"American Idol" Season 8 winner and rock sensation David Cook spoke with this entertainment journalist prior to his acoustic performance at 95.5 PLJ's newly-renovated Stage 17 in New York City. He sang three songs, which included "Come Back to Me," "Light On" and his latest radio single, "Gimme Heartbreak."
Stage 17
This intimate event was hosted by 95.5 PLJ on-air radio personality Ralphie. Cook was stoked to be performing at Stage 17, which was sponsored by Wendy's. "Wendy's did good," he said.
For Cook, it was a "moving" experience to perform on the American Idol finale, along with fellow Idol winners Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Phillip Phillips, and Nick Fradiani, as part of a tribute to the rock legend David Bowie.
"There were so many moving parts, and I really enjoyed it. The group of guys I worked with were all great," he said.
Regarding his plans for the future, Cook revealed, "Music, music, music and other fun things." From his new album, he shared that his personal favorite track is "Ghost Magnetic," where he worked with his friend, fellow musician Ryan Star.
When asked to look back and reflect on his career in a rear-view mirror over the last five to ten years, he responded, "I see a kid figuring it out, and as I look through the present and the future, I'm still trying to figure it out."
Advice for aspiring musicians
For aspiring singer-songwriters, Cook said, "Take every opportunity to perform in front of people.
You don't cut your teeth in the studio, unfortunately. You cut your teeth playing live shows, and figuring out your sound, and who your audience is and how to react and relate to them."
Cook remembers Chris Cornell
Cook had nothing but the kindest words for the late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell. "I can't say I knew him all that well, but as a fan, I was super bummed out that he passed.
He was a musical giant and I know as a musician and as a writer, I'm going to miss him," he said.
Being a huge fan of Temple of the Dog, he listed "Say Hello 2 Heaven" and "Can't Change Me," as his two favorite songs by the late Seattle rocker.
Particularly impressive about Cook is that he was the voice behind "Light On," which was co-written by Chris Cornell, and became a smash hit for the "American Idol" alum.
Cook thanks his fans
The rock singer-songwriter concluded by expressing his gratitude for his supportive fans. "I'm eternally grateful and thankful. I have a fervent and loyal fan-base who will go to the ends of the earth for me, and I don't know what I did to deserve that," he said.
