Switchfoot Interview 2006 Jesusfreakhideout.com Interview

Switchfoot has taken America by storm with their catchy but meaningful pop/rock songwriting. In the wake of the release of their latest effort, Nothing Is Sound, JfH was able to get a brief Q&A with the band's keyboard/guitar whiz Jerome Fontamillas...
This interview took place on: March, 2006

Jesus freak Hideout: First off, how does it feel to be getting the kind of airplay and video rotation and audience numbers that you've been getting since The Beautiful Letdown broke into the mainstream?

Jerome Fontamillas: It feels great. We just feel really thankful that we are able to have more people hear our tunes.

JFH: What, if anything, has surprised you most about the broader attention Switchfoot has received??

Jerome: That people who recognize the songs don’t necessarily recognize the band. I can be at the grocery store and "Meant To Live" goes on the speakers and I’m amazed to see people singing along and I’m in the midst of it unrecognized. I actually really enjoy it.

JFH: What do you feel is the greatest thing the band has been able to achieve in recent years that it hadn't been able to before the mainstream attention?

Jerome: One of the things we’re able to do is raise more awareness to issues that hit close to home. We started this thing online called Lowercasepeople.com where we can discuss issues that are important to us whether it’s about music, art or social justice.

JFH: Now, it's common knowledge that Nothing Is Sound was approached differently in production and writing than any of your previous projects. Did you find it difficult to write and record the album on the road or did you sort of look at it as just a new challenge and creative opportunity as an artist?

Jerome: A little of both. It had it’s challenges and difficulties but it also had its rewards. This is the first album the band has recorded as a five piece since adding Drew as another guitar.

JFH: How has Drew's addition to the band affected Switchfoot's sound and writing style?

Jerome: Drew is an amazing guitarist. What he brings to the band is invaluable. Not only in the studio, but live as well.

JFH: To get the unique sound in "The Shadow Proves The Sunshine," Jon's vocals were sung through the bottom of a piano. It produces a wonderful effect. Where did the band get the idea to even try something like this?

Jerome: In a studio setting, you’re always brainstorming on creative ways to record. Jon and our producer thought this would be an awesome idea, and it was.

JFH: Do you have a highlighted moment from your Fall leg of the "Nothing Is Sound" tour?