Switched (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Cleveland, Ohio , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, demos |
Switched (initially known as Sw1tch) was a nu metal ensemble originating from Cleveland, Ohio, in the United States.
History
The group was formed in 1999 under the name Sw1tch and embarked on tours across Ohio, releasing a demo titled Fuckin' Demo. Songs such as "Anymore", "Wrongside", and "Inside" were later included on their debut album, Subject to Change. Due to trademark issues with a funk band called Switch, they altered their name to Sw1tched before signing with Immortal/Virgin Records. During the recording of Subject to Change, bassist Shawn May departed and was succeeded by Jason French, who played bass on one track.
Switched enhanced their visibility by performing at prominent events like Ozzfest in 2002 and the Vans Warped Tour during 2001–2002. Their first album, released in 2002 through Immortal/Virgin, achieved worldwide sales exceeding 100,000 copies.
In mid-2003, the band severed ties with Immortal Records and their management team. Jason French was replaced by Corey Lowery, previously associated with Stuck Mojo and Stereomud, who eventually became a member of Dark New Day. The band intended to rebrand as Sky Fall Down by early 2004 to signify a shift in their musical style but instead entered a two-year break while members explored other ventures.
Following this hiatus, former bassist Shawn May launched a custom bass business. Drummer Chad Szeliga joined Breaking Benjamin in 2005. Corey Lowery co-founded the alternative metal band Dark New Day and later formed Eye Empire. Lead guitarist B.C. Kochmit initiated projects such as Tinjen and Shambella, had brief stints with Dark New Day and Eye Empire, and ultimately joined Nonpoint. Vocalist Ben Schigel established a career as a producer, collaborating with bands including Drowning Pool, Chimaira, and Breaking Benjamin.
With backing from their original manager Thom Hazaert—now co-president of the independent label Corporate Punishment Records—Switched reunited with an updated lineup and released their sophomore album, Ghosts in the Machine, on January 10, 2006. This double-disc collection includes eleven tracks originally intended for their second release under Immortal, alongside rare material, demos, live recordings, and the previously unreleased song "She Blinded Me with Science". The rough demos on the first disc were left unmastered.
Additionally, a reissued version of Subject to Change was made available featuring the b-side "Spread", alternate takes of "Walkaway" and "Inside" produced by Howard Benson, a Rick Will remix of "Inside", plus two music videos for "Inside".
Current status
After releasing Ghosts in the Machine, Switched announced another hiatus. As of January 2010, Ben Schigel confirmed there were no plans to revive Sw1tched. Schigel continues his production work at Spider Studios located in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, working with artists such as Ringworm, Chimaira, Bleed The Sky, and Solus Deus.
Bassist Corey Lowery and guitarist B.C. Kochmit collaborated to form the hard rock supergroup Eye Empire, alongside solo musician Dixie Duncan and former members of Submersed, namely Donald Carpenter and Garrett Whitlock. Lowery has also been involved with bands like Saint Asonia and Seether.
Ben Schigel remains active in production at Spider Studio while also performing as the drummer for pop rock outfit SomeKindaWonderful.
Band members
- Most recent lineup
- Ben Schigel – lead vocals
- B.C. Kochmit – guitar, backing vocals
- Joe Schigel – guitar
- Joshua Jansen – bass guitar
- Angel Bartolotta – drums
Previous members
- Corey Lowery – bass guitar
- Chris Nelson – guitar
- Jason French – bass guitar
- Shawn May – bass guitar
- Chad Szeliga – drums
Discography
| Release Date | Album Title | Record Label |
| 2000 | Fuckin' Demo | Independent |
| 2001 | Spread Your E.P. | Immortal Records |
| 2002 | Inside EP | Immortal Records |
| February 26, 2002 | Subject to Change | Immortal Records |
| January 10, 2006 | Subject to Change (reissued) | Corporate Punishment |
| January 10, 2006 | Ghosts in the Machine | Corporate Punishment |