2012-05-11 - THR - IDOL HANGOVER - INTERVIEW W DAVID COOK (TRANSCRIPT BY CLOSEYOUREYES)

Edits and additions very welcome!

SOURCE: http://t.co/dDWjUIif

Shirley: Very exciting! We're back here on Idol hangover with my personal favorite Idol ...
David: Aww!
S: I've told you this before, so should come as no surprise. David Cook!
D: So flattering … Hello!
S: Aah! Season 7 winner David Cook - thanks so much for coming!
D: Absolutely a pleasure to be here!
S: And I'm glad we can be like ... you know ...
D: We're glasses buddies!
S: Yeah, we are glasses buddies.
D: [takes off glasses] Mine are fake - clear, they're just ...
S: Mine are real, and they tend to sometimes get a little crooked, you know.
D: Yeah, it happens.
S: We're all ... we're nerds here!
D: [Laughs loudly]
S: We're all Idol nerds and we are just, even outside of Idol, nerds. So David ...
D: Yes.
S: We wanted to talk to you for a little bit - just a quick little interview. First - great show last night!
D: Thank you very much!
S: Performed on the show, brand new song!
D: Uh-huh.
S: Before we get into that, I want to ask - are you leaving LA? You're selling your house?
D: Yeah! I'm going to relocate - probably to Nashville - it seems to be the place now!
S: What?!
D: Yeah. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in LA. But I think - as my folks get older, and my nieces and nephews start growing up, I just ... I kinda just want to be a little closer to home. And Nashville has an amazing artistic community, and obviously the music community, and so ... Yeah! I'm not going anywhere. I'm gonna keep working, having fun.
S: I'm sad though!
D: I'll still come out here. I've always looked at LA as more of a work space, I guess. And so ... you know, it will be nice to kinda just get somewhere and really call it home. So …
S: Wow. Aww, David! I know, we're sad. Well, let's talk about your performance last night. First of all, do you watch it back?
D: Ahhh … Sometimes, yeah! I did watch last night this morning, and it was purely just like - I remember being on stage, and kinda feeling a couple of little vocal things that I could have done better. And so I wanted to make sure they didn't just completely bombard the performance. And so, I checked those two or three moments out, and then it was like "Okay, I'm done'" I don't really like listening to myself very much, so! [smiles]
S: How do you feel about the performance?
D: Umm … I felt okay with it! [Shrugs. Shirley laughs] Actually, I'm probably my own worst critic, so there's things I certainly wish I would have done better. But it seems that the response I've seen on Twitter and online stuff - seems really positive. So … I'll take it!
S: Yeah. Well, the song's great. And as I tweeted last night, you write a mean hooky chorus!
D: Thank you very much!
S: [laughs] I feel like …
D: I try!
S: Yeah, well, you've had some practice!
D: A little bit. Yeah.
S: Absolutely! Tell us about the song - you told me who you wrote it with. Your keyboard player …
D: Keyboard player, Andy.
S: And a friend of yours?
D: Yeah, a friend, Daniel James. He … met him actually after we moved out here, through mutual friends, and ... He's a great guy, he's a solid drummer, and I think he just … He was on the road recently with Graham Colton [inaudible].
S: Oh okay!
D: So… But a great guy. And you know, actually him and Andy had kinda … were just goofing around and ended up with that chorus progression that's in the song. And so, Andy played it for me, and I'm just like ... [gestures] the melody was immediate. And we built the verses and the bridge around it. Yeah, I don't know …. It's just one of those songs that really came together like real quick! Which … I mean, Mr. Sensitive from the first record was that way, Permanent was that way …
S: Uh-huh.
D: I really just attack the new stuff ... it's just, I just want to have fun writing. And I'm not really concerned with what the song sounds like until it's done. I'm just going to write and whatever comes out, comes out. And so … I'm probably having more fun with this writing cycle than … than I think I've ever had. Which is good!
S: Ah. Where did you record it? And who recorded it?
D: Umm … We did the demo in Andy's house. He's got a nice little home studio set up. And we went and recorded it with John Fields.
S: Ah, okay!
D: John and I, we wrote together with .. It was me, him and Kara DioGuardi for the first record. The song ended up not making the cut. But … loved working with John. And so - really kinda jumped at the chance to get in a room with him again, because he's … he's a mad scientist [nods]. So …
S: Excellent. And you know, I have to ask - it feels to me that the song was maybe written for your record company! [laughs]
D: Ahhh … yeah yeah yeah [scratches back of head ]
S: Your former record company RCA!
D: You know, at the time, I don't think it was. But … it certainly seems to have taken on a bit of that angle. But … I … You know, RCA and I kinda parted ways on extremely amicable terms. You know, with the Idol deal that I got 4 years ago, you know, it was such a big contract. And I kinda saw it coming.
S: Right!
D: And now it's just, I'm just really excited for what happens next. You know, we put this song out. And again, the response seems good. If we can keep themomentum going for a while, and … Yeah! For me, it's just all about making music and enjoying it and being creative, and I'm still getting to do that. So I'm happy.
S: Excellent! And you know, I've actually written quite a bit about RCA and the new power structure there. And the thing is, ten years ago when these Idol contracts were first designed …
D: Sure!
S: It was ten years ago! It was a completely different time and a completely different business.
D: Absolutely!
S: And now the formula has really changed. You don't need that setup, you don't need it to be so .. heavy.
D: Sure, sure!
S: So I mean, in a way … I know your fans - just from seeing the response to the article that I wrote last night - they're very concerned about what happens next, but I almost want to alleviate that concern. Like …
D: Yeah yeah yeah.
S: This might actually be better.
D: Well, the thing is - I'm in such good head space about the whole thing. And I truly am excited. And I'm … Because I think now … I think the songs are gonna be what propels us moving forward. [gestures] Which is really exciting. And that's why I got into it in the first place.
S: Right! And honestly, just knowing you … Well, we don't know each other well. But I was around for the recording of the last record, and … I can sort of see like a relief in your face that … Like, I saw stress there during the last album that was …
D: Yeah … That may have been.
S: It was just like …
D: Well, you came in … When did you come in? We were like …
S: I came in a few times!
D: Month 9 of the process? [laughs]
S: Yeah [laughs]
D: You know?
S: I know. And I know how Matt Serletic works too, you know. And it's definitely … it is labor in-teeeeeeeensive.
D: Yeah. It was a learning experience. You know, I loved working with Matt. I think purely because I got … it was a different experience than what I was used to. And I think it was - you know, if anybody ever gets the chance to record a record that way, I think they should. Because I learned a lot about myself through that process. So …
S: Yeah.
D: And it's all just experience that I take with me moving forward. So … Yeah, I'm excited about this new song, and we're gonna try to get a record done, and keep moving.
S: Good. I'm so glad. Well, one of your fans suggested this, and I love this idea! An album of covers. Because you are so good at covers!
D: Hmmm…
S: That’s like … you do one at every show, right?
D: Try to, yeah
S: You've practiced a lot - 'The Hand That Feeds' , I love your version of that …
D: Thank you!
S: I mean, is that something you'd ever consider?
D: I don't know. Umm … I always kinda look at Idol as like - I did covers for 4 1/2 months! {laughs]
S: Right, right.
D: I …
S: But they were 1 minute and 30 second long covers!
D: Yeah! You're right, you're right. [Smiles} I remember I was in Sweden writing for the second record. And we went out one night, and ran into the guy who had just won Swedish Idol. And … so we're kind of all hanging out, and grabbing drinks, whatever, and he goes "Hey, we should go to a Karoake bar!' And I said 'There's no way I'm doing that!' [Laughs, gestures] 'I'm off the clock, man!' You know?
S: [laughs]
D: See, I don't know. I mean, never say never. There's obviously no plans right now. But … I don't know, that might be fun.
S: Yeah. I could see you doing a Foo Fighters song. [Aside} We always bond on the Foo Fighters, David and I!
D: Yes, we do!
S: I love them!
D: Yes, we do.
S: I saw the tweet that you mentioned them.
D: Ahhh!
S: I thought that was hilarious!
D: So good, those guys!
S: What is your favorite Foo Fighters song? We've never actually discussed this.
D: Hey Johnny Park
S: Oh!
D: I love that song!
S: Great one. Wow! And that record - that's my favorite record, I think.
D: Well, you know …
S: Color & Shape, right?
D: Yeah yeah. So good! I love the new one too.
S: Ah - totally!
D: Ah … White Limo's … Awesome! So good! [Nods]
S: Insane!
D: Yeah yeah, I know!
S: Ah! Greatest band!
D: [laughs]
S: Okay, well … Have you ever had a bad "Idol Hangover", David? Have you ever done an Idol-related event that just wiped you out the next day?
D: Hmmm. Ummm … actually, you know what? I talked to Phillip Phillips about this last night - about the home visit. Because for me it was such a needed experience at that point. And I think it might … going home for that might have topped actually winning for me, as far as just 'Best moment on the show'. But that wiped me out. I remember they had me at the Royals game - threw out the first pitch - and all the stuff that night. REO Speedwagon was in town. And we had gone to the … I wanna say the 'Horton Hears a Who' Premiere or something as part of Idol and I had gotten to meet the singer from REO Speedwagon. So there was already a rapport there. So anyway - we're at the Royals game, and REO is in town, playing somewhere. And I find out that they want me to come to the show, and maybe come onstage and sing a song or whatever. And I'm like: 'Absolutely!'
S: [laughs]
D: We get to maybe the 6th, maybe the 7th innings, around there --- - and I just crashed! I'm like 'I've got to sit down! I'm so exhausted, I'm getting dizzy.' And I wasn't able to go. So sorry, REO! [gestures]
S: [laughs]
D: I wanted to go! But yeah - it was just that day. It was just so jam-packed with all these awesome moments that it just completely wiped me out. So …
S: Wow! So … Have you been watching Idol this season?
D: Not religiously. I've missed a few. But I try to tune in as much as I can. And … it's been intense this year! Like, you know … I was a little bummed out I didn't get the swing set thing that they used on one of these stage setups, [gestures] I was a little bummed …
S: Oh!
D: that we didn't get to use that for our performance last night. [snarky smile]
S: I called it a bungee cord meets an adult diaper!
D: [laughs loudly] That's awesome!
S: [giggles] That would have been fun …
D: Yeah, it would have been interesting, so …
S: I mean, were you feeling any of the contestants?
D: I had a couple of people that I liked. And I'm always really hesitant to name favorites. Purely because - when you're in that bubble, and past idols pick somebody and it's not you, it always kinda stings a little.
S: Right.
D: So …
S: Well, [inaudible ]
D: No, but you're right. But every time I pick somebody, they go home!
S: [laughs] Oh no! Don’t jinx anybody!
D: So … I'm like Kryptonite for these kids! I really liked Heejun, and then he went home. And then I thought Elise was incredible, and she went home. So I'm … yeah. For their sake, I'm not feeling anybody.
S: Got it, got it.
D: [laughs]
S: I know someone brought this up to you last night. The WGWG
D: Yes …
S: The 'White Guy With Guitar'. You started that, in a way. I mean …
D: Yeah. [Shrugs] I didn't vote for me! [smiles]
S: [laughs]
D: I [inaudible]
S: I did! [both laugh]
D: Thank you!
S: I mean - if it comes out to be Phillip Phillips - is it such a bad thing? Or is this just what America voted for?
D: It's only a bad thing insomuch as what people make of it. Honestly! I don't think it's a bad thing at all, you know, as far as Phillip winning. Because Phillip's probably one of the more unique contestants this show has ever had. And I think he could do amazing things. Umm … But I think that by automatically throwing him into that, you're automatically kind of dismissing him a little bit. Which sucks, you know!
S: Yeah!
D: I look at myself and Kris and Lee and Scotty, and I mean - yes, we're all white guys who play guitars. Yes.
S: [giggles]
D: But it's such a … [gestures] It's such a weird thing. 'Cos I don't … you know! Scotty's a country artist, and I don’t think any of the rest of us are. I think Lee kinda sits in the singer/songwriter realm. I think Kris sits in this pop- singer/songwriter realm. And I think I lean more towards pop-rock or rock. So I feel like we all are different in that aspect. And so by lumping us all together … And a lot of the times, when you hear the term any more, there's almost a negative connotation ...
S: Right!
D: which really bugs the hell out of me.
S: Tell me about it
D: So .. You know. I hope that if Phillip wins, or if Phillip doesn't win and continues to have a career, which I'm sure he will … Just give him the benefit of the doubt. Let the music be what it's going to be before you just … [makes lumping together gesture] throw them into the pile, I guess.
S: I agree. So Dave, we reached out to your fans to get some Twitter questions. And I have to say, I'm always super-impressed. Because they ask really smart questions.
D: Uh-huh [nods]
S: So I want to start with @IncognitoOlivia, who asks: "David mentions 'progression' often. What does it mean to him currently, and what is the next goal, career/otherwise?" I love that question!
D: It's a good question! Progression, to me … I don't want to ever put the same record out twice. Ever! It's not just something I'm interested in. I look at somebody like Neil Young, who obviously never put the same record out twice. [smiles] That's really just why I use that term so much. Because it really is important to me. It's kind of a cornerstone of what I'm trying to do. As my musical tastes change, my musical inspirations will change and adapt. It's just tuning into that, and not denying it – not saying "Alright, the last record sold well, so I should just do that again." You know?
S: Right!
D: Playing it safe never got anyone anywhere.
S: That's so true. And certainly never something you did on Idol.
D: No!
S: [laughs] Who is inspiring you musically these days?
D: Umm … Well, I love the new Our Lady Peace record - Curve is incredible. And Big Wreck just brought out a new record which is awesome [smiles]. I was excited at seeing them getting back together. And … I've actually been listening to both the Civil Twilight records a lot lately. I've been going back and listening to Coldplay's first record 'Parachutes' which was good. And really just … mellowing out. You know. I'm not getting old!
S: [laughs]
D: But I do turn 30 this year, so it's … you know, I'm mellowing out [smiles, gestures]. I'm getting a little bit more comfortable in my own skin, so …
S: Excellent! Alright, another question, from @Phanatic1015 – such a good question, I …
D: [laughs]
S: I'm so impressed, I'm sorry!
D: They’re good!
S: "Please ask David Cook if he is happy with where he's gotten as a result of his Idol win or was he hoping for more?"
D: [laughs]
S: That's such a great question!
D: I always …
S: I need to hire these people!
D: [inaudible]
D: I always hope for more. I never expect more. I really … I went through the Idol process on a whim – I mean, that story is documented, I don't need to go into it. But I really just … I made it a point to just take it for what it was, and not have expectations. But you know, I hope every record that I put out sells 20 million copies. Do I expect it? No. But hey, if it happens, it happens. And as long as I can enjoy the process … I think if I ever get to a point where I'm just not enjoying the process of creating music and playing music, then I'll find something else to do.
S: We hope that day never comes, of course.
D: You and me both! [laughs]
S: From our mouths to God's ears!
S: @Safroniamay asks – and we talked about your new song a little bit, but I wanted to include this one - "What is the back story to The Last Song I'll Write For You?"
D: Umm … The back story – I mean it kinda just comes from – you know, everybody goes through those kind of relationships where sometimes you just … [gestures] "That's it". And really, that was … I've gone through those relationships where you break up, and you get back together, and you break up, and you get back together, and everything just kinda lingers. And it's hard to just [gestures] cut the cord, you know? [Shirley nods] And so … And then that cataclysmic event will happen [gestures] which finally allows you to kind of separate yourself from that. And so … And in this instance, it was like us – for the concept of the song, it was the song. That was really where it originated from. I don't know … I figured everybody has been in relationship, so … [smiles, raises eye]
S: Yes, absolutely! And I … you know, there's like a list that should be made of awesome break-up songs.
D: [laughs]
S: Like that Ben Folds Five song 'Give me my money back'?
D: Yeah [throws head back, smiles]
S: Oh my God, I love that [inaudible] of that song, when it's [inaudible]
D: You know, let's go back to the other question – I've actually been listening to a lot of Ben Folds too. Specifically 'Undergound'.
S: Oh. Excellent, excellent!
D: yeah
S: So I feel there's something just awesome about a good break-up, "we're done" kind of song
D: Absolutely
S: Alright, good. And then I have a question. What is this little figurine on your shirt there?
D: Well, this is a manatee. When I was on Idol, one of the stage managers is a guy named Spence – we kind of connected. And so every week when I would go on stage, but before I would start my song – you know, we'd be setting up at a commercial or something – and he would always say "Save the manatees!" And there was no context for it, other than that he was just trying to get my brain off the fact that I was getting ready to sing in front of 20, 30 million people. And so every time I go back, I see him, and something ends up happening – you know, he brings up manatees or whatever – so like, I forget which performance it was, but one of the performance we did on Idol in the past - I had a towel with manatees on it, draped over my amp. [smiles]
S: Oh [laughs]
D: So he did this, made this [points to manatee sticker] sticking to his jacket when I got there. I pointed at it and laughed, thought it was cool. So he gave it to me.
S: Awww.
D: So I'm wearing a manatee today.
S: Aww, that's really sweet … So is it nice going back to Idol? I mean …
D: [throws head back] Aahhhh! It's so awesome!
S: They love you over there!
D: I don't know what I did, but I managed to create some great, really great friendships with some of the people behind the scenes there. And so, I absolutely love, love, love going back. That stage is still the most ominous thing ever, still scary. But if they keep letting me come back, I'll keep doing it, just so I can hang out with them!
S: Well, I think one reason - and I'll wrap it up – one reason why people really embraced you, and continue to just welcome you with such open arms, is because … We really saw you comeinto your own that season.
D: yeah [nods}
S: We saw someone … because you didn't come in … intend to try out, and you weren't there with the goal of 'I'm going to be the next American Idol' – we really saw a natural progression of someone who was kind of green, and … turned into this really pro singer and performer!
D: Oh wow! Can I quote you on that?
S: Yes, please do!
D: "I'm a pro!" [smiles, nods, laughs[
S: You are a pro! Just as someone who's covered the show for a very long time – you can really see those organic triumphs, and that's what I consider your season.
D: Thank you very much.
S: David Cook! So David, thank you for coming on Idol Hangover – really appreciate it. We've been thinking about this one … sort of anticipating it all season. Yay!!!
D: [laughs] Yeah!
S: We don't know if we're going to be doing it again next year, because it's so much work. But …
D: [shrugs] Eh!
S: If this is the last one, this is a good note to go out on.
D: Awww. Let's have a party! He's got whiskey [points] Let's go!
S: That's right! [Inaudible] Okay, every one! Thanks for joining us, and check out our Trending Topics, which is Part 1 of Idol Hangover – David Cook! Thanks for being here
D: Thank you!
S: [To viewers[ And we'll see you next week – we’re one week away from the finale!

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