Jason Dunn Formerly Known As…

Released: May 22, 2026 (Slo-Mo Records)

Written by: Jay Heilman (5/11/2026)

There is a distinct, undeniable rush that comes with standard-issue, high-energy pop-punk—the kind that hits you right in the chest and refuses to let go. For many of us who came of age in the 2000s Christian music scene, that exact rush was soundtracked by Hawk Nelson. When I was first starting out in this industry, anthems like “Zero” didn’t just catch my ear; they deeply ministered to me, fueling a lifelong love for their early sound and cementing their frontman as a foundational voice in the genre.

Then, the road went quiet. For over a decade, that iconic voice was largely absent from the music industry.

But on May 22nd, the silence ends. Jason Dunn is making a triumphant, roaring return to the stage with his brilliant new 10-song solo record, cheekily titled Formerly Known As….

A Mature Lens on a Classic Sound

The title itself is a clever nod to his legacy as the original frontman of Hawk Nelson, but don’t mistake this for a mere exercise in nostalgia. Formerly Known As… is a grown-up, deeply mature look at an artist navigating his post-band years. Over the last decade off the road, Dunn’s backdrop has completely shifted; he is now a devoted husband and father, and he uses those rich life experiences as the primary inspiration for this new collection.

I had the privilege of chatting with Jason recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hawk Nelson’s seminal album, Smile, It’s the End of the World, and we dove deep into the journey that led to this moment. Stepping back into the spotlight wasn’t just about playing a new set of tracks—it was about breathing fresh, vibrant life into the legacy songs he hadn’t performed live in years, all while carving out an entirely new musical path.

On this record, Dunn handles the complexities of his past and the joys of his present with incredible songwriting honesty. He directly addresses the bittersweet nature of how things ended with his former bandmates on the vulnerable “Dear Hawk”. He shifts effortlessly to pure gratitude on “Never Gonna Let Go”, a beautiful love song dedicated to his wife. His kids get the spotlight, too, with moving, personal tributes in “Ryan’s Song” and “January 10”.

Standout Anthems

While the lens of his life has changed, the undeniable DNA of the band he once led still permeates every single track. Longtime fans will instantly recognize and appreciate the essence of that influence. Dunn masterfully replicates the signature energy he’s always been known for, but elevates it with a decade’s worth of perspective.

A few tracks demand immediate repeat listens:

• “Hope”: An infectious, uplifting track that serves as a perfect thesis for his return.

• “Divided States of America” (feat. Curtis Hartshorn of Friendly Neighbor): A sharp, collaborative standout packed with driving energy and timely commentary.

• “Reclaiming My Estate”: The closing track that acts as a powerful exclamation point, tying his past and future together beautifully.

Formerly Known As… is an album that demands your full attention. It serves as both a gift to faithful listeners who have missed his voice and a perfect re-introduction to a whole new generation of punk rock fans.

The Verdict

Jason Dunn has managed a rare feat: he has honored his roots without being trapped by them, further cementing his status as one of the true pillars of the pop-punk genre. Whether you’ve been spinning his tracks since the mid-2000s or you’re discovering him for the very first time, this record is an absolute must-hear.

Mark your calendars, pre-save the album, and get ready—Formerly Known As… May 22nd. You won’t want to miss it.