I WAS STUNNED THAT THERE WERE HARDLY ANY ADS FOR IT IN SALES CIRCULARS FOR THE VARIOUS STORES AND THAT THE STORES IN MY AREA DID NOT OFFER A PRICE DISCOUNT AS THEY USUALLY DO WHEN A NEW CD COMES OUT TO GET PEOPLE BUYING. IT’S LIKE ARISTA HAD BIGGER FISH TO FRY AND JUST PUT THIS ALBUM OUT THERE ALL ON ITS OWN.
BLAKE NEEDS TO BE ON AN INDIE LABEL WITH PEOPLE WHO RESPECT HIM AND CAN NURTURE HIS TALENT.
I ALWAYS FELT THAT HE GOT AN UNFAIR BAD RAP FROM A LOT OF AI FANS FOR PULLING AHEAD OF OF MELINDA IN THE CONTEST. THE HATERS OUT THERE ARE IRRATIONAL AND MY BEST ADVICE IS NOT ENGAGE WITH THEM. THE BEST THING THAT CAN BE DONE IS TO PUT POSITIVE ENERGY INTO SUPPORTING BLAKE, AT LEAST THAT’S MY FEELING.
I have been lurking all week. I’ve been crazy busy at work. I just want to say thanks to Kasia & Greeneyes for all the wonderful recaps and photos & vids! The Canal Room show looks beyond words! I think Jealousy is my fav performance. Blake certainly seems to be in his element and very happy. I’m happy for him and for all you lucky people that got to see him perform recently.
Melinda Doolittle will be at the J.A.M August 31, 2008. This past week Melinda finished the vocals on her CD! All of that happens quickly then will see her CD on shelves this Fall! Also, keep your eye out for her first official single that should be hitting airwaves in the coming weeks. Melinda is going to be throwing a lot of music at us in the coming months so get ready!
New website to support Melinda Career and Album. Come join us. Also stop to the forum and read what Melinda have to say.
alway forget to put the website www.mdstreetteam.com