It’s a lot closer to what you would expect from Blake than the music he released on Audio Day Dream and I really can’t say enough about how happy I am for him.  I had the opportunity to chat with Blake this morning.  Here’s the quick interview!

Idol Stalker: What were your main inspirations for the songs on Heartbreak on Vinyl?

Blake Lewis: My ex-girlfriend, actually.  When I started making the album, it was back in January when I was getting out of a relationship and suffered my first heartbreak.  I first wrote ‘Our Rapture of Love’ and then I wrote ‘Sad Song’ after we broke up.  I tried to get her back which led to ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ and ‘Left My Baby For You.’

IS: How is this album different than Audio Day Dream?

BL: The content is different.  Before, I set out to make a dance album versus a heartbreak album.  This one is more personal and a little deep and sentimental.  ADD already had a set concept since it had been in my head for four years before.  Heartbreak on Vinyl is kind of organic.  ADD was a pop album that was made in a hurry but Heartbreak was recorded at my house and I got to collaborate with my friends.

IS: Has signing with Tommy Boy Records given you more creative freedom?

BL: Yeah.  I got the record done, created it and then turned it in.  With Clive Davis, there was too much meddling where he’d say things like “I don’t like this chorus” and we’d have to make changes.  It’s not like that now.  I have my job and they have theirs.

IS: What is your favourite track?

BL: They are all sentimental.  ‘Binary Love’ is very seductive.  It was in the works before the rest of the songs while the others came about more organically.  Heartbreak on Vinyl is close to my heart and is one of my favorite songs that I have ever written.  I gave a copy of the album to my ex.

IS: Really?  How did that go?

BL: It was great.  She’s a great person and we’ve been friends for 6 years.

IS: You seem to be the sort of artist who is always learning and evolving.  Who are your main influences right now?

BL: I’m listening to a lot of electro and I’m in a DJ-conscious frame of mind.   I’ve got Jamie Lidell on repeat.  It’s feel-good music.  I’ve also been listening to Discovery and Glitch Mob is just amazing.  It’s the direction that I wish hip hop would take in the future.

IS: What have you got planned over the next few months?

BL: Gigs here and there.  Live performances and deejaying.  My favorite holiday is just around the corner – Halloween.

IS: Do you dress up?

BL: Oh yeah.  I love it.  I’m also looking forward to the Heartbreak on Vinyl launch parties. 

Thanks again for the interview, Blake!

image: Amazon

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I don’t know what it is but it just doesn’t sound well mixed and I think the lyrics are actually pretty bad.  I think it’s danceable but I’m not sure it’s going to inspire people to rush out and buy the whole album.  I also think that Blake is super talented musically, but he is still struggling with the vocals…

If you haven’t heard it already click here, enter your email address and listen to it for free.  I’d love to hear your opinion of the track.  Maybe I just need to hear it a few more times.

image: Amazon

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In case you missed the announcement, Blake will be releasing a dance-pop album called Heartbreak on Vinyl on October 6, 2009.  This is his first album under the Tommy Boy Entertainment label.  His single “Sad Song” is set to debut next week on July 21, 2009.

Images: Bauer-Griffin

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The new album, Heartbreak on Vinyl, is expected to be released by Tommy Boy Entertainment on October 6, 2009.  His new single “Sad Song” will make its debut on July 21, 2009.

Of the project, Blake said: “The music in the dance scene gets me out onto the dance floor to lose my inhibition.  The title is an ode to all the record stores that have been closing down due to my industry eating itself. These are the stores that brought inspiration to all of us music lovers and have led me to make the music I create today.”

I’m pretty excited about this news.  I love dance music and I think that he could do a good job.  He’s been working with producers Rodney Jerkins and Dave Aube who have had a lot of success creating music with Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and the Pussycat Dolls.

I can’t wait to hear “Sad Song.”  I could use some new music for my iPod-fuelled workouts!

image: Amazon

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Of course, there were the finalists, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert, along with the rest of the Top 13 and judges but the celebrities (and former contestants) came out in droves to see who would win the singing competition. 

It looks like season four winner, Carrie Underwood, hurt her knee somehow since she’s got her “owie” all covered up with four Hello Kitty bandaids. She still managed to look absolutely fabulous!

SEE MORE GREAT RED CARPET PICS AFTER THE JUMP!

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He also mentioned that he’s been working with the YMCA’s Strong Kids campaign which really warmed my heart.  While I was a student, that program allowed my kids to participate in activities and they actually started running marathons (even the 5-year-old has done three 1.6km races!). 

He also asks us all to check out his Facebook profile (add him to your friends list!) which you can see here:  http://www.facebook.com/blakelewis

I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for Blake this year.  What about you guys?  Any Blake fans out there?

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What do you remember about that year?  Was it Jordin Sparks’ winning moment?  Blake Lewis’ killer performance of “Shot Through the Heart (You Give Love a Bad Name)”?  Sanjaya’s ponyhawk? 

To help jog your memory, here’s the Top 12 list from the sixth season of American Idol (dates indicate when the contestant was eliminated, year was 2007):

• Jordin Sparks – Winner
• Blake Lewis – May 23
• Melinda Doolittle – May 16
• LaKisha Jones – May 9
• Chris Richardson & Phil Stacey – May 2
• Sanjaya Malakar – April 18
• Haley Scarnato – April 11
• Gina Glocksen – April 4
• Chris Sligh – March 28
• Stephanie Edwards – March 21
• Brandon Rogers – March 14

image: Newscom

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My verdict – I actuallly really like it a lot!  I don’t know if it’s because I was recently clubbing in Las Vegas and can see myself dancing to this (if I actually went clubbing in my everyday life, but I digress…).  It, of course, stays very true to the original but I like the layers of modern techno-type beats.  I especially like how it changes around the 1:45 mark.  Very cool.  Listen and let me know what you think!

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He also performed “How Many Words” and it was pretty good.  Watch it here:

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American Idol season 6 runner-up, Blake Lewis, will be headlining at the Canal Room which is located in downtown New York City.  From the website, it looks like a cool and trendy place!  The show is on June 24th and will include special guest, Brianna Taylor, of MTV’s Real World. 

The club is located at 285 West Broadway @ Canal street.  Tickets can be purchased through ticketweb.com!

Anyone in the area going?  I’d love to hear about it!

image used with permission

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