Why Am I So Obsessed With Switchfoot?

Why am I so obsessed with Switchfoot? Why are they even my favorite band when I used to hate them (not even kidding)? I sometimes ask myself the same questions. In fact, it is probably every day that I ask myself that. They are the only band that I listen to on a daily basis. Is it that Surfer Indie Rock that I like? Well that is part of it. I did get my heart broken at the first concert I saw with them. That is maybe a huge reason why they are my favorite. Even though I was never in the relationship, it broke my heart what the girl said to me (which I will not say what). Yes, I was heartbroken but I'm just thinking I CANNOT enjoy a concert if I'm just going to be depressed the whole time. So I just put the depression off and after the concert, I never really felt sad or depressed. Was it their music that helped me? Probably so. Not saying I never went into it (because I was depressed from about a few days later until about September). But that is not the point here. I liked them since "Stars" was released but never in a million years did I think they would be my favorite, considering I was into harder rock at the time. They are one of the bands that God put in my life to help me get out of the slump I was in. I will say it did suck, though. But you know what I did? I listened to Switchfoot every day of my depression. My youth pastor (who, at the time, I haven't talked to in at least 2 years) Saw my posts on Facebook and, being a former youth pastor, sensed something was wrong. So, amazingly enough, he still had my number and asked if he could call me up. Of course, I agreed. He was the one person, besides my family, that I can still talk too and get Godly advice from, which is just awesome knowing that. We were on the phone for about an hour and we talked about just about anything we could. Even though he called me at the beginning stages of my depression, and I never felt better until a couple month later, he texted me and checked up to make sure I was getting better. That helped. But once again, I am off subject lol. 

Switchfoot came into my life when I was just 10 years old (I turn 20 next year). Most of the time, I didn't like their music. But something changed the night I first saw them live. They got my mind off of things for a couple hours. My two favorite songs by them are "The War Inside" and "Souvenirs." Why? Because I relate to those songs. More recently, I love their new single "Love Alone Is Worth the Fight." It is from their upcoming January 14th, 2014 release "Fading West." That song has such a powerful message and has such amazing lyrics, which is probably a reason Jon Foreman is the reason I started writing lyrics. I have written lyrics about God, girls and life. Which is what all of SF's songs are about. I one day dream to write a song with Jon Foreman, because not only is he the front-man of my favorite band, he is also my hero and favorite songwriter. So thanks boys, for being with me in spirit and in song over the past year with my battle with depression. Can't wait till June to see you live again at the annual show at the SD Fair! See you then guys :)

Until Next Time,
Alex Vanderspek