The Switchfoot collective is a popular musical group that performs their hits in the alternative rock genre. It was established in 1996.
The group became famous for developing a special sound, which was called the Switchfoot sound. This is a thick sound or heavy guitar distortion. It is decorated with a beautiful electronic improvisation or a light ballad. The group has established itself in the contemporary Christian music scene.
The composition of the group and the history of the formation of the Switchfoot group
The group currently consists of five members: John Foreman (lead vocals, guitarist), Tim Foreman (bass guitar, backing vocals), Chad Butler (drums), Jer Fontamillas (keyboards, backing vocals), and also Drew Shirley (guitarist).
The alternative rock band was formed by brothers John and Tim Foreman and surfer buddy Chad Butler. Although they often competed in national surfing championships and were quite good at what they did, all three of them had a real passion for music.
The guys formed a group (formerly Up) and released three albums before debuting in 2003. In 2001, Jerome Fontamillas joined the band on keyboards, guitar and backing vocals. Drew Shirley began touring with the band as a guitarist in 2003. He officially joined Switchfoot in 2005.
Switchfoot success story
Rockers Switchfoot enjoyed huge popularity after the release of The Beautiful Letdown (2003). In the late 1990s, the band began to add "elements" of genres such as synth rock, post-grunge and power pop to their compositions, which led to the success of such well-known albums as Nothing Is Sound (2005) and Hello Hurricane (2009).
The last album earned the band a Grammy Award for Best Christian Rock Album. They called themselves "Christians by faith, not by music". That is, the guys are believers, and not only create music for Christians.
Signed to one of the biggest Christian labels in the country, Switchfoot were quick to reveal their plans and strategy to reach a wider audience. Their first two albums, The Legend of Chin and New Way to Be Human, were sold mostly to Christian listeners, who immediately fell in love with the band.
Learning to Breathe was the new album to receive a Grammy nomination for Best Album in the Gospel Rock Category. More than 500 thousand copies were sold. Thus, the group achieved a high status.
Successful Beautiful Letdown album
Switchfoot released their best-selling album Beautiful Letdown in 2003. He entered the chart Billboard Top 200 Albums and peaked at number 85. With the single Meant to Live (inspired by Eliot's poem The Hollow Men), the band was ranked #5 in contemporary rock by Billboard..
That same year, Switchfoot headlined a three-month American tour. The band averaged around 150 shows a year. The musicians have also appeared as musical guests on several TV shows such as Last Call with Carson Daly and The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn.
By the end of 2003, Beautiful Letdown approached platinum status. The single Meant to Live spent 14 weeks in the Billboard Top 40. In March 2004, Switchfoot released their second single Dare You to Move. After that, she again went on a three-month concert tour.
John Foreman told the magazine Rolling Stone in 2003 that, despite the fame and album sales, the band is determined to achieve the musical goal of glorifying God in their own way and progressing musically even faster.
Southern California Christian rock band Switchfoot never imagined that their music would reach tens of thousands of fans around the world or that it would lead them to stardom.
In total, the group today has 11 albums, the last of which is Native Tongue.
Name Switchfoot
Switchfoot is a very interesting name that has a deep meaning. John explained that this is a surfer term that explains the process of changing the position of the feet on the board in order to take a more comfortable position, turn around in the other direction.
The musicians chose this name to show the group's philosophy. Their group creates compositions about change and movement, about a different approach to life and music.
Group features
The Switchfoot group, unlike its competitors, despite the level of popularity, remains true to its principles. The group is actively helping Sudanese refugees in San Diego both financially and morally. Also voluntarily taking the time to talk with them, their pastors, cheer them up, bring something bright and good to them.
