“When we heard our song on television it was like a movie moment from That Thing You Do. We were so excited!” Jason says.

Originally from Canada, these guys have dreamed of moments like ones they’ve already experienced. The exciting thing is that Hawk Nelson is taking hold of these opportunities and using them for God’s glory. The band started during high school, and following graduation these four guys decided to pursue music fulltime.

I had the opportunity to hang out with them during a trip to Nashville. When I explained my question and answer format, they got a little nervous. They asked if these questions would be multiple choice or true or false. Actually, they were more like verbal essay questions. But once I handed them the tape recorder they got comfy and a little goofy as they gave Brio the inside scoop on the band, what is attractive in a girl and advice on how to handle tough times.

Brio: Tell us about your title track, “Letters to the President.”
Matt: We wrote this song to inspire teens to be themselves. Teens should stand up for what they believe in now and not wait until they’re adults.

Jason: To be yourself you have to give God control, take one day at a time and not let stress build up. The foundation is being in God’s Word and prayer. That’s what keeps us grounded as a band.

Many of your songs talk about relationships. What do Christian guys look for in a girl?
Daniel: The four of us are in our 20s and have had our fair share of dating relationships and break-ups. Guys are looking for girls who protect their hearts and aren’t willing to be vulnerable right away. In the beginning guys just want to hang out and go to the movies and not share on such a deep level. When girls give so much of their hearts away and things don’t work out, they’ve left pieces of their heart with whomever they’ve been dating.

Jason: I’m looking to build a relationship with a girl I already consider a friend, rather than primarily based on romantic feelings. Guys also look for girls who are committed to staying pure and honoring God with the relationship.

Dave: The most attractive thing in a girl is her personality. That’s who she is!

Matt: I’m attracted to a girl’s character, someone who’s confident in who she is. I don’t want to be in a relationship with a girl who is wishy-washy and bases her decisions on whatever will please me.

What’s the story behind the song “Every Little Thing”?
Jason: It was written about a Christian high school girl who wasn’t popular. She kept her face in a book most of the time and didn’t have many friends because she stayed true to her faith. One of the popular guys, a jock, took notice of how different she was and saw her inner beauty. You could say they fell in love.

In the song “Things We Go Through” you give a series of scenarios of teens going through tough circumstances. Which do you relate to the most?
Daniel: Overall I can relate to that song because I try to fill the void in my life with relationships, but human relationships will never fill that void like Christ can. We can’t personally relate to many of the experiences in that song, but we know friends who have been there. I like that song because it addresses real situations.

What advice would you give to a teen who is going through a tough time?
Jason: You have to rely on God and your relationship with Him. But you also need to find someone you trust, a close friend, who you can share your struggle with who will support you.

Matt: Seek out a trusted adult for advice, like a youth leader or a parent. You’d be surprised how many adults care about you and are willing to listen.

Daniel: When I was 16, an older guy in his 40s mentored me. He simply spent time with me, prayed for me and listened to what was going on in my life. I know God orchestrated that relationship. And now I seek to be that person to someone. It’s little things like time and a listening ear that change lives.

What’s your band’s mission?
Jason: We want to reach the teens who didn’t grown up in the church, maybe they’ve been once or twice and decided that church isn’t their thing. Hawk Nelson wants to stand in the gap for them, drawing them in with our music and then proclaiming our faith as it relates to our lyrics. We want to be in relationship with our listeners off-stage as much as we can. I’m willing to stay late after a concert to listen to someone who has questions or wants to know more about the God I serve.

Dave: We’re a band that tries to be genuine. We want to offer a fun show yet address real-life situations in our songs the way God would want us to.

Hawk Nelson’s Favorites
Toothpaste: Jason — Crest; Daniel — Crest; Dave — Aquafresh; Matt — Bubblegum flavored

Fast food: Jason — McDonald’s; Daniel — In ‘N’ Out Burger; Dave — Arby’s; Matt — “There are too many options.”

Books: Jason — No Compromise: The Life Story of Keith Green by Melody Green and David Hazard; Daniel — Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2 by Steve Stockman; Dave — The Cat In the Hat by Dr. Seuss; Matt — Letters From a Skeptic by Gregory Boyd

Thing to do on a rainy day: Jason — drinking hot chocolate; Daniel — sitting by a fire; Dave — splashing in puddles; Matt — getting soaked

For more information about Hawk Nelson check out their Web site: www.hawknelson.com.