5Q :: Hawk Nelson opens tour at St. Scholastica

While Hawk Nelson has a reputation for being a high-octane rock ‘n’ roll band, the Christian group’s sound is a little more varied than outsiders may initially think. Take the track “One Little Miracle,” for instance: The original, off 2008’s “Hawk Nelson is My Friend,” was co-written with Richard Marx, and a subsequent acoustic duet was recorded with Amy Grant — two musical personalities not exactly known for rocking out.

We recently discussed this dichotomy, among other things, with the group’s excitable frontman, Jason Dunn:

Budgeteer: I love the title track of the new album and what it stands for. What tips can you give your fans about how to “Live Life Loud”?

Dunn: People lovin’ people — it’s our philosophy as a band and we live by it. Those feelings are definitely contagious. To me, that is living life loud!

You guys have collaborated with some pretty big names — how do you meet these people? And, if you guys were to write down a collaborator “wishlist,” who would be on there?

It’s been a wild ride the last eight years; we’ve had some very amazing opportunities and we’ll take every one we get. Being able to write with Richard was unexpected, yet very thrilling. To have Amy Grant perform a duet with me is a milestone that will be hard to [top], that’s for sure.

If I were to collaborate with anyone in the world? Hmm … Bob Dylan would be pretty sweet! I’m also a big Neil Young fan.

Considering how many upbeat party songs you guys have created, do you ever struggle with playing quieter, more-meaningful songs of yours in a live setting?

Yes! Absolutely. We’re always known as the “life of the party” band on tours. When we need to cover an hour-long set, we’ve gotta throw in the ballads in our set, which is not my favorite thing. But, at the end of the day, you gotta give the people what they want!

For those of us who maybe aren’t too familiar with the Christian music world, are there any up-and-coming acts you recommend we check out?

The music business is a competitive business, Christian music or not. I don’t want anyone to listen to anybody but us. [Laughs]

On that, what can you tell us about this tour’s opening acts, Group 1 Crew and A Road Less Traveled? Have you been playing with them for awhile?

Duluth is the first show of the tour for us. We’ve toured with Group 1 in the past and really liked them. That’s why they’re out with us again. I’ve never seen A Road Less Traveled live before, but I’ve heard their stuff online and really enjoyed it. I think it’ll make for a good tour!

NEWS TO USE
Hawk Nelson will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, April 16, at the College of St. Scholastica’s Mitchell Auditorium. Group 1 Crew and A Road Less Traveled are also on the bill. Cost is $12 at the door (CSS students are eligible for $5 advance tickets at their student union). Call 723-7000 or see www.hawknelson.com.

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