‘Switchfoot,’ ‘Relient K’ Packing High Energy

ParamountSwitchfoot
Grammy Award-winning band Switchfoot and Grammy-nominated alternative rock band Relient K will be taking over the stage at The Paramount on Oct. 15.

By Janee Law
jlaw@longislandergroup.com

Members of Grammy-winning band Switchfoot and Grammy-nominated alternative rock band Relient K are primed to bring high-energy, unique performances to The Paramount on Oct. 15, when they’ll co-headline the “Looking For America Tour.”

Switchfoot released its 10th studio album, “Where The Light Shines Through,” in July. In the same month, Relient K released its eighth album, “Air For Free.”

Switchfoot drummer Chad Butler said that when the bands hit The Paramount later this month the setlists will incorporate songs from each of the band’s latest albums, along with hits from years past.

But audience input is also welcome.

“The songs are different each night depending on the crowd and I think the audience has a big role in where the songs go and which songs we play,” Butler said. “Someone might shout out a title of an old song and that might inspire us to change the set list right there. Each night is unique.”

Of their previous nine albums, Switchfoot has sold 5.7 million copies worldwide. That includes the 2003 double-platinum breakthrough “The Beautiful Letdown,” which featured hits “Meant To Live,” and “Dare You To Move;” and Grammy Award-winning 2009 album “Hello Hurricane.”

Butler said the guitar rock sound that the band has always been known for returns with the new record.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to bring these new songs and to hear the crowd singing along with us to the ones that they know,” he said. It’s going to be an incredible evening.”

Along with Butler, Switchfoot band members include Jon Foreman on vocals and guitar; Jerome Fontamillas on keys and guitar; Tim Foreman on bass guitar; and Drew Shirley on guitar.

Butler said Switchfootis knwn for asking big questions in its music, and that’s especially true in “very interesting time in our country.”

“Through music, you can talk about things that might be uncomfortable in everyday conversation, but you can examine the state of the world around you and ask big questions and I think that’s the beauty of songs,” Butler said.

When it comes to playing with Relient K, who have been long-time friends, Butler said the band’s act on spontaneity.

“I think having a band like Relient K out with us has really inspired us to step up the energy of our live show,” he said. “We push each other I think as artists and collaborate as well. So it’s been incredible so far.

Relient K broke into the mainstream in 2004 with the release of “Mmhmm.” The band saw raving success in 2007 with its fifth album, “Five Score and Seven Years Ago,” which featured songs like “Must Have Done Something Right.”

For Switchfoot, the show will mark the first time the band has performed at The Paramount.

 “I think it’s going to be more of an intimate occasion where we actually feed off the individuals in the room so I’m looking forward to that,” he said.

 Doors open at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 and the show is set for 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the box office, or at Paramountny.com for $25-$180.