Having just released their new album, Crazy Love currently performing in venues across America, Hawk Nelson band mate, Jason Dunn took some time out to talk to Hollywood the Write Way about the latest album.
So where did you guys record Crazy Love?
We recorded our album “Crazy Love” in Nashville, TN. It was a great recording experience. We all live in the Nashville area now, so it was really nice to go home every night after work.
What was the album titled before Crazy Love?
Fun fact: While writing the record, the working title was “Truthbombs.” Many of the songs on this record talk about truth and honesty, honest confessions of the heart.
Can you explain the connection to Francis Chan’s book, “Crazy Love?”
Francis Chan’s book “Crazy Love” inspired our song of the same title. I was reading that book while I was in the studio. The book reiterated the fact that Jesus Christ willingly gave his life for a sinner like me. I don’t deserve grace and forgiveness, but He thinks otherwise. To me, that’s worth singing about!
I agree! Now there are 13 songs that you guys sing on the album, but were there more songs recorded for the album?
When I’m not on the road, I’m constantly writing new material. For this record, I brought 19 songs to the table. The leftovers I’m keeping for myself. I am working on a solo record now so you’ll be able to hear the leftovers!
That’s really exciting! I can’t wait to hear them. But as for the songs that are new to our ears right now…which track would you say is the most personal to you?
The last song “Thanks For The Beautiful Memories” is a song written for the fans. A lot of our fans have been with us since we’ve started. I think they deserve a song.
Definitely. And which track would you say has been changed the most from conception to the final recorded version?
“We Can Change the World” is a song that has changed the most. To be honest, I didn’t want to record the song. I just wasn’t feeling it. Luckily, our producer Ian Eskelin wanted to keep it and had a better vision for the song than I did. Now it’s one of my favorites!
What was the most challenging song to record in regards to the vocal arrangements?
Difficult vocal arrangement? Come on, I’m a pro. (smiles)
Awesome. And lastly, what’s the story behind “LAX” and “Joanna?” They were very unexpected tracks considering the other tracks are quite spiritual.
“LAX” & “Joanna” are both about 6 years old. They were just fun songs and I thought they deserved a shot.
Crazy Love is available now and Hawk Nelson is on the road now. Visit www.hawknelson.com for more info.