"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

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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!

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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

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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"

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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!

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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

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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!

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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"

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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

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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

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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

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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:

PRESS RELEASE: Taylor Guitars and Jon Foreman Announce ‘Surprise’ Benefit Show In Indianapolis on OCT 24

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 1, 2010
 
TAYLOR GUITARS AND JON FOREMAN ANNOUNCE ‘SURPRISE’ BENEFIT SHOW IN INDIANAPOLIS ON OCT 24
 
Indianapolis – On Sunday October 24 Bob Taylor, CEO/FOUNDER of Taylor Guitars and Jon Foreman of the band Switchfoot will perform a one-night-only acoustic storytelling event at East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis , IN. This benefit event entitled “Stories & Songs” will include personal stories from both Taylor and Foreman as they talk about their personal life journeys, their unique friendship, and how one great sounding guitar brought them together. Rare acoustic performances by Foreman will include both Switchfoot’s catalog as well as Foreman’s solo material. This event will also include and extended “Live Q&A” section with questions from those in attendance.
 
Tickets will be made available at East 91st St. Christian Church and several other undetermined local outlets. Non-Indiana residents may still purchase tickets through www.storiesandsongs.info

Saving Jon Foreman's voice; Midsouth Fair (September 30)

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Switchfoot played the Midsouth Fair yesterday. Here are some videos:

Needle



The Sound



More videos here.

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Here's an interesting news bit. Since the John M. Perkins benefit show, Switchfoot's been playing "Your Love Is a Song" a bit differently. Observe:



^The band is playing the song in a lower key than the original on the record. Instead of playing in A, the band is now playing in G. This is possibly a way to help relieve the strain on Jon Foreman's voice, or as a remedy for his sore throat issues. It is definitely a tough song to sing in the studio, let alone live. And it's been a long year of touring for the band, so maybe it's time to preserve Jon's voice before Fiction Family and Switchfoot start tracking in earnest for their new records.

It does sound a little less dynamic when sung in the lower key. But, what are your thoughts? Chime in!

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WLBT did a news report on Switchfoot and the John M. Perkins benefit show. I love this quote from it:

"It so moved him that he said why is the world not responding to this message. He said 'I'm gonna make the world read this book, and so I'm gonna write a song we call The Sound," said Perkins.

The TV station also did a video news story on the event, interviewing Tim Foreman and Dr. Perkins as well. Here's the link.

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Tying up some extra things from the benefit show, here's a video of the choir practicing "Your Love Is a Song"



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And lastly, a preview news story on the band's Philly Electric Factory show this weekend.