2008: Switchfoot Year-in-Review

(Today's news: Fiction Family's When She's Near to Hit Triple-A Radio in January)

(banner couresty of Cassie! Thanks)


Well folks, there's another great year in the books! 2008 promised to be eventful, despite the fact that no new Switchfoot material was on the horizon. The touring cycle for "Oh! Gravity." had drawn to a close and the band's new material had not begun to take shape yet.

What was taking shape was Jon Foreman's solo project of EP's, which was slated for completion by the middle of 2008. And it didn't disappoint. The "Spring" EP was quickly embraced by us all, and by new fans of Jon's previous work in "Fall and Winter." But before the final installment, "Summer," could arrive, Switchfoot threw another surprise at the fams. They had written and recorded a song to be used as the lead single and in the credits of the brand new "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" film.

Before the year was out, the band had also released their first ever greatest hits collection, "The Best Yet." 2008 also saw the beginnings of Switchfoot's next studio album, which will be released in the New Year. Oh, and 2009 will aslo herald the arrival of the first Fiction Family record. Exciting times behind, exciting times ahead!

Here's a comprehensive list/chart of what else happened this year! Hope you enjoy it. =)


January

15th:
*Jon Foreman releases the second in his four ep-set, “Winter.”

*Winter debuts at No. 9 overall on the iTunes top album chart, and No. 2 on the iTunes Top Rock Albums chart. 1

24th:
*The “Fall & Winter” EP’s physical cd combo debuts at No. 24 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. 2


22nd - February 2nd:
*Switchfoot tours the Asian Pacific, with stops in Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Malaysia. 3 4 5

February

*Switchfoot/Jon Foreman is nominated for four Dove Awards on the heels of a highly successful year in 2007 in the CCM. They are nominated for:

-Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year – “Awakening”
-Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year – “Oh! Gravity.”
-Short Form Music Video of the Year – “Awakening”
-Male Vocalist of the Year – “Jon Foreman” 6

*Switchfoot announces the “Up In Arms Tour,” partnering with To Write Love on Her Arms. They bring UK rockers, “Athlete” along. 7

March

5th:
“Awakening” video reaches 2 million views on youtube!

12th and 14th:
Jon Foreman plays three shows at the prestigious SXSW Music Festival

25th:
*Jon Foreman releases the third in his 4-ep set, “Spring”
*”Spring” peaks at No. 12 on the iTunes top overall albums 8

April

2nd:
*It is announced that Switchfoot will record a song called “This Is Home” and shoot a video for the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie. 9

12th:
* “Spring” hits No. 14 on the Billboard Top Digital Albums and No. 179 on the Billboard Comprehensive Albums charts. 10

13th:
*Chad Butler posts a forum topic announcing the “Music Builds Tour” 11
*Switchfoot shoots the video for “This Is Home” 12

16th:
*”This Is Home” is performed for the first time in Iowa. 13

18th:
*The Music Builds Tour is officially announced 14

23th:
*Switchfoot performs “This Is Home” for the first time on National TV, at the 39th GMA Dove Awards. The band comes away without any of the awards they were nominated for. 15

25th:
*”This Is Home” impacts to radio. It enters the Hot AC charts at No. 391, with one spin. 16

May

2nd:
*The music video for “This Is Home” world premieres on Disney.com

12th:
*Switchfoot moves into their newly completed studio to set up Switchfoot Headquarters 17

13th:
*David Cook performs “Dare You to Move” on American Idol 18
*Switchfoot performs “This Is Home” on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno later that night

*"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" Soundtrack debuts at No. 26 on Billboard 200 Top Albums chart, with 16,000 units sold in its first week. 19

June

7th: The Fourth Annual Bro-Am raises approximately $60,000 for Stand-Up For Kids. 20

10th:
*Jon Foreman releases the final ep of his seasonal series, “Summer” on iTunes.
*It debuts at No. 10 on the top iTunes Albums overall and No. 2 on the Rock albums chart.

12th:
*”Summer” peaks at No. 9 on the top iTunes Albums overall.

July

1st:
*Switchfoot relaunches a “new and improved” version of their studio webcam.

August

21st:
*Switchfoot embarks on the Music Builds Tour with Third Day, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, and Jars of Clay. The tour is to benefit Habitat For Humanity, and takes on the look of a traveling festival.

September

12th:
*Fiction Family announces release date for their debut album to be January 20, 2009 21

16th:
Fiction Family releases album art and announces their release will be handled by ATO Records 22


October

3rd: Fiction Family announces tracklisting for their self-titled debut 23

12th:
*The Music Builds Tour ends.
*Switchfoot performance on Battleground Earth finale plays on Discovery Channel’s Planet Green. They play “Meant to Live” and “This Is Home.”

28th:
*Jon Foreman releases the compilation studio record, “Limbs and Branches,” which features the best of his EP’s, as well as two new songs.

November

4th:
*Columbia/SonyBMG/Legacy releases Switchfoot’s “greatest hits” album called “The Best Yet”

December

2nd:
*Fiction Family announces first tour dates 24

3rd:
*Fiction Family's first single, "When She's Near," is made available for free download 25

4th:
*Switchfoot embarks on a short tour with 3 Doors Down 26

15th:
*Fiction Family's music video for "When She's Near" is premiered on Vimeo. 27

22nd:
*Switchfoot’s song “We Are One Tonight” is featured on the OneCampain’s TV Ad 28

Fiction Family's "When She's Near" goes to Triple-A Radio in mid-January 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE everyone!

FMQB reports that Fiction Family's lead single "When She's Near" will impact Triple-A format radio stations on January 12-13 of 2009.



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Also, the music video for "When She's Near" has been added on VH1.com. Here's the link.

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In the spirit of the upcoming year, we are making the final touches and retouches of our 2008 Switchfoot retrospective. Watch for it sometime later today or early tomorrow! Thanks for another great year friends!

Merry (Late) Christmas!

Hey everyone! Hope you had an awesome Christmas, and were surrounded with loved ones throughout this Holiday season.

We're stoked about the New Year honestly, because almost immediately, we've got the new Fiction Family record coming up, as well the new Switchfoot album that could be dropping in the Summer!

What a year 2008 has been! We've seen the conclusion of Jon Foreman's Solo EP project, the release of his "Limbs and Branches" compilation, Switchfoot's very first greatest hits album, and heck, even a soundtrack single for a big-time movie!

The Switchfoot boys have given us yet another great year to look back on and share with them... involving the listener even more than ever. We've got a Year-In-Review (like last year!) coming up shortly that chronicles everything that happened this past year of 2008.

Stay on the look out for that! For now, paceee! =)

The ONE Campaign Thank You TV ad features Switchfoot

With, appropriately, "We Are One Tonight" being the song involved. What a great organization, with a great taste in music!

One.org

Switchfoot Has released two Rhapsody-exclusive Singles

This past Tuesday, Switchfoot released two exclusive singles for download on Rhapsody's music store through lowercase people records/Credential. There's the previously reported "Another Christmas (Old Borego)" but there's also a brand new acoustic version of "This Is Home" that the band recorded. Both are remade, rejiggerred takes on some Switchfoot favorites.

"Another Christmas (Old Borego)"

I didn't expect anything more than a re-release of the old KROQ version from back in 2004 but was pleasantly surprised. The mix has been updated, with a tiny bit of smoothening of the vocals. The instrumentation is a little more tinkly in feel, and the clapping persists throughout the song. The instrumental embellishments have increased, but tastefully so, preserving the simplicity of the song. Having said this, I still enjoy the original version better, but consider this Single Version worth purchasing.

Rating: 3.5/5

BUY

"This Is Home (Acoustic)"

Pretty much as advertised.Jon Foreman's vocals are held back for most of the song, making this acoustic cut feel like it would fit in Jon's solo EP's. It's pretty similar in arrangement to the radio mix, but different in the insyruments some of the bandmembers use. Jerome uses a synth/keyboard sound, Drew uses a clean elextric, Chad soubds like he's using brushes for the druns. The result is a respectable, solid take on our favorite movie song.

Rating: 3/5

BUY

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Here's a new news story/interview with bassist Tim Foreman. He talks about playing Switchfoot's big hits, as well as how the new record is coming along!

At some point in time, popular bands must get tired of playing the same old songs.

For Snow Patrol, "Chasing Cars" has to be getting old.

The Fray probably wants its fans to get off the "Cable Car" song.

And Panic at the Disco likely wants to see "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" buried somewhere out in the Nevada desert.

But for Switchfoot, the hits provide a meaningful backbone.

"We love to play our hit songs wherever we go, because they actually mean something to us," said bassist Tim Foreman in a recent phone interview.

"We're so honored to be playing these songs for you guys."

...

"'Freedom' is really the word here," said Foreman. "There's this new freedom on so many different levels, from artistic to marketing, and we've been able to release several songs. There are no rules."

Switchfoot is partnering its own Lowercase People Records with ATO Records for the release of the band's next album, set to hit shelves in spring 2009.

"We've been working on the new album in pieces in our own studio," said Foreman. "We've got three albums worth of new material, and we're still looking to piece together the common DNA. Eventually we'll get it down to the standard 12 or so songs."

Fredricksburg.org FULL STORY

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Here's a review of "The Best Yet"

Listeners will really enjoy listening to the different approaches Switchfoot takes with its music. One thing Switchfoot does well with this release is evoke strong emotion in their listeners, and the instrumental melodic diversity is a key part of this.

"This Is Home" is a soft, piano-enthused album cut that may be the best song offered in this collection. A steady rock version was produced from the original cut, made for a Disney production. "This Is Home" is one of the best singles I have personally heard in a while.

Full Review here

Fiction Family Website Updates!; More Switchfoot/3 Doors Down Tour stuff

The Fiction Family Website has been updated once more! Check it out!



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There's also a new photos page on the website as well! Check them out... here's some samples!




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Also, more Daily Foot entries from the 3 Doors Down Tour!

Charlotte, North Carolina
Merry Christmas
Hampton, Virginia
Hampton Virginia 2

Fiction Family Record Leaks Online (UPDATE: False Alarm)

UDPATE (9:42 AM): False Alarm. The torrent is a fake. Close call though!

Fiction Family's debut release is now available for listening -- but probably not in the way intended. The album has apparently leaked online as of 8:52 AM PST. The torrent file is available for download, but a link will not be posted on this site for legal reasons. We are waiting for official confirmation for this fact, but if this is true, the record will have leaked more than a month before street date.

What do you all think of this? Is bittorrent/filesharing ultimately beneficial for a band or harmful? I mean, the band did, after all, release their first single, "When She's Near," for free. Discuss. Will update throughout the day.

See the new Fiction Family, "When She's Near" Music video Now!

Fiction Family - When She's Near from ATO Records on Vimeo.

(from the newest Switchfoot email)

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Also another exciting note in the Switchfoot email:

SWITCHFOOT ARE COMING TO CENTRAL AMERICA
Switchfoot is happy to announce they will be coming to Guatemala and Costa Rica in mid-February. As soon as we have complete show and ticketing info we will let you know.

As always, thanks for singing along.

Awesome news!

Bonus Coverage: Listen to NarniafromA-Z interview with Mark and Jon Foreman

Here's an interview with Jon and Mark Foreman about their relationship and journey with C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" and the process about writing "This Is Home" for the Prince Caspian movie, including some inside looks.

It's pretty awesome. I think it merits a bonus post today!

Switchfoot to release "Another Christmas (Old Borego)" Single?

Our friend Chris found out more about the new "Another Christmas (Old Borego)" song/album thing on Rhapsody

HERE!

It says that the record label releasing it is indeed lowercase people records. Manufactured and Marketed by Credential Recordings! It's apparently set for a December 16, 2008 release date... a little late for the Holiday shopping time, but not too late.

We'll see if this emerges on iTunes. It looks like Switchfoot's got something good planned and that something might be happening here. We'll keep you posted.

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Here's a video of the new performance of "Awakening" that Switchfoot did for Call+Response.



Gotta love the nonchalant throwage of the guitar by Jon Foreman there... haha.

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More Fiction Family press/buzz!

Drivebymedia
Thephiller
yousingiwrite
Snobsmusic
I-Am-Rock
Anthologysd
Indiependentmusic
Absolutepunk.net

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Oh, even more Daily Foot entries! This thing is becoming daily for real! Go Bobby!

Here are some things I found lying around
Cincinnati, Ohio

That's it for today so far. Have a great one!

Lots of news, Lots of Press for Fiction Family and Switchfoot

Ok, we've got lots of links and website from across the interweb. We've gathered most of them together here for you to digest. Read it or leave it. Up to you. =)

I personally am pretty stoked with the buzz that is starting to build around Fiction Family, and that's where we're going to start with today's News Digest.

Here's the Fiction Family press/bloggage:

Antimusic
Livedaily
Plug-in Music
Conversant Life
Stereotruth
bbqchickenrobot.com <--- Hmm...?

At the same time, don't hesitate to spread the word on your own through your own blogs, xanga's, Myspaces, Facebooks, livejournals, Twitters, etc. etc. Let's tell everyone we know about Fiction Family! If you haven't already, join the official Fiction Family Street Team to get up-to-date news on promotion projects and campaigns and how to be involved to the best of your ability! There's a contest right now to win a prize too!

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Now for the Switchfoot portion of today's update. There's just as much going on.

First off, here's the articles about Switchfoot's new "This Is Home" video contest:

Pluginmusic
Komodorock

There's also a strongly-opinionated review for Switchfoot's "The Best Yet" from the OCWeekly:

Dubious to be sure, especially since the band--who are essentially Christian rock and, in that tradition, sound perpetually about 10 years beyond the times--has really only had two songs that could legitimately be classified as hits: 2003's "Meant to Live" and 2004's "Dare You to Move." That doesn't stop delusions of grandeur, of course--the accompanying press release talks of "their ascendance into the rock pantheon." That's right, not "ascent," "ascendance." I didn't think it was a word either, turns out it is, they're just using it incorrectly.

Wow, where has this dude been? Anyways, you can read the rest (if you even want to), here


Oh, here's another random bit that our friends at LOBH found from Rolling Stone Magazine's website:

Another Christmas (Old Borego) Album by Switchfoot
(...??)

What could this mean? Is it just an error, or is it a sign of certain things to come? We'll see...

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And last but not least, news and views from Tour!

Here's the "official" stuff on the Daily-Foot. Man, Bobby's got this thing COVERED.


Biloxi, Mississippi (Take 2)



Black Hawk (Dude, this one's awesome!)




Pikeville, Kentucky





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And here's some stunning photo's that LOBH got up once more. Awesome.







That's all for now. Thanks for reading everyone!

Switchfoot's new "This Is Home" Video Contest; song features on Brothers and Sisters clip

I'm sure Switchfoot's "This Is Home" has impacted us in many ways. Now, the band is giving us a chance to show how important the song is to us in this new contest. As you all know, Switchfoot posted a new music video for "This Is Home" and started a group that we talked about awhile back. They also mention the "This Is Home" music video with the Troops montage that was featured here a few days ago.

Here's the official announcement on the band's Sony-run Youtube page:

Thank you for all the great comments so far on the new video for "This is Home". When we wrote the song, we had always hoped that it would touch people in some way, and it seems that it has. One such person created their own version of the video and uploaded it to our group (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVZEH3etN10). It really touched us, so much so that we hope it might inspire some of you to do the same. We want to see what "This Is Home" means to you. With the Holiday's coming up, it seemed very appropriate. So create your own version, and upload to our This Is Home group channel. From all the entries, we'll pick our three favorite, and those people will win signed "This is Home" lyrics plus autographed copies of The Best Yet CD. Be sure to get them in soon, the contest will end January 3, and we'll pick the winners during that first week of January

Go To: http://www.youtube.com/group/thisishome

Now, here's some press that has come along with the launch of the contest:

Hiponline
Soul-Audio
temppatttoo

Make sure you get those entries in soon!

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Speaking of "This Is Home," some people have reported that the song is being used in ads and commercial tv spots for the upcoming new season of the show "Brothers and Sisters." Someone uploaded it, and you can see/hear it here: (it's kinda hard to hear it, but if you listen closely, it'll be there)



I think Sony is somehow behind this... just a thought...

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There's also a mention in Billboard.com's latest Billboard Bits article about the Invisible Children benefit show in Los Angeles that Jon Foreman from Switchfoot is slated to play at:

Members of Thrice (Dustin Kensrue), Switchfoot (Jon Foreman), Saves The Day (Chris Conley) and Sparta (Jim Ward) will perform acoustic sets Dec. 19 at the Troubadour in Los Angeles to help raise awareness for Invisible Children, a nonprofit group that provides education and economic relief to northern Uganda.

"Whenever they call or have a big event happening, I'm always really excited to support when I can," says Foreman, who is recording a new Switchfoot album in San Diego. "If music can come alongside what they're doing, it's an honor."

Go here for details!

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In other Switchfoot Social Justice involvement news, the new Call + Response soundtrack album is now up on iTunes. Switchfoot's live performance of "Awakening" shows up on there! Check it out now!

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Indievision Music posted a review of "The Best Yet." Read what they say here:

Switchfoot is a band that has always stood out among its peers. During the early days of alternative, post-grunge rock, Switchfoot’s music was among the best in the CCM market. Maybe still a little too crunchy for mom, their albums were progressive and drove Christian rock into new arenas. After the crossover success and mainstream appeal on a major label, Switchfoot was still just as creative and still pushing modern rock to think outside of its stale old box. Their latest release, The Best Yet, spans all of these years, picking up hits from each album along the way. This is the perfect collection for someone such as myself, who has always appreciated Switchfoot but never quite loved them enough to purchase a record. It has all of the favorites, as well as some fun surprises, like “This Is Home,” a song you may remember from the end of the movie Prince Caspian. Die-hard fans will surely have this material already and may complain about the song selection basically just being a collection of all the hit singles, but it’s a good album nonetheless, and I fully expect to see The Best Yet in the top five best selling albums at my local Christian bookstore this Christmas season.

8/10

SOURCE

New Daily Foot For Biloxi, Mississippi

Here's the latest entry by Bobby from This Holiday Life. I'm loving the different perspective... it's almost like a fan coming along with the band for a little bit.





Biloxi, Mississippi

Great work! Mr. Barron, we still love you... hope you're doing well...

I wonder what he's got up his sleeve though... hmm....

Will update more today if anything else huge happens. Peace out!

Switchfoot Stories and Camera Phone pics from the 3 Doors Down Tour!

As many of you know, Bobby is the new daily footer for this 3 Doors Down Tour, taking over for the great Andy Barron. (Andy, you'll be missed!)

But Bobby has a style all his own, and his inaugural post can be found here. Since it is the new guy's first post, I thought I'd reproduce it here. Awesome stuff Bobby!

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today was a wet shoes day. not a good day for tom's. put those sucka's away! weather was threatening rain, and occasionally it followed through. by the time the foots went it on, orange beach had changed from fall to winter, losing 20 degrees. brrrr! I escaped the chill by frequenting the bus only to hear a new Switchfoot song with each entrance. i think they're making a 100 song record! Each song is just another pile of evidence that these gents put a lot of heart and soul and sweat and tears (and blood?) into their art. Reminds me of Reverend Robert Evans and his nightly plight to stare into the stars for hours counting supernovas - of which he sees very infrequently, maybe 3 a year or even 1 every 3 years. Just the idea that he knows it's out there and that he's gonna chase it down like a wild fox hiding in the dark cosmos... anyway, you get my drift. a lot of work for an undetermined return on a timely investment.

welcome to the first night of the 3 doors down tour! thanks jordan, sweet tea was fabulous!

hope december is kind to you. come say hi!
bobby

ooohhh... 100-song record! ;) Though said mostly in jest, this is exciting news. I don't think he was joking when he said there was a new Switchfoot song every time he entered the bus! Woot! Switchfoot are beasts!

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Site News

Ah, now for some site news. We've updated the layout! Like it? Hate it? Let us know... It's a bit more Fiction Family-ized, because I thought it'd be sweet to give some attention to Jon Foreman and Sean Watkins for a little while. After all, we're posting banners for them all over the place, and they have a full-blown album and tour cycle coming up, so let's get psyched, man! Get psyched man!

Alright, peace out!

Video Tribute to Our Troops Set Switchfoot's "This Is Home"

This is a great video montage to Switchfoot's song, "This Is Home." I don't know what your views on our current war are, but regardless, I think we should all stand by our troops, who are real men and true heroes. Here's to you our fighting men! We salute you, stand by you, and hope you finally find your way home... where you belong...

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Oh, by the way, the Daily Foot has been updated for the new tour!

Check out what the new guy, Bobby has to say about the new tour and the journey en route to the 3 Doors Down tour en route: san diego to birmingham

3 Doors Down Tour Starts today!

Friendly reminder... Switchfoot's short mini-tour with 3 Doors Down starts today! We'll have coverage for you as soon as we get it! Happy start of tour! :)

Download Fiction Family's "When Shes Near"; join the Fiction Family street team

Fiction Family sent out an email today that talks about a few exciting happenings for them , including some of the things that were revealed yesterday, like the new tour dates and the album pre-order. But some other goodies were included:

1. "When She's Near," the first single is being offered as a free download. Go here to get it!

2. New Fiction Family Street Team! Sign up so you can receive updates on tour promotions, album promotions, etc.

Here's a youtube video you can spread around about Fiction Family, as well:



3. Re-sign up for the Fiction Family email listing to continue receiving updates from the band. If you haven't signed up yet, now would be a great time!

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Reactions: "When She's Near" being offered as a free download is a great move. This band is pretty much starting from scratch and when you're a brand new act, giving away free music is a great way of getting the word out. We'll set up a banner or something soon so you can post it on your Myspaces and Facebooks and Xangas. Or, just send the mp3's to your friends. There's plenty of ways to spread the love around!

Which is why signing up for the street team is going to be exciting. It'll be great times promoting this new (sorta) project by Jon Foreman and Sean Watkins. We'll keep you all posted on any other additional promotional ideas we have here at We're Awakening, along with the official instrictions. This should be fun!

Breaking News: New Fiction Family Tour Dates and Pre-Order!!

from their Myspace

Jan 13 2009 The Ark Ann Arbor, Michigan
Jan 14 2009 Ladies Literary Club - Calvin College GRAND RAPIDS
Jan 15 2009 Abbey Pub Chicago, Illinois
Jan 16 2009 The Union - North Central College Naperville, Illinois
Jan 17 2009 Ransburg Auditorium - University of Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana
Jan 18 2009 Creative Arts Center at WVU Morgantown, West Virginia
Jan 20 2009 Bowery Ballroom New York, New York
Jan 21 2009 Paradise Rock Club Boston, Massachusetts
Jan 22 2009 World Cafe Live Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jan 23 2009 Crawford Auditorium Grove City, Pennsylvania
Jan 24 2009 Jammin’ Java Vienna, Virginia
Jan 25 2009 Brubaker Auditorium - Messiah College Grantham, Pennsylvania
Jan 27 2009 Gravity Lounge Charlottesville, Virginia
Jan 29 2009 Variety Playhouse Atlanta, Georgia
Jan 30 2009 Belcourt Theater Nashville, Tennessee
Jan 31 2009 Malone College Cantone, Ohio
Feb 3 2009 Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room Seattle, Washington
Feb 4 2009 Aladdin Theater Portland, Oregon
Feb 5 2009 The Independent San Francisco, California
Feb 6 2009 Anthology Restaurant Live San Diego, California
Feb 7 2009 Largo at Coronet Theater West Hollywood, California

For tickets info, go check out the Myspace.

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The Fiction Family store is also open! There's three packages available:


Deluxe Edition Includes:

* Vinyl album
* CD album
* DVD including
o Music Video for "When She’s Near"
o Behind the Scenes of the “When She’s Near” music video
o An interview with Fiction Family – Sean vs Jon
o Photo Gallery
* CD of 3 B side tracks including
o a cover of The Cure’s "Friday I’m In Love"
o "Resurrect Me" by Jon Foreman
o "No Other Needs" by Sean Watkins
* Limited edition Fictional Family print.
* Printable Holiday Card (So you have something in time for Holiday gift giving)


Vinyl Edition Includes:

* Vinyl album
* CD album
* Printable Holiday Card (So you have something in time for Holiday gift giving)


CD Edition Includes:

* CD album
* Printable Holiday Card (So you have something in time for Holiday gift giving)

Go here to pre-order your package now! (Thanks dontcloseyoureyez!)

Switchfoot ft. Robert Randolph and the Family Band; Join the "This Is Home" Youtube group

Switchfoot ft. Robert Randolph


This is a stunning video of Switchfoot playing "On Fire" during the Music Builds Tour. It features Robert Randolph playing along with the band... Hope you enjoy it!

Thanks Bentley Oaks for uploading this on MyspaceTV.

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Also, make sure you join the Youtube This Is Home group that was started by the Switchfoot account that uploaded the new "This Is Home" music video. Let's get this ball rolling! :)

Featured Video: Switchfoot - Old Borego

Hey everyone! This is a music video(ish) thing that I made for the Switchfoot Christmas song, "Old Borego." I took clips from the various different Switchfoot DVD's out there and brought them together, to maybe make a Holiday cheer video.

It's a great song too... a little strange, but I like it and it fits the mood. Enjoy, and please please comment and rate it! I'd appreciate that a lot! Thanks!

-Job

Fiction Family schedules a National Tour (Jan. 15-Feb. 10)

It appears that Fiction Family is going to be doing a comprehensive, near month-long national tour in support of their debut album. According to EMI CMG Distribution, it will kick off Jan. 15 and run through Feb. 10 of next year, hitting more than 15 cities along the way!

Also, here's a glimpse into what the marketing strategy is looking like for the album, at least on Credential/EMI's side of the equation.

# Cross promotion to BOTH bands' databases, which is close to 150,000 total! Cross promotional efforts include free downloads, online street team support, and physical street team support
# National headlining Fiction Family tour scheduled Jan. 15-Feb. 10 hitting over 15 cities.
# Targeted press and online promotions to Mainstream & Christian music sites, publications and blogs
# Video for "When She's Near" available and worked to all applicable Christian & Mainstream outlets.

^I'm liking that last line. :)



Side note, it looks like Fiction Family IS going to be marketed to Christian outlets too... I'm lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. But anyhow, exciting times ahead friends!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving my friends. It's been amazing so far, and I'm so thankful for everything I have. Let's take some time today to be with our loved ones and appreciate them...

And to the Switchfoot guys, if you ever read this, thanks for being one of the most amazing bands on the planet! You never cease to amaze us with your music, your dedication to the Switchfams like us, and just being ridiculously generous people to the rest of the world.

Keep burning out bright! We're behind you, pray that you have a great day today with family and loved ones. Thank you Switchfoot.

Click here to read the recent email the guys sent out.

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One other random news bit, Jon Foreman's song "Your Love Is Strong" moved up two spots this week on the CHR charts. Woot!

New Switchfoot Email: 2008 Switchfoot Holiday Pack

Dear Amigos,

We wanted to send you a Happy Thanksgiving note, as well as make sure you are up to date on all things Switchfoot!

THE 2008 SWITCHFOOT HOLIDAY PACK The Holiday Pack is here! This year the Holiday Pack includes: The BEST YET Deluxe Edition CD/DVD, New Poster, Choice of T-Shirt or Hoodie, Christmas Card, Unreleased Switchfoot B-Side "We Are Bound", and Unreleased Jon Foreman Solo Song (Live from Hotel Cafe). The BEST YET CD includes the newly released song "This Is Home", as well as such tracks as "Dare You To Move," Meant To Live," and "This Is Your Life." The DVD contains 14 music videos and band commentary, including video favorites like "Stars", "Dare you to Move", and "Meant To Live", along with rarities spanning our entire career. This special package is now available and in limited quantities. So place your order now, and have a Christmas party in November!

Purchase the Holiday Package HERE


"THIS IS HOME" - NEW VIDEO We are excited to let you know that our new video for "This Is Home" is available to view! We shot some live footage during the Music Builds Tour this past Fall, and put together a great live video for our new song "This Is Home." We love it, and hope you do too. http://www.youtube.com/user/Switchfoot



FICTION FAMILY - JANUARY 20TH RELEASE
Jon and his pal Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek have partnered together for an amazing project called Fiction Family. The self-titled debut will be released on January 20th 2009 through ATO Records. You can hear their first single "When She's Near" at www.fictionfamily.com. If you want more info on Fiction Family, make sure to sign up for their official email list at www.fictionfamily.com. They will be announcing tour dates soon!



TOUR WITH 3 DOORS DOWN
Switchfoot will be joining 3 Doors Down on tour this December throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic US. Please click here to see complete list of tour dates. http://www.switchfoot.com/touring.htm



NEW ALBUM
We've been in the studio for the past few weeks working on our new record, and it's sounding really great. We can't wait for everyone to hear these new tunes, and we are planning on releasing the album in summer 09.

As always, thanks for singing along.

- jon, tim, chad, jerome, and drew

Fiction Family: Enter the Art Dude

The Art Dude is hard at work on the new Fiction Family record. Who is the Art Dude, you may ask? Read the latest blog from Sean Watkins and you shall see...

Tuesday, November 25, 2008


Art Dude working away!

This is Andy Barron, our good buddy and art dude for the record. That's his official title by the way...Art Dude. Anyway what he's holding up is the dwindling check list of things to do for the record to be done and ready to print. (He's been busy!)
Very exciting! It's all happening very soon.
Before you know it, Fiction Family will be in your town!
Wheeeeee!
Sean

the massive to-do list



the massive to-do list done!

Ah, the Art Dude is none other than our very own Andy Barron of Switchfoot and Jon Foreman photography fame! The guy is a beast, and it's looking like this record's artwork is in excellent hands. Can't wait to see what's in store!

Some more reviews

Christianity Today for Jon Foreman's EP's:

When Switchfoot left CCM label Sparrow and signed with Columbia Records in 2003, they became one of the hottest pop-rock acts in mainstream music. Some wondered why they had "abandoned" their roots, playing solely secular venues and singing songs decidedly lacking in JPMs (Jesuses Per Minute).

But the band—and the brains behind it, singer-songwriter Jon Foreman—hadn't jumped ship at all. They were simply playing the songs born in Foreman's inquisitive mind: "I'm interested in reading philosophy and trying to figure things out," he says.

Foreman apparently had more of those songs up his sleeve, judging by the recent release of four solo EPs—six songs each—under the titles Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer (4 stars for the set). The music is stark and spare, rough and unpolished. Foreman and his guitar are everywhere, but it's the creative inclusion of other instruments—trumpets, harmonica, tuba, even a Chinese guzheng—that give the music its most noteworthy twists. This is not Switchfoot-lite; this is free-association Foreman unfolding in a blend of the Socratic and the spiritual.

Read the rest here

Evade the Noise reviewed Switchfoot's "The Best Yet":

Interestingly enough, I haven’t purchased or even listened to either of their two albums following The Beautiful Letdown (that is Nothing Is Sound or Oh! Gravity) and yet I only found three songs on The Best Yet that I actually hadn’t heard. I’m assuming the last two records just didn’t do as well or bring the hits the band was hoping for. Personally, I thought they were putting out way too many albums in a short period of time and just trying to ride the wave that was The Beautiful Letdown–their certified double platinum album. In fact, Oh! Gravity and Nothing Is Sound were both released within a year of each other and I don’t think I’ve really missed much.

FULL REVIEW

That's all for now. Peace!

Jonas Brothers cover a Switchfoot song...?

I'm going to keep my personal comments mum on this. But what do you all think? Discuss.

One thing I'm kinda sure of, watch "Twenty Four" become one of Switchfoot's highest selling songs on iTunes... hehe. Just kidding.

Featured Video: Switchfoot - This Is Home

Yeah it's not a real featured video, but since it's a brand new, freshly released, official music video, I thought it deserved the space today. Spread the word, link it on facebook, myspace, and what not. We'll see if "This Is Home" can become a hit yet...

In my opinion, this video captures the essence of Switchfoot more than a lot of their videos have. This is truly home for the band... making that connection with the fans that mean a lot to them...

Viva la Switchfoot!

BRAND NEW "THIS IS HOME" MUSIC VIDEO

No that's not a typo. There's a brand new MUSIC VIDEO for "This Is Home." Apparently they re-shot it for Sony...??

Speechless really.

UPDATE: It's up for purchase on iTunes as well! I smell a strong radio push, and/or mtv... hmm...?

iTunes

Jon Foreman - "Your Love Is Strong" hits CHR radio!

As was reported a month or so ago, EMI CMG has been working Jon Foreman's single, "Your Love Is Strong" to radio. It's charting now on Christian CHR formats, currently sitting at No. 29, and it's picking up steam. We'll see if it hits the charts hard, and whether a few mainstream radio stations will give it some spinnage...

Switchfoot - This Is Home (Live Battleground Earth) [2008] Video Performance

Here's the second part to the Battleground Earth performance the Switchfoot guys did a month ago. The song on this video is "This Is Home," and is edited in the middle (for time's sake, I suppose) so don't be surprised if it sounds slightly awkward at a certain point.

Oh, and if you missed the first part ("Meant to Live") that we uploaded, go here to catch up!

Another Switchfoot "The Best Yet" Review...

CCMmagazine reviewed "The Best Yet." Since there's not much to update on today, here's the full article:

A GENERALLY COMPREHENSIVE CAREER SPANNING COLLECTION

With over 10 years of recording and touring under its belt, Switchfoot is more than ready for a greatest hits compilation. The most exciting part about The Best Yet is it not only the fact it compiles all the monster hits from the band’s Columbia Records crossover years, but it also includes a handful of tunes from its often overlooked re:think era. Throughout a generous 18 tracks, the group’s evolution from a simple surf-pop band to ingenious alternative act is apparent, with Jon Foreman’s provocative lyrics steering the well-oiled ship the entire time.

“Dare You To Move” is a fitting opening given its anthemic presence, followed by one of the most memorable guitar riffs in Christian music history—“Meant To Live.” This trip down memory lane should also be applauded for the power surging “Stars,” the grimy alternative grinder “Oh! Gravity,” the empowering ballad “Leaning To Breathe” and the carefree sing-a-long “Company Car.” Other crests include the electronically enhanced “This Is Your Life,” the distortion drenched “Dirty Second Hands” and the well-preserved early grunge track “Concrete Girl.”

The disc also features the band’s recent cut “This Is Home,” an entrancing power ballad first found on the soundtrack to The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. However, that’s the only hint of Switchfoot’s future direction, as no additional new songs are included (despite the tradition of at least a few upcoming tunes on most retrospective discs). And even with the otherwise stacked track listing, there are a few disappointing retro omissions, including the bubbly “Chem 6A” and even more memorable “New Way To Be Human.” Of course, die-hard fans probably already own those singles and neither are absolutely essential to The Best Yet banner, which makes this otherwise comprehensive project an indispensable single disc overview of Switchfoot’s extraordinary career thus far. –Andy Argyrakis

Well said. Peace friends! =D

Switchfoot's "The Best Yet" Opening Billboard Chart Position

According to MTV news, Switchfoot's "The Best Yet" came into the Billboard 200 Albums chart at #123, moving approximately 4,500 copies at retail.

A bit disappointing, but not too surprising. I haven't seen these in Target or Best Buy or Wal Mart... have any of you? It seems like Sony isn't really putting much effort behind the release, which is not too big of a suprise either... but at least get the thing into stores! So far, it seems only Christian outlets sell the CD; Credential Recordings is doing a great job once more with the record.

But there's your little news tidbit for today. Nothing much else going on on the Switchfoot front. Peace and Happy Friday!

"The Best Yet" Commercial

Pretty sweet... =)

Here's some reviews too:

World Magazine
The Celebrity Cafe
The Album Project

Sorry this was a rather quick update... been sort of busy. Will be back soon! Thanks for reading everyone!

Featured Video: Switchfoot - Meant to Live (Battleground Earth) [2008]

Switchfoot "The Best Yet" and "This Is Home" shooting up the iTunes Charts!

THE BEST YET:

No. 11 on iTunes Top Rock Albums!
(Proof):


No. 61 on iTunes Top Albums Overall!
(Proof):


THIS IS HOME

No. 99 on iTunes Top Songs Overall!


We've cracked the Top 100! Sound the trumpets, summon the boars! And if you haven't bought it yet and have extra coin to spare, help it up the charts! we might get some chartage yet for this single!

~puts away caffeine~

Fiction Family Website Updated; "The Best Yet" results

Fictionfamily.com has been updated. Check it out now! There's a cool little video blurb, and the site is also streaming Fiction Family's single "When She's Near" in hi-fi quality. Yes.

Oh, and the band has a new Facebook page, and Sean Watkins wrote a little introduction blurb. It's pretty interesting hearing the story from his perspective this time, after hearing Jon Foreman's side for all this time.

Hello friends!

The wait is nearly over. Fiction Family's debut record is eponymous and upon us..... relatively, being that we've been threatening to release it for the last couple years.

Fiction Family is myself (Sean Watkins) and Jon Foreman (Switchfoot) and we've been working on a record together for the last three years. Unofficially we met maybe 12 years ago, in the parking lot of Off Shore Surf Shop in Carlsbad, CA. We both had just gotten out of the water and were introduced by a mutual friend who wanted us to meet cause we were musicians....we shook hands and gave each other a smile that said..."sure you're in a band, aren't we all?" But officially, we met backstage at a music festival in downtown San Diego called Street Scene. Nickel Creek and Switchfoot were playing one after another.

Anyhow, the record started as simple plan to co-write a song, which then then turned into a plan to make a 3 song garage EP, which was so fun we decided to make it a 5 song EP, which led to the idea of making it 7 songs and the ability to sell it for $10. As soon as money entered the equation, it was all over folks. At that point we realized that with just a few more songs we'd have a real record... that would of course, sell millions, alter the course of rock and roll and make us rich and lazy.....of course, i kid.....partly. Not kidding about the being lazy part. Anyway, it's coming out January 20th and we're very excited. It's really icing on the cake that this record is even being released properly. ATO none the less. Ideal, really.

Most of the time while making this record, we were thinking that we'd probably end up just giving it away online and perhaps play a few shows. Just that sounded fun and fulfilling enough for the work we were putting into it. We recorded it all at our homes in north county San Diego. The basic tracking was done as he and i playing in front of a few mics at his or my house on the very rare days that we were both off the road over the last couple years. When one of us had time off and the other was touring, whoever was home would chip away at the songs alone and send emails with overdub/harmony/etc ideas. With a just few exceptions we played all of the instruments on it. Not on purpose, but more because it was just easy and the songs ended coming to life at random times and sporadicly. It was a very relaxed and home oriented project.

I've never worked on any recording project in such a non pre-concieved and organic way. It was freeing to have no time frame, no one looking over your shoulder, no idea what it would end up as and no musical manifesto. And at times, it was a little frustrating for those same reasons. Thankfully ATO stepped in and agreed to release it which gave us motivation and a timeline for having it all finalized, turned in and done. The old adage that "you never finish a record, you just stop working on it" holds true. Whereas, we could have had endless fun adding and changing this record, it was nice to put it in the can and move toward getting out to you fine folks. Ultimately it was a wonderful experience that yielded a record we're both proud of and very invested in.

Hope y'all like it too!

-sean

For some reason, I really liked the ATO mention... hm. ;)

And in more Fiction Family news, Paste magazine has a new article about the act. Check it out here.

One interesting tid-bit: "Sara Watkins will lend her fiddle to an undisclosed number of songs." Interesting...

---------------------------

Now, moving on to some Switchfoot news!

"The Best Yet" is currently featured on the iTunes "What We're Listening To" section. Awesome!



On the charts, "The Best Yet" is:

No. 12 on the iTunes rock charts


No. 65 on the top Albums overall


Also:
"This Is Home" is No: 12 on the Rock Singles Chart on iTunes


---------------------------

Also, here are new reviews for "The Best Yet":

Christianity Today

Christian Today

WOW. Seriously, how uncreative can you get? haha.

---------------------------

In other news, "This Is Home" was added to a new Hot AC station this week: KSII

KSII Adds


Maybe this is a result of the radio reship a couple of weeks ago? We shall see...

Switchfoot - The Best Yet Release Day!

Switchfoot has come a long way. Today, we finally formally (I suppose) close the door on an era. The Sony years have come and gone, and "The Best Yet" is a closing of that chapter in the band's career. Here's to many more years, and many more great hits from the band. Can't wait 'til the new album hits stores, and we'll be raving about them, best-case-scenario, a few months from now. For now, lets take the time to remember the past 11 years of the band's existence, and look to the future, with Jerome's sunglasses on. "The future looks so bright you needa wear shades..." ;)

BUY:

iTunes
Amazon
Amazon Mp3
Bandform (Standard)



Deluxe

--------------------------

Here's a review of "The Best Yet" posted on JFH.org.

SOURCE

The writer makes a good point about how other less-deserving bands have gotten better treatment for their "greatest hits." (THIRD DAY?!?!)

Ok.

Also, a new "Limbs and Branches" review:



--------------------------

On myspace, there's a new celebrity playlist posted last Friday, of Switchfoot's "Memories of Home While Touring" playlist, featuring songs by Feist, Mute-math, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Cure, penelope, Death Cab for Cutie, silversun pickups, Delta Spirit, PHOENIX, and My Morning Jacket. Check it out. Pretty sweet!

Switchfoot taps Darrell Thorp for the New Album

The mysterious Thor that has been spotted on the Switchfoot Studio Webcam in recent days has finally been revealed. "Thor" is actually the great music engineer Darrell Thorp, who has won a Grammy Award for "Best Engineered Album" for Radiohead's "Hail to the Thief" and an "Album of the Year"for his work with Outkast.

Check out his complete work here and look him up on Myspace.

-----------------------------------

I'm especially excited now to see where this move will take the upcoming album. Thorp has also worked with Thom Yorke on his eccentric solo, non-Radiohead project. Outkast also has quirky, interesting music, so we'll see where Thorp will take Switchfoot. If it nets the band a Grammy, I'd be thrilled! Hey, who knows, right?

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SITE NEWS

Has been duly update on our 2008/2009 New Switchfoot Album Page. If you haven't checked it out yet, it's a comprehensive time line of what has happened so far in the production of this new record, from Demo sessions with Charlie Peacock to the current situation. If you'd like, check it out!

"Dare you to move, dare you to... buy a Suzuki...??"

Haha. Like that parody? Ok, ok, maybe not. But I'm pretty sure Suzuki would like you think that. Check out the new commercial that is taking the nation by storm.



It features Switchfoot's hit song, "Dare You to Move" while talking about their new car model. We've been getting reports. EVERYONE is starting to see this on TV. Awesome exposure for the song, even if it is kinda old. Goes to show how timeless it is... a classic.

----------------------------

Here is a video of Jon Foreman playing "Southbound Train," courtesy of UGO.com



Go here to check out other performances, including "Somebody's Baby," "Your Love Is Strong," and "Learning How to Die."

----------------------------

REVIEWS

Here are some new reviews. First, a Jon Foreman "Limbs and Branches" review from rockpapercity.

Next, a Switchfoot "The Best Yet" review:

Soul-Audio

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CHARTS

"Limbs and Branches" jumped up 4 spots today on the iTunes Overall Top Albums chart, moving up to No. 46.

"Broken From the Start" also jumped up to 45 on the iTunes Rock Top Songs chart.

Keep spreading the word footsoldiers! Make sure you embed the Jon Foreman widget too!