Chad Butler of Switchfoot Interview Talking Touring and New Music

When Chad Butler, along with friends Jon Foreman and Tim Foreman, started Switchfoot in college, the goal was to play for friends around San Diego. And he never thought that nearly 30 years later, they would still be touring the world.

They aren't done yet with live music. Or new music. I got to talk with Chad before Switchfoot comes to the Quad Cities on September 17th at the Capitol Theatre.

We Live And Breath On Stage

Getty Images for The Recording A

"That connection with the crowd is what we're chasing. Music is that universal language," said Chad when talking about Switchfoot spending time on the road.

Chad said that they play the music for free. It's the traveling and hours on a tour bus. That's what we get paid to do.

With nearly 30 years of music, I asked Chad how they pick what songs go on the setlist. Many bands build the setlist at the start of the tour, and that is what is played for the entire tour. That is not the case for Switchfoot.

Chad said, "We try to represent all the albums. Songs from the early days to the present. But the setlist is just a suggestion. You get out on stage and you are feeding off the energy in the room. The setlist is never going to be played as it's written down. It's a living, breathing thing for that one night."

You Can See What Switchfoot Comes Up With For A Setlist on September 17

Capitol Theatre

It will be fun seeing what this setlist turns into. You can get your tickets here, and you can sign up to meet Chad and all of the guys from Switchfoot by winning a VIP Meet & Greet here.

Check out the full interview below, where Chad and I also talked about;

New music
How are they writing new music
A wild story about seeing Elliot Smith when the power went out
Their charity work, which includes the annual "Bro Am"

5 Freakin' Years Of Hard Rock Anniversary Party Photos

Thank you so much for making our 5 year party one to remember! The night with All That Remains, Alborn, Shallow Side, and you was something we are happy to relive with these photos.

Gallery Credit: DT Photo - Tom Tarner

Are You QC AF? Take The Test.

If you are from the Quad Cities, there are certain things you do and say that folks from outside the area might not understand. Weather you’ve lived here your entire life, or just a couple years, it’s time to put your QC to the test to find out if you are “QC AF”.

Below are 25 questions to test your knowledge and life experience of the Quad Cities. Keep track and see where you rank. Then share it, if you aren’t ashamed, to show how QC you are.

25-20 points – You are QC AF!

19-15 points – Reppin’ the QC strong.

15-10 points – Average. You put the “C” in the QC.

10-5 points – Do you even QC bro.

5-0 points – Move back to Chicago.