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Another Beat of the Heart: Our Web-Exclusive with Blake Lewis | Web Exclusives
Another Beat of the Heart: Our Web-Exclusive with Blake Lewis | Web Exclusives
He had us at Heartbreak, and we couldn't fit all of our love for Blake Lewis in the Dec/Jan issue of Instinct Magazine, so we're giving you the rest of our interview with the pop star in a web exclusive here on our fabulous, sparkling blog. For the real meat of our time spent chatting with Blake (we know you like 'em meaty!), pick up a print copy of the current issue, but we couldn't let the juicy items that didn't make the print edition—Adam Lambert; his trademark beatboxing skills; American Idol and more—go to waste.
Instinct Magazine: What's your favorite track on Heartbreak on Vinyl right now?
Blake Lewis: They’re all my babies, they’re all my kids. I’m proud of the entire record, so I love every single song. But it really depends on my mood—every song’s different. So it depends on my inspiration and the mood I’m in. “Binary Love,” I’m really proud of that song, I’m really proud of the harmonies that I came up with. But, every song has its own story to it.
Instinct: As a fan of dance music, are there any remixes of “Sad Song” going around right now that you absolutely love?
Blake Lewis: I like all of the remixes that were done. Each remix is different for different DJ’s to play out. We’ve got the Ibiza- peak hour track that David Tort did; we have more of the club mix that Chris Cox did; Andy Caldwell did this dark electro mix—they’re all great.
Instinct: Compared to Audio Day Dream, it seems you worked in your breathtaking beatboxing skills a bit more subtly and thoughtfully on Heartbreak – aside from “SuperScratcha.”
Blake Lewis: I always try to dedicate a song [to beatboxing]. My last record, the beatbox track didn’t turn out the way I wanted to. The last day I was rushed to get the record out and I wasn’t inspired to do it. I wanted to be inspired this time, so I took time with this one. It’s a tough art form, it’s a very live art form, a you’ve-got-to-see-it-to-believe it sort of thing, so recording it is kind of tough.
Instinct: Let's talk about American Idol. Do you feel your life would be different had you taken first place?
Blake Lewis: Yea, I think with the first place you get a little better promotion. You’re always considered the American Idol, you’re always #1. Regardless of getting first place or not, Jordin and I were still with the same record company. Every single American Idol contestant signs the same contract, at then at the end 19 decides whether or not they want to sign you. They have the first option.
Instinct: What do you think of the other AI runner-up that gays love, Adam Lambert?
Blake Lewis: I think he’s great, he’s fantastic. He’s got a one in a million voice.
Instinct: Your philanthropy doesn’t end at pushing for equality and the NOH8 Campaign. What inspired you to start supporting cancer research?
Blake Lewis: I’ve been doing it since I was 18. I’ve always done charity work, and cancer’s dear to my heart. My grandpa, my best friend’s mom—a lot of people in my life have died from cancer. When I was on AI, my best friend came down with cancer, so the Blaker Girls and Blaker Boys were created as charities. We raised a lot of money while I was on the show. All the proceeds from Blaker Girls and Blaker Boys go to [cancer research].
Instinct: You’ve worked with Dave Aude, DJ Dan, BT, Ryan Tedder, but which artists do you dream of collaborating with in the future?
Another Beat of the Heart: Our Web-Exclusive with Blake Lewis | Web Exclusives
Blake Lewis: Oh wow, there are millions! On the electronic tip there’s a hundred producers. I’ve been blessed and lucky to work with amazing pioneers that I grew up with, that I can consider my friends. I’d love to do something with Sting or Bono, Jill Scott, The Roots. I love collaborating and writing with anybody, Jamie Lidell, The Glitch Mob, Sam Sparro.
Instinct: As one of the rare people who spends time on both sides of the decks (DJing and dancing), where do you feel more at home, on the dance floor or making it move?
Blake Lewis: Orchestrating the party, for sure. I like being on stage and performing any time. It doesn’t matter what kind of show, it could be country, and I still want to be on stage. Whether it’s me doing my club music, DJing and remixes, or I’m doing my singer/songwriter show and I have my full band with me, I want to try to do it all. I’m kind of a jack of all trades.
Instinct: Since we’re talking about what you're good at, it's obvious you truly are a jack of all trades. But what in the world is Blake Lewis not the best at?
Blake Lewis: [Laughs.] Many things…life, business. Let’s see, not good at keeping a relationship, not good at not getting heartbroken. I’m not good at rehearsing—I’ve got to try to rehearse more. Never did on American Idol.
Instinct: Is it hard to really let yourself go on the dancefloor as you surely get recognized at clubs all the time?
Blake Lewis: I get sweaty on the dance floor. I get really nuts. If people aren’t dancing, I push them out of my way and start doing my thing! At an LTJ Bukem show I was sweating my ass off, getting all crazy by myself.
Instinct: What's next for you?
Blake Lewis: I’ve been producing a record of all Seattle artists. Also touring and playing shows, going to Vegas and Atlanta. Hopefully November/December is going to be a few months of work. And I’m working on my DJ mix right now, so I’m doing that. Oh and I went out with the Roots, and am figuring out a tour for January – March. I try and stay busy every day!
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