Switching on
Rock band outclasses its contemporaries
By Chris Jay 11/25/2009
The alternative rock radio format of the early ’90s was undoubtedly special. Riding on the coattails of the cultural force that was Nirvana and Pearl Jam, suddenly music once found only on college campus stations was pulling in big ratings. What was refreshing about modern rock radio most of all, besides being responsible for casting hair metal to the wind, was the sheer variety of genres. It was a place where the moody metal of Alice in Chains could play nicely alongside melody merchants like the Lemonheads and even twangsters like the Jayhawks.
Then the worst happened. A sonic apocalypse, if you will, occurred in the form of chin rock or butt rock or tough guy rock or whatever disparaging term you’d like to call it. Basically, the sound that started to dominate the once all-accepting radio format was accessible riff rock nearly devoid of any meaning or emotion.
Some of the more recognizable culprits were and are Nickelback, Creed, Puddle of Mudd, Saliva, Stained and Hinder — bands with songs that tend to be used frequently as pro wrestling entrance themes. Even the Top 40 takeover machine of American Idol has its champion of chin with Daughtry.
Occasionally, though, bands do manage success at alternative radio while saying something meaningful in the process. One such credible act currently on the airwaves is San Diego’s Switchfoot.
Founded in 1996, ironically as Chin Up, the band found early success in the Christian market as its label at the time insisted upon focusing solely on that demographic. Despite the band wanting to reach all facets of music fans, the label was right about who would first take to the band. The fiercely loyal Christian audience embraced Switchfoot, and its third album was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Rock Gospel album, as well as being certified gold. When the band’s music was used prominently in the Mandy Moore tear jerker A Walk To Remember, it wasn’t long before it was picked up by a major label.
After the leap to the bigs, all hell broke loose. From Christian to Top 40 to alternative rock radio, Switch-foot became a major American rock band based on the strength of two massive hit singles with “Meant to Live” and “Dare You to Move.” Its debut major-label record, The Beautiful Letdown, went on to sell more than 2 million copies, a staggering number for a rock band in the era of downloads and pirated music.
While the band hasn’t maintained quite that success level, it has released an impressive body of work including the new album Hello Hurricane. Switchfoot has somehow managed to find its own positive niche among the uglier aspects of alternative radio and while putting strong personal beliefs to the forefront by participating in numerous charity causes. On its current tour, Switchfoot is encouraging fans to bring canned goods to all dates to benefit local food share organizations.
As Switchfoot front man and frequent Ventura visitor (for reasons that range from performances with his side project at the Lodge to hitting local surf spots to filming a live DVD here), Jon Foreman, while hesitant to lump his band in with any others it shares the airwaves with, was more than clear as to what Switchfoot’s goals are.
“We want our songs to connect with the real world and be able to help people. The roots of the band are faith-based, but not in a way that would exclude people for a different belief. Music should bring people together, not tear them apart. Our songs are about faith, love and hope. We can leave the world a better place. We’re just trying to do our part.”
Switchfoot performs at the Ventura Theater on Sat., Nov. 28. For more information on the band, visit www.switchfoot.com.
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