You wanted it and we delivered! Check out our exclusive interview with one of the most unique faces of "Idol," Blake Lewis. Blake reflects on his debut album, reveals some great info on his new album and answers your questions!

And, of course, if you haven't already done so, go pick yourself up a copy of Blake's latest release, Heartbreak On Vinyl!

Before we talk about "Heartbreak On Vinyl," we have a few questions about your previous album...

Q. You've said that being away from the "Idol machine" is a good thing because it will enable you to make the "right record" and have the "right promotion." Not to harp on the past, but can you explain how and why your last record deviated from these ideals? In other words, how does a Blake Lewis album not come out the way Blake Lewis intends?

A. Well to start off,  I make my albums true to myself every time.  Its when the people handling the business side start sticking there hands into the creative pie,  that's when I lose it.  That was Audio Day Dream.   People on the business side telling me I had to change a chorus here or there.  Them calling the producers and not the artist and telling them to change things behind my back.  That's what I'm talking back. Shady!  

Q. Were there certain things that you thought should have (or should not have) been done by Arista concerning the production and promotion of your debut album?

There is a facade around putting a record out, especially the first one.  A.D.D. was my first major label deal and I was happy and not so happy with that.  I've always been an independent artist and always felt my music was too eclectic for the major side of the industry.  When making Audio Day Dream, I had the idea to make it a dance album and I wanted electronic artists to produce it.  This did not happen.  I'm really proud of my first album. I grew a lot during the making of it as an artist and as a human.  As far as promotion, I don't think it was promoted well and the fact that they jumped the gun with Break Anotha as the first single.  

Q. And to just set the record straight, you were still very pleased/proud of "Audio Day Dream" and its' sales?

Yes, Very!!!   

Q. It must have been a tough transition going from Arista to TommyBoy Records. Did you ever doubt your future in the music business?

It was a very tough transition.  This industry is so fickle and after Arista, I got kinda jaded and self destructive.  Until I set my studio back up, I wasn't doing so well emotionally and spiritually.  

Q. What are some of the major differences you have noticed between BMG and TommyBoy in the production and promotion of the new album?

I A & R'd my whole album with my manager this time around.  I had friends doing a lot of the production as well as myself.  Tommy Boy gave me that freedom.  I got my record done, artwork, photography and turned it in to them.  I was so proud.  I could have never done that with BMG especially at that time in my life and where I was coming from : A.I.  

Now to the new album...

Q. How does it feel to have the new album out?

Its out now and I feel great.  I learned a lot about myself last year and I put it in this album.  This album is very personal, even though it's a dance record.  

Q. In our last interview you said there were many album names going through your heard, including "Universal Imagery." How did you get to "Heartbreak On Vinyl?" What is the significance?

Heartbreak On Vinyl is the title track and it is all about my love for the record shop.  Living in Seattle, we have tons of record shops still.  This is where I find all the music that inspires me and its sad that most of these amazing store are no longer open.   In the first couple lines of the song I wrote " The Easy Street is empty,  the silence of the sound"   Easy Street is my favorite record shop in Seattle and "the silence of the sound" refers to the Puget Sound, with no more music.   That would be devastating.  The song is a metaphor to the industry eating itself.   

Q. How was 'Sad Song' selected for the first single? And, do you know what the next single will be?

Sad Song was the first song that was completed for the album and Tommy Boy loved it.  It was a toss up to Heartbreak On Vinyl and now that will be the second single. 

Q. How big of a role did you have in song writing and production with this new album?

99.8%  Afraid is the only song I didn't write on the album.  I produced Rapture Of Love, SuperScratchaVocalistTurnatableLicious, and collaborated on writing the other songs with friends. 

Q. Are there any notable influences that inspired you to write some of your tracks?

I'm not sure about notable. My influences are so far spread its crazy.  I grew up with the whole 80's New Wave vibe, then into Dance/Electronica, Pop.   I'm DJ-ing all the time and I'm always in tune with production as well.  I'm inspired by the water running in my creek outside my studios window.  But as far as what I've been diggin the last year....  Jamie Lidell, Adele, Depeche Mode, Wolfgang Gartner, The Glitch Mob, Owl City, The Script, La Roux, Sam Sparro, Roisin Murphy and Imogen Heap. 

Q. How cool was it making the "Sad Song" video? And, how was it working with a fellow "Idol" (Casey Carlson)?

Making the video was amazing.  Ana Veselic, the director had an amazing treatment and I knew it was going to turn out great.  I had met Casey at the Idol finale on the red carpet and was blown away at how naturally beautiful and sweet she is.  We got to chatting and exchanged info.  She was the perfect casting for this story. Her and I both had just gotten out of and over relationships, so it was a perfect fit.   

Q. Can you tell us anything about touring plans for the new album?

As of right now, I'm doing a lot of one off club dates.  With this album and my Dj skills, the touring for it has been simple.  I've been playing sets, DJ-ing and singing over my songs/remixs.  Going back to my club culture roots, its a lot easier for me to do more shows this way.  And they have been great!  The dance/electronic community has always shown there love in full and I try and do the same right back. 

Q. In the past you have said you would like to return to the "Idol" stage to perform. Do you think you will have a chance to do that with this new album?

That would be killer.  That stage is amazing and I would to be on it once more.  Here's to hoping. 

Q. What is the number one thing you hope to achieve with this album?

For it to have a full release in the UK, Germany all of Europe and to tour there. 

Q. How will you measure the success of "Heartbreak On Vinyl"?

Always by the fans coming to shows.  That's my favorite.  Album sales are cool and all, but its about my fans who really drive me to perform and I love seeing them out having a great time. 

Finally we have some miscellaneous fan questions to pass along...

Q. On September 7th you tweeted a rather depressing tweet. "Lord, please save me from the abyss of despair. I'm in long island and I need u right now. Please save me!" What was that all about?

Haha. Douchie guys, with there low v-necks and gold chains.  I didn't think that was a real stereo type until that day.

Q. So you are a big movie buff, what are some of your favorites?

The Fifth Element, Pee Wee Hermans Big Adventure, Labrynth, The Cable Guy, The Saint, Good Will Hunting, Life As A House.... there are so many. 

Q. Who is your favorite beat boxer (other than yourself of course)?

Dang.  Doug E. Fresh, Rahzel, Faith SFX, Kenny Mohammad.  

Q. Are there any ladies in your life?

Yes.  

Q. Did you read Chris Sligh's recent blog about life after Idol and do you agree with him?

I'm on the fence on a couple of the things he said, but he is right in a lot of areas.   The music industry is tough industry and if your not gonna work, it will work you.