Switchfoot, a band originally with a Christian foundation, is now an American alternative rock band. Started in 1996 as Chin Up, Jon Foreman, his brother Tim, and Chad Butler were the founders of the current band. Then the band was signed into Re:think records. Because Re:think was originally a Christian giant called Sparrow records, Switchfoot’s music, at the beginning of its career as a band, was labeled Contemporary Christian music. The Legend of Chin, New Way to Be Human, and Learning to Breathe were albums created under Re:think. The band’s success launched it into major record labels, Columbia Records/SonyBMG and Lowercase Labels. The album, The Beautiful Letdown, sold more than 2.6 million copies, putting the band in mainstream competition.

The group then went through a drastic change from a “Christian band” to a seemingly secular band with Christian values. They refused to do interviews with Christian organizations and declined offers to be in the CCM magazine. Jon Foreman, the lead vocalist, said that because their original intentions were to reach as many ears as possible, this needed to be done. However, now that they have a huge group of faithful fans, they are no longer reserved about their Christian faith.

This project will analyze the lyrics, music, and music videos of Switchfoot. Interviews from Switchfoot and outside readings of New Media will also be used. The aspects of Switchfoot and their music that appear Christian and secular, accordingly to both audiences, will be analyzed. The response will also be informally analyzed through youtube video comments, lyrics commentary, etc.

Switchfoot Interviews

Music Videos

Lyrics

Outside Readings