So I never get on this thing....
Anyways, if you follow me on twitter, or stalk me on facebook, you've come to the conclusion that I'm making a record right now.
This is true. I am making an album and it's called "Abandon Progress".
2012 was quite a whirlwind of a year. I quit my band. I started a different band. I recorded an album. I quit that band and never released the record. I went into hiding for 6 months and wrote a bunch of other songs. Now I'm recording my second album now and this time I'm going to release it.
I'm calling my album "Abandon Progress" because that name explains my entire life as of late. The band I created when I was just a kid ended up doing pretty good. We sold a ton of records and toured the world for 10 years. We were making really good progress.
I signed a record deal when I was 19 years old. That deal consisted of my band & I to record 5 albums for our label, Tooth & Nail Records. It was an unbelievable experience. Every Christian kid loved Tooth & Nail Records. My CD stack when I was a kid was full of Tooth & Nail bands. MxPx, Cadet, Hangnail & Project 86 were my jams.
Somewhere along the path of my musical journey, my vision got blurry. I needed a fresh start.
In 2009, I started preparing for the future. Not my 5th & final record to honour my contract with Tooth & Nail, but the next chapter in my life which finally is starting to form and make sense to me.
I started putting money away so I could fund this recording myself.
2011 arrived. I wrote this email to my bandmates (paraphrased):
This has been an incredible 9 years. It started out like a whirlwind. We had no idea what we were doing. We never really had any expectations. Things really took off for us like you wouldn't believe. Most of you guys weren't there for the building of this band, but you have been here with us for the polishing and rebuilding. Sure we've hit some bumps along the way, but I think that only made us stronger. As I look back to the moment we first started this project back in 2003 Dan, I just want to say I think we did a great job! It's rare to see a band last as long as we have, and for that I'm truly thankful.
December 31, 2011 will be my last show. It's been a long time coming, but after sitting on the idea, talking it over in my head and with Lenay, even praying about it, this decision seems to be what feels right...
... As for the future, I don't know what God has in store, but I figure this will give all of us 11, almost 12 months to get situated. I imagine I'll continue to do something in music. I still have the burning passion to sing on stage and do what I do, maybe just in a different element, whatever that may be. You are all talented guys and I'm sure you'll have no problems finding new gigs!! I love you guys with all of my heart!
"This is your life, are you who you want to be" -Switchfoot
---------------------------------------------------------------------
In January of 2012 I flew out to Vancouver, British Columbia from Toronto to start recording my first record until the handle, "Lights Go Down". That name came from one of the first HN songs I'd written called "36 Days". Pretty sure I was confusing people with the whole, one guy going under a band name, thing. Plus, I was in a weird headspace.
The Lights Go Down record I wrote was less authentic than my most recent Hawk stuff. I was going for a more singer/songwriter thing, which definitely isn't me! I didn't want to sound like Hawk Nelson in fear of confusing people even more
Then one day it all clicked. I am the reason Hawk Nelson sounded like Hawk Nelson and I'm NEVER going to escape that!
So I'm learning to embrace that.
I scrapped the whole thing.
I was done (no pun intended). Everything I had been planning and working on was gone, I wasted a ton of money that I would never see again, and all my friends had bailed on me. I was at rock bottom.
On a positive note, all those obstacles created great songs:)
So I took a 6 month hiatus. I spent a lot of down time in Canada writing songs, trying to stay creative and positive. My wife & family really helped me out in this area. Their prayers & encouragement really got me on my feet again.
Here I am, I've got my new record written. I managed to write 27 songs this summer and decided to keep 14 of them for my debut album which is going under MY name (not Lights Go Down or Hawk Nelson). So bear with me, it's a band in progress... Abandon Progress?
WAIT! OMG my record has a double-meaning!!!!!!
Happy 2013 everybody!! xo
Jason
Click this link to see my very last interview with Hawk Nelson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxpnJT25Y8I
