Hyland, Band On The Rise

Melodic rockers, Hyland, hailing from Minneapolis, MN came onto the music scene with Tooth & Nail Records last year with their debut album Weights & Measures and was also named one of Alternative Press’ 100 BANDS TO WATCH in 2011. They are back with their sophomore release coming in October 2012.  Airwaves Radio recently caught up with the lead singer Jon Lewis to get the scoop on the new album and what is new with the band.

Airwaves: Can you sum up your last year since you released your debut album?

Jon Lewis: I can sum it up in three words:  Finding Our Way.  We had so many ups and downs, so many blessings, an incredible amount of hard work, I got married, and we drove our Chevy van through 44 states.  Looking back, I feel that last year was a proverbial Refiner’s Fire.  We learned a lot about who we were, who we want to become, and watched God give us clear direction in the face of uncertainty.

Airwaves: Is there a working title for this new album?

Jon Lewis: The album is officially titled ‘Finding Our Way’ and it sums up our last year since we released our first record.

Airwaves: Did you co-write with anyone?

Jon Lewis: I did quite a few co-writes in Tacoma, Nashville, and Minneapolis.  I could just list everyone, but I think the process is more important than the star power.  What I learned this time around is that certain people have a different process than I do, and combining our strengths while being vulnerable (even though sometimes you’ve just met) can have exceptional results.  My two favorite co-writes were with Phillip LaRue/Seth Mosley and Nick Departee/Tony Wood.  God was just THERE and the songs felt more like gifts than work.

Airwaves: Do you have a favorite song already?  If so, can you tell us about it?

Jon Lewis: ‘Beauty in the Broken’ definitely.  We’re starting to play it live, and it has such a momentum to it.  You just know that every time you play it, someone needed to hear it.  Being reminded that God is there in our weakness, wanting and waiting to be our strength; it’s just a powerful wake-up call.  I think this song is going to be a catalyst for change in people’s lives, and I think THAT is why it is my favorite.

Airwaves: What is coming up for the rest of 2012 for you guys?

Jon Lewis: We’re heading out on the road with Kutless and Fireflight on the Believer Tour, and the album will come out right in the thick of it.  We’re thrilled to be getting out with Kutless, we really look up to those guys, and this will be our third tour with Fireflight, we love them dearly.  Can’t wait!