"Hello Hurricane" has reportedly sold 200,000+; Switchfoot set to return to San Diego County Fair

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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EDIT: LOBH reports that exact sales figure is currently at over 230,829 copies sold.

According to San Diego's 91x radio station, a staunch supporter of Switchfoot's last single, "The Sound," "Hello Hurricane" has sold 200,000+ copies in the U.S. They reported this on their recent New Music feature for the current Switchfoot single, "Bullet Soul." Screen cap below:



To see the source, head over here.

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In other news, Switchfoot is set to return for the San Diego County Fair (formerly the Del Mar Fair). This will be the fourth time in the last five years the band has graced their hometown's fair.

LINK for details and more.

In other San Diego news, Switchfoot is mentioned in North Count Times' Year in Review article, which you can read here.

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Ok, last item today, Buzz 103 in South Florida posted their interview with Switchfoot during the Buzz Bakesale a couple weeks back. It's worth listening to, as the band talk about their year as well as jokingly discussing a possible box set of unreleased Switchfoot songs, sponsored by Fed Ex.

LINKAGE.

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In site news, be sure to be on the look-out for our Year-In-Review/What to look forward to in 2011 post, which should be coming out on the first day of 2011. PEACE!

Watch Switchfoot's FULL SET from KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

"Oh! Gravity." turns four years old today!

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For those of you who missed out on Switchfoot's performance on KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas show when it live streamed a couple weeks ago, good news!

TheAudioPerv.com has posted a full stream of Switchfoot's performance. It is a direct recording of the Ustream feed that was live streaming the day of, and is of great quality. Here it is below:



^That was incredibly good for a short, 20-minute set. The band really owned that stage and won that crowd over.

Be sure to head over to the AudioPerv website and leave them a thank-you note.

Merry Christmas

To all our dear readers, friends, and family, Merry Christmas! May your holiday be filled with wonderment, joy, and delight.

Here's a toast to a wonderful 2010, and to an incredible 2011 for all!

11-hour Fiction Family mixing session!

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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The other half of the original Fiction Family pair tweeted some big news yesterday. Sean Watkins took to Twitter to say that he and Jon Foreman were "furiously" mixing the new record.

- Finished the last of 24 Much Ado About Nothing shows last night. Was so fun. Today, mixing @fictionfamily furiously with @jonforeman!!!

Later that day,

- A great 11 hour @fictionfamily mixing session today. Tomorrow is the Watkins Family Hour crimbus show! Wheeee!

^The dude sounds giddy. We're all excited to hear new tunes as well. Are you glad Jon is working on new side project music, or do you wish he would focus on writing great Switchfoot records? Let us know in the comments!

Mega Year-end Update? (Maybe so)

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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Hey friends! It's winter time, finals are over, and it's raining like the Niagara falls here in Southern California. I'd like to take this time to apologize for the lack of updates lately, because life has been really crazy for me. But now that school has wound down, I can finally sit down and write this update. So sit tight, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and hang out with us for a little bit!

- Job

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First off, for a recap of Switchfoot's gig at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas, head over to our last post. Here's a pre-show interview the guys did with the station:



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In other wonderful KROQ-related news, looks like "The Sound" got played enough on the station to make it back ontp KROQ's Top 30 songs list for last week!

LINK

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After the KROQ gig, Switchfoot headed down I-5 to their hometown of San Diego to play 91x's Wrex the Halls. Here's "Meant to Live":



and "The Sound":



and "Sabotage":



and "Dare You to Move":



The band also played a show in Milwaukee later that week.

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Paper Tongues, the band that has really grown this year thanks to their associations with Switchfoot, did a cover of "Proud Mary." And who else is on it but Jon Foreman! Check it out:



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And here is the last item of today.

Switchfoot's 2010 has paid HUGE dividends, especially in terms of the Billboard charts. We saw "The Sound" reach No. 7 on the Alternative Songs chart, two spots higher than "Dare You to Move."

Turns out the band has also made its way onto several Year-end charts as well! This means that Switchfoot has had the longevity to make it onto one of these charts.

First, "The Sound (John M. Perkins' Blues)" comes in at No. 25 on Alternative Songs:



Secondly, Switchfoot is Billboard's No. 7 Christian-related artist of the year!



Third, "Hello Hurricane" is the No. 7 Christian-related record of the year!



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It's been an incredible, incredible year. Switchfoot, thanks for another one and let's hope 2011 is even greater, what with "Vice Verses" on the way and all! Also, be on the lookout for some special video the band recently shot with ESPN and Hurley.

Switchfoot delivers "unholy" performance at KROQ's Almost Acoustic show

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The review is in, and by all accounts, Switchfoot's stint at last night's KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas show was a smash hit. Rather than summarizing it, here's the full review of their show directly from KROQ.com:

The 21st Annual Almost Acoustic Christmas 2010 stage was opulently lit up with ironic Christmas palm trees and wispy cotton clouds, floating above the heads of San Diego alternative rock band, Switchfoot.

Idyllically festive, the stage mimicked a rock ‘n roll nativity scene, the disco balls serving as make-shift constellations directing the way to the main event. The juxtaposition of an almost holy backdrop and the utterly unholy, body vibrating power chords serves Switchfoot well.

The band has literally transcended genres–”switching feet” (a surf term that denotes opposite movement and change) from their original popularity as a Christian rock band to their becoming a ground-breaking, yet still religiously affiliated Grammy nominated mainstream rock band.

Lead singer Jon Foreman was dripping with an ecstatic charisma; his smile constant, his voice passionate and unyielding. On the first song, “Meant to Live,” Jon was already drenched in well-deserved sweat from earnestly balancing the lush drone of the accompanying instruments with the politically-charged sentiment of lyrics like “we want more than the wars of our fathers.”

While bassist Tim Foreman, drummer Chad Butler, multi-instrumentlist Jerome Fontamillas, and guitarists Drew Shirley’s warm, post-grunge pedal-pounding vibrated the stage viciously during the instrumental break, Jon’s voice had a sexy, albeit vulnerable edge.

The band kept up the dynamic momentum for their next song, “Mess of Me.” Switchfoot is musically on-point; their instrumental syncronicity is tight and practically mathematical, without losing it’s heady, seductive purr. This buzzing quality leant well to their special “Christmas” cover of Beastie Boy’s “Sabotage.” Almost as if the Beastie Boys were there themselves, the crowd went wild.

But not as wild as when Jon jumped into the audience during his anthemic-ballad, “Dare.” Running through the pit and up the first level, Jon said, “Yeah, you look good from up here” as he seemingly floated through the second level, much like a surfboard calmly riding a wave.

For the last song, Switchfoot played “The Sound.” Out of breath, Jon dedicated the song to a gentleman named John M. Perkins who taught him that “love is louder than racism, love is louder than violence.” The song stated over and over again, “this is the sound.”

You’re right, Switchfoot,this is the sound and the sound is huge.

Head over to the SOURCE and leave some "thank you's" and friendly comments.

For more photos, head on over to this link and head over here as well.

Videos:

Mess of Me



Sabotage



The Sound

The 2010 Holiday Package (with Eastern Hymns for Western Shores) arrives!

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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The highly anticipated 2010 Switchfoot holiday package has arrived in the mail for this very satisfied blogger. It's looking really sweet, and the art direction this year far surpasses a lot of what the band has come out with over the past few years.

First off, here's a look at everything that came in the mail (minus shirt).





The calendar that my friend Jeanna from LOBH and I helped to create is looking pretty good, but what takes the cake is the music of course.

"Eastern Hymns for Western Shores" is finally upon us, and before I delve into the songs, check out the packaging!




^You'll have to wait for your own to take a look at the song postcards. It's really sweet and artsy, so if you're into that thing, you're in for a treat.

As for the EP itself, it's fantastic! Definitely not something we're used to hearing from the band. I knew they had the untapped potential for songs like this, and hearing stuff this brilliant makes me wonder why they chose not to release them sooner.

Most of us have already heard "We Are Bound," a haunting track that features jangly acoustic guitars nestled between programmed "ahhs" that remind you of a dark afternoon in the forest. Jon Foreman's vocals are smothered in a flood of double-tracked arrangements, making the lyrics difficult to understand and ambiguous. But it just works.

"Stitches" is fantastic. One of the greatest Switchfoot songs I have heard in some time. If you haven't heard it, whether through iTunes' "Hello Hurricane" package, or with "Eastern Hymns," do so! It's a darker sound, just like the rest of this EP, but it's beautifully melodic; something that I believe is why I love "Nothing Is Sound" so much.

For anyone who's been around for a few years, "Daylight to Break" is not a new track. However, the version that appears on this EP is slightly improved, with a more solid mix that sounds polished and finished, without sounding overly produced. Great track that finally gets a proper "official" release.

"Overthrow" is a revelation. Jon finally makes his association with the late Kurt Cobain complete; this is Switchfoot channeling premium Nirvana. The dark lyrics and haunting vocal melodies are top notch, conjuring up the angry grunge that has inspired generations of rock fans since Cobain and co. patrolled rock clubs across the country.

The original recording of "Dirty Second Hands" has a heavier electric guitar presence, and I would argue that it's a stronger version than the one that eventually made it onto "Oh! Gravity." We've heard this arrangement before - the band posted this on their website (accidentally, allegedly), before replacing it with the final version. This is a shorter version of the alternate we heard back then, so it's different. Confusing banter aside, you'd appreciate this song in a new light; it chops off some of spoken word/faux rap parts.

And lastly, "Connect With the Spine" is Switchfoot showing more creativity. Sounds like a darker, brooding Radiohead, with a touch of psychedelic-era, "I Am the Walrus" Beatles. You'll dig this one too.

Overall, great EP. WONDERFUL package. Switchfoot have outdone themselves this year, and I could not be happier with the final product I received in the mail.

"Your Love Is a Song" (Sven Kirchhofs Remix) released; "Bullet Soul" live at Mistle Toe Jam

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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It seems almost everyone outside of the House genre community has forgotten, but Switchfoot's "Your Love Is a Song" was recently treated to a remix. It is now available for download, so head over to House Essentials to read up on it.

PURCHASE at Beatport now.

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99x in Atlanta has posted a video of Switchfoot performing "Bullet Soul" at the Mistle Toe Jam. Looks pretty sick, and the band adds a few little details here and there. Check it out:




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Here are a couple of new interview videos with Switchfoot.





^Enjoy!

Switchfoot fights the law and the... law wins?

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Switchfoot took some time yesterday to do a cover of the classic, "I Fought the Law," originally by The Crickets and famously covered by The Clash.

This time, Switchfoot takes a crack at an acoustic rendition in Tampa, in response to Jon Foreman's run-in with the police a few months back.



^A bit sloppy, but still fun. What do you think?

Switchfoot cops 53rd Grammy Award Nomination!

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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The Grammy Award announcements are in, and Switchfoot has been nominated for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album for "Hello Hurricane!" This is the second time they have been nominated for a Grammy, and the first time since "Learning to Breathe" received the same honor back in 2001.

HUGE congratulations to the guys! It has truly been a fantastic year for Switchfoot, and hopefully it can be capped with the band's first Grammy Award.

For a complete list of Grammy nominees, head over to the official website.

Another free show (99x); Switchfoot in the studio tracking "Vice Verses" tunes!

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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Switchfoot has had a great year running through the alternative radio circuit, and the abundance of Christmas event show appearances for the band is proof. Already slated to play 91x's Wrex the Halls, KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas and a couple of shows in the Florida area, Switchfoot just announced another show.

99x in Atlanta, GA revealed that Switchfoot will be performing with American Bang and Paper Tongues at the Mistle Toe Jam 2010. For details and more, click here.



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For a fourth night in a row, Switchfoot's "Bullet Soul" won San Diego Sophie's challenge. It goes for a fifth straight win tonight against Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes. Let's send another win Switchfoot's way!

VOTE NOW

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Anyone aching for some new album news will be glad to know the guys were in the studio yesterday tracking for "Vice Verses!"

Drew Shirley was the first to tweet, saying on November 21:

- Tracking new songs in the studio tonight. You'll see... - d

Yesterday, on November 22, Jon Foreman also tweeted, simply saying:

- making vice verses.

And later in the day, Switchfoot tweeted:

- Our new record - vice verses - is being made right now. sounds like a rock band on mars! -t http://yfrog.com/13a4fbj



^Be excited, peeps.

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And lastly, it'd be really great if you could send some votes Switchfoot's way for this year's Gospel Music Channel's Top 10 videos of 2010 countdown.

"Mess of Me" and "The Sound" are both up for voting. To focus our efforts, let's vote for "The Sound," as it is the newer of the two videos.

VOTE NOW.

Free Show in Chicago hosted by Q101; Cast your Vote for Switchfoot on GMC

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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Anyone in the Chicago area interested in seeing Switchfoot live, for free? Q101 is hosting a free show on Tuesday, November 30! Check it out:



For details and more, check here.

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It'd be really great if you could send some votes Switchfoot's way for this year's Gospel Music Channel's Top 10 videos of 2010 countdown.

"Mess of Me" and "The Sound" are both up for voting. To focus our efforts, let's vote for "The Sound," as it is the newer of the two videos.

VOTE NOW.

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The "Bullet Soul" campaign is starting to ramp up! Be sure to head over the Footsoldiers HQ for a list of links to vote and request the song. If there are any new polls or voting areas for the Footsoldiers to work on, let us know in the comments!

"Your Love Is a Song" remixed; "Bullet Soul" triumphs

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In what has been a slow news month so far, the Switchfoot world is suddenly teeming with information! (Sorry, can't you tell I've got writer's block right now?) Anyways, House Essentials reports that there is another Switchfoot remix on the horizon!

This time, it'll be "Your Love Is a Song," remixed by Sven Kirchhof.



Listen to the preview below:



For all the details, click here.

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In new single news, "Bullet Soul" won San Diego Sophie 103.7's challenge last night, knocking off Adele quite easily thanks to your votes. Let's keep this going!

They face off against Tamar today; let's repeat the victory.

VOTE NOW!

"Bullet Soul" impacts radio!

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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"Bullet Soul," the fourth single from "Hello Hurricane" impacted Alternative radio yesterday. It got off to a great start this week, getting five stations to add it. According to AllAccess, the following stations added.

KFMA
WARQ
WKQX
WLUM
WZNE

^Thanks!


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Also, AOL Radio did a blog feature on "Bullet Soul."

San Diego rockers Switchfoot continue to promote their 2009 album 'Hello Hurricane' with the release of its fourth single, 'Bullet Soul.'

The track combines a garage rock vibe reminiscent of early '00s bands like the Vines and Hives with urgent lyrics. "You can't stand by forever / You're a kid with a bullet soul," frontman Jon Foreman sings before shouting repeatedly, "Are you ready to go?"

Click here to read the rest.

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Here's how you can ALREADY help out the single. San Diego's Sophie 103.7, a Hot Adult Contemporary pop station, has "Bullet Soul" up for a challenge against Adele.

Go here NOW to vote!

If this helps get "Bullet Soul" into rotation on a pop station, it would be HUGE.

Jon Foreman talks back-stage at Leno

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Check out this video to hear Jon Foreman talking about ice cream, In-N-Out and other things. He's towards the end.

Switchfoot confirmed for KROQ's 21st Annual Almost Acoustic Christmas

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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KROQ has announced the lineup for Night 1 of the 21st Annual Almost Acoustic Christmas shows. AND, Switchfoot will be in the lineup.

For details, head on over the KROQ.com.

DOWNLOAD Switchfoot's performance of "Your Love Is a Song" from the Tonight Show

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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For those of you who STILL haven't gotten a chance to see Switchfoot's performance of "Your Love Is a Song" on the Tonight Show last Friday, your time of waiting is over!

Here is a download link, courtesy of We're Awakening.

Download LINK

Watch Switchfoot's performance of "Your Love Is a Song" on the Tonight Show

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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UPDATE (November 14, 2010, 1:02 PM PST):

You can now watch it, international friends!

LINK

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Forward to the last section, and you should be able to watch it!

2010 Holiday Package time!

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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Hey friends. It's that time of year again! Switchfoot has just unleashed their latest holiday package, and it's looking to be one of their best in quite some time. There are two options this year:




As you can see, they are both similar, save for the fact that the Deluxe package features an exclusive new hoodie in place of a t-shirt of your choice. Also, the deluxe package comes with a pair of Ultimate Ears headphones to the first 250 customers.

So if you're into that sort of thing, grab it now!

Merch Package
Deluxe Package

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For those of you wondering whether the "Eastern Hymns for Western Shores" EP will be released separately, the answer is "probably."

From Twitter:
- @switchfoot “@chrispochiba: @switchfoot can we buy the ep separately?” EP will prob be avail separately sometime in 2011, thx!

For those of you who didn't get the email newsletter for this month (yours truly included), here is an excerpt of the story behind "Eastern Hymns for Western Shores," as well as the rest of the package.

First up is something we are really excited about, a new EP called "Eastern Hymns For Western Shores". These songs were recorded during the time between "Nothing Is Sound" and "Oh! Gravity". For years the masters to these sessions were thought to be lost/stolen, but they have at last been recovered. Recorded and mixed within the same week, these six songs showcase a darker and more mysterious sound for the band, and we're excited that they will finally be heard. We went all out with the packaging for it too. Each song on the EP has it's own unique postcard and it's all wrapped up like you just picked them up from the gift shop on your travels around the world. We really hope you like it!

Also in the mix is something we've never done before... a calendar! We made a 2011 wall calendar with some of our favorite shots from the last year and it even has Switchfoot-related dates in it so you can keep up on all your Switchfoot birthdays and such.

As always we have our hand-signed limited edition Christmas Card as well. Rounding out the package is either your choice of any t-shirt in the store (standard package), or a brand-new hoodie (deluxe package) that we released just for this package!

And lastly, if you act fast, the first 250 to order the deluxe package will receive a pair of the brand new Ultimate Ears UE 100 earphones courtesy of Ultimate Ears. We are especially fond of these earphones not only because we use Ultimate Ears Custom Monitors on stage but our very own Jon Foreman is featured on the back of the UE 100 package! If you miss your chance to pick up the Ultimate Ears earphones in our Christmas package, be sure to go and like their Twitter and Facebook pages where they give away free earphones every weekday.

Thanks for making 2010 our best year ever and here's to a great 2011!

^I'm stoked to have this package. Are you?

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Oh and lastly, a fun note. Our friend Jeanna from LOBH and I helped collaborate on the creation of the calendar. Once you see it, let us know what you think!

BREAKING: Switchfoot set to perform on the Tonight Show this Friday!

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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UPDATE (2:22 PM PST): Management just confirmed that Switchfoot is playing "a very special arrangement of 'Your Love Is A Song'." Tune in to NBC on Friday at 11:35pm local time to catch the performance live!

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Keith Tutt II, cellist on many a Switchfoot and Jon Foreman-related record, tweeted that he and Switchfoot are set to play on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Friday!

Here's the tweet:


^This should be great. I'm thinking "Your Love Is a Song" will be the song of choice. Agree?

More sports airtime for Switchfoot

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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It has been reported that Switchfoot's music will be featured in even more sports telecasts in the near future. In a deal similar to the one they inked with ESPN, Atlantic Records has agreed to terms with Fox to get their artists onto sports broadcasts.

So be sure to keep an eye out as you watch sports in the coming months!

Source

Switchfoot confirmed for San Diego's 91x Wrex the Halls concert

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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91x.com for more details.

"Hello Hurricane" tour comes to an end in Avila Beach; "Your Love Is a Song" music video shelved

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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^poster from the last show of the "Hello Hurricane" tour in Avila Beach.

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Almost a year ago, Switchfoot unleashed a storm on all of us. "Hello Hurricane" was an altogether new musical experience for those who have followed the band over the years, and was a worthy introduction for newer listeners. Some of the most aggressive riffs and emotive vocals the band has ever committed to tape show up on this record. But the record truly came alive when Switchfoot took it directly to their fans during the accompanying tour. And 80+ shows, 9 tour legs, and 5 continents later, the "Hello Hurricane" tour has come to an emotional close.

For those who saw the band during one of these shows, these were some of the band's greatest, most electric performances they have ever played. The ending of this tour is bittersweet, I'm sure especially for those who were a part of it in some way.

And now, what happens next?

The great news is, the record cycle is not finished yet! "Your Love Is a Song" is still climbing the Hot AC pop charts, while "Bullet Soul" is set for release to alternative rock in November! So, as the Switchfoot boys finally unwind from a long, arduous tour, it's time for us to push the songs at radio propel "Hello Hurricane" towards the finish line. The band has done their part; it's our turn.

These next few months could be an exciting time for the band, as "Your Love Is a Song" could possibly make a strong push while "Bullet Soul" keeps the alternative stations keen on Switchfoot tunes. And all of this is setting up for "Vice Verses," which is tentatively set for summer 2011.

And for those who can't wait for new Jon Foreman tunes, the second Fiction Family record is on the way, coming in Spring 2011. So thought we bid a fond, wistful farewell to the "Hello Hurricane" tour, there is still much excitement for the future!

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Also, for those wondering, we've gotten confirmation from management saying that the "Your Love Is a Song" video is definitely not happening, unfortunately. But if things change, you'll all be the first to know!

Mute Math remixes Switchfoot

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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DOWNLOAD

It's pretty interesting, I must say. Go for it!

Jeremy Larson, string genius, talks about his involvement in the project here.

"Bullet Soul" going for adds at Alternative in November!

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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November 16th, to be exact. Get ready to get your phones ready to request the single! We also hear from management that a music video is possibly in the works as well.

More news on "Your Love Is a Song" campaigns from Footsoldiers HQ coming soon!

Switchfoot take a bite out of Vegas; Jon Foreman tells stories with Bob Taylor

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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Hello friends. Hope your weekends were fantastic! If you've been keeping up with Switchfoot's twitter, LOBH, or our own Twitter account, you'll know that Switchfoot has again been keeping busy. First off, we'll do a quick video recap of the band's show at Bite of Vegas, which took place last Saturday, hosted by Mix 94.1

Here is "Stars"



"Meant to Live"



"Sabotage"



And, a clip of Your Love Is a Song.

Also, a local college paper did a feature on the event, hailing high praise upon the San Diego boys:

Bite of Las Vegas headliner Switchfoot electrified the stage. The final act of the evening was introduced by all of the Mix 94.1 DJs, including Mark and Mercedes of the radio’s morning show, midday favorite Pomai and evening host Drea. The entire venue began to empty as attendees rushed to hear the band’s closing performance.

Flashing stage lights and glow sticks in the crowd set the stage for the popular SoCal rock band. The guitarists teased listeners with the intro to the well-known single “Meant to Live,” a song from album “The Beautiful Letdown.” Lead singer Jon Foreman opened with “Stars” then hyped up the increasingly growing crowd with “Mess of Me.” The rock-n-roll vibe featured an electric guitar solo riff. Unified clapping intensified the energetic atmosphere among music lovers.

All-time favorite “Dare You to Move” inspired a sing-along that rose to volumes exceeding the band’s own music. Switchfoot’s invigorating performance brought the perfect end to a musically gratifying day, leaving the crowd wanting more, setting the bar high for next year’s festivities.

^Well done, Switchfoot. Well done.

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The next day, Jon Foreman joined Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars for an evening of storytelling and song. Here are some videos our friends over at LOBH posted up fromt he event.

Here, Jon tells the audience about his first gig in high school.



"Moon Is a Magnet"



"Vice Verses" and the writing of:





^That song is going to sound amazing once it's recorded in the studio!

Also, Resurrect Me
Your Love Is a Song
Just Rob Me

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For you video gaming fans out there, Switchfoot's music will be featured in the latest Tony Hawk release, called "Tony Hawk: SHRED."

Activision Publishing, Inc. revealed today the in-game music lineup for this month's upcoming release of Tony Hawk: SHRED - the latest entry in the best-selling action sports video game franchise. Kids will GO BIG skating and snowboarding like the pros as they SHRED on the game's innovative board controller to over 60 songs, featuring a mix of current radio sensations from A Day To Remember, Jimmy Eat World, Switchfoot, Vampire Weekend and more, to breaking artists including The Soft Pack, Sleigh Bells, Surfer Blood and Foxy Shazam among others.

SOURCE

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And, college football fans, we've been hearing that Switchfoot songs are being played throughout ESPN telecasts of the games. Anything from "Needle" to "We Are One Tonight," be sure to keep your ears peeled!

Oh, and keep your eyes peeled too. There's a live montage type of video featuring the band performing "Bullet Soul." If anyone has a chance, get a recording and email it over to us at wereawakening@yahoo.com! That'd be awesome.

Peace out, friends!

Happy 34th, Jon Foreman!

The lead singer of Switchfoot, talented songwriter, and all-around awesome guy turns 34 today!

Happy bithday, Jon. Keep rockin'.

BREAKING: "Bullet Soul" reported set to be the third rock single from "Hello Hurricane"

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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According to Pulsemusic, "Bullet Soul" will be the next single from "Hello Hurricane."

SOURCE

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^This is slightly unexpected, though I was hoping for it to happen. It's so good that the label/band are sticking with the alternative format and making sure the roots the band put down with "The Sound" get deepened. I'm thinking it will do alright.

What confuses me though is why "Needle and Haystack Life" is still not being planned for a single. It would work well in the alternative genre, with loads of crossover potential. I also think it's the strongest song on the record, but "Bullet Soul" is a solid choice as well.

Lastly, I still think work has to be done with "Your Love Is a Song," the current single at Hot AC. This is the best performing Adult Pop Songs single since "We Are One Tonight," and I think it has potential to do more. Here's hoping for a music video!

Drew Shirley tries out some new JHS Pedals; "Hello Hurricane" on sale again this week!

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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Quick updates today. Check out this video of Jon Foreman and Drew Shirley performing "Your Love Is a Song" acoustically on q985:



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Here's a video of Drew‪ trying out some new JHS Pedals‬.



^I'm digging the jam he played during that. Do you think that's part of a new song?

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And lastly, Switchfoot tweets that "Hello Hurricane" is once again on sale at iTunes this week.

Amigos, our album Hello Hurricane is on sale at iTunes for only $7.99 this week. http://bit.ly/2MLPn5

If you have not gotten this great record yet, what are you waiting for? Now is the time! Get it here.

"Hello Hurricane" is back on Billboard!; Chad Butler talks Rocks the Vote

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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Hey folks, quick update for today! I just finished midterms today, so things are feeling good now finally! But as for Switchfoot news, check it out:

It's looking like the singles are reviving sales of "Hello Hurricane!" This week, the record comes back to the the Billboard 200 albums chart at No. 159. May not be much, but it's definitely a start!

It might have something to do with the huge jump at Christian retail, going from 33 to 12 this week. Keep telling your friends about it!

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Also, Chad Butler talks to RocktheVote. Article here.

"Your Love Is a Song" officially enters top 30 of Billboard Adult Pop Songs!

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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As predicted, "Your Love Is a Song" has entered the top 30 Billboard Adult Pop Songs/Adult Top 40/Hot AC charts! This week, it settles in at No. 27, a 4-spot vault.



Meanwhile, "The Sound" holds at No. 7 on Alternative songs.

Great job to everyone who has supported the band so far!

BREAKING: Switchfoot stream new version of Bad Religion's "Sorrow"

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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Head over to Switchfoot's Myspace page NOW to hear a newly recorded version of their stripped down cover of "Sorrow" by Bad Religion. This is their contribution to the Bad Religion tribute album "Germs of Perfection" set for release next Tuesday as a free download from Spin.com.

What do you all think of this tune? I think it's just as great as ever, taking a great song and adding an emotional vulnerability that is not otherwise present in the original.

For some people, this may come as a strange pairing; Switchfoot having obvious Christian roots and Bad Religion basically being the opposite, it is logical to wonder how the two acts even became associated. Look at what Bad Religion's Brett Gurewitz had to say about the song:

The devil said “Give me one example” and god said “Look at Job, he’s a righteous man.” The devil said that he could corrupt him like any man, and they made a wager. And that was god’s way of rewarding the one righteous man on the planet. That was god turning his back on the one man who was good and righteous. That’s not god, that’s religion. That’s an example of how detestable religion is. What is the lesson there?

^Not to turn this post into an apologetic debate, but where Mr. Gurewitz is wrong is that at the end of the story, God gave back to Job twice what he had before.

But anyways, thoughts?

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Pandora interview Switchfoot's Jon Foreman and Drew Shirley at Austin City Limits. They talk about "The Sound," some of their guitar distortion methods, and more! Check it out; it's pretty insightful:



and "Stars"

"Your Love Is a Song" enters Top 30 of Hot AC!

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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Over the weekend, "Your Love Is a Song" leaped into the Top 30 of Mediabase Hot AC, settling at No. 29. This is looking good for the Billboard placing, possibly landing Switchfoot their first Hot AC/Adult Pop Songs Top 30 single since "We Are One Tonight."

Very exciting. Remember to share around the free download of the song with friends; details here.

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Jon Foreman and Drew Shirley stopped by at 96X recently to play a Sessions show. Here, they play "The Sound."



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Here are some videos from Switchfoot's show at the Varsity Theater in Baton Rouge, LA.

In this one, Jon talks about the conversation he overheard before playing "Only Hope" and "Dare You to Move." If you follow his tweets, you'll know what he's going to talk about.



^That's pretty great! Here are some more clips:

Sabotage
Meant to Live
Your Love Is a Song
Gone
Awakening
Dare You to Move
24

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Next, some videos from the show in Tyler, TX: "The Sound"



Oh! Gravity
Meant to Live
Dark Horses

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And lastly, on Sunday, Switchfoot played Austin City Limits, which is a pretty big festival. Here, a local radio station out there in the Austin area interview Tim Foreman, Chad Butler and Jerome Fontamillas about their then-upcoming performance, as well as more details about "Vice Verses!"

Switchfoot to appear on "Tonight Show" soon?; also, download "Your Love Is a Song" for FREE (really...?)

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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In a rather surprising, interesting blog post, San Diego's Sophie (KSCF 103.7) reports that Switchfoot is giving away free downloads of their latest single, "Your Love Is a Song."

Check out this rock-tastic banner that is now on Switchfoot's website:



And, head over to that page now to pick up your complementary copy of the song (if you don't already own it).

Then tell 50,000 of your friends who don't have it!

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What's also reported in that post is that Switchfoot will be appearing soon on the "Tonight Show With Jay Leno" to perform the song, apparently! Stay tuned for details.

Virginia Show recaps

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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Switchfoot played a couple of exciting shows in Viriginia the last few days. What's been great is that the band has been pulling out the new "Dark Horses" quite consistently; hopefully it continues to get play throughout this tour. Today's blog will just be another video update with footage from the past few shows, so hang in there and be ready to relive and experience a Switchfoot show!

We start in Richmond, where the band played "Dark Horses."



...and "Daisy." You've got to love anytime they play this song live; it's a rare treat.



On Fire
Encore: "Hello Hurricane" and "Dare You to Move"

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We then move to Norfolk, VA. Switchfoot pulls out another "Nothing Is Sound" gem, the rarely-ever-played-anymore "Lonely Nation."



^Judging by this video, it looks like the band is a bit rusty with this song. It's okay guys; hope you keep playing it this tour!

Here are more videos:

We Are One Tonight (featuring fan, James Murla)



Virginia Song/Your Love Is a Song



Free



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Dark Horses

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Oh, and lastly, Jon Foreman and Drew Shirley at a radio event:

Switchfoot urges you to bring canned goods to shows; lends to the call for HIV-Free generation

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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Switchfoot has posted a new YouTube video featuring Chad Butler and Drew Shirley urging you to bring canned goods to the shows this month – with their typical humorous twist.



^Be sure to get on that if you're going to a show this fall, friends!

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Along the same philanthropic lines, Switchfoot was joined by ONE.org over the weekend at Liberty University.



Here's an excerpt from their blog:

Switchfoot, long time ONE supporters, put on a great show. Our volunteers helped sign up new ONE members to take action around our current campaign: ensuring that babies are born HIV-free. Every day, 1,000 new born babies are born with HIV -– something entirely preventable with smart medicines and smart policy. That’s why it was so exciting for me to be part of this moment where Liberty students and others could add their voice to the movement.

To read Jon Foreman's quote, as well as to view the source blog, check it out here.

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For Christian aficionados, Switchfoot will be featured alongside many popular CCM bands in the latest Wow Hits collection, called "Wow Hits 2011." I wish they could've come up with a more creative title. Anyhow, "Your Love Is a Song" is the track of choice for it's success on Christian radio throughout the past year.

To see the full tracklist, click here.

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Now, on to the tour videos recap section of the update. Switchfoot played at the Electric Factory last Sunday, and here are some videos from the show in case you missed them:

"Dark Horses"



^poor camera audio quality notwithstanding, I'm definitely digging the energy behind the song. It's got a slow-burn rocker type of quality, similar to "Lonely Nation" and even recalls Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" to a certain extent. What do you think of the song?

Also from that show, a dude by the name of Aaron Hicks plays "Awakening" with Switchfoot. He rocked the part pretty well:



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Yesterday morning, Switchfoot did a radio blitz on the city of Washington, D.C. Here is an audio/video of Jon and Drew playing "The Sound" on DC101 in the morning:



Later on, some of the band played at the Gibson Showroom. Here's "Your Love Is a Song":



and, "Meant to Live"



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In case you missed it yesterday, Taylor Guitars announced a special "Stories and Songs" event with Bob Taylor (founder of Taylor) and Jon. Here's the press release with all the info. If you can, be sure to head out!

John M. Perkins benefit show loose ends; new Fiction Family tune; Show videos

For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!

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Hope you all had a great weekend! Here are some last things to tie up from the John M. Perkins benefit show last week. First off, we finally have a full video of Switchfoot performing "The Sound."



^Electric.

Next, Belhaven University posted their own recap video of the event. Drew Shirley and Jerome Fontamillas are interviewed:



Christian Post did a story on the event. LINK.

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Now for a quick Q&A interview with Jerome. Here, he talks a bit about "Vice Verses."

OS: The upcoming album Vice Verses contains material from your sessions for Hello Hurricane. Can listeners expect a similar album?

JF: We’re hoping to push further, creatively and musically. Whether it’s a natural progression from Hello Hurricane or not, you never know. We’re still planning how we’re going to go about recording the album. We have an abundance of songs (like 90), and John is a writing machine. So we have new songs, and you’re adding 20 or 30 into the mix. So it will be interesting.

OS: So are you guys planning on releasing that other material from the Hello Hurricane sessions?

JF: We’re hoping to. There are a lot of songs. I’m not saying all of them are good, but we just have to dwindle it down to a regular amount of songs. We are diving into the idea of a double album or something. That’s the greatest thing—that we’re able to release these songs and other people will hear them. We’re just trying to figure out a way to get these songs out there so people can hear them. A CD is one format, but there are other ways too.

OS: Can we expect to hear them live?

JF: We’re not prepared yet to play the songs that haven’t been on albums yet. I know John has been doing these “after shows” where he will go out after the show with his guitar into some corner somewhere and start playing our new songs. It’s pretty awesome, because we’re really excited about the new songs. We’re getting geared up to go record them.

For the rest of the interview, head over to Ourstage.com.

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Now for some "Hello Hurricane" tour news! Switchfoot played a few shows, including one at Liberty University. We've got copious video footage from that one. First,

"The Sound"



^Watch the ending. Jon Foreman channels some "Dirty Second Hands" live action at the end there. You feelin' that?

24/Dare



More videos:

Needle
Oh! Gravity.
Meant to Live
Free
Stars
Gone
On Fire
Your Love Is a Song
Dare You to Move

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Also, our friend Josh sent in the setlist from the show last night in Philly's Electric Factory.

Main:

Stars
Bullet Soul
Mess of Me
Gone
This Is Your Life
The Sound
Your Love Is A Song
Free
Yet
Company Car
Sabotage
Dark Horses
On Fire
Awakening
Meant to Live

Encore:
Hello Hurricane
Dare You to Move

"Dark Horses" Video:



^It's great to see "Dark Horses" making its way into setlists now. I'm excited to hear how that song turns out in the studio. Also, Josh tells us "Your Love Is a Song" is being played in G now in order to help preserve Jon Foreman's voice for the "Vice Verses" sessions coming up.

^Thanks bro.

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Do you want in on new Fiction Family material? Well, you're in luck – that is, if there is a Ben and Jerry's ice cream shop close by. They are giving away free Bonnaroo Festival artist tracks, and Jon's other band is included.

The song is called "The Ashes of Rock and Roll (Fool's Gold)" according our friends over at LOBH.

Details from the Ben and Jerry's website: