Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Approximate "This Is Home" Video Release Date and Other News

Yes, that's right folks! But before we get to that, here is a video special of the Bella movie that Jon Foreman contributed to. Turns out, "My Love Goes Free" was written for his wife. But besides that, check out what he has to say about it!



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

And the latest Narnia Insiders dispatch has some nice goodies for fans to check out:

We have for you the complete Switchfoot Prince Caspian soundtrack song, "This Is Home." In the next Dispatch we will have the great music video that includes clips from the movie. Here are photos of Switchfoot from the video shoot:


The video then, will be out within the next week. This is getting intensely exciting!

Some more press on "This Is Home"

Top-40Charts.com
Another from Top-40charts.com
Screensounds

And just in case you missed the link earlier, here is a link to a higher quality mp3 stream of "This Is Home"

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

A Rochester paper had this to say:

San Diego's Switchfoot is a quiet storm; it possesses not an ounce of rock-star bombast, but this band is everywhere. The music comes on with the heavy for the rockers and the pop hooks for the kids. I've seen this group about four times, and in each instance the parents and chaperones sipping Diet Cokes in the back of the venue seemed to dig the band as much as the kids howling down front. Lyrically Switchfoot still exhibits a little reflection and self-discovery with a decidedly Christian slant. The band doesn't beat you over the head with it, though. I mean, they're good boys and all, but they know how to rock.

Switchfoot plays Robert's Wesleyan College Sunday, May 4, at 7 p.m. $20-$25. 800-461-4485.


Source

P.S., Thanks Google news and gravyty for the heads-up. Welp, that's it for now! Peace!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Wait... for... it...

First off on the plate for this fine Monday afternoon/evening, we have a Reaters article about the Music Builds Tour.

"Hopefully the church and people who listen to Christian music are going to be big supporters of the tour," says Third Day frontman Mac Powell.

"But I think because of the lineup, it's going to be a little bit more friendly to people outside of the church as well. It's not going to be a normal Christian music festival."


SOURCE

I really don't know what to think about this tour, quite frankly. It's a great cause and all, and I'm sure the bands involved are all made up of great guys, but i just don't feel excited about this festival tour. That's just me though. Don't let it bring you down... hehe

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

Next up, we have a interview video clip that Jon Foreman did with Sprit 102.3 Tulsa.



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

In some Jon solo news, I submitted a review of the "Spring Ep" to Absolutepunk.net, and it got published today! I had no idea it would be good enough... So if you're interested, please go comment it--I'd be greatly appreciative!

Link

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

And for a quick blurb/news item/update (I'm not sure what to call it), awakeningourdreams from the official message boards posted a nice little bit of info:

My uncle who works at a mainstream station here, 95.5 said they already have This is Home added for their upcoming playlist , they are just "waiting" probably because Disney is holding off to release the single closer to the movie opening.


Well, then, not only does his uncle rock the house, this means that "This Is Home" is getting some attention on mainstream radio. This could be really good. We'll just have to wait... for... it...


As far as charts go, "This Is Home" still has one spin on that lone Hot AC station that played it last Friday.

Also, no stations on the Christian radio have played it yet either, which probably lends to the theory that Disney is holding off on a mass release until closer to movie release time, or until there's an actual digital single of the song to download on iTunes.

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

And lastly new Daily Foot Entries:

Poplar Bluff, Missouri




Troy, Alabama


Friday, April 25, 2008

Higher Quality Dove Awards Performance

Look what made its debut on the Hot AC format charts! yeah, its small sorry. Click on the image to enlarge.



Debuting at no. 391, "This Is Home" has arrived!

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

Here's a higher quality video of Switchfoot's performance of "This Is Home" at GMA's



Here's a backstage interview



Two others:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=o_034xRAwgU
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IoW_orqTttw

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Recapping Switchfoot's Night at the Dove Awards

EDIT (7:53 pm PST): Here's a video of the guys after the show (thanks Jay from the message boards):



So, the lights are dimmed now at the Grand Ole Opry, and the last of the press is probably gone too. The 39th GMA Dove Awards are in the books, and Switchfoot/Jon Foreman came away empty-handed.

After initial anger at the sheer stupidity and utter retardedness of Switchfoot getting robbed, reason began to take over. I really think this is a blessing in disguise. In my mind, the Dove Awards have lost all credibility over the years, the same way the entire CCM market has gone down the drain in the face of uninspired music packaged in a corporate business model that reeks of Shareholder's demands. The same artists (Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, TobyMac) seem to hold a monopoly on the voters' votes every year. I know that these people are talented, but there come times when other acts should get recognized for their equally wonderful music, or for making even better music than the Dove Award stalwarts.

To be snubbed and unrecognized by the very bastion of the Contemporary Christian Music, the GMA's Dove awards, is a blessing in disguise for Switchfoot. A band whose vision is to be "Christian by faith, not genre" would do well to not win very many of these awards. The "Christian rock" stereotypes are already suffocating enough. Of course, recognition for their ubiquitous talent would've been nice, and I wouldn't have complained, but I also breathe a sigh of relief that they won no Dove awards.

Switchfoot did pretty much rock the house though, playing "This Is Home" for the first time on national tv last night. Lilbluejay26 recorded the performance on his/her camera, and posted it on youtube... ALREADY! Oh, the wonders of the internet. Here it is:



To read up more about the "This Is Home" media blitz that happened yesterday, go to our last post.

Maybe more thoughts will follow in the future... but for now, congratulations Switchfoot for not winning any Dove awards. ;)

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Switchfoot's "This Is Home" Hits the Airwaves and Press

Apparently, today is "This Is Home"'s big coming out party.

First off, we have the full-blown studio recording of "This Is Home" direct from the allaccess Website. thanks to some person on the JFH boards for finding this!

Listen to "This Is Home" in all its full, studio-slick glory here!

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

Speaking of JFH, we have a press release from them that is making the rounds on the web. I've posted the whole thing in full:

NEW SWITCHFOOT SONG “THIS IS HOME” SELECTED FOR UPCOMING WALT DISNEY PICTURES, WALDEN MEDIA FILM The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Switchfoot To Debut Song Live On Gospel Music Association Dove Awards Tonight



NEWS SOURCE: Hoganson Media
April 23, 2008


Switchfoot Nashville, Tenn., April 23, 2008 – The multi-Platinum selling rock band Switchfoot has recorded a new original song, “This Is Home,” for the highly anticipated Walt Disney Studios and Walden Media May 16 theatrical release, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. The song will be featured during the end credits of the film, and will appear on the Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack CD releasing on May 13.

Switchfoot recently taped a companion music video for “This Is Home” in Los Angeles with director Brandon Dickerson who filmed Switchfoot’s most recent video, “Awakening,” from its current, acclaimed studio album, Oh! Gravity..

“We are so honored to be a part of the Prince Caspian film with ‘This Is Home,’” says Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman. “The Narnia stories have a really special place in my brother Tim and my lives. Our dad used to read these to us at bedtime when we were boys. Our imaginations were shaped on these amazing novels.

“‘This Is Home’ was inspired by the book after re-reading it for the opportunity to write for the film,” continues Foreman. “I am always taken by [C. S.] Lewis' ability to write about the bittersweet beauty in this world; this home we aren’t really made for but is the place we work out our humanity in the midst of our longing for our true home.”

“We are encouraged to continue our collaboration with Walt Disney Studios with the new Switchfoot song ‘This is Home’ for the new Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian film,” says Peter York, EMI CMG Label Group president. “The band continues to create thought provoking music and has been truly inspired by the C. S. Lewis series. It felt like a natural fit, and it’s an honor to continue to work with the Music/Creative team at Walt Disney Studios.”

“Going back to our first Narnia film, ‘The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe,’ Switchfoot was at the top of our creative list of artists whose sound and artistry we felt was a perfect fit,” said Mitchell Leib, President of Music and Soundtracks for Walt Disney Studios. “When approached for ‘Prince Caspian,’ Jon Foreman had a concise read on the story and delivered a stellar, important composition and record, which we feel reflects our film brilliantly. We are proud to have Switchfoot involved and to be working with our friends at EMI CMG once again.”

In conjunction with local market promotions around the film designed to build excitement toward the release of the new “Narnia” movie, EMI CMG Label Group will release “This Is Home” to AC and CHR Christian radio as Red Light Management/Entertainment works the single at mainstream AC and Triple A radio formats. Fans can also see the band debut the song live nationwide tonight (April 23) between 8 – 10 p.m. (ET) on the Gospel Music Channel television network as part of the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards telecast.

About Switchfoot:
With over 5 million records sold, three albums in the Billboard Top 20, two top-five singles at both pop and alternative radio, performances on all the major late night talk shows, a Les Paul Horizon Award, and one of the Top 50 Most Performed Songs of 2005 with “Dare You To Move” (ASCAP), Switchfoot is recognized as one of the hardest touring bands in rock. Currently on its “Up In Arms Tour” that benefits To Write Love On Her Arms, the San Diego-based band has sold over three million concert tickets worldwide since the 2003 release of its double-Platinum breakthrough album The Beautiful Letdown.

Oh! Gravity., Switchfoot’s newest studio album, debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Top Albums chart and has received stellar reviews, with Billboard magazine calling it “the best of the San Diego group’s nearly 10-year recording career.” Spin exclaims this album is “their liveliest record, full of dive-bombing guitar fuzz, juicy arena-alt choruses.” “This is an outstanding record in every sense,” raved Associated Press. MTV’s “Life of Ryan” tapped the album’s title track for its theme song as the album showcases a harder rock direction for Switchfoot.

With an ever-growing fan base, Switchfoot has also been actively involved in a number of humanitarian causes since its inception, including DATA, Bono’s THE ONE Campaign, Invisible Children and Habitat for Humanity. The band further founded the Switchfoot Bro-Am, a surfing and music benefit-event, and the online magazine, lowercase people (www.lowercasepeople.com), a daring new endeavor to revolutionize the way beauty, truth and humanity is viewed.

More information about the band can be found at www.switchfoot.com.

About The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian:
The characters of C.S. Lewis’s timeless fantasy come to life once again in this newest installment of the “Chronicles of Narnia” series, in which the Pevensie siblings are magically transported back from England to the world of Narnia, where a thrilling, perilous new adventure and an even greater test of their faith and courage awaits them.

One year after the incredible events of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the Kings and Queens of Narnia find themselves back in that faraway wondrous realm, only to discover that more than 1300 years have passed in Narnian time. During their absence, the Golden Age of Narnia has become extinct, Narnia has been conquered by the Telmarines and is now under the control of the evil King Miraz, who rules the land without mercy.

The four children will soon meet an intriguing new character: Narnia’s rightful heir to the throne, the young Prince Caspian, who has been forced into hiding as his uncle Miraz plots to kill him in order to place his own newborn son on the throne.


About EMI CMG Label Group
:
EMI CMG Label Group is comprised of Sparrow Records, Forefront Records, and Credential Recordings, in addition to providing A&R and marketing support for sixstepsrecords via a joint venture and licensing partnership. Balancing freedom, discipline, creativity, profitability and ministry, EMI CMG Label Group strives for excellence in artist development. For further information, visit www.emicmg.com.



Switchfoot members are pictured crossing Hollywood Blvd. at Hollywood and Highland Metro station where filming began at sunset with hundreds of extras and onlookers for the opening sequence for the “This Is Home” video. The video footage will be intercut with the Pevensie children from the Narnia story boarding the train in London in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. (Photo by Andy Barron.)


Source

Red Light Management is helping push the single to mainstream radio? Interesting. I have heard that management companies are becoming more and more like record labels in their function, which could explain what's happening in this case. Nonetheless, STOKED!

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

And it looks like the single is impacting to Christian radio today, according to allaccess.com


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

The Narnia Insider dispatch provided a video of the guys playing "This Is Home" for the first time back at the Willow Creek Conference. Jon's diatribe is quite... fascinating. Our friend Jeanna, posted it on youtube.



P.S. I love how Jon totally dissed Columbia. watch for it!

Download it here (right-click, save target as)

The Insider also had a couple shots from the music video shoot:


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Here's some more press about "This Is Home."

Absolute Punk
Tune Lab
Indie Vision
Drive By Media
Revolver mag
CMCentral

plus, bonus press piece about the Music Builds Tour:

Stereotruth

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

Now, we have a rather light-hearted piece about Jerome's initiation into the band. Let's call it... rookie hazing. haha. Enjoy!


The way Jerome Fontamillas tells the story, that's more or less what happened when he joined the rock band.

Switchfoot, after all, got its name from a surfing term, and every band member rides the waves whenever possible. They even schedule tour stops at groovy surf beaches.

"When I joined the band, they said, 'All right, let's go surfing,'" Fontamillas recalls. "They took me out, and they were surfing these 6-foot waves, and I thought, 'Oh my God, I'm going to die.'

"But I'm still here."

Literally, it was either sink or swim. So even though he'd only surfed twice before joining Switchfoot - and poorly, too - Fontamillas is now a surfing regular.

"It's practically a requirement to be in the band," he says. "You don't have to be good. But you do have to surf."


Full Story

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Switchfoot and Music Builds Tour Press

Musicbuildstour.com is up and operational!

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

Third Day posted a blog about the Music Builds Kick-Off show at the Wildhorse Salloon last night:


I love to see a great plan come together. We've talked about and
planned this tour for months and months, but we realized tonight how
truly special it's going to be.

We did a preview show at the Wildhorse in Nashville with Jars of Clay
and Switchfoot. It was unbelievable. I feel like all three bands had
a great show, and each brought something to the table. If tonight was
any indication, it's going to be a great tour...


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

Another blogger named Brody Harper posted a blog about Switchfoot's set last night!

After that ended Wes and I walked a few blocks over just in time to catch the beginning of Swithfoot’s set. Now I have see a lot of shows in my day, and I have even seen Switchfoot a few times, but last night they put on, what could quite possibly be, the best live rock show I have ever seen. They blew me away. They have come a long way from Chem 6A that’s for sure. Unbelievable entertainers and if you haven’t seen them, now is the time. They are about to head out on tour with Jars, and Third Day and the show is pretty amazing.


See the rest of the post here

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

Some press about the Music Builds Tour:

Exreme Radio America
AntiMusic
Live Daily
Pollstar.com
Ticketnews.com
Social Lush
Live on Music
JFH

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

And man, the Malaysian news just can't get enough of Switchfoot. Seventeen Magazine in Malaysia had a feature on the band, and again, Land of Broken Hearts has the scans here!

Check it!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Animal Shelters and Jonas Brothers dig Switchfoot!

The Troy Messenger posted a news story about the Up in Arms Tour. I had no idea the tour was helping animal shelters and stuff too!

As part of their Up in Arms tour, which benefits a different local charity at each stop it makes, the platinum-selling band Switchfoot was brought to the university to benefit the Pike County Animal Shelter project.

For every ticket sold, $1 was donated to the charity.

Student Government Association President Andrea Roberts said 1110 tickets were sold the concert, 427 from on-campus sales.

"It's a great turnout considering we don't have a large staff to promote it," Roberts said. "The best part is the money for the shelter, which is why we're doing it."


Yes!

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

Love em or hate em, gotta give it to the Jonas Brothers for their musical taste. Here's a tiny little blurb I found about Joe Jonas.

Favorite Song: “Only Hope” by Switchfoot


Not bad taste for a Jonas Brother.

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

Today is the kick-off show (non-tour related) for the Music Builds Tour at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, TN.

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More Daily Foot Entries

Joplin, Missouri




Iowa City, Iowa





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That's about it for now. Peace out!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Switchfoot - "This Is Home" Radio Impact Date

According to the Music Builds Tour Press release, "This Is Home" impacts to radio on April 25, which is next Friday.

And so, it begins...

Friday, April 18, 2008

Switchfoot Live in Kuala Lumpur 8TV Concert Special

Hey there! So in the last post, we embeded the three parts of the 8TV special in Malaysia with Switchfoot. Now, thanks again to Land of Broken Hearts, we have the actual concert special from the KL show earlier this year. For your enjoyment, we have embedded the it all here. Stay tuned for subsequent parts!

Part 1



Part 2


Part 3


Part 4


Part 5

Music Builds Tour Official Press Release and Tour Poster

NOTE: To see what Switchfoot drummer Chad Butler announced a few days ago, see here



http://www.musicbuildstour.com/

A brand new, hot off the presses news release with tour dates!


Third Day, Switchfoot, Jars of Clay and Robert Randolf and the Family Band Launch Music Builds Tour


(Los Angeles, CA) April 18, 2008 – GRAMMY® award-winning band Third Day and multi-Platinum rockers Switchfoot will team up with the acclaimed Robert Randolph & the Family Band and GRAMMY award winners Jars of Clay for the “Music Builds” tour, which will kick off on August 21st in Detroit, MI and conclude in Denver, CO on October 12th. Exclusive content and promotions for the tour will be available via MySpace’s Impact Channel (http://impact.myspace.com), the site’s platform for social and civic engagement.

Pre-sale tickets for the tour, which is being produced by Live Nation and Transparent Productions, will be available beginning on May 9th through the bands’ fan clubs at:

http://www.thirddaywired.com
http://switchfoot.musictoday.com
http://robertrandolphtickets.musictoday.com
http://www.jarsofclay.tickets.musictoday.com

The internet pre-sale begins May 14th and tickets go on sale to the general public May 16th. Tickets are available at www.LiveNation.com. Habitat for Humanity affiliates located in tour cities will be the beneficiaries of a portion of the funds raised during the tour, through a multi-platform program run by Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity and Live Nation, in conjunction with the artists.

To kick off the tour, Third Day, Switchfoot and Robert Randolph & The Family Band will perform at a special kick-off party on April 21st at The Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, TN. For information on this show, visit http://www.wildhorsesaloon.com.

All four headliners will preview material from their upcoming studio albums on the “Music Builds” tour, which will hit amphitheatres and select arenas in 23 major U.S. markets. (See below for a full itinerary.) Additional performers will soon be announced for the side stage, which will feature many of today’s most promising up-and-coming artists.

“We couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity to play on the same bill with bands we respect, and to help an organization whose work we respect,” says Third Day bassist Tai Anderson. “The only message we have for our fans is this: Get ready.” Adds Jon Foreman, lead vocalist for Switchfoot: “We have all worked with Habitat for Humanity before, and when approached about touring together, to benefit such a great cause, it was easy to say yes. We all want to be a part of something that makes a difference. Through Habitat this tour will help build houses for many deserving families - that's something we can all rally around."

The tour will benefit Habitat for Humanity’s home building in many ways. For starters, artists on the tour will collectively donate $1 to Habitat for Humanity for each ticket sold during the tour. In addition, funds raised from ticket auctions, special merchandise items and event packages will be designated to fund Habitat for Humanity in each tour city. The bands plan to pick up hammers and lend a hand at various Habitat for Humanity build sites along the tour and to invite some current and future homeowners to attend the show as their guests.


“MUSIC BUILDS” TOUR Fall 2008
Third Day Live with Switchfoot, Robert Randolph & the Family Band and Jars of Clay
*Dates, markets and venues subject to change without notice.

AUGUST

Thu 8/21 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
Fri 8/22 Indianapolis, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center Indianapolis
Sat 8/23 Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island

SEPTEMBER

Sun 9/7 West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre
Thu 9/11 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center
Fri 9/12 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater
Sat 9/13 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
Sun 9/14 Washington, DC Nissan Pavilion
Thu 9/18 Birmingham, AL Verizon Wireless Music Center Birmingham
Fri 9/19 Raleigh, NC Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
Sat 9/20 Atlanta, GA Lakewood Amphitheatre
Sun 9/21 Nashville, TN Sommet Center
Thu 9/25 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Fri 9/26 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless
Sat 9/27 San Diego, CA Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
Sun 9/28 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre

OCTOBER

Thu 10/2 Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center
Fri 10/3 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Sat 10/4 San Antonio, TX Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Sun 10/5 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center
Fri 10/10 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
Sat 10/11 Kansas City, KS Sprint Center
Sun 10/12 Denver, CO Pepsi Center

About Third Day:
Over the past decade, Atlanta-based Third Day has racked up 24 No.1 radio singles and sold more than six million albums, with RIAA certifications including one Platinum record, one Platinum DVD, and six Gold records. The band has garnered 23 career Dove Awards, three GRAMMY Awards (from eight previous nominations), two consecutive American Music Award nods, multiple ASCAP honors, and has developed a historic partnership with Chevrolet. Third Day – comprised of Mac Powell (lead vocals), Mark Lee (guitar), Tai Anderson (bass) and David Carr (drums)– has maintained a touring record second-to-none by playing for audiences reaching into the millions. In addition to these many accolades, the band is most proud of its humanitarian efforts that include raising nearly $300,000 for the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita and charities such as the Blood:Water Mission. The band is responsible for encouraging over 15,000 fans to sponsor children across the globe through the work of World Vision.

Revelation, Third Day’s eleventh studio album, was produced by Howard Benson (All American Rejects, Flyleaf, Daughtry) and is already receiving acclaim at radio for its first single, “Call My Name.” In addition, it’s garnering very positive early feedback from media. The single released digitally through Amazonmp3.com the same day it was released to radio (April 4) and rocketed to the No. 1 spot that day. The album drops July 29. For more information on Third Day, please visit: www.ThirdDay.com.

About Switchfoot:
With over five million records sold, three albums in the Billboard Top 20, two top-five singles at both pop and alternative radio, Switchfoot is recognized as one of the hardest touring bands in rock. The San Diego-based band has sold nearly three million concert tickets worldwide since the 2003 release of its double-Platinum breakthrough album The Beautiful Letdown. Oh! Gravity, Switchfoot’s latest studio album, debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Top Albums chart and received stellar reviews, with Billboard magazine calling it “the best of the San Diego group’s nearly 10-year recording career.” Spin exclaimed this album is “their liveliest record, full of dive-bombing guitar fuzz, juicy arena-alt choruses.” “This is an outstanding record in every sense,” raved Associated Press. MTV’s “Life of Ryan” tapped the album’s title track for its theme song as the album showcases a harder rock direction for Switchfoot. “This Is Home,” a song written by the band for Prince Caspian, the new Narnia movie, will be featured in the end credits of the film and is the lead single and video for the accompanying soundtrack. It impacts radio on April 25th. Switchfoot’s next album is due out this fall.

With an ever-growing fan base, Switchfoot has also been actively involved in a number of humanitarian causes since its inception, including DATA, Bono’s THE ONE Campaign, Invisible Children, Habitat for Humanity and To Write Love on Her Arms. The band further founded the Switchfoot Bro-Am, a surfing and music benefit-event, and the online magazine, lowercase people (www.lowercasepeople.com), a daring new endeavor to revolutionize the way beauty, truth and humanity are viewed.

Switchfoot is: Jon Foreman (vocals, guitar); Tim Foreman (bass, backing vocals); Chad Butler (drums); Jerome Fontamillas (guitar, keys, backing vocals); and Andrew Shirley (guitar). For more information on Switchfoot, go to www.switchfoot.com.


About Robert Randolph & the Family Band:
Since emerging from a House of God church in Orange, New Jersey, Robert Randolph has been named one of the 100 greatest guitar players of all time by Rolling Stone. Following the path of other gospel-rooted pop stars like the amazing Aretha Franklin, he always intended to return to his own gospel roots at different points throughout his career. For 2008, the Grammy-nominated Randolph has teamed with acclaimed producer T-Bone Burnett to record a new album that is part rock and part sacred steel, the Gospel music heritage that serves as the foundation to Randolph's music. Besides key cover songs and the re-envisioning of old gospel classics, Randolph has also invited two of his Sacred Steel mentors, Calvin Cooke and Aubrey Ghent, to participate in this classic recording combining unprecedented guitar explorations, roots music traditions, and gospel spirituality. Robert Randolph & the Family Band (comprised of Randolph on guitars and vocals, Danyel Morgan on bass, Marcus Randolph on drums and Jason Crosby on Hammond organ and piano) will be on the road with Eric Clapton this summer (Bonnaroo and other festivals). For more information on Robert Randolph & the Family Band, go to http://www.robertrandolph.net.

About Jars of Clay:
Multi-Platinum and GRAMMY Award winning band Jars of Clay (Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Stephen Mason, and Matt Odmark) launched its career with the hit song, “Flood” in 1995. Since then, it’s amassed more than five million in career sales (5 Gold, 2 platinum and 1 double platinum certifications), three GRAMMY Awards, an American Music Award nod, 17 No.1 radio hits, and numerous film credits and BMI honors for songwriting and performing.

In June of 2007, the band blazed a new trail with the creation of their own label imprint, “Gray Matters” under the Nettwerk Music Group umbrella. Their first release, “Christmas Songs,” was released in the fall of 2007 and has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. The band has just released its "Greatest Hits" record and is currently working on their next studio record, due in the early part of 2009. For more information, please visit: www.jarsofclay.com
http://www.jarsofclay.com

About Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity:
Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity (HFHFH) is an entertainment industry partnership with Habitat for Humanity. HFHFH supports Habitat for Humanity’s goal of ending poverty housing worldwide and making poverty housing a matter of conscience and action. Participants support the mission through donations, volunteer hours and advocacy. HFHFH’s partner affiliate, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, helps connect entertainment industry volunteers to opportunities locally and around the globe. Actors, screenwriters, agents, directors, producers, musicians and label executives are among the thousands of volunteers who have helped build homes for people in need, in the United States and around the world through their efforts. For more information, visit www.hollywoodforhabitat.com.

About Live Nation:
Live Nation is the future of the music business. With the most live concerts, music venues and festivals in the world and the most comprehensive concert search engine on the web, Live Nation is revolutionizing the music industry: onstage and online. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." Additional information about the company can be found at www.livenation.com under the “About Us” section.

About Transparent Productions:
Transparent Productions has worked closely with Live Nation over the past ten years to bring top Christian artists to amphitheaters, theaters and clubs nationwide including Fishfest in Southern California. Additional information can be found at www.transparentproductions.com

About MySpace:
MySpace, a unit of Fox Interactive Media Inc., is the premier lifestyle portal for connecting with friends, discovering popular culture, and making a positive impact on the world. MySpace has created a connected global community by integrating web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming, music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, college communities, and member forums. MySpace's international network includes more than 20 localized community sites in the United States, Brazil, Canada, Latin America, Mexico, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, India, Japan, and New Zealand. Fox Interactive Media is a division of News Corp. (NYSE:NWS - News, NWS.A - News; ASX:NWS - News, NWSLV - News). For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

This Is Home in the News and Malaysia Switchfoot TV Special

EDIT (6:28 pm PST): mp4 Video Download of This Is Home! (taken from the third video down on this post)

(7:02 pm PST): Here's the mp3!


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

The notable, awesome, authoritative music video website Videostatic posted this on their latest entry:

SHOT: Switchfoot - Brandon Dickerson, director

In support of the Walt Disney Records soundtrack for the next Narnia film, Prince Caspian...

artist: Switchfoot
song: "This Is Home"
label: lowercase people/Walt Disney Records
director(s): Brandon Dickerson
production co: Boom

Source

Thanks for posting that man!

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

MattBoy from the official message boards recorded the entire performance of This Is Home at the show last night. Here it is!



Yes! Thanks for doing this man!

EDIT: Two more from different vantage points with varying clarity and sound quality:




(This is the best quality yet. Wait for an mp3, coming up!)

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

And, as some of you know, 8Tv in KL, Malaysia ran a feature on Switchfoot while they were down there for the show earlier this year. Well, Jia Ling Yong and 8TV were able to get a hold of the entire feature, and sent it on over to our friends at Land of Broken Hearts. Here's what's been uploaded to youtube so far, for our viewing pleasure.

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3


Thanks again, LOBH

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The Daily Foot has been updated!

Peoria, Illinois



Wednesday, April 16, 2008

"making the song what it was meant to be..."

The Daily Iowan did an interview with Jerome Fontamillas. Romey talks candidly about the band's messages in their songs.

"When we talk about writing a song, we don't talk about putting it into a certain genre," Fontamillas said. "Whatever the song is going toward, we put all our efforts into making the song what it was meant to be. We're going to let it grow and speak for itself."…

And like all successful acts, Switchfoot loves to tour, and not necessarily with bands that fit the same style or tone of music. The UK's Athlete has shared the stage with it for the past few months.

"It's definitely one of the more interesting packages we've had in a while," said Shannon Boshart, the SCOPE director. "Both of the bands are in very different points in their careers. Switchfoot has had the success of double-platinum records and has the fan base, and Athlete is just coming out."

After 2003's wildly successful album, The Beautiful Letdown, along with gold-plated albums, Nothing Is Sound and Learning To Breathe, Fontamillas said the group members realize their achievements and are now reassessing who they are as musicians and instruments of God.

"As far as us writing a Christian song or a rock song, it doesn't matter," he said. "These songs are who we are."

Read the rest here

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Lariat news posted this little blurb about Jon Foreman's songwriting:

The work of Jon Forman has stood the test of time. Remaining popular since his band Switchfoot formed in the 90s, with six albums underhis belt and a hit song in the film "A Walk to Remember," one would think he's pretty established. Well, that is not the case.

Now that Switchfoot has officially declared themselves as an independent band, Foreman has siezed the opportunity to release some of his own work. Foreman has been releasing EP's over the past year titled after the seasons.

These EP's have taken a break from Switchfoot's hard alternative rock and rest on a more acoustic, indie/folk foundation. "Fall" and "Winter" give melancholy tunes that set the mood for the seasons while "Spring" brings songs that bud and bloom into beautiful masterpieces.

See here for the rest of the article

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Tour resumes today!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Listen to "This Is Home"!

And, the moment has arrived. We can now hear "This Is Home," thanks to the recording by LittleEffer on youtube.



This is epic. Just epic. amazing.

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Speaking of "This Is Home," yesterday, the guys were at the video shoot for the song. Jon Foreman blogs about it. Oh, and the Summer Tracklisting has been released:

Monday, April 14, 2008


rental trains and their usefulness in rock-videodom

Last night we filmed the video for a song called "This is Home" written for the new Narnia movie. I think it will turn out great- we rented a subway station in LA (including a subway train!) sweet.

Highlights include:
-wind blown bits of paper flying at us at an incredible rate
-surprise folks walking around the video, (ie: Keith Tutt and more...)
-drew playing a jazz master
-romey playing an old yamaha CP 70, (after he battled a full day of cancelled flights to get there)
-got to see the daylights and co.
-worked with brandon dickerson again, (he's such a great guy...)
-got to shoot a crazy boom shot at hollywood and highland on a sunday night. yes. so weird and fun.

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The whole thing wrapped up a few hours ago in the wee hours of the morn. so now I'm here at LAX drifting in and out of sleep. Trying to make sure I don't miss my flight out to nashville. Richie has already started mixing summer- we're hoping to finish it this week. Oh boy!

the line up as of now:
-the house of god forever
-instead of a show
-deep in your eyes (there is a river)
-resurrect me
-a mirror is harder to hold
-again
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Jon and all of the Switchfoot guys have gotten me super stoked.

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Since the guys are on a short break from tour, lets catch up with three new daily foot entries, thanks to the amazing dude that is Andy Barron. Dig?

Bourbonnais, Illinois




Waukesha, Wisconsin




Indianapolis, Indiana




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And check out the news release from drummer Chad Butler about the upcoming "Music Builds Tour."

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Switchfoot Announces the "Music Builds Tour"

Switchfoot Drummer Chad Butler posted the following message on the band's official message board community:

Greetings comrades!

As a band we have held firm to the idea that music can bring us together to accomplish much more than a show. Ideology, race, genre: we put these distinctions aside to play music for everyone.

So with that in mind we are proud to announce our involvement in one of the most diverse lineups we've ever been a part of. We dreamed up the The Music Builds Tour along with a few friends of ours whose main commonality is a dream to see this world change for the better. Different bands, different backgrounds, one goal: A traveling festival to raise money and awareness for Habitat for Humanity.

We have always been very intentional about our touring. We've played in specific places where we feel like the songs belong, playing shows with diverse artists and for diverse audiences. This last year has been really exciting for us to do even more with our tours by partnering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and To Write Love on Her Arms. The response from you guys who have been with us for so long has been overwhelming. By supporting the "Appetite for Construction" tour you guys raised over $100K for Habitat and more importantly got involved in your local communities donating your time long after the show was over. The current "Up in Arms" tour has been deeply meaningful, part of a larger conversation offering hope to those dealing with depression and addiction.

This is a new model for touring that we are really excited about, it is so much bigger than the music itself. This is about seeing the world change. In keeping with that dream, the "Music Builds Tour" is a traveling festival that will benefit Habitat for Humanity, an amazing organization providing homes to needy families around the globe.

When we tour, we try to bring a truly diverse collection of music to your ears night after night (from Mute Math to Lifehouse to Eisley to Copeland to Anberlin to The Honorary Title etc...). This tour is no different- The other bands on the festival bill will be Jars of Clay, Robert Randolph and The Family Band, and Third Day with many more names to be announced. Wait till you see who is on the side stage! All kinds of bands and artists that care about helping people. The diversity of the lineup is a big goal of ours- it's exciting to bring such diverse musicians and music fans together for such a worthy cause.

We all know first hand the powerful impact that a night of music can have, how much more so when the emphasis is put on doing something lasting for people in our own communities. Thanks for partnering with us in the mutual effort to bring people together to do just that.

We think very highly of the people who listen to our music. We are grateful for the open minded audience who have embraced our songs and allowed us to push the boundaries of where the music can go. We invite you to put differences in musical taste aside and focus on our commonalities: we all want to see this world change for the better. We hope that you'll come with us on this next part of the journey and get involved in something much bigger than ourselves.

Chad


Board Post

Friday, April 11, 2008

Charts EP, Tour News, AND the "This Is Home" Video Shoot

Here is a better version of Instead of a Show.



oh, and

Southbound Train


TO view the rest of the videos being uploaded currently from that after-show, go here

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Jon Foreman Charts News!

The Spring EP has made a couple of Billboard charts!

No. 14 Top Digital

No. 179 Top Comprehensive Albums

Stoked??

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Antimusic.com spotlighted Jon's EP's. They seem rather fond of Mr. Foreman's solo work:

Performing Songwriter praised Jon's "personal affinity for Dylan" and said "[his] weathered voice is a perfect tool for these melancholy tales." HM Magazine proclaimed him "a man for all seasons" as well as a "talented wordsmith."


Read the full article.

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Now for the daily Switchfoot Tour news feed!

First off, the GazzetteOnline.com in Cedar Rapids interviewed Chad Butler, and he had some great things to say:

"Once we started getting big, we suddenly found ourselves playing for more people and selling more records than our heroes," Butler says. "But it still feels like we're just getting started, since there's so many places we haven't been and so many things we want to accomplish artistically."

Switchfoot's next artistic statement should be coming soon, with a new album expected later this year or early next year. Butler says he isn't sure exactly what sort of direction Switchfoot will take with its new material.

"We're always evolving and wanting to stretch ourselves, and all of us have been listening to a lot of exciting new music, so we'll see where it takes us," Butler says.


For the band's reaction to being Ryan Sheckler's theme song, among other things, go here.


Next,Tim Foreman shares why touring with Athlete is so enjoyable, among other topics:

“We toured with Athlete about two and half years ago. They’re a great bunch of guys,” said Foreman. “It’s different to tour with a band from Europe, but feels good. They sound different and talk different. We enjoy having enlightened conversations with the guys from across the pond.”


See the rest here.


Thirdly,a Calvin College online paper chronicled the loud, raucous combination that was Emery and Switchfoot.

Despite the lull in energy, the entire FAC, brimming with enthusiasm, rose to its feet for Switchfoot’s dramatic entrance. Completely dark, Switchfoot calmly took the stage as Jon Foreman, the frontman, began with a slow keys-only rendition of “The Shadow Proves the Sunshine,” which grew in amplitude until it transformed into the high-octane rock thriller “Stars.”

Switchfoot fulfilled all the high expectations of a successful rock group. The sound was loud and crisp, the lights were spot on and Foreman leapt off of the bass drum. Not satisfied to just meet the standard, Switchfoot pushed the envelope.


Read more about the craziness of Switchfoot here.


And lastly, Live from Shift Podcast interviewed Drew Shirley and Jerome Fontamillas.

Here is the link.

The ending is rather touching...

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New Daily Foot Entry:
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Word is, Tim has a new song idea! And Jon is, ahem, taking up Organ....





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And two little tid-bits to leave you all with for the weekend...:

gravyty from the boards had this to say about one of the four songs sent to Disney for consideration, which will now be on the Summer EP:

Which Jon said is called Deep In Your Eyes (if I remember correctly) and he also said that it's the best song of the 4 he offered them. Apparently Disney doesn't have the best taste. lol.


BOARD POST

And, last but certainly not least,
Luke from the boards says:

"Saw the guys play through it twice during soundcheck before the Indy show. The word is they're flying out to Los Angeles on Sunday to film the video for "This is Home." holler."


BOARD POST



HOLLERRRR!!!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

GMA Awards Poll, Interviews, and More!

Here's your chance to dust off your voting skills! Jon Foreman is up for a poll as the Male Artist of the Year at the 39th Annual Dove awards. As of right now, Jon is at 40%. We are only allowed to vote once.Even though it's been confirmed this poll is meaningless, I'm sure it would turn the heads of some voters should Jon win.

Click here to vote!
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Also, Playingforkeeps! on the official message boards pointed out that iTunes has spotlighted Jon's 3 ep's so far, on the Christian & Gospel page of itunes.

Here's a screen cap:


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swilsonw (also from the official message boards) found a link to a radio interview with Jon Foreman when they were in the Chicagoland/somewhere-in-Illinois area. Jon talks about his ep's and the new album. Thanks for this!

LINK

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yet another boardie, switchfeetnow2 had this to report about Fiction Family and the studio:

"he (Jon Foreman) told me FF is looking like fall. they wanted it in spring, but no-go. and the studio should be done at the end of tour he said."


(Bord Post)

Methinks Sean and Jon have to work out a few kinks with Starbucks, is why the record is being delayed for so long. Nonetheless, we're excited! thanks switchfeedtnow2, and everyone on the boards who have been contributing so far!

Monday, April 7, 2008

Rumors, Fiction Family, and heck, a New Song!

Rumor is that Switchfoot will be touring a bit in the Fall with popular Christian rock band Third Day. In a JFH news story, here's what was found:

"The 13-song album’s first single, the aching love song “Call My Name,” releases to Christian radio on April 4, and sets the stage for the album’s release on July 29, followed by a summer of festival appearances and an ambitious fall tour schedule together with Switchfoot and Robert Randolph & The Family Band."


I have to admit I am NOT thrilled with this, if it is true. Switchfoot has made great strides in the years to shed the CCM label, but touring with Third Day is like an invitation to again be boxed into the "Christian Rock" genre they have striven to stay out of.

Of course, this hasn't been confirmed by the band yet, so we will see. It would be interesting to note that Switchfoot's first tour was with Third Day, back in the Legend of Chin days... We shall see.

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New daily foot entry!

Covington, Kentucky





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Our friend Jeanna from over on LOBH has some news after the show she was at last night.

First, she has news about The Real SeanJon/Fiction Family:

"I asked Jon about The Real SeanJon and got the answer straight from the horses mouth. They ARE going to be Fiction Family. The album might be called Betrayal or it might be self-titled. Jon’s not sure yet. But yes, say goodbye to TRSJ and hello to Fiction Family!" (Board Post)


Next, she recorded Jon Foreman playing a new song that will be on Summer, called "Instead of a Show." Here 'tis:



Thanks Jeanna!

Saturday, April 5, 2008

News From the Front!

Just another reason why Switchfoot fans = great community: Emily, Luke, and gravyty from the official message boards have some great news to give us, straight from the guys.

"i don't know if this has been answered yet, i don't have time to sift through 5 pages, but, Jerome told me the other night that the song for Narnia, "This Is Home" is a Switchfoot song and that they may be performing it at the Dove Awards" -Emily(Board Post)


UPDATE! (April 5, 2008, 5:55 pm)
"Jon gave Disney 4 possible songs, they picked the one they wanted (This is Home) and that is now going to be a Switchfoot song, probably played over the credits, and probably intended for radio play. One of the other 3 songs that did not get picked will be on Summer." - gravyty
(Board Post)


(about writing for Narnia) "Jon was talking about the process last night, he said he gave them about 4 songs." - Luke (Board Post)


"SPOILER below

So I spoke with Jon Thursday night in Myrtle Beach about the Summer EP.
He was actually busy for 2 hours recording it on wednesday night after a show I went to. Anyways we asked about what type of paper he's putting it on and he said he hasn't decided yet. I mentioned green and my sister said blue, and he sounded positive about those (I mean how many other colors are there for summer? haha. also that would match his color scheme...) so maybe he'll choose one of those. He also was happy to say the tree is drawn and full of leaves! I can't wait to see it.
And Andy Barron says Summer sounds great... yesss." - Emily (Board Post)


This is all getting me amped!! Again, thanks for the news friends!

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Ever wanted to see how Switchfoot would look on an iphone? Look no further



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Jeff from jeffkapusta.com posted some points about the show he went to last Thursday:

Here’s my thoughts on the show.

* I’m getting old and the idea of standing in one place for any amount of time is painful. Next time I got to the House of Blues I’m paying extra to sit in a pew up stairs.
* I definitely thought a girl was going to faint when Jon touched her hand.
* Athlete didn’t have their drummer and still rocked!
* I want a keyboard player in a bad way at lifepoint.
* The lead guy of Athlete busted out a few songs by himself on his jaguar. Wow!
* Switchfoot brought the energy.
* I feel that Switchfoots songs carry quite a bit of substance.
* I was unfamiliar with much of their newer songs.
* I bought the Athlete cd. very nice.
* I so wish I was from London and had an accent.


haha. Fainting fangirls... ~shakes head~

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Andy Barron posted new Daily Foot Entries!

Aiken, South Carolina (No, not Clay)





Myrtle Beach, South Carolina





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And, the guys are trying out a new intro for this tour, like Andy said in the Daily Foot entries. Check it out here:



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SITE NEWS

As you may have noticed, we're running a new sidebar feature called... well... the "Featured Video." So we're thinking it'll be a weekly thing. If you have a video that you would like to see featured on the sidebar, please send it in via email (wereawakening@yahoo.com) or Myspace. This week, we have a half-time performance of "Dare You to Move" in the 2004 Major League Soccer Cup. Ahh, the good ol' days.



That's it for this longgg, weekend edition of updates. Peace out!