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| Edited By: Dyuti Basu |Source: DNA |Updated: Nov 12, 2018, 03:46 PM IST
With lyrics that touch the soul and warm the heart, California-based band, Switchfoot has carved out an international fan base and bagged a Grammy for Best Gospel Rock or Rap Album (2011). After a hiatus of a year between 2017 and 2018, the band declared their reentry into the music scene in a characteristic cheeky way – through an April Fool's joke. Having recently wowed audiences in the Meghalaya and Kolkata chapters of NH7 Weekender, frontman Jon Foreman speaks about two decades of creating amazing alt-rock music.
You celebrated 20 years in the industry just last year. What are some of the biggest milestones that have brought you to this point?
It has been an incredible ride so far, highs and lows, and I am grateful for all of it. We never dreamed of winning a Grammy Award or selling millions of albums. Those things happened along the way but our goal was always to just make honest music. As kids starting a rock band we set out feeling like just getting to play music for our friends was a success, and it still is. Playing music I love with people I love is a dream. My favourite moments are when I hear the audience singing along with us. The community that formed around us for the past 20 years is a gift.
How did the evolution from Gospel rock to mainstream happen?
We have always called ourselves a rock band for thinking people. I think categories can be limiting and I want everyone to be invited to the party. I appreciate that our audience is so diverse, people of all different backgrounds, ethnicities, and beliefs singing the same song together. I think the most honest and personal songs often become the most universal.
You announced a hiatus in December. What made you decide to take a break and what does it feel like to be back again and touring?
After 20 years of constant touring, it was time for us to take a break. We all have families now and wanted a season of time at home. During the past year, we've been able to have a slower pace of life, to take time with the people most dear to us. I think it's healthy for everyone to pause and reflect, to ask yourself what you want to do and why you are doing it. We realized we still love music and each other. It feels intentional to come back and rediscover the joy of creating new songs together.
How did the plan to end the hiatus with an April Fool's joke come about?
Haha! We don't take ourselves too seriously, even when we are home we are always making fun of ourselves. It still makes me laugh when I hear that metal version of Meant to Live!
Sooo, about that "New Single"... April Fools! Thanks for playing along, we love ya!#switchfoot pic.twitter.com/7vgz5mpZUC — Switchfoot (@switchfoot) April 1, 2018
Your latest album When the Light Shines Through is based on the theme of hope. So, what is it that gives you hope?
That record really surprised us with its hopefulness. The songs came out of a tough season. Both personally and as a band, we were all doing a lot of soul-searching. Those songs of hope found us at a moment when we really needed it. Looking back, we shouldn't be surprised that in the darkest moments the light shines brightest. That became a theme for this record, that the wound is where the light shines through. That song became a catalyst for the rest of the record. It ended up being our most hopeful album yet. My faith is very important to me and I think your worldview always influences your art. Our approach has always been to make honest music, to ask big questions and enter into a dialogue with our audience.
You have also sung a lot of covers. Which has been the most challenging cover to sing and why?
I remember the first time we covered the Beastie Boys' Sabotage and wondering if we could do it justice. The Beastie Boys mean a lot to me, and I am thankful that, judging by the reaction of the crowd, I think it worked!
From a college band to a band with 'grown-up" members, what's the difference been like in terms of touring, now that you're all family men?
Travelling as much as we do can be a blessing and a curse. I love the moments when I can bring my family to experience new places with me! Maybe I can convince them to come with me to India!
