Currently producing their latest album, "Vice Versa" Fontamillas said that the new work will be more of a sequel to the last album "Hello Hurricane", than a whole new concept.
"We are more focused on the songs this time round," said the father of one.
"Instead of producing 30 – 40 songs like the last time, this time we are producing 20 – 30 songs."
He even lets on that the album slated to be out in June, will contain roughly 11- 12 tracks.
"Currently, we are recording our eleventh track," said Fontamillas.
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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(Photo Britt Chester)
Switchfoot took their sunny rock and roll to the snowy slopes of Denver to play at the Big Air ski event. Here's a disparagingly biased blog about the band's performance.
Last night, under the orange sky that blanketed the city, Switchfoot squeezed a quick set in at the Big Air event in Civic Center Park. No opener. No warm-up. Just four guys coming out from San Diego to entertain a frozen mass of skiers, snowboarders and industry big-wigs in town for the week's snow festivities. Nothing says gnarly like some good ol' contemporary butt-rock.
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 took over sports television in a big way last night during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game. ESPN has been pushing Switchfoot hard in all of the NCAA Football bowl games thus far this season, but that's not all.
The National Hockey League's All-Star game has a commercial that's currently running "Meant to Live" in the background. Check it out:
Online streamers of ESPN 3 were also treated to a college hoops commercial that featured "This Is Home":
And of course, the BCS Championship game itself saw the debut of Switchfoot's brand new music video for "We Are One Tonight." Contrary to what Hurley told us, we did NOT see a full music video. Here's what was aired during the halftime show before kicking the second half of the game:
The exposure has revived sales for "We Are One Tonight" on iTunes, netting the song a No. 75 spot on the iTunes Pop charts.
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Next item on our menu today is a report from one of our readers about a possible live recording done back in March 2010.
Hey! I went to a Hello Hurricane show in March, and while we were waiting around, all of the security guards were telling us that we were not allowed to take pictures or record anything, because the guys were recording that show for an album. I questioned the validity of that statement as soon as it was said, but as you all know almost every show has several videos posted on Youtube, and ours has 2 that are each about 30 seconds long. So, obviously, people took their request seriously. But like I said, I don't have a clue if this is in the works or not. Fingers crossed!
^This was the Royal Oak show on March 25, 2010. As far as we know, it's not at every show that fans are told to put away their cameras. We are in the process of asking for any official confirmation, though it's not likely we'll hear anything if nothing has been announced by the band. Just thought it'd be worth noting.
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"Bullet Soul" has cracked onto Billboard's Alternative Songs chart, coming in at No. 40. Start requesting it at your local rock radio stations and follow the Footsoldiers on Twitter for more instructions!
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And lastly, I thought it'd be good to do a quick little background bio on Neal Avron, who was announced yesterday as a producer on the "Vice Verses" project.
- He recently made headlines by producing and/or mixing three straight Billboard 200 No. 1 albums last year.
* Disturbed, "Asylum," Warner Bros. (Mixed by Neal Avron - Chart Debut 9/7) * Sara Bareilles, "Kaleidoscope Heart," Epic Records (Produced and Mixed by Neal - Chart Debut 9/14) * Linkin Park, "A Thousand Suns," Warner Bros. (Mixed by Neal - Chart Debut 9/21)
- One of the songs he helped produce, Bareilles' "King of Anything," was recently nominated for a Grammy award for Best Female Pop Vocal. (SOURCE: prweb)
- Anberlin's Avron-produced "Feel Good Drag" was a No. 1 hit on Billboard Alternative Songs.
- Here is an article in which Avron goes extremely in-depth on his production process. Though we might not understand all of the jargon, it's quite clear that Avron is very hands-on in the process, and his style could compliment Switchfoot's very well.
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:
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.
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.
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!
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!
Be sure to tune in TONIGHT, September 29, for the special John M. Perkins/Switchfoot benefit event at 5 pm PST/8 pm EST. For more details, click here.
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Well, friends, tonight is the night! The John M. Perkins benefit show called "An Evening with: Switchfoot & John M Perkins - The Sound!" is happening tonight, at 5 PM PST/8 PM EST. Be sure to tune into Ustream to watch the performance, or you can come back to this space, as we'll have it streaming here as well.
In advance of the event, the Clarion Ledger in Jackson has done a story and talked to John P. Perkins and John M. Perkins (related). Here's an excerpt:
The performance will help rebuild the foundation's music studio, which was burglarized in 2008.
Perkins' grandson, John P. Perkins, is the foundation's development director. He said Switchfoot had just finished recording Hello Hurricane when they decided to lay one more track.
Switchfoot lead singer/guitarist Jon Foreman "wrote that one (The Sound), and it became a smash hit," said the younger Perkins. "When they got together in May to record the video, (John M. Perkins) told them about the recording studio burglary. We didn't have it up eight months before it was burglarized."
There's a lot of other great things to be read in this story, so definitely check it out here.
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In other news, today is Chart Wednesday! Just a quick update, "The Sound" is now officially the No. 8 Alternative single in the country, while "Your Love Is a Song" has moved up to No. 32 on the Adult Pop Songs chart. Just another successful week for Switchfoot. Keep up the requesting!
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The news keeps getting better. Our friend Raven from the Philippines has sent us this bit of sweet news:
The Sound is currently no.10 on Magic 89.9 (popular radio station in the Philippines) ......and no.18 on channelv(music channel)...just wanna let you all know :D
^That's just fantastic!
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Our friend David has also sent us this bit.
Yes it's true. Switchfoot's Mess Of Me was played on Friday night on Coast To Coast Am's radio show heard all around America. Shortly before the song was played the show's host, Art Bell, told America to rock. Coast To Coast is an overnight show dealing on paranormal abd conspiracies. The song was played at about 12:30 p.m{central time}.
^That's something new. Great to hear that, David. Thanks a lot!
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Any of you looking to head out to the fall leg of the Hello Hurricane tour? If so, the guys will be running the Food Drive again. Bring canned goods to support your local community!
Here is a list of Participating Food Banks:
Oct 01 Lynchburg VA / Liberty University / Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
Oct 02 Cheswick PA / Ches-A-Rena / Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Oct 03 Philadelphia PA / Electric Factory / Philabundance
Oct 05 Richmond VA / The National / Central Virginia Food Bank
Oct 06 Norfolk VA / The Norva / Foodbank of South Eastern Virginia
Oct 07 Montgomery AL / Riverwalk Amphitheatre / Montgomery Area Food Bank
Oct 08 Baton Rouge LA / Varsity Theatre / Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
Oct 09 Tyler TX / The Venue Down Under / East Texas Food Bank
Oct 10 Austin TX / Austin City Limits
Oct 14 Omaha NE / Sokol Auditorium / Food Bank for the Heartland
Oct 15 St. Charles MO / Lindenwood University / St. Louis Area Food Bank
Oct 16 Kansas City KS / Memorial Hall / Harvesters Food Bank
Oct 28 Santa Cruz CA / Catalyst Club
Oct 29 Avila Beach CA / Avila Beach Event Area / San Luis Obispo Food Bank
(The Almost supporting except 10/10 10/28)
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And lastly, we hear that the Bad Religion compilation that Switchfoot is contributing to will be available as a free download from Spin.com. Awesome!
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, sorry for the lack of updates. I know it's been almost an entire week since I last updated. But I promise it's not because I've lost interest or anything. I promise!
Anyways, here is an update on what's been going on lately in the world of Switchfoot. The Latin America tour is still going strong, and here are a few videos from YouTube:
Needle (Mexico)
Meant to Live (Mexico)
The Sound (Mexico)
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Talk Stoop did an interview with Switchfoot. Check it out:
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Ever wanted to know what Jon Foreman's guitar rig looks like? This blogger details all the equipment he uses during a Switchfoot show. Interesting, huh?
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Switchfoot is also participating in an effort called TwitChange to help benefit Haiti's rebuilding efforts. For details on all of that, head over to the page where they are auctioning off a Twitter prize!
In what has been an unprecedented push, "The Sound" has been getting tons of play and coverage on KROQ and it's website! This is one of, if not THE biggest alternative rock station in the country, so getting played on it is like a ticket to the big time!
The reaction has been positive from the station's listeners as well, as it is Stryker's No. 1 requested song of the week! Be sure to head over and give them a thank you/nice comment. The more positive feedback, the better!
Let's keep this up. There's a request link where you can fill in requests, and this also goes towards KROQ's Furious 5 at 9 countdown every weeknight, which tallies top requested songs of the day. Footsoldiers, it's our time to shine! So head over and request it now!
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Speaking of radio, "Your Love Is a Song" has gotten Switchfoot featured on Your 1063 (WCDA) as the Artist of the Week. LINK.
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It's been a weird couple days for Jon Foreman, who has seen the media pick up the story of his police removal from an aftershow the other day in Tampa.
Allaccess did a quick little Q&A with Jon. Here it is below:
In the YOUTUBE video the cop mentions telling you to leave earlier. Did you know he was there earlier? Or were you playing and unaware of his request? The video is a bit confusing on that note. What really happened?
FOREMAN: Many times on tour I play a few tunes acoustic after our show when time allows. These after-shows are all about the love of the music: all acoustic, no amps, no mics, no tickets, just a couple tunes and whoever wants to listen. I see it as a chance to connect with music in a different way. I was playing in the parking lot outside of the amphitheater we'd just played. There were tons of folks still leaving the venue and the police car didn't really catch my attention until the officer began to yell at us to leave. He references telling me "one more song" but he must have talked to someone else. I had never spoken with the officer before.
To hear Jon's direct thoughts, head over to his latest Huffington Post entry, where he puts a close to this whole controversy with his side of the story and other thoughts.
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Oh by the way, Switchfoot is still out on tour with the Goo Goo Dolls. You know it's been busy in footland when the tour takes a back seat in the news. Anyhow, here's a video of the band covering Tom Petty's "Won't Back Down" in Tampa (8-15-10).
Oh and in case you wanted a slightly better listen to "Dark Horses," here's another Jacksonville soundcheck video of the song
For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Tim Foreman, who turned 32 yesterday. Keep rockin', my friend.
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In what has turned into a mini media storm, Jon Foreman was removed by force from an aftershow he was playing for fans after Switchfoot's main opening slot for the Goo Goo Dolls. For first-hand coverage of the event, here's a video of the incident. Note: Jon does play the entirety of "Against the Voices" before the police officer shows up.
CNN was on the story, with the clever headline of "Police dare Switchfoot singer to move." Here are some quotes from Jon:
"The officer last night wouldn't give me a reason for shutting it down, he only said that he had a family to go home to," Foreman told CNN. I respect the authorities, they have a difficult job."
"I love playing on the big stages in front of thousands of folks, it feels like a megaphone. It's how I pay the bills and it's the best job in the world. But I also love playing for just a few folks for free. It feels like a whisper." Foreman said of the intimate post-show gatherings he sometimes calls via Twitter.
"It's the chance to dust off the Bob Dylan covers and play new tunes. It's a gift: just to play for the love of the song."
^Always classy, that Jon Foreman. What do you think? Was the police officer right in conducting matters like that? Do you think Jon should've continued to play "24" in spite of the demands by the officer to quit? Comment and chime in!
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Okay, on to less grave matters. Switchfoot soundchecked "Dark Horses" in Jacksonville last Friday, August 13. Here's the video, with the most discernible vocals yet.
Thanks to our friend Katey for this video.
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Switchfoot stopped in at 99x in Atlanta last Thursday to play some songs. Here are videos:
Dare You to Move
Meant to Live
Just Rob Me
The Sound
Mess of Me
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And to finish up today's update, here are videos (again courtesy of Katey) of Switchfoot's headlining show in Jacksonville headliner:
For up to date (most of the time) news and original opinions before they hit the update, follow us on Twitter!
Also, on another note, we here at We're Awakening would like to express our relief that Switchfoot, crew, and all are safe after their bus fire yesterday.
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As we reported last Monday, Switchfoot debuted their new song "Dark Horses" live at the Q101 Lollapalooza after-party. The audio quality on the one video we had left something to be desired, but thanks to our friend ktlouuu, we have a better video! Check it out:
^This song rocks. Love it.
Here's another video from the after-party:
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Next section in today's update, we've got even more Lollapalooza press, and a couple other miscellaneous Switchfoot-related articles.
Switchfoot, who on paper looked almost out of place on the bill, battled through the clouds and wetness as the air literally heated up during its set. “Hello Hurricane,” the band’s latest record, is a surprisingly rocking affair, and it’s turned a lot of people suspect of the band into straight-up fans. The live performance was much the same, as frontman Jon Foreman did whatever he needed to get the crowd going, climbing the speakers and the scaffolding next to the stage and even pulling out a cover of the Beastie Boys’ classic, “Sabotage.”
“It started out drenching the pedal boards upfront and they had to pull them back,” said Foreman after the set. “They moved all our gear back, and by the end, we were like, ‘No, let’s bring it forward!’”
“For me, I just like to get in there and mix it up with the crowd even if it’s muddy — I’ll get muddy, I don’t care!”
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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Jon Foreman tweeted some Fiction Family news today. Looks like the guys are aiming for a Spring 2011 release. Check out his latest Tweet:
- @ryanclloyd: "just heard fiction family on the radio. When's the new album out?” springtime hopefully, getting the family back together!
^Now that that's said, we can expect a Fall 2011 release for Fiction Family. Just Kidding.
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Speaking of new music news, Chad Butler and Jon Foreman did an interview in which they discuss "Vice Verses" plans.
“We’ve got like, 20 songs… well, 40 songs, 20 that we’ve cut it down to (with a) bunch of songs left over from the last session,” he revealed, referring to the tracks that didn’t make Hello Hurricane. “It’s a matter of trying to figure out whether it should be a double record or what it looks like.”
We've got more Lollapalooza news and coverage for you. Kevin Manno from Q101 (great DJ, great person, by the way) interview the band about their performance at Lolla and some news on Vice Verses. Looks like the band is entering the studio to finish up the record in January!
Video:
Donnie from The Point 1057 also talks to Chad, Drew Shirley, and Jerome Fontamillas about Switchfoot's gig at Lolla, the success of "The Sound" on his radio station, and other things. It's a great interview. Here you go:
Next, here are some more live videos from Lollapalooza:
Hello Hurricane
The Sound
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Next, Tim Foreman gives us news on the state of the Switchfoot Community.
hola amigos, Tim here. Thanks to all of you, these boards are alive and well! I love it. In fact, based on feedback from many of you, we've decided to do away with the newer "sound" community, and bring everyone back together under one roof here on these boards. It seems like most of us like these old boards better anyways. We're excited about having everyone back together in one place, hope you all are too. This community is unique because of all the amazing people that are here, and the way that everyone respects and embraces each-other's differences. Thanks for being a part of our family, we love you guys, -tim
^Good to know the guys are still aware and involved in the community. Thanks Timmy.
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's the chart week of August 21, 2010, and it's that time again to report on all the chart happenings related to Switchfoot!
This week, "The Sound" leaps to No. 13 on the Billboard Alternative songs chart, matching the band's effort with "Mess of Me," in just it's 14th week. At the same point, "Mess of Me" was only at No. 16! And there is still growth with the track, with potential for the song to really soar into the Top 10. Great job on the single so far, friends!
"Your Love Is a Song" has stalled a bit on the Christian charts, holding at 13 on Christian CHR but advancing to No. 21 on the National Christian Songs chart. But on mainstream Mediabase Hot AC, the track has moved to No. 41 from 46. It is steadily growing on Hot AC. Expect it to continue this steady progress.
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In what has been a HUGE boost for "The Sound" single, KROQ in Los Angeles has played the song quite a bit in the last few days. They also have a feature on their website about the new album and the song. Here's what they said:
When Switchfoot went in to the studio to record their last album, Hello Hurricane, they recorded enough music for FOUR full-length albums, which may be why it sounds somewhat similar to their new upcoming album Vice Verses. But don’t be fooled though, their new album is going to rock like the last and their new song “The Sound” proves just that.
The positive reviews keep pouring in for Switchfoot during their opening gig for the Goo Goo Dolls. The Weekender had this to say:
You really don’t know just how many songs the Goo Goo Dolls have since they began in 1986 — or how good many of them are — until you see the band live. Rzeznik is a great frontman who engages his audience, and his audience ate up every smile and gesture.
The same can be said for Switchfoot’s singer Jon Foreman, who leapt out into the crowd for the first two songs of the band’s 45-minute set, “Dare You to Move” and “Stars.” A blistering “Mess of Me” preceded a good acoustic cover of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.”
“This is Your Life,” from 2009’s “The Beautiful Letdown” was anthemic, while “Free” was explosive as it ended with a big drum and flashing lights flourish. “The Sound (John M. Perkins’ Blues),” a song about a civil rights activist from last year’s “Hello Hurricane,” was powerful and aggressive. Switchfoot ended its set with its best song of the night, the hit “Meant to Live.”
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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PURCHASE the Max Vangeli/AN21 remix HERE. So far, it's looking like you can only purchase it at this location for now, but we'll be on the lookout to see if iTunes and Amazon MP3 will be carrying it as well.
I've gotten my copy, and must say, it's definitely an interesting/unique take on the song we've come to know and love. But considering the difference, it's surprising that Max Vangeli and AN21 left Jon Foreman's voice un-edited. Really shows respect. I give it a thumbs up!
Switchfoot had a busy day storming Boston yesterday. First, they stopped by the local Alternative rock station WBOS to do an interview and play a few tunes. Check out these videos:
Interview on WBOS
Another interview clip
The Sound
Mess of Me
Meant to Live
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Later in the day, the band played the local Hot AC station's MixFest. For more from yesterday, head over the Mix1041's Twitter feed.
Here's a pic:
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As some of you know, Brooke Fraser just released details on her new album. And Antimusic reports that she co-wrote a song called "Betty" with Jon Foreman. Details here.
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 Goo Goo Dolls tour is off and running! So far, we've got a brand new cover that the Switchfoot boys have pulled out of the bag. Here are some videos from Switchfoot's show on Sunday in Detroit.
First, a botched "Meant to Live" intro, which is pretty funny:
^As always though, the guys recovered beautifully.
And "Dare You to Move"
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Here's something interesting. This blogger recently posted that he went to a homeless shelter in Oceanside with Jon Foreman, and that a song called "Unbroken" came out of that. Click here to listen and to find lyrics and the story.
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This next news piece comes as something of a coincidence for me. It's an article about Karl Denson's record, which also has some pieces mentioning Jon Foreman's contribution to the project. I was JUST listening to this the other day on the way to work, so I was pleasantly surprised when this story emerged. Anyways, enough with the chit chat! Here's the mention:
And arena rock fans will be pleasantly surprised by the appearance of Jon Foreman, the singer, songwriter and guitarist for alternative rock band Switchfoot. Foreman wrote and sings on the provocative “The Drums of War.”
“Jon and I have been friends for a while. We messed around with writing songs together,” Denson said. “He had written ‘The Drums of War' and offered it to me.”
“Drums of War” is a perfect integration of soul and rock with both Foreman and Denson sharing vocals. Thematically it's akin to Bob Dylan's “With God on Our Side,” without the cynicism. Switchfoot is known for bringing their Christianity into the rock arena and that is how Denson interpreted the song.
“To me the song was spiritual. I didn't see it as political,” Denson said. “But as a Christian I was frustrated with the hubris of the (political) right. If you seriously love your brother you can't justify the war. If we spent the money for war on humanitarian efforts in those countries, what would happen?”
Together Denson and Foreman wrote the most infectious song on the CD, “Mighty Rebel.” Its theme is also spiritual but the music is roots reggae. It's about a war in which “love is a gun.”
“I had an idea for the melody, and I had notes from a sermon I had just heard,” Denson said. “Jon was reading some newly found quotes by Martin Luther King and some of his other writings. We put our heads together on that level, with those ideas.”
^insightful stuff.
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Here's another video of Jon Foreman and Drew Shirley talking about "The Sound" and Jon's efforts with the Huffington Post.
Some radio update stuff. Looks like we have two potentially monster singles on our hands... both "The Sound" and "Your Love Is a Song" are progressing steadily on Alternative and Hot AC radio, respectively. We're seeing some organic growth, and we want things to keep going.
Head over to Footsoldiers HQ to get involved in online polls and other things! Your help is very important for the success of these singles. We can do this!
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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Yes yes yes, not the greatest of titles, but what can I do?
Hi everyone! Sorry the updates have been a bit on the slow side lately. Been busy working this week, and employment has its ways of draining you in every way possible on the physical, emotional, and spiritual level... but mostly physical! We got NONE of our goals, but that's okay.
So here is the latest news update, though there isn't much to report in Switchfoot land.
On the good news end of the spectrum, check out our chart update from Wednesday (if you haven't already) for news on how "The Sound" and "Your Love Is a Song" are doing on the Billboard charts. The news is good this week!
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In other news, our YouTube campaign for "The Sound" has been solid. Though we didn't accomplish any of the goals we set for this campaign, we did have some solid numbers for the video:
#44 - Most Discussed (Today)) #4 - Most Discussed (Today)) - Music #39 - Most Discussed (This Week)) - Music #61 - Most Viewed (Today)) - Music - Australia #59 - Most Viewed (Today)) - Music - Canada #80 - Most Viewed (Today)) - Music - India #60 - Most Viewed (Today)) - Music - New Zealand #70 - Most Viewed (Today)) - Music #22 - Most Viewed (Today)) - Music - South Africa #45 - Most Viewed (Today)) - Music - Mexico #62 - Most Viewed (Today)) - Music - Netherlands #78 - Most Viewed (Today)) - Music - Brazil #73 - Top Favorited (Today)) #21 - Top Favorited (Today)) - Music #9 - Top Rated (Today)) - Music #73 - Top Rated (This Week)) - Music
Switchfoot's channel also got:
#53 - Most Viewed (Today) - Musicians
Be sure you share this video with everyone you know. Thought our 48-hour window is over, we can still keep sharing it around!
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With the new release of this music video, there has been some new press about it:
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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NOTE: For those wondering about the accuracy of our report that Jennifer Love Hewitt will no longer be working with Switchfoot on a music video, we got it directly from management. So it's fairly accurate.
Switchfoot is excited to announce more tour dates with Goo Goo Dolls. Please see new dates listed below along with presale information for FOTF and general onsale:
7/22 Saratoga Springs, NY - FOTF presale 5/19, onsale 5/22
^This is the best co-headlining-type match I've seen in awhile. These two bands have a similar type of sound, same hopeful lyrics, and have played together before. What do you think?
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Air1 has added "Your Love Is a Song" to their playlist. Looks like it's going to be the main Christian single now. But expect it to get worked to the mainstream after "The Sound" wraps up.
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Florida's Buzz 103.1 (WPBZ) will have Switchfoot in the studio on May 25th:
On Tuesday, May 25th – 103.1 The Buzz welcomes Switchfoot back to the Buzz Lounge.
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LIVE105 in San Francisco has more details on the upcoming Switchfoot gig at the Giants game.
SF Giants Presents: Switchfoot Tuesday May 11th, vs. San Diego Padres The Special Switchfoot ticket gets you: A private pre-game acoustic set by Switchfoot A meet & greet with the band A Club Level ticket to see the Giants vs. the Padres All for just $75
SF Giants Presents: Switchfoot VIP All that comes with the aforementioned package Enjoy the game in a Suite with the band Sing take me out to the ballgame with the band in the 7th inning Just $200
For tickets call 415.972.2231
^You'll find a sweet video montage of Switchfoot and the Giants on the team's website. Check it out (link under Tim Lincecum's head):
Here's a press release about the Pennyroyal Switchfoot pendant:
Switchfoot Rocks Out with Pennyroyal Silver’s Signature Collection on May 5th, 2010
Los Angeles, CA, May 07, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Alt-rocker’s Switchfoot have become the latest supporters of MusiCares by teaming up with Pennyroyal Silver to benefit the foundation. The multi-platinum band designed the limited edition pendant with Pennyroyal Silver’s founder, Tim Foster, thirty percent of proceeds for which go to MusiCares.
Switchfoot joins a diverse roster of artists who have teamed up with Pennyroyal Silver to benefit charity through their Signature Collection. Switchfoot’s design features the band’s iconic logo drawn and signed by bassist, Tim Foreman. The back of the pendant is marked with Foreman’s signature and with each pendant, fans will receive a collector card with lyrics of the band’s uplifting song “Always,” a track from their new album “Hello Hurricane.” As Pennyroyal Founder Foster explains, “I’ve been a fan of Switchfoot since my days in the music business and it’s great to be able to work with them again in a totally different way for a great cause.”
The Switchfoot Signature Collection pendant will be available for limited release from May 5th to May 31st, 2010. The pendant will retail for $75 and will available for purchase exclusively through www.pennyroyalsilver.com and will be retired and unavailable after May 31st.
About Pennyroyal Silver: Pennyroyal’s Owner/Designer, Tim Foster, a music industry veteran-turned jewelry designer, created the Pennyroyal® Signature Collection to combine his passion for music and jewelry designs to benefit charities of all types. Artists who have contributed designs to the Signature Collection include Adam Lambert, Jack Black, Cobra Starship and Jewel, among others. To date, the Signature Collection has raised over $40,000 for various charities. For more information, please visit www.pennyroyalsilver.com
About MusiCares®: Established in 1989 by The Recording Academy®, MusiCares® provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares® also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. For more information, please visit www.musicares.com.
Risen Magazine in San Diego did a sweet interview with Jon Foreman a couple months back. Their online edition of the mag can be read here. It can be found on pages 48-56.
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CHARTS
"The Sound" jumped a whopping seven spots over the weekend, and is now at No. 41 on Alternative. Keep requesting!
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 14, 2010) – Performances by alternative rockers Switchfoot and pop-soul band Parachute will headline this year’s “NASCAR Rev’d Up,” a six-hour fan-friendly event that celebrates the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The eclectic North Carolina-based group Paper Tongues has signed on as the opening performance. In addition to the free concert, the event will feature driver appearances, NASCAR show cars and interactive displays.
NASCAR Rev’d Up will take place Thursday, May 20, between Third and Mint Streets in uptown Charlotte from 4-10 p.m. In 2009, the NASCAR Rev’d Up concert drew more than 13,000 fans in preparation of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The 2010 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race will take place Saturday, May 22, at Charlotte Motor Speedway (SPEED, 9 p.m. ET), which will also feature an at-track concert performed by a popular rock band.
“NASCAR has worked with many amazing bands in the past, so it’s an honor to be a part of the All-Star week festivities,” said Jon Foreman, lead singer for Switchfoot. “We are looking forward to entertaining those descending upon Charlotte for this week of fun.”
Multi-Platinum band, Switchfoot, released their seventh full-length album, Hello Hurricane, with Atlantic Records late last year. Recorded with producer/bassist Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Rilo Kiley, Eminem, and Pink), Hello Hurricane is Switchfoot’s first album with Atlantic Records. The album was a critic’s pick in USA Today’s Fall Music feature and Alternative Press hailed the title track as “an uplifting, hope-giving affirmation of resurgence.” In recent months, Switchfoot has performed on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” The band is currently on tour in the U.S.
“As NASCAR fans, we’re looking forward to performing at their biggest event of the year,” said Will Anderson, lead vocalist for Parachute. “We are excited to share our music with the NASCAR nation.”
Signed to Mercury / Island Def Jam in 2007, Parachute spent the past three years sharing the stage with such acts as Dave Matthews Band, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, and The Script. The band toured the U.S. with Kelly Clarkson in 2009, and joined her in the United Kingdom and Europe in February and March 2010. Parachute’s debut album, Losing Sleep, shot to No. 1 on iTunes and Amazon and has sold more than 96,000 units to date. The band’s hit single “She is Love” garnered more than 460,000 downloads and their third single “She (for Liz)” will be released in April 2010.
The Paper Tongues, best known for blending rock n’ roll melodies with hip hop beats, was born in the streets of Charlotte, N.C. in 2007. Managed by music icon Randy Jackson, the band is currently working with some of the industry’s leading producers, including Brian West (Nelly Furtado, K’Naan, Bela Fleck), Mark Endert (Maroon 5, Gavin DeGraw, Madonna), John Fields (Switchfoot, Jimmy Eat World), and Billy Hume (Ying Yang Twins, Bone Crusher, David Banner). The Paper Tongues are also scheduled to perform at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 22. The band’s debut album hit stores on March 30, 2010, earning No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart.
“NASCAR Rev’d Up has established itself as a big part of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Week celebration,” said Steve Gaffney, vice president of corporate marketing for Sprint. “It gives fans a great atmosphere to have some fun and get geared up for some of the most exciting racing of the season, the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.”
ABOUT SPRINT NEXTEL Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving more than 48 million customers at the end of the fourth quarter of 2009 and the first 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The company’s customer-focused strategy has led to improved first call resolution and customer care satisfaction scores. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.
- Sprint Nextel, Press Release
^Cool.
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There's a new Drewcast episode to watch.
Photoshoot:
^That looks like a ton of fun!
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And lastly, looks like "Dare You to Move" is back in the American Idol scene. The upcoming week on the popular television show will feature an "Inspirational" theme. Switchfoot's cathartic hit is on the list of songs for the remaining Idol contestants to choose from. Check out the list on iTunes or below:
* Your Love Keeps Lifting Me (Higher and Higher) – Jackie Wilson * A Moment Like This – Kelly Clarkson * Amazing Grace – Susan Boyle * Angels – Robbie Williams * Anyway – Martina McBride * Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In – The Fifth Dimension * Better Days – The Goo Goo Dolls * Bridge Over Troubled Waters – Simon & Garfunkle * Calling All Angels – Train * Changes – David Bowie * Dare You To Move – Switchfoot * Don’t Dream It’s Over – Crowded House * Don’t Stop – Fleetwood Mac * Dream Weaver – Gary Wright * Drive – Incubus * Everyday People – Sly & The Family Stone * Flying Without Wings – Ruben Studdard * From a Distance – Bette Midler * Go the Distance – Michael Bolton * Greatest Love of All – Whitney Houston * Hands – Jewel * Heaven Help Us All – Stevie Wonder * Hero – Chad Kroeger featuring Josey Scott * Higher – Creed * Holding Out for a Hero – Bonnie Tyler * I Am Changing – Jennifer Hudson * I Believe I Can Fly – R. Kelly * I Can See Clearly Now – Jimmy Cliff * I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack * I Turn To You – Christina Aguilera * I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor * I’ll Be There – Jackson 5 * If You Believe – The Wiz Original Broadway Cast * I’ll Stand By You – The Pretenders * I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross * It’s My Life – Bon Jovi * I’ve Had The Time Of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes * Lifted – Lighthouse Family * Live Like We’re Dying – Kris Allen * Live Like You Were Dying – Tim McGraw * Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi * Living in America – James Brown * Lovely Day – Bill Withers * My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion * My Wish – Rascal Flatts * Only Hope - Mandy Moore * Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland * People Get Ready – The Impressions * Rainbow – Sugar Ray * Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand) – Diana Ross * Reflection – Christina Aguilera * Return to Innocence – Enigma * The River of Dreams – Billy Joel * Show Me What I’m Looking For – Carolina Liar * So Small – Carrie Underwood * Stronger – Mary J. Blige * That’s The Way God Planned It – Billy Preston * That’s What Friends Are For – Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight * The Boxer – Simon & Garfunkle * The Impossible Dream – Frank Sinatra * The Prayer – Andrea Bocelli & Celine Dion * The Time of My Life – David Cook * The Is My Now – Jordin Sparks * Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes * Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves * We Are the Champions – Queen * What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstong * What the World Needs Now is Love – Jackie DeShannon * When you Believe – Mariah Carey * Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler * World – Five for Fighting * You Light Up My Life – Debby Boone * You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban * You’ll Never Walk Alone – Barbara Streisand * You’re My Best Friend – Queen * You’re the Inspiration – Chicago * You’ve Got a Friend – Carole King
^Notice "Only Hope" is also on the list... under Mandy Moore. Are you kidding me?
^Anyways... we'll see. What do you all think about the possibility of another "Dare You to Move" performance on the country's most popular karaoke contest? I'm not sure what I think yet... help me out in the comments below! :)
Two years ago, David Cook lent his talents to performing the song. Check it out:
