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American Idol’s Beatboxer Blake Lewis Takes a Punch at Britney
Tuesday December 4, 2007

Blake Lewis
RCA Records / Courtesy photo

He beatboxed his way to second place on last season’s American Idol, and now Seattle native Blake Lewis is hitting the mainstream music scene with his debut disc, Audio Day Dream, in stores today.

Lewis gave Usmagazine.com a call to chat about his new record, his producer-pal (and Britney Spears ex) J.R. Rotem and what he really thinks of Spears' new album.

Usmagazine.com: You worked with Clive Davis on your debut. In the past, people like Kelly Clarkson have found it difficult to find a creative happy medium when working with him. How was your working relationship?
Blake Lewis: Clive has an executive producer credit, but he didn’t actually produce a lot of stuff. He gave me a lot of freedom and I’m very thankful for it. I’ve had a concept for this album for four years - and he loved all my ideas. I’m inspired by 80’s music and a lot of my melodies come from it.

Us: Jordin Sparks just released her first album, but sales were poor. Do sales worry you?
BL: I honestly never think about that stuff. I did the same thing with American Idol - I never watched it before and I didn’t watch myself on it. I just make music. I create to create.

Us: Given the music landscape right now, how are you marketing your album?
BL: I’m doing the same thing I’ve always done. I’m always an advocate for networking and MySpace – I spend about an hour a night answering fans. And I’m going to release "She Loves the Way" as a video and audio [track] on iTunes, separate from the record.

Us: The song "Know My Name" is a homage to Natalie Portman. What is it about her that you love?
BL: Natalie’s rad. She’s smart, sexy, and she pokes fun at herself. She seems like she cares about humanity, which is good.

Us: What details can you share about the tattoo you're getting from Kim Saigh as part of your appearance on the TLC series L.A. Ink?
BL: Kim just came up with an amazing, beautiful tattoo. They contacted me, which was great. My design is Salvadore Dali’s "Persistence of Memory" meets Alice in Wonderland with a lot of symbolism. Mainly, music is timeless.

Us: J.R. Rotem assisted in the production of your record. Did he offer any good Britney gossip during your recording sessions?
BL: Oh, totally! [J.R. and Britney are] both loco! But the song I did with him, "What’cha Got 2 Lose?" was one of my favorites on the album for sure.

Us: Have you purchased the new Britney album?
BL: Hell no! I’ve heard a couple good songs, but it’s always ‘not that bad’ when you have, like, $5 million to make an album. [Laughs]



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