I chat with David Cook about his upcoming EP’s. We also take a trip down memory lane..
I saw you have a FEW EP’s coming out this year..?
Yeah we just finished tracking the first one yesterday. The first one will be called “The Hero” and it’s the first of three. I hate to sound cliche but it’s new territory for me. Listening through it today, and being excited about it? That’s a great feeling.
With these EP’s, you’re offering exclusives like personalized voicemails. How cool is it to interact with your fans in such a crazy way?
I enjoy it. The process has changed, even before “Idol.” I feel like the job title is so much more expansive. I’m constantly thinking of new ways to connect with listeners. I’ve got a studio here in the house; so I can just go down there with my coffee in my pajamas and record them. ::laughs:: I’ve become a little too comfortable with that.
When you’re performing live is there one song that gets a big crowd reaction, and is it “Magic Rainbows” aka “The Time Of My Life?”
::both laugh pretty hard::
Oh, that so good ::laughs::
It’s YOU, but it’s left of center of what you’ve put out since.
That song generates a feeling because of the moment attached to it. I’ve had my own complicated relationship with that song. I played “The Time Of My Life” every night on the Idol tour. When we were touring for the RCA record..it just didn’t fit. You touched on it when you said left of center because it REALLY is THAT. I made peace with it a few years ago…it represents a moment for me. “Idol” was at or near it’s peak when I was lucky enough to get on there. Sometimes I’ll sneak it in a set and clock people’s reactions to it.
And that song is STILL played here in Baltimore. I still crank it when I hear it.
That means a lot. Seriously.
A couple months ago I found a really OLD iPod. That actually WORKS. It has your studio recordings of “Music Of The Night” and “Always Be My Baby.”
Oh my God!!
And they’ve been on repeat ever since. A month later, the interview request comes through. This call is FATE, David. ::both laugh::
I’ve known my producer Andy since before “Idol.” We lived together in Tulsa. When I would ride with him, he had one of the big brick iPod’s that played videos, and we would always have it on. We were going through it yesterday for a few hours so it’s very random that you bring up iPod’s. Crazy!
The Mariah version of “Always Be My Baby” is a Pop classic. I remember when you sang it I immediately said “This guy is going to win!”
Aw thanks man.
It’s so cool and big and just a great version. It belongs on a film soundtrack, like Paula said back in the day.
That means a lot.
Anyway, here’s the question after that loooong winded intro.
Nah man, keep going. I’m enjoying the love ::laughs::
Is there a song that you want to record and perform live that you haven’t yet?
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh. ::pause:: There’s a lot. That’s such a good question. ::pause::
There’s a few Zeppelin tracks I would love to take a crack at.
Crack ’em.
I’ll go with “When The Levee Breaks.”
I was raised to be a Phil Collins/Genesis/Peter Gabriel snob but your version of “Another Day In Paradise” is right up there with Phil’s.
Wow that means so much, man. For a solid month, my studio was called “Stu-Stu-Studio” because I wanted the studio to be taken seriously. ::laughs:: I love going tongue in cheek with shit.
Wow. By the way, I’m going to have such pep in my step today after this interview. I appreciate it.
Just snap those fingers ::both laugh::
So there’s a video of you cooking on your Instagram..
Oh shit. ::laughs::
First, I love the ABBA shirt you were wearing.
I was touring in Europe a few years ago with Kris Allen and we stopped at a shop in Stockholm. The only two things that fit me was that shirt and a kimono. I bought the safe bet.
Can we expect more cooking videos?
That was a part of a monthly series I do with Volume.com. Sometimes we’ll do an interview show or whatever. That specific month, fans submitted recipes and I had to make what was chosen. The recipe chosen was Scotch Eggs and they were pretty damn good. I hate the cleaning aspect of cooking, but the cooking process is fun.
Cooking with Cook.
Exactly. It names itself.
Race For Hope 2025 is coming up soon. Tell me all about it.
I’ve been so fortunate to be involved with the National Brain Tumor Society now since… I think 2009? It’s this annual trip out to DC. We’ll make a weekend out of it usually. This year, we have a show at Jammin’ Java and the 5K around the Capitol on Sunday, May 4th. Brain Cancer has touched my family so I do all I can to give back.
The new tour with Maddie Poppe is coming to Annapolis. How did that come about?
We have the same booking agent BUT, we first met when we did the “Idol” duets. She’s a good hang; we hit it off. At this stage of the game, it’s about enjoying the process and enjoying who you work with.
Are you excited about your show in Annapolis?
ALWAYS. We’ve been fortunate to play there a few times over the years. It’s really one of my favorite cities to play. I’m really excited to get back.
David Cook and Maddie Poppe headline Rams Head Annapolis April 9th!
Follow David on IG / Facebook / Website / Race For Hope DC