CP: For Christians, would that be heaven?
Fontamillas: Yeah! For Christians, that would be heaven. But it kind of can start here too, where you are longing for something bigger than where your life is right now.
CP: Switchfoot has been known as alternative rock band or a rock band and also as a "Christian rock band". How do you feel about being known as a Christian rock band? And if you were to describe yourself, how would you describe Switchfoot?
Fontamillas: I would describe us as a regular rock band. But you know, we are all Christians and it's an honour to be associated with the name of Christ. You're like, "Hey, it's a privilege to be regarded in the Christian community. Wow they are Christ followers." But I also feel like our music is bigger than that. Our music is ... not just Christians but everyone can relate to it in some form or another. Because of the honesty and the things we have, it's music for a broader perspective. Music for thinking people.
CP: You must travel so often, especially with the new song for the movie. Where do you feel most at home or where do you call home for you?
Fontamillas: We're from southern California. You know what's really funny? Sometimes on stage you're like: "This is where I belong. This is where I'm destined to be." But this is home everywhere. When I go home with my wife and my family, that's home. Or when I'm with the guys, the band mates - they're like brothers to me, we're like family - that's another kind of home we're in. And performing in front of fans and friends - that's a different kind of home we get to be in. It's amazing.
CP: Well, I heard you all just moved into your new home - the new studios?
Fontamillas: Yeah! In fact, we just moved in a couple of days ago, our gear and getting ready to record the new album.
CP: What's on your plate next?
Fontamillas: We are going on tour at the end of August again. Just like we did with Relient K, we are partnering up again with Habitat for Humanity and it will be another tour benefiting Habitat for Humanity.
CP: Yeah, you are all involved in a lot of humanitarian projects - from Habitat for Humanity to To Write Love On Her Arms. Which one has left the deepest impression on you?
Fontamillas: Well, all of them have left big impressions on me. But I'm excited about the Habitat for Humanity one because you do get your hands dirty and do go out to the build site to build homes for low-income families. I mean, it's one thing to say, "I support this charity and here's money." But it's another when you go out there and actually build a home. And that has a lasting impact on you.
CP: Did your previous work with Habitat for Humanity influence the song "This is Home?"
Fontamillas: We actually wrote another song called "Rebuild". That was one of the songs for Habitat for Humanity.
CP: With Relient K, right?
Fontamillas: Yeah. But you know, it always comes back to those themes - about home, where you belong and things like that. Those are great.
CP: And I have to ask. Did you hear David Cook sing "Dare You to Move" on American Idol?
Fontamillas: Yeah! (chuckles) I honestly thought he did a great job. You know, it's a hard song to play. I myself find it a hard song to play so I commend him just for trying it. It's awesome.
It's weird seeing it on TV. It's like, "I should be up there playing that song."
CP: Well, Jerome, any last thoughts or comments?
Fontamillas: Yeah. I just want to thank everyone for even coming out to our shows and really supporting us. We're in a great, amazing place to be up in all of it. It's because of the fans. We're really thankful and grateful.
