Thursday, July 30, 2009

New Album Release details - "Hello Hurricane" moved to early November

From Tim Foreman, posted on the Official Switchfoot Message Boards:


Hola amigos,

It's been so great to be playing these new songs live every night, and seeing so many of you during and after the shows. As most of you already know, our new album is finished and coming out this fall. To say that we are excited about this album would be an understatement. Never have we pushed ourselves so hard, spent so much time, energy, and yes, even money, on making an album before. This album has been well over 2 years in the making, and 80+ songs later, it has finally come to fruition.

This was our first record made as an independent band since "the beautiful letdown." During the recording process of both of these albums, we allowed ourselves all of the creative freedom that independence allows. Only unlike TBL, we also had no time constraints. This allowed for a very prolific season for us. At times, the lack of constraints became the most challenging part of the process, trying to not get lost in the forest. The encouragement that you've given over the years meant more to us during this season than ever before. We are so proud to be a part of your lives, so proud to be a part of this family.

It has indeed been a journey, and in the same way that these songs are important to us, so is the way that they are released and distributed. As a currently independent band, we are exploring the many options available to us to get these songs out there, looking for the best partner to give these songs a large platform that is respectful to the people that listen to our music. I promise that as soon as we have made that decision, you will be the first to know.

In the meantime, we've made several changes to the pre-sale (beginning in August) worth noting:

1. release date: yes, I know we are always over optimistic. it's part of our nature. and as our first major lowercase people project, we're still learning. but we've all waited far too long for this album to screw it up by rushing the release date. as much as it saddens me to wait a few more weeks, it will be worth the wait to do things right. The new release date is now most-likely early Nov. We'll let you know very soon when we have an actual date locked in place.

2. the best yet - switchfoot live in nashville (DVD): We've decided to take this off of the pre-sale package for 2 reasons. first, we're not sure that it will be finished in time. second, it makes the pre-sale cost too expensive for those of you who just want the CD without the live DVD. so after giving it all some more thought, we'll be selling the DVD separately when it is finished (it's turning out really good btw!). In the meantime, it allows us to pre-sell the record for cheaper, which is always cool, and we'll still be able to give you all the cool exclusive download content as an instant download when you pre-buy the record.

That's the latest, we'll keep you posted on here and via twitter as soon as the rest of the pieces fall into place. This is a really exciting time for us, thanks you for believing that this is possible, and sharing this journey with us.

-tim

GIANT "Hello Hurricane" Album Art; Join the Facebook Event!

We have found the largest copy of the "Hello Hurricane" album art on the web. Tada!



Isn't it beautiful? (Click to enlarge)

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Our friend Byrant and I have started a Facebook event for "Hello Hurricane." It's not an actual gathering, but rather, the goal is to spread the word to everyone you know about the new record coming out. So, if you're on Facebook, attend the event, and invite ALL you friends.

We'll keep updating you on the exciting news coming up through there as well as on here. :]

Oh, by the way, Bryant designed some pretty sweet banners and flyers that you can print or post online! Check em out:




Feel free to save the files to your desktop and print them out if you'd like!

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Top-40 Charts has a news story on Switchfoot. No new info there.

BRENTWOOD, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Sparrow Records) - Switchfoot's new studio album, HELLO HURRICANE, is now scheduled to release on October 6, and the multi-platinum San Diego band is already hinting at several exciting pre-order deals (to begin in August) here.
Pre-order option formats include digital download, standard CD, vinyl (including digital download), deluxe CD/DVD, and a collector's edition with CD, DVD, B-sides, a hardcover 84-page photo book, and exclusive poster.
'HELLO HURRICANE acknowledges the storms that tear through our lives,' says Switchfoot front man Jon Foreman.


'This album is an attempt to respond to those storms with an element of hope, trying to understand what it means to be hopeful in a world that keeps on spinning.'

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No Switchfoot show yesterday, but Jon Foreman played a solo set at Bippy's in Boise. Here's a photo of the packed house from Twitter:

- jon just fully took over bippy's. pretty sure this place is at capacity. luv, @andybarron http://twitpic.com/c32aw

Share photos on twitter with Twitpic

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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Crazy Making Tour Day 2 Recap

Last-minute information for all the Boise folk, via Jon Foreman's Twitter:

- Hola! Last-minute-acoustic show Tonight@7pm in Boise: Bippy's Coffee-bippyscoffee.com Bring canned goods for the local homeless shelter.

- The addy for the coffee shop show tonight is: 10804 W. Fairview Ave. Boise, ID. Bring canned goods, hope to see you there!


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Now, here's a video of "Mess of Me" from the show last night in Salt Lake City, Utah. Day 2 of the Crazy Making Tour



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And here's a daily foot video covering the evening. Featuring the song "Free" off of "Hello Hurricane." Simply splendid.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Crazy Making Tour Day 1 Recap

Well, the Crazy Making Tour has kicked off, in Denver, CO last night. According to LOBH, the setlist was:

The Sound
Oh! Gravity
Gone/Crazy in Love
On Fire
Dirty Second Hands
Dare You to Move
Mess of Me
Meant to Live


That is surprisingly small for a supposedly co-headlining set. Eight songs. I'd have to say though that is the smallest headlining set the guys have played in recent memory. I could be wrong. The song selection was great though.

I think "The Sound" is going to end up being a GREAT opening song, and could very well replace "Stars" and "Oh! Gravity." as show-openers for years to come.

Of all the songs, they made great choices on which songs to play. These are all arguably Switchfoot's best live numbers; so good to see "Dirty Second Hands" stayed on the setlist.

Here's the new Daily Foot video recapping the evening:



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Here are some videos:

First, its the new daily foot video for the show last Saturday in Iowa.

Goodbye Iowa, Hello Hurricane (July 26th Daily Foot Video)


Second, here's the latest Drew Cast episode!



And, an acoustic performance of "Hello Hurricane" from the aftershow last Sunday

Monday, July 27, 2009

Switchfoot, Fiction Family, nominated for the San Diego Music Awards; Crazy Making Tour kicks off tonight; "Mess of Me" impact date

(Thanks LOBH for this):

BEST POP ALUBM

Anna Troy - Wait Another Day

Fiction Family - s/t
Gayle Skidmore - Cowley Road

Get Back Loretta -Where Did You Go

Joey Harris & the Mentals - s/t
Silverleaf – s/t

The Modlins - Where Does it End?

The Predicates - Let Me Carry Your Books

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Anya Marina
Crocodiles
Delta Spirit
Jason Mraz
Scarlet Symphony
Slightly Stoopid
Switchfoot
Wavves

Excellent.

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How does "The Sound" sound when opening a set? Well, here in this video from the show last Friday in Valparaiso, IN at the Porter County Fair, we find out:



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The DrewCast has a new episode, featuring Jerome Fontamillas



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Well, the Crazy Making tour with Blue October kicks off tonight at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, Colorado. We'll have updates as they come in, and if you are going to the show, be sure to let us know how it all went!

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Lastly, "Mess of Me," the lead single for "Hello Hurricane" impacts and goes to radio on August 5th!

Goodbye Iowa, Hello Hurricane (ft. new song "Yet") by Switchfoot



Happy Sunday/Monday! Thanks Switchfoot. you rock, as usual.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

"Hallelujah... I'm caving in... I'm in love again..."

Here is a video bidding adieu to Indiana, and hello to the hurricane. Oh, by the way, it features the song "Always"(!)



^What do you think so far?

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Jon Foreman has begun tweeting with his very own Twitter account. Go on over and subscribe him! Also, he posted a little blog on Posterous:

goodbye gravity- hello hurricane... A portrait of a shattered guitar.

A few days ago I destroyed a friend of mine. A close friend that has been by my side for years. I know that smashing my guitar to pieces disturbed some of you. Let me tell you this: it was not premeditated. I hadn't planned on it. But when it happened it made so much sense. It had so much meaning. Breaking this guitar felt like an important thing to do- like killing something so other things could spring to life. Shutting one door so that I could move on... It was an incredible release to move from "that which has been" towards "that which is not". Not yet at least... So thank you for tolerating a random act of violence and recognizing the cathartic release behind the destruction. No one was hurt in the process and I feel much better now. thank you!



^I feel much better. :)

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LOBH has the OFFICIAL lyrics to the songs we've heard so far from "Hello Hurricane." Thanks to Chad Butler, who emailed it to them!


NEEDLE AND HAYSTACK LIFE


The world begins
with newborn skin
We are right now

You're a needle girl
In a haystack world
We are right now

You breathe it in
The highs and lows
We call it living

- Chorus -

In this needle and haystack life
I've found miracle's there in your eyes
It's no accident we're here tonight
We are once in a lifetime

No, don't let go
Don't give up hope
All is forgiven

You breathe it in
The highs and lows
We call it living

All is not lost
All is not lost
Become who you are
It happens once in a lifetime

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MESS OF ME

I am my own affliction
I am my own disease
There ain't no drug that they can sell
There ain't no drug to make me well

There ain't no drug
There ain't no drug
It's not enough
The sickness is myself

- Chorus -

I've made a mess of me
I want to get back the rest of me
I've made a mess of me
I want to spend the rest of my life alive

We lock our souls in cages
Inside these  prison cells
It's hard to free the ones you love
When you can't forgive yourself

- Chorus -

I've made a mess of me
I want to reverse this tragedy
I've made a mess of me
I want to spend the rest of my life alive

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THE SOUND (JOHN M. PERKINS BLUES)

The static comes in slow
You can feel it grow
Our stream of conscience flows
Under the streets below

The rivers made of sound
Still running underground
Runs like a silent flood
We run as thick as blood

Can you hear it rise
Up from the ground
Can't drown it out
Can you hear it now

- Chorus -

This is the sound of a heartbeat
This is the sound from the discontented mouths
Of a haunted nation
We are the voice of breaking
Down
Can you hear me?
This is the sound of the desperation bound
By our own collision
We are the voice of breaking
Down

The static comes alive
Beneath the broken skies
John Perkins said it right
Love is the final fight

Let it rise above
Rise above
There is no song
Louder than love

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HELLO HURRICANE

I've been watching the skies
They've been turning blood red
Not a doubt in my mind anymore
There's a storm up ahead

- Chorus -

Hello hurricane
You're not enough
Hello hurricane
You can't silence my love
I've got doors and windows boarded up
All your dead end fury is not enough
You can't silence my love

Every thing I have I count as loss
Everything I have is stripped away
Before I started building
I counted up these costs
There's nothing left for you to take away

Hello hurricane
You can't silence my love

I'm a fighter fighting for control
I'm a fighter fighting for my soul
Everything inside of me surrenders
You can't silence my love

Hello hurricane
You can't silence my love

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BULLET SOUL

I want to sing one for all the dreamers
I'm singing this one for the sparks
Here's one for the friction makers
We are the bleeding hearts
Don't care whoever you are

- Chorus -
We rise and fall together
Our hearts still beat below
You can't stand by forever
You're a kid with a bullet soul
Are you ready to go?

I want to turn up the radiation
I want to glow in the dark
Love is the one true innovation
Love is the only art
Don't let 'em blow it apart

We are the children of the scar
We got to start from the start

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YET

All attempts have failed
All my heads are tails
She's got teary eyes
I've got reasons why

I'm losing ground and gaining speed
I've lost myself or most of me
I'm headed for the final precipice

- Chorus -

But you haven't lost me yet
No you haven't lost me yet
I'll sing until my heart caves in
No, you haven't lost me yet

These day pass me by
I dream with open eyes
Nightmares haunt my days
Visions blur my nights

I'm so confused
What's true of false
What's fact or fiction after all
I feel like I'm an apparition's pet

- Chorus -
But you haven't lost me yet
No, you haven't lost me yet
I'll run until my heart caves in
No, you haven't lost me yet

If it doesn't break
If it doesn't break
If it doesn't break
If it doesn't break your heart it isn't love
If it doesn't break your heart it's not enough
It's when you're breaking down
With your insides coming out
That's when you find out what your heart is made of
And you haven't lost me yet


THANKS LOBH!!!

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And, speaking of LOBH, our good friend Jeanna from over on LOBH attended the show last night and has a video of the "Dirty Second Hands" Cymbal Bashing. Gotta love the Tim-Jon battle, a la old school rock 'n' roll showdowns!



Here's the setlist:

The Sound
Oh! Gravity
Stars
Gone
This Is Your Life
Dirty Second Hands
Won't Back Down (Petty cover)
We Are One Tonight/Shadow Proves the Sunshine
This Is Home
On Fire
Awakening
Mess of Me
Meant to Live

Encore:
Meant to Live

Thursday, July 23, 2009

PHOENIX area "Hello Hurricane" listening party!

Hurry! There's still time to get there, Phoenix friends. :)

Switchfoot Twitter (July 23, 2009)

- PHOENIX! 8:30 pm, hello hurricane listening party in walmart parking lot...green ford focus...5845 west bell rd glendale, az. -ab

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

"Happiness is neither without us nor within us..."

Inspirational quote of the day is supplied by Switchfoot via Twitter:

- jon's fav. quotes: "Happiness is neither without us nor within us. It is in God, both without us and within us" Blaise Pascal

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Also, we finally have a decently-sized copy of the album art for "Hello Hurricane"

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

New DrewCast Video; Dallas area "Hello Hurricane" listening party

Drew Shirley uploaded a new video to the DrewCast from his iPhone:



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Switchfoot has announced a "Hello Hurricane" listening party in the Dallas area! it's not too late to get on down there:

Twitter July 21, 2009:

- Dallas fans: to hear 'Hello Hurricane' be in the lot of Target at 1101 Ira E Woods in Grapevine between 7-8. look for a green ford fiesta.

Monday, July 20, 2009

New "Mess of Me" and "The Sound" performance video

from the Blue Bayou in Baton Rouge:



^This video is notable for several reasons.

One, "Mess of Me" now features the Jon Foreman "scream" on the last "aliiive" of the song, before the outro that can be heard on the studio version of the song. ("I wanna spend the rest of my life ALIIIRRGVEE!") As far as I know, that's the first time he's sung it as such. To hear the a clip of the studio version, check out this video if you haven't already.

Two, "The Sound" is now no longer just noise. The audio quality is much better on this new live recording, and it sounds even better than what we had previously. ENJOY! Thanks FireInMyBones for that! I'm liking the John Perkins reference... a lot... for some reason...

PEACE.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

"The Sound" audio clip!

Tweet from this morning:

- baton rouge video with "the sound" -a new song from hello hurricane. peace, jon http://twitvid.com/120FE



^Wow. Sounds even better as a studio version. Now it definitely sounds like an art-rock song, with a touch of Radiohead's "Bodysnatchers" in the riffing, anyone?

DISCUSS.

Have a good Sunday, once more friends!

"Hello Hurricane" Intro clip!; Youtube Assault Aftermath

So, if you've been dying to hear the actual, entire intro for the song "Hello Hurricane" in all its studio-glossy glory, look (and hear) no further! Thanks Jon Foreman for these tweets from July 16 and 17:

- About to take the stage in little rock, AR. http://yfrog.com/7hrtoj



- a video of our night in Little Rock, thanks for a great evenin' -jon http://twitvid.com/4164C



be sure to follow them, if you haven't already to see more updates like this.

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As a final tribute to our dear old friend, the "Oh! Gravity. guitar," here is a video of it's death at the hands of Jon Foreman, who seemed a bit too happy while destroying the poor thing. Well, here it is:



^Rest in pieces (sorry, a bit soon?), old friend. :)

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AH ok. Now onto the here and now. "Hello Hurricane" promotion season was kicked into high gear quite rapidly yesterday when Corey Vidal posted the first video in his series. We had a giant call-to-arms, and you all delivered ADMIRABLY.

Here is the damage we Footsoldiers inflicted on the video:

HONORS (as of Sunday, July 19, 2009 at Midnight)

#1 - Most Discussed (Today) - Canada
#13 - Most Discussed (Today)
#1 - Most Discussed (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#5 - Most Discussed (Today) - Entertainment
#54 - Most Discussed (This Week) - Canada
#10 - Most Discussed (This Week) - Entertainment - Canada
#73 - Most Discussed (This Month) - Entertainment - Canada
#95 - Most Viewed (Today) - Netherlands
#93 - Most Viewed (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#75 - Most Viewed (Today) - Entertainment
#10 - Most Viewed (Today) - Entertainment - Netherlands
#86 - Most Viewed (Today) - Entertainment - Sweden
#9 - Top Favorited (Today) - Canada
#1 - Top Favorited (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#42 - Top Favorited (Today) - Entertainment
#33 - Top Favorited (This Week) - Entertainment - Canada
#11 - Top Rated (Today) - Canada
#1 - Top Rated (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#44 - Top Rated (Today) - Entertainment
#52 - Top Rated (This Week) - Canada
#6 - Top Rated (This Week) - Entertainment - Canada
#85 - Top Rated (This Month) - Entertainment - Canada

^Phenomenal work friends!

Now, here's a bit more background explaining all this chaos, direct from Switchfoot.com

7.16.09: "Hello Hurricane - The Beginning"


Switchfoot's new album is now 100% finished. To insure its safe transport from NYC to the band, we have enlisted a good friend to hand deliver the CD to the band on the west coast. The best part....our friend is up for playing some of the new tracks for you. Click here to learn more about our friend - http://www.youtube.com/user/switchfootpodcast



Here is his proposed itinerary across the US (http://tinyurl.com/youtuberoadtrip). As you can see, his journey has already begun. You can follow this adventure via Switchfoot.com, where the guys will be "tweeting" about it. Make sure to sign up to receive all the band's "tweets", as Corey's itinerary may change. And, if you haven’t emailed us already, please do so at hearhellohurricane@gmail.com. If you are chosen to host a listening party, we will reach out to you via email. Please make sure to include your city, state and zip code.

Corey has also let us know he may be stopping at certain stores, restaurants, parks, venues, etc…and simply blasting the new album from his car…we will let you know when that happens as well.

As always, thanks for listening. 
- Tim, Chad, Jon, Jerome and Drew


Hopefully that clears things up a lot better for those of you who are still confused about it all. I think its a genius idea and will net SO MUCH exposure for the band and for Corey Vidal, the new Youtube manager for them.


We didn't reach our goal with this first video (namely, to reach No. 1 on at least one world-wide honors category to reach Youtube's home page), but we came pretty darn close. Next time, when video no. 2 comes out, we are going to hit them even harder and accomplish our goal!

For now, give yourselves a nice pat on the back for a job well done. We'll get it next time.

"Sweet? Sweet." - Andy Barron

Have a great Sunday.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

FootSoldiers! Rise up!



Jeanna has a message for you all, directly from Corey Vidal and the Switchfoot team:


I just got off the phone with Corey Vidal (the dude with the briefcase in the video AND Switchfoot's new official YouTube dude) and we've been talking promotion for this video. Let me fill you in... Redlight (Switchfoot's management) wants to get this video to get AS MANY HONORS AS IT POSSIBLY CAN WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF POSTING. Why? Because if the video gets high (or the highest) honors for the day, it will be posted on the YouTube home page, which means THOUSANDS of people who might never have seen it, are going to see it... and hopefully... like it.

And we want YOU GUYS to help us out. Think about... we... Corey, Redlight, me, Chris (the other star of the video), and YOU GUYS are actually helping to shape the success and future of "Mess of Me". We're dictating how this is going to go. We are actually TANGIBLY helping Switchfoot.

So here is the plan... and NOTE! all of this HAS to be done within the next 24 hours!

1) View the video - The more views the better! HOWEVER! DO NOT use GhostMouse or some other automated form to rack up more views. It won't work and Corey could get in big trouble if YouTube thinks he is trying to fake hits.

2) COMMENT! COMMENT! COMMENT! - Get in a conversation with another fan in the comments. Post your thoughts. Even just post a simple "Great" or "Good"... it doesn't matter. JUST COMMENT!

3) Favorite - Favorite this video. Get your friends to favorite.

4) Share it! - Retweet Switchfoot's post. Retweet Corey's post. Tweet the video. Facebook the video. Myspace the video. E-mail the video. Get others to watch it.

The goal is to get as many honors as we can get for this video in the next 24 hours.
Again, this is shaping the life and success of "Mess of Me". We've got that power.
Ready. Set. GO!



Come on guys! I believe in you all. Make Switchfoot proud! ;)

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UPDATE: HERE ARE THE HONORS we have so far, as of 10 AM, PST

#8 - Most Discussed (Today) - Canada
#3 - Most Discussed (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#30 - Most Discussed (Today) - Entertainment
#54 - Most Discussed (This Week) - Canada
#10 - Most Discussed (This Week) - Entertainment - Canada
#73 - Most Discussed (This Month) - Entertainment - Canada
#16 - Top Favorited (Today) - Canada
#8 - Top Favorited (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#72 - Top Favorited (Today) - Entertainment
#33 - Top Favorited (This Week) - Entertainment - Canada
#14 - Top Rated (Today) - Canada
#3 - Top Rated (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#59 - Top Rated (Today) - Entertainment
#58 - Top Rated (This Week) - Canada
#7 - Top Rated (This Week) - Entertainment - Canada
#85 - Top Rated (This Month) - Entertainment - Canada

1:55 PM PST

#7 - Most Discussed (Today) - Canada
#3 - Most Discussed (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#28 - Most Discussed (Today) - Entertainment
#54 - Most Discussed (This Week) - Canada
#10 - Most Discussed (This Week) - Entertainment - Canada
#73 - Most Discussed (This Month) - Entertainment - Canada
#13 - Top Favorited (Today) - Canada
#5 - Top Favorited (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#59 - Top Favorited (Today) - Entertainment
#33 - Top Favorited (This Week) - Entertainment - Canada
#14 - Top Rated (Today) - Canada
#2 - Top Rated (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#47 - Top Rated (Today) - Entertainment
#57 - Top Rated (This Week) - Canada
#7 - Top Rated (This Week) - Entertainment - Canada
#85 - Top Rated (This Month) - Entertainment - Canada

7:59 PM PST


#1 - Most Discussed (Today) - Canada
#15 - Most Discussed (Today)
#1 - Most Discussed (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#6 - Most Discussed (Today) - Entertainment
#54 - Most Discussed (This Week) - Canada
#10 - Most Discussed (This Week) - Entertainment - Canada
#73 - Most Discussed (This Month) - Entertainment - Canada
#100 - Most Viewed (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#97 - Most Viewed (Today) - Entertainment
#16 - Most Viewed (Today) - Entertainment - Netherlands
#91 - Most Viewed (Today) - Entertainment - Sweden
#11 - Top Favorited (Today) - Canada
#3 - Top Favorited (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#48 - Top Favorited (Today) - Entertainment
#33 - Top Favorited (This Week) - Entertainment - Canada
#11 - Top Rated (Today) - Canada
#1 - Top Rated (Today) - Entertainment - Canada
#44 - Top Rated (Today) - Entertainment
#53 - Top Rated (This Week) - Canada
#6 - Top Rated (This Week) - Entertainment - Canada
#85 - Top Rated (This Month) - Entertainment - Canada

^HOLY CRAP. Good work footsoldiers!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Bonus News: Corey Vidal and Switchfoot [Hello, Hurricane... in NYC (featuring Switchfoot)]

Corey Vidal. You may or may not have heard of him, but he's a veritable star on Youtube. Here is a video of a previously Top SECRET collaboration with Switchfoot. In this video, we will here the first studio clip of the lead Switchfoot single, "Mess of Me." Be very excited. This is the first in an online series. We'll keep you updated:



Have a great weekend! Be sure to read today's earlier post to hear a live video of the new song, "The Sound!"

Switchfoot. "The Sound" Live.

Prepare to be blown away.

"The Sound" live from Memphis.



^Thanks zpkirk for such a quick upload!

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ALSO, last night's show saw the death of the beloved "Oh! Gravity. Guitar." Switchfoot's tweet indicated that Jon Foreman's faithful custom Gibson SG New Century Special has met it's doom, smashed to bits and pieces. Goodbye old friend.



"Oh! Gravity. Guitar": 2007-2009

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Switchfoot Bro-Am Website has been updated.

While Switchfoot has been busy with getting their latest string of shows jump-started, the website has also been seeing some overhauls lately. Not only is there that new splash page featuring the various "Hello Hurricane" packages, there is also a slightly new look on the temporary website.



I like it. "Hello Hurricane" is slowly, but steadily, starting to take hold across the Switchfoot world. Who can't wait for the completely new and revamped Switchfoot.com? I can't.

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Next, the Switchfoot Bro-Am page has been updated with a new summary of this year's grand event.

There are new photos gracing the top bar of the page:







There's a new HD video from Jedediah Clothing summarizing the event:

2009 Switchfoot Bro Am from Jedidiah Clothing on Vimeo.



And be sure to check out the new site, with the text.

Here's to a great next year!

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Well, back to tour... sorta. Here are some twitter highlights.

- Here in Memphis, just had some amazing BBQ. Looking forward to tonight's show! -t http://yfrog.com/1817561807j



- "@switchfoot great to meet you guys today on the street. Something magical about meeting jon and the rest."-@DetoxRetox24. Nice meeting u 2.

- We stopped to get some coffee, and Chad found quite a workout. Thanks Dassell and Latte Da for da sugar & creme. -d http://twitvid.com/48E25



^LOL

- Here's a pre-show Memphis video for all of youz guyz... http://twitvid.com/A9983

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Sonshine at Wilmar (Videos)

Here are some videos from Sonshine that have emerged on the interweb.

Mess of Me



Dare You to Move



^This one is sounding really really fresh. I'm liking what the Switchfoot boys are doing with it. The intro, with the drums and full-instrumentation is a blast from the past, but Jon's vocalizations take this to the next level. So good.

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And here are some highlights from the Switchfoot Twitter feed yesterday and this morning. (Editorial note: we are going to be posting highlights from now on, not every single little post. You can go visit it yourself for all the goodies! :) )

July 15, 2009

@switchfoot Hey foot, how do you guys get the laundry done when you're on the road. Curious. (via @BillyWrightLive) hmm, good question! -t

RT:there were days while fighting cancer that @switchfoot song "dare u 2 move" was the only thing that kept me fighting.-@stevedrees

July 16, 2009

so long minnesota, thanks for a great evening http://post.ly/1KLE

Here's a video clip from last night's show, enjoy... Jon http://post.ly/1KLE

^This video, you will want to check out. It features the intro to the studio version of "Hello Hurricane." And yes, the mandolin IS in the studio cut of this track. Muy excited.

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SITE NEWS

If you haven't checked out the latest FootColumn, please head on over and let me know your thoughts on how the single "Mess of Me" will perform. THANKS! :)

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

FootColumn: How will "Mess of Me" do on the radio?

Switchfoot's lead single, as we all know now, is going to be "Mess of Me," a hard-charging, anthemic rock song that will be targeted specifically to Mainstream Rock and Active Rock formats.



I did some research, and currently, as of June 15, 2009, the Top 10 on Mainstream rock is:

1. "New Divide" - Linkin Park
2. "Sound of Madness" - Shinedown
3. "Drowning (Face Down)" - Saving Abel
4. "Oh Yeah" - Chickenfoot
5. "Burn It to the Ground" - Nickelback
6. "Know Your Enemy" - Green Day
7. "Whiskey Hangover" - Godsmack
8. "Lifeline" - Papa Roach
9. "Second Chance" - Shinedown
10. "Champagne" - Cavo


The Top 10 on Active Rock is:

1. "New Divide" - Linkin Park
2. "Sound of Madness" - Shinedown
3. "Champagne" - Cavo
4. "Whiskey Hangover" - Godsmack
5. "Burn It to the Ground" - Nickelback
6. "Drowning (Face Down)" - Saving Abel
7. "I Get Off" - Halestorm
8. "Scarlet Letters" - Mudvayne
9. "All Nightmare Long" - Metallica
10. "Ain't No Rest For the Wicket - Cage the Elephant


(It's interesting to note how similar the Top 10 is for those two charts. )


Listening to what the top songs on these formats sound like, it is very easy to envision Switchfoot cracking back into the secular radio limelight by first targeting these two formats and crossing over afterward. Very rock-oriented in nature, a song like "Mess of Me" could very well become a staple on these formats, fitting in comfortably with the Cavo's and Chevelle's of the world.

Active Rock is the much bigger of the two formats, which is odd, considering the name "Mainstream Rock" would entail a wide audience. However, the numbers don't lie: Active Rock's audience is much larger than "Mainstream Rock."

However, under Billboard's charting system, both formats feed into the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. So if it's a hit on both formats, it will definitely get a Billboard chart position, which is good news.

One fact that I think is conspicuously missing in yesterday's announcement is that "Mess of Me" is reportedly not going to Modern Rock (or Alternative) radio. This is the most lucrative of the rock formats, as it is the most respected and most-listened to format. I do hope that Switchfoot and ATO work that format as well.

"Mess of Me" definitely has the hard edge that people look for when listening to rock radio, and I think the strength of this song will be the bridge/pre-chorus, where Jon Foreman belts out the line, "There aint no DRUUG! There aint no DRUUG! There aint no DRUUG! No drug can make me well..." etc. etc. Another factor to consider is that this song really does sound nothing like anything Switchfoot has released to radio before. It's harder, it's faster, and Jon's vocals soar to heights as yet unseen in a Switchfoot radio single.


Prediction: So, my prediction for "Mess of Me" is that it becomes a Top 15 hit at Mainstream and Active Rock radio, while it charts in at least the Top 30 on Modern Rock. Not going to put my expectations too high on this one, and I doubt it is going to be a crossover, Top 40 hit. But if I'm proven wrong, I will be quite happy.

Thanks for reading. :)

- Job

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Switchfoot's "Hello Hurricane" UNLEASHES October 6; "Mess of Me" to Mainstream and Active Rock; "Always Yours" to CHR

EMI CMG has a release detailing, and introducing Switchfoot's new release. We now have a concrete release date, October 6, 2009.

We also have a comprehensive overview of the marketing that will take place for this album, and quite frankly, it sounds absolutely exciting. Here is the entire release, reproduced here:


Overview

“Hello Hurricane acknowledges the storms that tear through our lives,” states Switchfoot singer and songwriter Jon Foreman. “This album is an attempt to respond to those storms with an element of hope, trying to understand what it means to be hopeful in a world that keeps on spinning.”

With Hello Hurricane, Switchfoot is set to thrive in 2009 with a newfound independence: a new home studio HQ, a new label, and a return-to-roots creativity and sense of purpose. After ten non-stop years of working as the world’s most humble multi-million selling rock band, the hard-charging North County San Diego-based quintet saw recording sessions for their aptly-titled seventh full-length album as a unique chance to reassess, reflect, and rededicate.

“We built our own studio so we wouldn’t be paying and playing by the hour,” says Foreman of their self-styled Studio of the Foot home. Beginning in 2007, the band tracked more than 80 songs and allowed themselves to get lost in the music again and get back to basics. “That’s why we see this album as a new beginning of sorts,” continues Foreman, citing the inspiration that likewise moved bandmate/brother Tim Foreman (bass), Chad Butler (drums), Jerome Fontamillas (keyboards), and Drew Shirley (guitar). “For us it was a feeling of true freedom.”

The album’s driving and urgent “Mess of Me” – with its personal declaration of independence, as Foreman passionately announces to the world that “I wanna spend the rest of my life alive!” – powerfully demonstrates the edge behind the new tones. Not content to settle into a single groove, the band moves from the high flying album opener, “Needle and Haystack Life,” to songs like the stirring “Always Yours” and the sweetly soaring “Your Love is a Song,” which – by its very nature – cries out for many waving hands illuminated by a blue cell phone glow.

The anthemic, riff fueled “This is the Sound,” with its utterly timely generational themes, finds Foreman spitting, “This is the sound from the discontented mouths of a haunted nation!” The “Hello Hurricane” title track is even more poignant when it comes to the band’s perspective on themselves and the world around them. “I’m not talking about ‘Rock You Like a Hurricane,’” says Foreman with a wink before turning reflective. “There is a real despair that I see when we travel around the country… and its music that people turn to in a time like this. I wanted to reach out to those people with song.”

BUY! HERE'S WHY:

* Elaborate box set includes the following: Hello Hurricane CD; DVD featuring live and behind the scenes footage (Approximately 1 hour long); Additional live DVD; 85 page color book featuring images of the band in studio and on tour; Plus other exclusive content.

*Highly anticipated new album from Switchfoot (2 ½ years since last record)

*Very established, devoted fanbase. Over 4 million albums sold.

*Multi-format radio strategy: “Always Yours” goes to Christian AC / CHR in Mid August, “”Mess of Me” to Mainstream Rock, Active Rock & Christian Rock Mid Aug.

*Switchfoot is a highly active touring band: 15-20 City headlining tour in October around release of record. Opening act for 2 Dave Matthews Band shows in So. Cal (9/12-13). Co-headlining tour with Blue October in July / Aug (21 dates)

*Comprehensive Online campaign includes numerous streaming concerts for fans, promotions on all Social Networks and all key Christian websites

*Pitching major features and stories in Christian and Mainstream PR outlets.

*Delivering album and music video to 6,800 Church Youth Workers and 400 Church denominational leaders

*Music video for “Mess of Me” worked to all Christian and Mainstream outlets


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Next, here's an email that Switchfoot sent out about the new packages announced yesterday. I'm really starting to dig the artwork, but here is the email in its entirety, below:



"Hello Hurricane acknowledges the storms that tear through our lives...this album is an attempt to respond to those storms with an element of hope, trying to understand what it means to be hopeful in a world that keeps on spinning." - Jon Foreman

Hola Amigos!

The time has come: Hello Hurricane is scheduled for an October release, with a pre-order starting in early August. We will let you know exact details later this month...

All pre-orders get an instant download of:
• 1st single "Mess Of Me"
• a few tunes from the "Best Yet DVD - Switchfoot Live In Nashville"
• Live in-studio video download of "Mess of Me"

Every physical copy of the record we ship will also receive the entire "Best Yet DVD - Live In Nashville" It was recorded on the Music Builds Tour and we're pretty amped for you to see how it turned out! We'll have these with us out on the road soon for the folks who pre-order the new CD at a show. 

Here are the 5 options to pre-order Hello Hurricane:

 
1. digital download of album
2. standard CD edition
3. vinyl with digital download of album
4. deluxe cd/dvd edition
5. collector's deluxe edition - includes cd/dvd/bsides, hardbound 84 page photo book, exclusive poster
Also, stay tuned for more info on Hello Hurricane listening parties... we'll have details coming at you soon. 

As always, thanks for listening, and hope to see you on the road soon. We can't wait for you to hear this one! 

- Tim, Chad, Jon, Jerome and Drew


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It all sounds so beautiful. I would like to think that Switchfoot is going to work hard on the mainstream front as well. From the above outline of Switchfoot's "Hello Hurricane" marketing strategy, it is looking like a focus is being placed on mainstream outlest as well.

It's also really good to hear that Switchfoot is working "Mes of Me" to the Mainstream Rock/Active Rock demographic. Knowing that sometimes details aren't always completely transferred, I'm hoping Switchfoot gets a at the Modern Rock format as well, as that one is the biggest of the Rock-based formats. We shall see.

I'm also intrigued by the CCM-only single too, "Always Yours." Do you think it will sound like a Christian song? Or will it be accessible as a possible mainstream single as well in the future? I know it's kinda hard to tell, but just for the sake of discussion...

And also, what are you all going to do, as far as purchasing goes? Will you go with the digital download? Vinyl? Collector's Deluxe Edition? Discuss it all here! I like to talk. :]

Monday, July 13, 2009

Switchfoot "Hello Hurricane" purchasing plans posted; new "The Best Yet Live in Nasville" DVD

Switchfoot has once again come completely out of the blue and blown what was going to be a slow news day here to absolute pieces. We've got confirmations, new surprises, and other goodies in store here. So, here goes:

Switchfoot.com has been updated with purchasing plans for the new "Hello Hurricane" record, as well as other things outlined below.



1. Switchfoot apparently has had a new live DVD in the works, that they have kept top secret from us all this time.

It's going to be called "The Best Yet Live in Nashville" and will be included with all pre-orders of "Hello Hurricane," which can be pre-ordered starting in August. The title makes me wonder whether this is a Sony-funded effort, or if it's an independent effort on their part. I am hoping it is the second lowercase people records-released live DVD!

2. "Mess of Me" has been confirmed as the lead single of the album

So, as we reported last Saturday, it has been confirmed that "Mess of Me" is going to lead "Hello Hurricane." I do wonder if an iTunes single release is going to happen, or if Switchfoot is going to stay as far away from that as possible. Of course, the album will HAVE to show up there, but they might stay away from singles appearing on there.

I am also curious as to whether they plan on taking this single to the traditional outlets like radio, tv, etc. or whether they plan on sticking with Youtube and online promotions (a la "Awakening")


Well, we shall keep you updated. LOBH did have an exclusive message from Andy Barron about the DVD that would be included in the Deluxe CD/DVD or Collector Editions:

good question.

all new making of record stuff, live in studio stuff, pretty much stuff that you won't want to live without because it's so awesome.

andy.


^I'm convinced. ;)

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Now, it's pretty hard to live up to all that news, but these live concert videos from across the interweb are pretty good.

Here's footage of the Cymbal Basing from "Dirty Second Hands" at Kingsfest



Here's the best-quality video of "Needle and Haystack Life" yet, taken at Kingsfest as well.



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Check out Switchfoot and Jon Foreman on posterous.com, where they post several exclusives!

http://officialswitchfoot.posterous.com/

http://jonforeman.posterous.com/

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Tweets from over the weekend:

July 11, 2009

- going to the beach for some small kine waves

- Early mornin' flights... http://post.ly/1Du7

- here's a shot of the sky from the plane this morning... straight from my cameraphone- no FX!  http://post.ly/1E8J



July 12, 2009

- Just re-read my last tweet, sounded much more cutting than I meant it! Anyways, on a positive note, went surfing this AM, sun is shining! -t

- "@switchfoot u guys shoulda sang "meant to live" at kingsfest" (via @charliehall03) you should have stuck around, we encored with that.

- want some info on how you'll be getting your hello hurricane this october? www.switchfoot.com has some info for ya. -ab


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And to leave you with even more awesome, here are the two latest videos from The Drewcast. If you haven't subscribed on youtube yet, GET ON IT!

KFC... Before



+ tacos...after


Saturday, July 11, 2009

"Mess of Me" to be the next Switchfoot single?

Rumor has it that at last night's show in Virginia, Jon Foreman himself said that "as far as I'm concerned," the first, lead single off of "Hello Hurricane" is going to be ~DRUM ROLL~ "Mess of Me!" (thanks to Clifton for the tip)


I think it's a solid single to lead an album off. It's not the best choice in my opinion, as the lyrical content is a tiny bit on the cheesy side, but the song does rock pretty hard. Normally, good indie labels/bands reserve their better songs for follow-up singles anyways. In this case, I'm hoping "Needle and Haystack Life" gets a chance, if "Mess of Me" has any kind of solid impact.

That being said, "Mess of Me" is different from any single Switchfoot has ever released before. It's the fastest-paced single yet, and sounds taylor-made for a run at Modern Rock radio, with potential for cross-over to at least Hot AC. I'm pretty sure a Top 40 campaign is a bit out of reach, and at this point, ANY radio support for Switchfoot is going to be tough to come by.

But, WHO KNOWS? hehe.

So, what are your thoughts? Do you like this? Do you hate it? Wish "Hello Hurricane" was the first choice? Discuss!!

Check out the DrewCast!

Mr. Andrew Shirley is a great guitarist, as we all know, but did you know that this man is quite the comedian as well? Whenever Drew enters the camera's field of vision, the awesomeness that ensues has reached Chuck Norrisean proportions. Nay, I'm sure Drew Shirley surpasses the great Chuck Norris in some areas. THAT, my friends, is a big statement.

So, we have found that Drew has his own "web show" now, titled "The Drewcast," uploading videos to his very own Youtube Account. Check them out here or there. (Thanks again to LOBH for finding this!)

To celebrate the discovery of these here videos, we have posted all of them for your viewing pleasure:

Did you know Drew could Moonwalk?

MJ tribute in the airport



Kantucky finding the bucks



Put my camera through the tsa line



Rocknrollercoaster



Intro to rockin roller coast to coastour



LOL!! Make sure you all SUBSCRIBE to this.

------------

We've also got some new videos up on the official Switchfoot Youtube channel.

The Intro to rockin roller coast to coastour and the rollercoaster video were also uploaded here, but there is also another video (from Jon Foreman's iphone we're guessing) that was taken at last night's show in Virginia here:

Hello Virginia!!



------------

Here is another video of "Needle and Haystack Life" played two nights ago in Ohio. The audio is a little better, but there's people talking in the background. Oh well.



And "This Is Home" from the same night:



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Some Twitter posts from Switchfoot over the past few days:

July 10, 2009

- I almost forgot how good those strawberry shortcake icecream bars are. Time for a few rollercoasters, then rock. Roll&rock, if you will.-t

- Driving the scooby van. What's it called, the mystery machine? http://yfrog.com/0w5d1j



- check check one two one two http://post.ly/1DN8

(btw, look! I know it's kinda small, but oh well)

- 5 am: Early morning check-in at Richmond airport. Jon is way too happy. -tf http://yfrog.com/3o605dj

- Hmmm, try that photo again? http://yfrog.com/0gzqsj

Friday, July 10, 2009

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Slow news week so far for Switchfoot...

so, we're just going to have a nice big Twitter-recap party! yay! The official news has been slow, but the Switchfoot boys have been having fun in Twitter land. So here's a post dedicated to recapping that for ya, in case you missed any.

July 6, 2009 (after the big meetings in Los Angeles)

- drew sees seafood. si. luv, @andybarron http://twitpic.com/9k9bq

Share photos on twitter with Twitpic

- Jon holds a copy of our new record above the la skyline. Planned out our year today, new record in oct! http://yfrog.com/e11tplj



July 7, 2009

- "@switchfoot any plans on touring in Canada?" (via @meanb) Answer: yes. This fall or jan '10 at the latest. I love me some Canada, -tf

- Switchfoot nerd convention at the airport. Waiting for flight, headed to ky. http://yfrog.com/5dus7j



- Just landed. Check out sunset and drew sleeping in the background. http://yfrog.com/5at08ij



^LOL

July 8, 2009

- Good morning, grayson, ky. We are all eating breakfast, sharing our poison ivy war stories with eachother. Gonna make me itchy. -tf

- Drew is playing the middle by @jimmyeatworld on rock band. http://yfrog.com/0hshsj

Monday, July 6, 2009

Switchfoot up in Los Angeles today "for some meetings"

Twitter: July 6, 2009

- Surf check. Looks fun. Quick surf, then we're all heading up to la today for some meetings.-tf http://yfrog.com/0968919554j




Andy Barron is up with the Switchfoot boys too, and he tweeted a picture of the meetings.

Be sure to follow him on Twitter if you haven't already.


Well, that's about it today folks. Hearing things like "thinking big" make me excited. :)

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy 4th of July!

I was browsing the newly revamped Switchfoot Youtube Channel, and re-came across a rather patriotic moment right at the beginning of and throughout Podcast 13:



Sweet! :) Have a fun, safe, blessed, ridiculous, awesome, insane holiday weekend. Bring on the barbecuers. God bless America.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Watch Switchfoot practice "Bullet Soul" at SFWHQ

Btw, I think SFWHQ is the acronym for the name of Switchfoot's fabled recording studio. So does it mean Switchfoot W Headquarters? What do you think?

Anyways, Whatosaw.com just posted a video of Switchfoot rehearsing for their upcoming tour, playing the song "Bullet Soul." We learn that the awesome riffing during the interlude of this song comes courtesy of Mr. Jon Foreman instead Mr. Drew Shirley, as was previously alleged. Nice. Either way, here it is:

Switchfoot "Bullet Soul" from jackerofonasis on Vimeo.



For those who can't view it, go here

Here are some photos from that session. Clickage

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Switchfoot tweeted about their busy day today:

Twitter July 3, 2009

- Woke up early, 5:45 am. Wierd. Checked surf: small. Coffee, then shooting some live performances of the new tunes at our studio. -tf

- Ended up surfing anyways w/ jon and Chad, found some fun waves. Now headed to the studio feeling much better! -tf

- drew is having fun with his new phone at romey's expense. sorry romey. luv, @andybarron http://twitpic.com/96j7m

Share photos on twitter with Twitpic

hmm... more in-studio performances? I like!

--------

UPDATE:

Switchfoot posted a new video to their Youtube account (looks like its from the "Whatosaw.com sessions" not today's):



^I'd say Romey is a pretty classy drummer, eh?

Thursday, July 2, 2009

The Switchfoot Bro-Am raised over $90,000!

Thanks to the SwitchfootBroAm twitter,

- Oh wow! The Switchfoot Bro-Am raised approximately $93,000 for Stand Up! Congrats @switchfoot on a job well done!


That's INCREDIBLE! Great news! Awesome work Switchfoot.

Switchfoot makes sweeping changes to their Youtube Channel

Take a look at this...

SwitchfootTV

altogether now: "oooh." :)

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Final Video Wrap of "Switchfoot Week;" several shows canceled

Before we go on, here is the news from the official Switchfoot.com website, as well as from their Twitter and Myspace:

7.01.09: Kent, WA July 11 Festival cancelled, new Seattle show added

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the festival in Kent, WA on July 11th has been cancelled. You can contact (here) for refund information. For those of you in the Seattle area, we have some good news. We have just confirmed a show with Blue October on July 30th at the Moore Theatre. Please click here for ticketing information


This is unfortunate news. But hey, a new show within the area is opening up! That's good news. :)

-------

Now, here's a video reel of some of the remaining good moments that haven't been recapped from over the weekend and last week, which has been dubbed by some "Switchfoot Week" in San Diego.

First, here's a video of "Only Hope" from the Del Mar Fair show. Switchfoot brought up Sara Watkins and Karl Denson, and Sara sang a verse!



Now, here's a hi-quality video of "Mess of Me" performed live at the Bro-Am



Another good-quality video of "Bullet Soul" from the Bro-Am



"Awakening" from the Bro-Am



"Dare You to Move" at the Bro-Am, featuring the old-school live arrangement. That's a treat for sure! I also like Jon's vocalizing at the beginning; epic!



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And finally, more rehearsal news from the Switchfoot twitter feed:

July 1, 2009

- Had a fun AM surf, now rehearsing a new tune called "always," while drew's guitar gently weeps ;) -tf http://yfrog.com/0kam5j



^Looks like Drew is going to be getting some attention on this track. What do you all think? :)