Elliott Yamin talks songwriting, American Idol and Simon Cowell, and his upcoming show in Leesburg

Elliott Yamin is an Idol who gives back. Diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 16, Yamin supports a number of child health organizations including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Life for a Child Program. After surving the Chilean earthquake, Yamin performed at a benefit show for victims hosted by Children Uniting Nations.    

On Saturday, July 17th, Elliott Yamin and local alt-rockers emmet swimming will perform at the Village at Leesburg Summer Block Party. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Loudon Habitat for Humanity. I recently spoke to Yamin about the show, American Idol, and his plans for the future.

Have you worked with Habitat for Humanity before?

"I don’t think I can recall doing anything with them before. I’m honored to a part of this event. I love what they do. My ex-girlfriend got to be a part of building homes years ago. She had a good experience and I’m honored that they thought of me and invited me to this event."

I read that you're back in the studio, will you be performing any brand new material from the upcoming album?

"I don’t know that the new songs are ready to be performed just yet. I haven’t had the opportunity to tour a lot for this latest album [Fight For Love] so I’m excited to play some of the cuts from the album and the first. "

What's the inspiration for the new album? 

"I’m co-writing a lot of the songs just like on my last album; my influences come from my experiences in life and travels. My last album didn’t have the success we had with the first album so I took a backseat with recording for awhile. The landscape of the music industry has changed dramatically. The last 14 months have been growing pains. For me it’s good to be inspired again to write more and keep the ball rolling. I realize how fortunate I am to do this and be creative again.

"It's funny. I may be releasing the album in Japan before I release it here. I’m just fortunate to have a market there for my music."

Do you have a favorite song to play live?

"It’s a tough one. 'Know Better.' 'Cold Heart.' I love to perform a song called 'Train Wreck' from the first album. 'Moving On.' I have my own personal favorites and ones that stick with the fans too."

Do you plan to take a few days off and go back home to Richmond for a visit?

"No, I'm heading right back to the studio after. Some of my friends and family are coming up from Richmond; this is a one-off thing I’m doing between my sessions."

You recently travelled to Ghana, what was that experience like?"

"I was invited to take a trip to distribute malaria bed nets in Ghana. It really expanded my mind to what’s hip to the world. It was amazing. Malaria No More is an amazing organization. They partnered with United Airlines and ExxonMobil for delivering 1,000 bed nets. To be able to be a part of that and show people back home what's going on over there is an honorable thing for me."

And you’ve done a few USO tours, how did they go?

"I’ve done two USO tours, one in Europe and one in the Pacific Rim, and it’s just a way to give back to the men and women who serve our country. We talked about going to Iraq but ultimately have to go where the Pentagon sends you. That's something I never thought I would say. Since the war started these bases get overlooked so it’s that much more when you go ... they’re so appreciative and you get to meet them after, shake their hands, take pictures. I think it’s a really honorable thing and way to share my music abroad and to say thanks to those who do what I can’t. It goes a long way. It’s a different lifestyle and different culture and I don’t know that I can handle that. It’s great to be able to say 'thanks' in person and that we appreciate and care bout them. The fact that I have this platform of music, this medium, is cool."

Aside from music do you have any other talents? Any special hobbies?

"I was always singing and performing music but I’m kind of a sports junkie. I’m a really good kneeboarder, pretty decent basketball player, but I really grew up on music ... I used to be able to bite my toenails when I was younger younger, but I'm not that flexible anymore."

Idol fans are very devoted. Have you had any odd fan encounters? Received any strange gifts?

"One thing I can say is the Idol audience is a very broad, vast audience. No matter how the show is criticized, it's a show the whole family can sit together and watch, and that’s the audience you’ll see at an Idol tour. Grandparents can go with their 5-year-old grandkids.

"A fan is a fan. I’m an equal opportunity fan lover. For me having gone through this, and being experienced, I find that it’s the middle-aged women who are the core audience and they can be really loyal, and can be a little fanatic at times, and I mean it in the good way.

"I had a fan write a book of fantasies she had about me, actually two books, and the scary thing is they have bar codes. What’s up with this bar code? These books are pretty sexually explicit and it’s kind of weird but the fact that someone would take their time is flattering. She’s given them to me in person.

"Every show I try to come out and meet the fans. It's just a way to say thanks and tell people you care personally. I take pictures, give autographs, hug everybody. I get their feedback and interact with them. I’m really personable that way and I appreciate everything they do and everything about them because they allow me to have the career I’ve always wanted. Unless I’m ill or have another obligation you’ll see me after the show."

Do you use social media to interact with your fans? Are you using Twitter, Facebook, forums, etc.?

"I do as much as I can. I constantly respond to fans on Twitter and Facebook. It’s one of the cool things about the way the industry is evolving. It’s important as an artist to stay on top of it and utilize all of those tools. Luckily I understand the technology and it's something all artists should learn. Artists and their music are more accessible than ever, but you have to have some mystique."

Who should replace Simon Cowell?

"There is no takeover for Simon Cowell and it’s hard to imagine him not being there. I would rather there be three judges than four. You hear all these rumors about who is coming and I don’t know what to think ."

Final thoughts for your fans?

"Thanks for the love, without you there’s no me. Thank you for allowing me to do what I love. And come on down to the show!"

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Village at Leesburg Summer Block Party
Benefitting Loudoun Habitat for Humanity
Family-friendly celebration to include free children’s activities, live performances by American Idol finalist Elliott Yamin and regional sensation “emmet swimming”

Saturday, July 17 from 5:00PM - 9:00PM

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the evening’s musical performances.
Directions

Village at Leesburg will celebrate its retail grand opening with a Summer Block Party benefitting Loudoun Habitat for Humanity, Saturday, July 17, from 5 to 9 p.m. Kicking off with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Leesburg Mayor Kristen Umstattd, the festivities will include free live entertainment and fun activities for all ages.
 

Check back soon for interviews with the current American Idols, Gunnar Nelson, Creed, and more.