Flip the Switch
We’re Sacramento's premiere third-wave ska band, established in the summer of 2002. We bring super high-energy songs and live shows in hope of making people dance and have fun! Throughout the years, we’ve had the honor to share the stage with: Reel Big Fish, The Toasters, Catch 22, Streetlight Manifesto, The Planet Smashers, Mustard Plug, Big D & The Kids Table, Buck-0-Nine, MU330, The Slackers, The Forces Of Evil, Suburban Legends, Starpool, Bite Me Bambi, Voodoo Glow Skulls, The Mad Caddies and many more.
- Awards and Nominations
- SAMMIES 2020 Nominee★ Revival/back from the dead band ★
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Q & A
All-time favorite song?
02.21.20
Rob: This is probably one of the world’s toughest questions to answer. The closest answer I can give to this is Reel Big Fish’s album, Turn the radio off. That album changed my life.
As a child growing up, music surrounds us. What type of music did you hear the most back then?
02.21.20
James: I grew up listening to 96.9 FM, The Eagle, with my dad. He liked Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. From my mom, I heard a lot of Green Day and Social Distortion. To be honest, my musical taste hasn’t changed except for the addition of metal and ska.
Can you describe a moment in your career, where you felt like you truly reached somebody or made a difference?
02.21.20
Rob: Back in 2004 or 2005, a few years into promoting hard and playing shows we inspired others to start their own ska band (The Lobster Rockets, The Not So Super Villains, Remember Scooter, and The BPs, The Gooroos). It was very humbling! Hopefully we can inspire more people to play ska.
Favorite guitar player?
02.21.20
Rob: I recently saw John 5 at Ace of Spades … wow! Seeing him live should be on everyone’s bucket list!
James: Jimmy Page and Slash ... it’s hard to choose my favorite.
Favorite SAMMIES story?
02.21.20
Rob: This one. This is our first year and it’s an honor!
How do you describe your music to people?
02.21.20
Matt: Upbeat and uplifting, exciting and accessible to everyone!
James: Most people I know have no clue what ska is so I’ll just sum it as upbeat pop punk with a killer horn section.
Tell us about how the band formed.
02.21.20
Rob – In the summer of 2002 a friend of mine who I graduated with (class of 2001) and played drums, Justin Snider, asked if I wanted to jam with him. At that time, I had written a few ska songs after being inspired by seeing Reel Big Fish play at the Crest Theatre (1998). Justin and I jammed a few times and it was fun. Of course to play ska music, you need to have a horn section. Well, right around this time a friend of mine (Paul Tuddel) introduced me to a super cool guy named Daniel Webb. Daniel was probably a year or two into learning the trombone. Anyways, I introduced him to ska music and asked if he was interested in putting that horn to use. He of course was very excited and soon after joining was able to help us add some more horns through his high school band class. I sadly don’t remember how we got our bassist, Ben, but he didn’t last long. We soon found his replacement on Craigslist, Josh Goodman. Josh was able to change the band in just a matter of months… he is one of the most talented people I have ever met. I’m very blessed to know him and so thankful that he still helps us out in writing our music.
Tell us about how you first started gigging.
02.21.20
James: My buddy Robert (the singer of the band) asked me, “Do you want play drums for Flip The Switch?” I was like I’m guitar player, but sure … this sounds fun!
Tell us about your best gig in Sac.
02.21.20
Matt: Playing Ace of Spades with Flip The Switch was incredibly memorable!
What are your musical goals?
02.21.20
Rob: Great Q! My first goal is to play again at Concerts In Park. It’s been long overdue and I really believe that we would help make it special. For my second goal, I would love to play with all of my idols that inspired me to start FTS. We’ve been blessed to play with most of them, but we still have a few left on my list (Less Than Jake, Save Ferris and The Aquabats).
What message do you hope to give with your music?
02.21.20
Rob: Ska’s not dead! In all seriousness, we just want people to forget about their problems and hopefully want to dance.
What's the best part of this experience?
02.21.20
Matt: Getting to play for bigger and bigger crowds, and seeing people really enjoy the music we make!
What's the story behind the band name?
02.21.20
Rob: Great Q! I wish that there was some super cool story behind it, but it was just very random. Our original drummer (Justin Snider) was looking through The Sacramento Bee for whatever stands out and he saw it somewhere in newspaper. I wish I could have kept it … I would have framed it! I never thought the band would become what it’s become.
What's your favorite jam from the '90s?
02.21.20
Rob: Another super tough question! Hmmm … how about Skee-Lo’s “I Wish.”
What's your favorite local artist/group?
02.21.20
Rob: Why the tough Qs? I don’t want to piss anyone off, but as for ones that are still going today I would say Danny Reynoso (for artist) and The Brodys (for group). Both are legends to our area!
What’s your favorite song to perform live right now?
02.21.20
Rob: "Dating Show." I love playing songs from our first album. It brings back great memories.
Matt: "First Time Skanker."
James: "$100 Bucks Down."
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
02.21.20
Rob: I hope being healthy and still playing ska music.
Who are your biggest influences?
02.21.20
James: My dad. He played music for most of his life. Due to his hands shaking so much he switched from playing the guitar to bass and keyboard. He kept playing until the end. I’ve seen him play shows with a dialysis catheter hanging from his arm. He could never quit … it wasn’t in him.
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