2008 Woodie Awards
Up close and musical
An interview with Switchfoot's Jerome Fantamillas
Shanice Williams
Issue date: 11/18/05 Section: No Limits
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Recently, I was able to have the great chance of being able to interview Jerome Fantamillas of Switchfoot, which, by the way, was extremely fun. Here's the interview for your pleasure, so read on and see why he's such a cool and mellow guy.
Shanice Williams: So, first off, Jerome, I would like to thank you for agreeing to this interview with me.
Jerome Fantamillas: Sure, no problem, Shanice. I'm happy to do so.
SW: You joined Switchfoot in 2000 for the "Learning to Breathe" album, in which the band seemed to be taking more steps toward a mainstream sound. Do you feel the steps toward the mainstream were for a more accessible sound?
JF: When I first joined the band, they were just looking for a keyboard player in order to make the sound they had even better. I don't think it was about attracting more fans, but having more creative talent to fill in the sound. Like the more creative the sound, the better the music is for our fans.
SW: So, to allow fans to enjoy the music they already loved even more and to also welcome even more fans.
JF: Exactly, to allow fans to enjoy our music is the main goal.
SW: Having had success with the crossover of "The Beautiful Letdown," how do you think Switchfoot has done so far with "Nothing is Sound," as far as welcoming your new fans?
JF: Cool. Thing about it is, not necessarily how many people we attract, but how many people will enjoy our music. The main thing we try to do is make music listeners will like to hear. It's more about the song they hear, and the energy they feel at concerts.
SW: Yes, I caught your guys' performance last Tuesday at the Empire Center, and it was phenomenal. The energy was awesome.
JF: Yes, that's what we want, and so far I think people are enjoying the new album. I mean, you were at the concert and you experienced and enjoyed it, so we're glad [fans are enjoying] the songs we write.
SW: Where does the name Switchfoot come from?
Shanice Williams: So, first off, Jerome, I would like to thank you for agreeing to this interview with me.
Jerome Fantamillas: Sure, no problem, Shanice. I'm happy to do so.
SW: You joined Switchfoot in 2000 for the "Learning to Breathe" album, in which the band seemed to be taking more steps toward a mainstream sound. Do you feel the steps toward the mainstream were for a more accessible sound?
JF: When I first joined the band, they were just looking for a keyboard player in order to make the sound they had even better. I don't think it was about attracting more fans, but having more creative talent to fill in the sound. Like the more creative the sound, the better the music is for our fans.
SW: So, to allow fans to enjoy the music they already loved even more and to also welcome even more fans.
JF: Exactly, to allow fans to enjoy our music is the main goal.
SW: Having had success with the crossover of "The Beautiful Letdown," how do you think Switchfoot has done so far with "Nothing is Sound," as far as welcoming your new fans?
JF: Cool. Thing about it is, not necessarily how many people we attract, but how many people will enjoy our music. The main thing we try to do is make music listeners will like to hear. It's more about the song they hear, and the energy they feel at concerts.
SW: Yes, I caught your guys' performance last Tuesday at the Empire Center, and it was phenomenal. The energy was awesome.
JF: Yes, that's what we want, and so far I think people are enjoying the new album. I mean, you were at the concert and you experienced and enjoyed it, so we're glad [fans are enjoying] the songs we write.
SW: Where does the name Switchfoot come from?