I recently reviewed Hawk Nelson‘s fourth studio project, Live Life Loud and today I want to put the spotlight on Hawk Nelson. This powerhouse foursome hailing from Canada released their debut album, “Letters to the President” in 2004 and have since appeared on NBC’s “American Dreams,” had a cameo performance in the hit Nickelodeon film “Yours, Mine, & Ours,” and have had their songs featured on shows such as The CW hit, “Smallville.” Hawk Nelson has been nominated for a Grammy, Juno and GMA Dove awards and most recently was included in the USA Today Fall Round-Up interactive calendar.

Hawk Nelson’s debut single “Live Life Loud” is a life anthem for everyone but not only that…this band brings social and spiritual depth to their music which is refreshing to hear in today’s music. This new album features a wide range of co-writing colleagues; tobyMac, Matthew Gerrard, and Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch. To hear all this band has to offer, you must see them live as Hawk Nelson is currently on the “Alive and Awake” tour through December 6th.

It gets even better! The band recently partnered with TOMS shoes to provide shoes to children in poverty stricken areas of Haiti as part of TOMS “One for One” initiative. Every pair of shoes purchased via Hawk Nelson’s website equals a pair of shoes that TOMS donates to a child in Haiti towards the band’s ongoing involvement with the Hands & Feet Orphanage. Hawk Nelson has also partnered with TOMS to release a shoe designed by the band in the fall of 2009.

Hawk Nelson “Live Life Loud” Music Video

When did you start playing bass guitar and how many instruments do you play?
Dan:I am probably the least musical guy in the band. I never knew how to play the bass until I joined the band. They needed someone to play bass and I love music so…it’s been about 7 years but I have a lot to learn still. I like the harmonica and I was thinking about the cello.

What was it like shooting the music video, Live Life Loud?
Dan: Jason came up with the idea. He is super competitive when it comes to games so while we were shooting, he as playing the games trying to win. A lot of the older men were in their 80s but they were holding their own so kudos to them.

How did the band come up with the 3D idea for the CD cover artwork for Live Life Loud?
Dan: My wife came up with the idea. She is more artistic than any of us.

On “Tis So Sweet” Cover:
Dan: I was in church one Sunday and they did a cover of an old hymn and I wanted to do that cover but I got together with Jason and our producer, Steve who had an old hymn book. I felt good about Tis So Sweet. Our friend, Jen did harmonies on it. This is a song I am most proud of.

About Working with tobyMac:
Dan: We were on tour with tobyMac and he came in one day with a song idea that he felt was good for us. So we finished the song, he liked it, and put his vocals on it. It was a true collaboration with one of the few guys that I can look up to in this industry.

About Co-Writing:
Dan: Usually Jason will have an idea. Occasionally I will bring something to the table. Jason, myself, and Steve our producer would arrange the lyrics. Then all four of us would come together with our instruments and put everything down to record.

What venue are you looking forward to playing the most?
Dan: Hammerstein Ballroom on NYC but I am excited about so many places!

Live Life Loud is available now at all retail and digital outlets.
Visit Hawk Nelson on MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter.