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

DOWNLOAD: Jon and Tim Foreman's interview on Air1 Radio!

For those of you who missed the broadcast this afternoon, no need to fear! We've got the entire interview up for download here!

DOWNLOAD LINK.

Also, download the individual song performances:

The Sound (With Harmonica)

Your Love Is a Song

Jon Foreman, Bon Iver, and John Lennon are Miley favorites?; iTunes Download podcast available; KFMA Day 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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Check out Jon Foreman's latest tweet:

- What do John Lennon, Bon Iver and myself have in common? Miley Cyrus. http://bit.ly/bCo0KV (watch at 9:45)

Now, before I checked out the video, I must admit that I was ready to cringe... AND I did. More after the jump:



John Lennon's cool... but BOB Iver? It's Bon* Iver, Miley.

But nonetheless, it's cool to hear Jon Foreman mentioned, even it's Miley Cyrus saying it.

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In other news, the iTunes Download podcast featuring Switchfoot's Jon Foreman and Chad Butler is finally available! Subscribe here and it'll automatically download in your iTunes.

I wonder if some of their selections were influenced by iTunes staff... some very poppy tunes. Just a thought.

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Finally, some videos from KFMA day have surfaced on Youtube. Check em out:

"Mess of Me" (blurry video, but decent audio)



"Sabotage" (Beastie Boys)



"Meant to Live" (blurry video, but decent audio)

DOWNLOAD Switchfoot's Tonight Show Performance

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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We have Switchfoot's performance on The Tonight Show the other night in pretty high quality for download now! Click HERE and enjoy.

Check out The Vault for more downloads.

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Now for some miscellaneous news.

The band Meese blogged that they will be touring with Switchfoot for the upcoming string of shows. Check them out.


UPDATE (11:41 AM PST): RUMOR is UNFOUNDED.
Also, LOBH reports that Switchfoot is going to collaborate with Malaysian band called The Poseidon Connection.

The Poseidon Connection is working on a collaboration with Switchfoot (!!!!) on a rock song !!! Yes, it's true and we'll keep everyone updated on the progress i.e. discussion, composing, recording, etc. It's gonna be awesome and absolutely amazing with the merge of musicality from 2 bands from 2 different regions of the world!!

SOURCE.

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Don't forget to keep voting for "Mess of Me" on FUSE. We were No. 2 again, and you've all been doing a great job keeping Switchfoot there. This is HUGE. Let's try to get to No. 1. Vote!

BREAKING: Check out Switchfoot's Radio Performance on 104.5 Philadelphia (from December 11, 2009)

Click on the image below. (Thanks Mikster and Paralyzing Silence for the heads up)




They played "Mess of Me," "Meant to Live," and "Lucky Man" by the Verve. We made an mp3 that you can download of "Lucky Man."

DOWNLOAD it here.

The Vault: Under Construction

Here you will find links to our growing collection of Switchfoot rarities and other goodies, including interviews, tv performances, and more! (Currently under construction)

COVERS

Lucky Man (Live Acoustic from Radio Performance on 104.5 Philadelphia (from December 11, 2009)

Sabotage (Beastie Boys Cover March 29, 2010)


INTERVIEWS and MISCELLANEOUS CLIPS

Switchfoot on Grace
Year: 2003
Source: Unknown

On the Pulse Podcast with Switchfoot
Year: 2005
Source: On the Pulse Podcast
Note: Jon Foreman and Chad Butler talk about their new record, "Nothing Is Sound," as well as the launch of lowercase people.



TV PERFORMANCES

"Meant to Live" (Ryan Seacrest Show 2004)

"Mess of Me" (The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien on December 2, 2009)

"Always" (The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on January 4, 2010)

"Mess of Me" (The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien on March 17, 2010

More Switchfoot banners to post; new Chad Butler interview

Atlantic's Street Propaganda has updated their site with new Switchfoot banners to post on your blogs, myspaces, facebooks, etc. Go here to see and grab the html codes!



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There's a new interview with Chad Butler. In it, he talks about the new album, as well as other usual things. Nothing new here, but still interesting to listen to. Check out the post here and download it here.

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Charts

"Mess of Me" moved up to No. 38 on the Alternative Charts.

The song has also garnered it's first official Billboard listing, at No. 38! Welcome back, Switchfoot!

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VOTING

There are new voting links we've amassed over the weekend. Time to really get out there and vote your minds off. I've got all of these voting links set as my home page… it's a great motivator. I suggest you try it too. ;)

Note: from now on, we're going to post short links/blurbs to the pages, so that this section doesn't look too cluttered. It's all pretty self-explanatory. We'll update you on how things are doing, if we see any action!

- 98.7 (Los Angeles) Badass 8

- 91x (San Diego) Christy Taylor's REALLY BIG Countdown

- RadioU's Top Ten Most Wanted. We are now in second place. Vote us back to the top!

- We need to get "Mess of Me" on to KROQ, in order to get this single off the ground. Go HERE to request it! Keep it up friends! Don't slow down, WE NEED THIS.

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Go here to see a list of stations already playing "Mess of Me" and phone numbers to call in and request the song with!

Switchfoot checks in with Q1043

Jon Foreman and Chad Butler did an interview at New York's radio station, Q1043.

Be sure to download/listen to it here


There are quite a few new tidbits we've never heard from Switchfoot before, including Jon's mini-conversation with the late Les Paul, as well as the fact that....


Switchfoot is debuting their lead single on switchfoot.com sometime this week, according to Jon. We'll keep a sharp look-out and let you all know as soon as we hear news!


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Also, pre-orders for "Hello Hurricane" will be starting any day now... keep your eyes peeled.

Switchfoot Up early at Star 941 in San Diego

Yupp! Three of the Switchfoot boys, Jon and Tim Foreman, as well as Chad Butler, stopped by at San Diego's Hot AC station Star 941 and did an interview for the Jeff and Jer show.

If you missed it (as did I), never fear! They posted a podcast of the show, and you can download the interview by going here and scrolling down until you see the two mp3 files labeled:

- Rob Thomas in the Star Lounge, Switchfoot in studio.
- Switchfoot in studio (continued)

Then right-click, save target as. Note: the first audio file, Switchfoot's segment starts at around 20:49, so you can fast-forward to that part if you'd like to skip the Rob Thomas portion of the show.


Then, you can go here for photos and videos of the live performances during the interview that Jon played on his acoustic guitar. He played "Behind Your Eyes" and "Dare You to Move."

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Quiet Switchfoot day.

Switchfoot updated their Twitter earlier today: May 20, 2009:

- Nice moody grey day, good morning. http://twitpic.com/5k4hn



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Also, for those of you who have been looking for a legitimate (read: non-illegal... hehe) copy of the C'mon C'mon remix, it is up on Jon Foreman's ilike profile for free download!

Go HERE to grab it. Hurry, it might not be up for too long.

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UPDATE:

The next FootColumn is on it's way. Look for it sometime tomorrow! :)

"I need so much grace. I need so much patience. I need so many second chances." - Jon Foreman

Note: Hello everyone. I'm sorry about taking a whole post to vent my frustrations at a single person. It probably has nothing to do with you all, and I realize it sounds kinda petty to whine about one person's comments.

That being said, I really really really(!!) appreciate the kind thoughts. It was a great pick-me-up, and sort of a "dare you to move" moment from you all, to just get up and keep moving. I love Switchfoot, and I love writing about them. And if anyone wants to follow along and read, that's just the icing on the cake. You all make this experience SO much better, and I'm forever grateful to anyone who has ever read anything from me.

Much love,
- Job

Go read LOBH! =)

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Now that that's out of the way (hehe), let's move on to the Switchfoot news! There's much exciting stuff going on in the world of Switchfoot, and Jon Foreman's fast for Darfur continues. As you all know, he was interviewed by a friend of mine, CJ from Conversant Life yesterday, and if you missed the live stream, he has it on video here:

Jon Foreman Fast for Darfur Interview from CJ Casciotta on Vimeo.

^thought-provoking, inspiring. I can't think of many more words for something so powerful as that. "I hope it moves you..."

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In addition, Jon's been blogging about his experiences. Here are his day three experiences:

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

darfur fast blog #4, day three: four morning thoughts


I woke up early. It's day number three of the fast and I am definitely feeling it... I crawl out of bed and have four immediate thoughts:


My first thought: I have access to clean water and a roof to sleep under. I have a bed. I have my guitar. In this fast I was hoping to join in solidarity with those who are fasting without an option; and yet the hunger I have right now is nothing compared to the despair of Darfur. Robbed of dignity, robbed of their homes, these refugees are on the run from brutal violence and rape, seeking out any form of hope. The smallest bit of hunger that I feel this morning cannot even be compared to the hunger that Darfur woke up with today: a hunger for dignity, a hunger for freedom, a hunger for so much more than simply food.


My second though was this: I need so much grace. I need so much patience. I need so many second chances. Even in this fast, I'm sure my motives are impure most the time. I might be drinking only water but it's my mind and my heart that are corrupted and impure. I would like to think that I have it all together but I don't- from the little things: I screw up the time and end up running late way too often- to the big things: I get overwhelmed at suffering and sorrow in the world and sometimes would rather turn the other way. And in my hopes to get things right I can be extremely judgmental of everyone everything around me. Dang it. I'm sorry all. God is so patient with me. My friends and family are so patient with me. I need to learn how to pass this grace along.


My third thought was along these lines: we are meant to live and love in community- to grow old together having shared laughter and pain and joy- to love each other through the painful spots. But we're so bent and hurt that we drive each other away. We've been so broken and shattered (Speaking out of experience here!), that we are driven to break and shatter the ones around us. Call it our fallen nature, or look to Freud and call it our death urge... might as well call it the front page of the newspaper. The fact is: we are driven to pieces, destroying ourselves and those around us in the search for meaning. No life is meant to be lived alone. We know this and yet on a planet with millions of people we drive lonely cars and work lonely jobs. We start lonely wars and buy lonely houses.


My fourth thought: Everything on this capital planet is worth what we will pay for it. The "worth" of gold rises and falls according to public opinion. The housing market, meats and vegetables, vintage guitars, oil... The trouble is that people fall into this category as well. The value of human life and dignity... What's it worth? Is it worth my time? Is it worth risking national security? Is it worth more than oil? Is it worth getting out of my comfort zone to help someone out? What we ascribe worth to is what we "worth-ship" - and what we worship is most evident with our time and money. Stock up treasures in heaven where moths and rust cannot destroy.


What's the meaning of life? What's worth living for? We live out those answers everyday in our choices. It's a tremendous amount of power, (accompanied with fear and trembling). The staggering realization is this: you've been loaned the power to determine what's "worth it" in your lifetime. Every hour of life affords a tremendous amount of spending power; choose wisely with your time, it's one of your most valuable resources.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

darfur fast blog #5 day three, impossible to ignore

so it's 11:56 on wednesday night... day three of the fast. I'm planning on breaking my fast at midnight.


I've just received word that the sudanese forces carried out a bombing raid on North Darfur today. And then this: In an IDP camp in west Darfur they ran out of water completely. I feel tremendously sad. Frustrated by the injustices and and feeling ridiculously small in the face of it all.


Tonight I pass the baton to a hero of mine, peter gabriel who be fasting for the next three days. It's a sobering thought, the luxury of being able to go back to food and while millions cannot.


I might be an idealist. I might not have a political mind. But I do know that something is off.


And I take a look at a nation of excess, (including my own) and I wonder why we as a nation aren't involved in what many are calling the paramount international human-rights crisis -- the Darfur genocide. Speaking of Darfur during his campaign, Obama said: "As president of the United States, I don't intend to abandon people." Yet he is. About genocide, he said, "We can't say 'never again' and allow it to happen again." But it is happening again.


With the U.S. budget deficit on track to rise to a record setting 1.84 trillion dollars in the current fiscal year, we remain uncommitted to Darfur. As a nation we are literally living on borrowed money, borrowing from the future to pay for the present. And yet, the staggering loss of human life in Darfur is not on our national priority list. With our budget we are declaring what is most important to our nation. In our excess we are abandoning Darfur.


Mother Theresa said this: "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." I am so convicted by her words.


I want to be a part of the solution. I want to laugh with those who laugh, weep with those who weep, and suffer with those who suffer. I have lost much of my childlike faith in the government, but I have a hope for justice still. Maybe God alone can bring about final justice, but in this life I feel we are called to pursue it with our flesh and blood. If Christ was best known for his death, "laying down his life for his friends" then shouldn't his followers do likewise? serving and loving those in need? These are not things I can do on my own. I need your help. we all need a community to thrive in, to challenge us... to threaten us with abundant living.


This is our world. It's what you and me and the millions of other souls on our planet make it. This is your darfur, my darfur... Our chance to act or pretend that we don't care. Whatever your personal religious convictions may be, the tragedy in Darfur is impossible to ignore.


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fastdarfur.org



here's a few things online that I found informative:

go check out Jon's blog

And here's his final, reflective recap on the experience:

Thursday, May 14, 2009

darfur fast blog #6, reflections

I'm been very honored and humbled to join in the ongoing fast for those in Darfur who have no choice in the matter. In our global community, we cannot turn a deaf ear to those who are suffering. Today, I've passed the baton to Peter Gabriel, Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and the rest of you who are fasting alongside of those in Darfur. Thank you for filling in the gap, for praying and fasting and making your voice known to the media and to Washington.


In this brave new world of interconnectivity, we need each other more than ever. For all of my information about the situation in Darfur I have relied heavily on my friends who have been there. I have truly valued the information that many folks I've never met have offered to me over the course of the last few days. More than ever, we are the media. The media needs you to tell them that millions of refugees in Darfur is more important to you than whether Paris Hilton does this or that. Darfur was bombed again yesterday, why is that not making headlines?


We cannot be silent on the issue... this discourse is needed. It's a painful conversation, it's painful to see it on the news... I think the pain is what makes us turn to celebrity gossip or our own preoccupation. But we cannot run from pain.


I overheard a conversation a few years back. I was buying a greeting card in a bookstore downtown when I heard an old Morgan Freeman looking character talking to a pretty you blond girl. He had a low musical timbre from deep in his chest and his voice was clear, "Ask a weightlifter how he got so strong, he will tell you, 'I suffered.' Ask a runner how he got so fast, he will tell you 'I suffered.' Ask my people how they got so strong, they will tell you 'we have suffered.' "


At this point I am staring blankly ahead at the greeting card, trying to take in every word without looking like I'm eavesdropping. The older gentleman continued talking, "Suffering is vital to growth. For the best fruit you must cut branches off of a tree. To build muscles you must break them down. Sure, this is painful but needed. And yet we fear pain, we run from it. Do not run from suffering," he said, "Do not run from pain. Every great civilization that runs from suffering has begun it's demise. Look as far back as you want: Babylon, Greece, Rome, or the British Empire, you'll find that the reason for every great civilizations demise is rooted in it's attempt to cheat pain."


"And now," he said, "If we're not careful we will follow quickly down in our self-absorbed disregard towards suffering. We ignore the suffering on the street when we're in line for an over priced coffee. We ignore the suffering overseas for a cheap pair of sneakers. We try to cheat suffering with technology, with medicine, with economic bandages. But greatness does not come from ignorance of pain. Greatness comes from wrestling with pain, wresting with the injustices of the world. You cannot cheat death. Suffering will find you. Pain will find you. Death will find you. Do not run from suffering, how else could character form?"


"Yes, suffering forms character, suffering forms patience, suffering forms perseverance, joy, grace- all these beautiful parts of a human soul that cannot come into being any other way in this life. No, no- you see suffering is not the enemy. Sure it hurts. It hurts a lot sometimes. But so does giving birth. So does playing football. So does growing up. In this life, my friend, do not run from suffering. You'll be running from yourself."

^I feel motivated. It's an injustice. It's disgusting. It's depressing, it's unbelievable.

It's real.

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And now, for a little bit of emotional self-indugence... bear with me friends... haha!:


It's a little difficult to transition from a mostly somber mood to brighter things, but that's part of the whole package in this life. We've got the hope, the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes, and it's those who find joy in the face of storms that I believe are the most courageous. That's why I have so much respect for the kids in Africa who are oppressed by Joseph Kony's rebel armies. That's why I am in awe of the Chinese underground church who are so hungry for the Truth that they would go at all costs to attain it. Those who press forward amidst the hard times are the ones who are truly alive, who have something to live for. I want that. I want something to live for... in the words of U2's song, "I still haven't found what I'm looking for..."

That's the beauty of life. We're always looking for that something. For me, it's God, but I feel like God takes us on this journey of discovery called life, and it's almost like he WANTS us to "climb those highest mountains" and "run through the fields." That my friends, is living. "We were meant to live for so much more..."

Let's be empowered by Jon's effort. Let's be inspired. Let's make a difference. Let's MOVE.

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Sorry for that long diatribe. I guess I'm in that sort of mode right now. :)


But, Rawkerdood92 from the official message boards, the genius behind recording the preview for "Hello Hurricane" and unleashing it to the rest of the world, is at it again. He also recorded an incredibly high-quality version of "Vice Verses," which Jon played after the Switchfoot set at the aftershow.

Here's the original master recording he did, with some LogicPro tricks to make it sound exquisite:
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?4ujlkzytmoi

Then Matt from the boards remastered it again and here's the result:
http://files.me.com/mgoodwin/nlueuj.mp3


^props to them both. I enjoy both versions. Rawkerdood92's version has more prominent bass in the mix, while Matt's version sounds more crisp. They're both great! Thanks guys!

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Andy Barron posted a quick video update to FOTF members, and says he's working on the artwork for "Hello Hurricane." Even in this quick screencap from LOBH (thanks Jeanna!), it's looking pretty epic.



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Now for some press on the goings on in the world of Switchfoot and Jon Foreman:

Jon Foreman's fast for Darfur

Christian Post

Bro-Am

SD City Beat

nt2099.com

Solspot.com

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Quick Twitter update: May 14, 2009

- Reports of bombing by the Government of Sudan in Northern Darfur http://www.alertnet.org/the...

- Follow Jon's Darfur Fast blog entry number 5

- jon has a new blog up about Darfur...

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Last but not least, you may have noticed the new banner at the top of our page. We've heard that Paste Magazine is suffering from the economic downturn just as much as everyone else is. They need your help.

Those who donate to them will be given access to download over 75 rare songs from different artists, Switchfoot being one of them.

Go over here now and donate. They're a great organization, great publication, and it really would be a shame to see them go. I've heard from somewhere (forget where), that Jon actually loves reading that magazine.

So don't hesitate to at least give them a little helping hand. We get mp3's in return! =]


Note: I donated earlier, and the Switchfoot song that was being offered is "We Are Bound," a b-side song that we've seen/heard around before. It was offered with last year's Switchfoot Holiday Package, but here's the kicker: It's listed as a song off of the unreleased "Eastern Hymns for Western Shores - EP." Interesting.

Download preview of Switchfoot's new song, "Hello Hurricane"

HUGE HUGE HUGE THANK YOU TO Rawkerdood92 on the officials.

Download this great, amazing gift right HERE.

Initial thoughts: Sounds very U2ish, and also reminds me of the "Learning to Breathe" and "The Beautiful Letdown" era. Yet, it is a unique sound that Switchfoot has never played before. I am so stoked, and believe this HAS to be the lead single for the album. Incredible.

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?!

Download the new "This Is Home" Remix!; Day 1 of Switchfoot Desert Photo Shoot

As reported two days ago, "This Is Home" was remixed by Storm Von Vuitton. We now have the mp3 of the song, and you can download it here! Enjoy! :)

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Switchfoot was up early today, (around 4 am!) for day 1 of their photo shoot in the desert, and they updated us via Twitter:

May 4, 2009

(Early morning)

- Early bird catches the desert sunrise. Additionally, early bird is also tired.

-it's 9:50 and we've already been to 3 locations and filled up 2 cards worth of photos. food time. luv, @andybarron

(Early afternoon)

- Desert scape. Breath it in. http://twitpic.com/4kcz5



(Late afternoon... oh, and we have discovered the "Desert" = Niland, California)

- Wow, salvation mountain. Unbelievable. http://twitpic.com/4kqyw



- Another photo. This place is really beyond words. http://twitpic.com/4kr8h



(Evening)

- It's beautiful out here. Shot photos most of the day, temperatures reached 100, yikes. Took a break from photos to visit salvation mountain.

- Ended the day at Salton Sea, such an amazing place. Full day, wiped, ready for sleep. More fun in the desert mañana, then back home. Gnite!


^I don't know, but there's something about the desert that feels really expansive and widespread. I think of pale sunlight early in the morning rising across the horizon which stretches out as far as the eye can see. The rays of light gently shooting in all directions... There would be nothing for miles and miles... it's hard to put mental picture to words. But I hope you sort of get what I mean. I'm sure the Switchfoot boys realize the beauty that can come with the desert. That's obviously why they're at the desert right now, shooting photos for "Hello Hurricane."

But 3 locations and 2 memory cards?! Holy epic!

Salvation Mountain. So. Amazing.

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Here's a few news articles about Switchfoot.

First, Stereotruth.net talks about the upcoming release of "Hello Hurricane."

Second,

The Daily Aztec lists their Top 8 San Diego bands, and Switchfoot came it at no. 4. Here's what they said about the band:



Switchfoot
Alternative rock band Switchfoot has been around since singer Jon Foreman, his brother bassist Tim Foreman and drummer Chad Butler all met as surfers on the beaches of San Diego. Although they had product endorsements to surf in competitions, the trio decided to let that all go to form a band, appropriately naming it Switchfoot after a surfing term.
After just 20 gigs, the band was signed to Rethink Records and released three albums: “The Legend of Chin,” “New Way to Be Human” and “Learning to Breathe.” Shortly after “Breathe” was released, the band invited guitarist Jerome Fontamillas to join.

www.switchfoot.com
After receiving much deserved hype from its large role in the motion picture “A Walk to Remember,” the band signed to Columbia Records and released its fourth album, “The Beautiful Letdown,” which went double platinum. Currently, Switchfoot has just finished recording its seventh album, which is said to be released July 2009. For more information, visit www.switchfoot.com.

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FootColumn No. 3 - watch for it sometime later today. Not saying when, but watch out for it. ;) It's part two of my series analyzing Switchfoot's singles history. Be sure to read up on past columns if you've missed anything. =)

Chad Butler does some last-minute tracking; Some press about Switchfoot and an introduction to FootColumn #2!

Edit: NEWS FLASH -

Twitter update, April 30, 2009

- You never know when the muse might strike. Chad just had some last-minute drum inspiration, tracking now. Wow, the man is on fire!

^So the album is not QUITE done yet hmm...? interesting.

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Just a couple of press pieces/blogs about the new Switchfoot EP's and albums and everything else!

Punk Disasters

^Gotta love this comment on that story:

"wtf is wrong with this band?"

haha!

and,

The Sport of Death

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Here's another video of the new song, "Yet," with Jon Foreman introducing the song and talking about it. One of our favorite merch guys, Radar, (remember him?!) has declared this song as his favorite on "Hello Hurricane." Also, as I suspected, Jon said that "You have kinda imagine it being spacious and not just three dudes (playing)" the song. But here, you can listen for yourself. =)



BONUS: Download

To see other videos from this particular Youtube user's account, visit spanreb902

Here's a song called "Just Rob Me" that Jon has played a few times in the past. He played it at UCSD as well.



BONUS: Download

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Today, I'm going to be posting the first in a series of five essays (yes, overkill much) talking about how Switchfoot singles have fared in the past. The series will culminate in a post about what I would personally do if I was in charge at ATO Records and Red Light Management, in handling the band's lead single. Should be fun. =) Watch for FootColumn #2, Singles Essay #1, later on today.

Disclaimer: No, I'm in no way saying that the band's label or management team are doing a horrible job. They are doing an AMAZING job and I'm excited because Switchfoot are surrounded with such quality people who are smart about this music business thing. These essays are just a bit of fun, for those interested reading, and for myself, the writer.

Fiction Family Hits No. 5 on iTunes' Top Albums Overall

Well friends, the reception for Fiction Family's new record is probably even greater than previously imagined. It's hit No. 5 on iTunes' Top Albums overall. Early yesterday, sales were a bit sluggish, as the album was stuck at No. 26 until later in the afternoon, when it shot up to No. 9.

As of right now, 2:51 AM PST on January 21, it is sitting at No. 5. Awesome work promoting so far, guys! Let's keep this up and spread the word even more!

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Well, theRemarkableBarefootGhost from the official Switchfoot message boards posted an amazing bootleg of the entire Fiction Family show in Grand Rapids on the 14th. Here's the setlist:

1. War in My Blood
2. When She's Near
3. Closer Than You Think
4. Betrayal
5. Not Sure
6. Somebody More Like You (Sean Watkins Solo)
7. Unknown, nicknamed A Friend You Never Call (Sean Watkins Solo)
8. For The Sender (Sean Watkins)
9. Mostly Prove Me Wrong
10. Elements Combined
11. Learning How to Die (Jon Foreman Solo)
12. Somebody's Baby (Jon Foreman Solo)
13. Your Love is Strong (Jon Foreman Solo)
14. Keep the Car Running (Arcade Fire Cover)
15. Look For Me Baby
16. The Man in Me (Bob Dylan Cover)
17. We Ride

And he recorded it all! Check it out now, and you can even download the mp3's to your computer!

Board Post

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Now, here's an incredible article about Fiction Family from Relevant Magazine. These guys keep on churning out great articles. Here it is, reproduced in its entirety below:

Relevant Magazine: Music Reviews - Fiction Family

In a scene dominated by the gentle, hypersensitive sounds of Sufjan Stevens, The Welcome Wagon and Fleet Foxes, Jon Foreman and Sean Watkins finally inject some manliness back into the acoustic guitar. Fiction Family, the culmination of two of our generation’s most prolific and respected songwriters, debuts as a masterful collection of tales about murder, adventure, lost love, and war that highlight each contributor’s strengths and personalities while managing to defy perceived expectations.

There’s a beautiful carelessness to this project - a work birthed out of rest, friendship, and unabashed innovation. With no immediate deadlines, rules, or formats to follow, Foreman and Watkins embark on a musical journey of the purist, most unadulterated kind. The album keeps one foot in the folk door (a familiar home for both artists) while audaciously messing with everything from techno beats to ’60s pop choirs to fisher price instruments. While the acoustic guitar remains fixed in the foreground, a symphonic cast of unlikely characters join the conversation. Chamber stings, tympanis, accordions and electric fuzz tones somehow manage to play nicely together. A few of the most arresting tracks replace traditional bass lines with resonate piano timbres, dark pounding drones that duel eloquently against intricate finger-picking patterns.

There’s an idea that the farther one departs from the traditional pop format, the less tangible their work becomes to the average listener. Not so with Fiction Family. Wildly inventive and spontaneous (track two entitled “Out of Order” sounds exactly how it reads) the work stands in victorious defiance against a crumbling conventional music industry. Hooks and phrases linger long after their first introduction, and are sure to induce an involuntary foot-tapping episode or two.

It’s the stories, however, that give the project a sense of timelessness. In the spirit of his Season EPs, Foreman channels cultural staples like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, even various Motown voices, conveying raw acoustic narratives like “Betrayal” and “War in My Blood” that read straight out of a great American novel. Watkins attaches his expertise for the hauntingly sorrowful love song that, in his case, always seems to relay more familiar truth than angsty longing. “Elements Combined” sketches the complexities of a woman, an intoxicating mixture of “earth, air, fire, and wine.”

But it’s not all love and war for the Family. Both Watkins and Foreman wrestle with the spiritual complexities of human nature. On “Closer Than You Think” the two critique the widely held notion of heaven as a distant and out of reach destination and suggest it may be “right under your feet.” In traditional Foreman lyrical style, “Prove Me Wrong” is laden with tender screams for affirmation and acceptance as it contemplates every man’s darkest struggles and fears through a solitary voice.

Those who have eased into a level of comfortable enjoyment of Jon Foreman’s solo projects and Watkins’ bluegrass repertoire may be caught off guard by the duo’s progressive departure from the predictable. Those looking for Switchfoot meets Nickel Creek will be disappointed. This is truly a profound exploration deep into the creative wells of two tremendously inventive and forward-thinking songwriters. Fiction Family is genius. It’s progressive without being high-brow, laid-back but fearless.



Listen to the entire Fiction Family album on The Drop.

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CJ Casciotta is an artist, writer, and cultural commentator with a passion for raising a new generation of innovative artists and forward thinkers. he writes music reviews and features for RELEVANT, blogs at conversantlife.com, and manages the independant artist platform, Undiscovered.

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Here's some other press articles about Fiction Family, most of them positive. We'll start with the not so positive.

The News Star (2.5/5)

The duo, San Diego neighbors and casual pals since high school, began collaborating a few years ago after their respective bands shared a bill with R.E.M. and Wilco. Some of their writing took place in a coffee shop, and that relaxed mood proves deadly for much of “Fiction Family’s” midtempo acoustics.

Foreman and Watkins trade lead vocals and juggle a multitude of instruments, including mandolin, ukulele and steel guitar, but those stabs at variety fail to resuscitate colorless, unmemorable tunes.

CCM Magazine

“You have those conversations with musicians where everyone is buddy-buddy, and you say, 'Oh yeah, we should write together.' But rarely does that ever happen,” explains Foreman. “It's like signing a yearbook where you tell someone to call you over the summer, but nobody ever calls. It's that known thing that you're not supposed to call. But somehow we saw each other again and again, and he ended up giving me the instrumental version of 'Betrayal.' He said, 'Hey, I've got this song and don't have any lyrics for it.' So I wrote some lyrics and a bridge and sent it back, and that was the beginning of it. So it was pretty natural making a record without trying to make a record, which is my favorite way to make music.”

New York Daily News

Celebrate the release of Fiction Family's self-titled debut album at the Bowery Ballroom tonight! You may recognize the members of this musical duo as Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek. In their first collaboration, though, these musical pros are forging their own unique sound. 8 p.m.; $18. 6 Delancey St. between Chrystie St. and Bowery. (212-523-2111).

WSJ

A self-imposed low budget helped the project, Mr. Foreman said. "It allowed us the ability to fail. We worked under the auspices that we were making music to make music. Your limitations are your strengths. When you find the limitations, you work around them."

"It doesn't take a huge amount of money," Sean Watkins told me when we met late last year near Griffith Park in Los Angeles. "Technology has made it easy to make music -- which is why there's so much bad music. It's more about being smart and creative."

....

If the musical menagerie of "Fiction Family" doesn't adhere to a fan's impression of either Nickel Creek or Switchfoot, neither musician seems concerned. "We have so many people in our fan base who are up for anything," Mr. Watkins said.

"You can mix in all the colors you want on an album," Mr. Foreman told me. "Everybody has all their songs in alphabetical order on their iPod anyway. All the boundaries formed by commerce are now gone."

Silent Soundwaves

You’ll know before the end of your very first listen that Fiction Family is a brilliant and fulfilling piece of acoustic art that catches you off guard, thanks to its humble appearance and serendipitous intentions. It’s a combination of writers like this that put The Beatles and The Eagles on the map. Fiction Family is not only on the map, but is a gratifying point of interest for any music lover. If I could give it 5 and 1/2 waves, I would, because it’s really that close to perfection. A must-have, period.

CIAO. =)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

A whole lotta new Switchfoot Album Chatter! - Chad Butler talks to Alternative Addiction about the "Surprising" new record

SOURCE (full article)

San Diego rock band Switchfoot are hard at work on a new album, their first independent release on their new imprint label. As for the new album’s sound, drummer Chad Butler says fans can expect to be “surprised” when they hear it.

“It’s some new territory for us musically,” Butler told Alternative Addiction in a recent interview. “I think people are going to be surprised when they hear it, that it’s Switchfoot. I’m thrilled about it, to finally have the capacity and the freedom to do it.”

That freedom is something the band rarely experienced while signed to Columbia, where they released their previous three albums. The band has also benefitted from working on their own schedule, also a rarity for the band while on Columbia’s roster.

“There’s a certain schedule that you had to keep,” said Butler of the band’s time with Columbia. “Right now we don’t have anybody looking over our shoulder while we are in the studio; it’s completely on our own time

The band has been recording the new album in their new home studio in San Diego in between tour dates this summer. Butler says the album over 50% complete, and that they have 3 to 4 songs to still record. The album is expected to be out in the spring of 2009.

Also, listen to or download the audio interview here:

It has a lot more incite into what the Music Builds Tour has been like, as well as a lot of new information what the experience has been like while recording the brand new Switchfoot record.

Here are some highlights:

-Chad says he has been recording with as little of the full drum kit as possible. He's been using maracas, drum machines, and hip hop beats. Wow!

-Jon Foreman has been writing some songs on the piano. Wow2!

-They aren't really working on a huge hit "single" at the moment (big surprise there...), but are really focusing on the art and the album as a whole. When the time comes, "We'll figure out a song for radio."

(Site note: These highlights have been added to the "New Switchfoot Album" page.)



This is all exciting news, and I can't wait to be surprised by what the band is doing with their record. Hip hop beats... really?!

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Also, for Music Builds coverage, check out the newly updated Daily Foot!

"Every breath is magic...": This Is Home Movie Credits Version

Download HERE! (Thanks to "God Wins" from the official message boards for this amazing find!)

This is an interesting piece. I noticed that the lyrics in this version are drastically different from the actual Soundtrack version we have come to know and love. BUT, it is also incredibly different from the version found in the actual movie credits!

I've transposed the credits for the new version here:

"I've got my memories, always inside of me,
but I can't go back, back to how it was.
I believe you now, I've come too far,
and I cant go back, back to how it was...

Oh, oh, oh...
Oh, oh, oh...
Oh, oh, oh... I'm moving forward...

So everyday starts with a magic spark,
I've got my hopes high with second start,
we are miracles, every breath is magic...
So you give yourself away, with your miracle heart,
yeah, just to be alive is a magic art,
we are miracles, every breath is magic...

Belief over misery, I've seen the enemy,
and I won't go back, back to how it was.
And I got my heart set on what happens next,
I've got my eyes wide, it's not over yet,
we are miracles, and we're not alone...

That's when everyday starts with a magic spark,
I've got my hopes high with second start,
we are miracles, every breath is magic...
That's when you give yourself away, with your miracle heart,
yeah, just to be alive is a magic art,
we are miracles, every breath is magic..."

There you have it. The fourth version of "This Is Home" known to mankind. Weird, but I like this version too.

The Daily Foot is back for the Music Builds Tour!

Andy Barron, Switchfoot's own camera operator/awesome guy, has posted an entry in the Daily Foot for the first show of the music builds tour. Go check it out:

Detroit, MI




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Also, nuclearity.org conducted a sweet feature of Jon Foreman's solo ep's. Go here now to either stream the interview/feature or download an mp3 for all posterity. Enjoy!


Speaking of Jon, here's a nice video from LOBH of a new song called "Just Rob Me." Cowboy tune at its finest!



Peace, I'm out!