Beat-Boxing Champ
Idol’s Blake Lewis Returns for Round 2
By Jeremy Rubin

American Idol alumni and beat-boxing sensation Blake Lewis returns  with his second studio album, Heartbreak on Vinyl.  
“The title is an ode to all the small record shops that have been closing down due to the music industry eating itself,” Lewis explains. “I used to spend hours combing through their record shelves. Those old LPs inspire the music I create today.”
We sat down with Blake to discuss the album, the meaning behind the first single from the album, “Sad Song,” and those pesky gay rumors that just won’t go away.

Is it true you recently performed for the first lady, Michelle Obama?  
BLAKE LEWIS: I did, it was amazing! It was for the Ladies of Congress Luncheon. A thousand women and me and some Secret Service. I taught the First Lady how to beat box!  

We have to ask your take on Ellen replacing Paula on this season’s American Idol.   
I was sad to hear that Paula was leaving. She was the sweetheart of the show for me and many of the contestants. But when I heard that Ellen was coming on I knew the show would remain a great program. I think Ellen is hilarious.

Did Paula make a big mistake leaving the show?  
People need change in their lives. This time Paula needed one. I don’t think it was a mistake at all.

As an electro musician, has the American Idol label been an asset or a hindrance to your career? Is it hard to be taken seriously by hard-core clubbers?
It is definitely a double-edged sword, but for sure, the show has been a real asset. I’m very well received in all aspects of the industry. I’m blessed to be doing what I do.

Tell us about your new album, Heartbreak On Vinyl. 
Heartbreak On Vinyl is the record I wanted to make the first time around. Very edgy, gritty, with hard beats that make you want to move. It’s a fun album.

Has Simon given his support? 
I’ve always had Simon’s support. He has heard the record and loves it. 

Why did you decide to release Heartbreak On Vinyl through an independent label?
I’ve always been an indie musician. After Idol, that all changed and I didn’t want it to. I got eaten by the industry. Now I’m back on track as an independent artist with Tommy Boy Records. I’m very happy where I am now. Tommy Boy gave me the freedom to create my music and then hand it over to them to do the promoting and all the business that surrounds a piece of art.

What was the inspiration behind the first single, “Sad Song”?
“Sad Song” was a challenge I made with myself to make an anthem track. I’ve never written one before and at the time I was listening to a lot of ’80s groups like Boys Like Girls and Fall Out Boy. I had just gotten out of a relationship with the woman I loved and this song for the broken-hearted just came out of me.

Can we dispel the gay myth once and for all? Are you or aren’t you?
I’m straight, but I embrace my inner gay. [Laughs] I’m just open and honest. 

What do you think started the gay rumors? 
A Photoshopped pic of me sitting on the lap of (Idol contestant) Chris Richardson circled the internet. That was the jump off.

It was fake?
Totally. I’ve also noticed a lot of my gay friends like to try and turn straight men gay. [Laughs] People and their fantasies…

Do you think it might also have something to do with your love of the dance floor? 
I’ve been attracted to the dance floor since I was a kid. I got into electronic music when I was in junior high. Just fell in love instantly. There is something so seductive about a great track and the DJ taking you on a journey.  

Would you agree that the world should be more like a dance floor? The great thing about the dance floor is that everyone is welcome—gay, straight, black, white… 
I agree totally! Everyone is happier on the dance floor.

How do you plan to get “Sad Song” pumping on gay dance floors? 
I guess that all depends on the gay community embracing the track. Hopefully they enjoy the song and want to hear it over and over again. [Laughs]

If you were gay, who would be your man crush? Who would you cozy up next to on the dance floor?
Good question! Probably my stylist, Ashton Michael. He designs and styles my clothes and is multi-talented. He used to be a professional breakdancer and he owns the floor. Probably would be fun to learn some more moves from him. I don’t think I would get cozy, but we could battle it out. 

You’re participating in the Marriage Equality campaign. Why is marriage equality important to you? 
I have many friends that are gay and I don’t think the government should have the right to say who can or can’t be happy. I believe in unity.

What other causes are important to you?
The battle against cancer. When I was on the show, my best friend and his girlfriend both had lymphoma and they were the two people that made me work harder for something other than myself. 

What direction do you hope the new album will take you?
All over, really. Wherever there is a fan, I want to meet them. 
 
It’s been three years since Idol. What have you learned about yourself and the music industry?
Wow, so many things. I’ve learned you have to be very aware of your fans and communicate as much as possible with them. Never burn any bridges, even if they need to be. 

For more information on Blake Lewis, visit blakelewisofficial.com or follow him on Twitter@BlakeLewis.