David Archuleta Gets Candid About His First Time ‘Feeling Love for Someone of the Same Sex’ on New EP (Exclusive)

David Archuleta is in his “lover boy era.”

The 34-year-old singer and American Idol alum released his new Earthly Delights EP on Friday, Aug. 15, and the project finds him freely exploring his sexuality after coming out as queer in 2021 and leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the following year.

“I’m finding the pleasures of just being myself, finding the pleasures in the things that I always stayed away from before. I feel more in touch with my body and sensuality than I ever have,” Archuleta tells PEOPLE of his mindset for the six-track pop project.

Written and recorded over the last few years, the creative process for Earthly Delights began with the track “Home,” which centers on a comforting relationship especially significant to Archuleta. “It was the first time I was indulging in loving a man or feeling love for someone of the same sex,” he says.

The song also serves as a confident response to anyone who’s asked him the question, “How could you allow yourself to do such vile acts with men?”

“It’s like, ‘What do you mean, vile acts? You mean to love someone?'” says Archuleta, who hopes listeners hear “Home” and take in the “sweet” lyrics as an expression of pure adoration suitable for individuals of any sexual identity. “It’s just about wanting to love and connect with another person.”

The EP also showcases Archuleta’s playful side on the cheeky, Spanglish casual sex anthem “Crème Brulée,” which proves he’s not afraid of judgement from anyone unsupportive of his personal journey.

He explains, “Earthly Delights is tongue-in-cheek as well. People are like, ‘You’re giving into these vile, grotesque things.’ And it’s like, ‘Hey, I’m indulging in my earthly delights, okay? Are y’all happy?'”

Other topics the GLAAD Media Award winner touches on throughout Earthly Delights include basking in the excitement of new love on “Lucky” and comparing romance to a sweet treat on “Dulce Amor.”

“It’s been very fun to sing songs about sensuality and being a flirty lover boy,” says Archuleta, who will take the EP on a North American tour in September and October.

The “Crush” musician also plans to honor his Latin roots with Spanish versions of the songs on Earthly Delights to be released soon — and his mom, Lupe Bartholomew, can’t wait. “I think she’s more excited about the full Spanish versions of some of these songs,” he says.

“I mean, she loves it all, but she always loves when she sees our Latin side come into my music. I mean, I’ve been working on some holiday music too, and she’s really excited about that,” adds Archuleta of Bartholomew, who left the LDS Church shortly after her son in 2022. “She’s just a good supporter regardless of what I do.”