The great pop/rock trio, Believable Picnic, becomes our next interview victims. Lead vocalist Jade Hanson, older brother of Joel Hanson, of PFR, recently dropped everything to answer some questions.  

Jesus freak Hideout: How'd you come up with the name "Believable Picnic"?

Jade Hanson: Joel and I used to have a different band every weekend (Joel lived with me in '88 here in Nashville) and "bp" was one of the names we used, the original name for the band was brother sponge.

JFH: How did the band get started?

Jade: I toured with PFR for 2 years and after every show people would come up to and ask me if I had my own band. After about 2000th time I thought that maybe God was talking to me and that I should pursue it!

JFH: How would you describe your sound & why did you pick it for Believable

Picnic?

Jade: We like to think of ourselves as modern rock with a dash of Monty Python. We didn't pick our sound, persay, it just seemed to happen, kinda like a bad rash!

JFH: What bands have influenced your sound?

Jade: Jeff & I grew up in the "Big 80s" so a lot of that stuff plus all the cool classic stuff, Jason was more into Kansas, Rush and the other more artrock bands.

JFH: Would you ever consider going into the mainstream market if you didn't have to compromise your message?

Jade: Absolutely, in order to fulfill the Great Commission we have to get to the unsaved, the mainstream market is almost the only way!

JFH: Where do you get the ideas for writing your songs?

Jade: LIFE!!! Just existing gives us plenty of inspiration. We hope that everyone (through the songs) understands the joy we feel in having Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior through thick and thin.

JFH: Are you guys working on any new material for a sophomore album??

Jade:Oooohhhh yeaaaaaaa! If our first picnic was in a public park, lets just say that the next one will be on a extreme sports expedition, but we won't forget the Gray Poupon.

JFH: What is the meaning behind the song "Shangri La"?

Jade: It is a colorful description of Heaven.

JFH: What's "Lion's Den" about?

Jade: It is the one nonsense song on our album, it is about our practice room at our friends house (the Lyons) and about all the people that would visit during practice!

JFH: Who is "Mr. Good Intentions?"

Jade: Mr Good Intentions is about myself, I have an unfortunate gift for not accomplishing what I set out to do, in all areas of my life!! It is one of my biggest struggles (your prayers would be appreciated) and an ongoing battle. I wrote the song from the perspective of Mr. Good Intentions being my alter ego, which often times is how it feels.

JFH: How important do you think it is for fans of Christian music to attend Christian concerts?

Jade: VERY!!!!!!!! It is very difficult to support a ministry and if Christian bands are going to have a platform in which to reach the unsaved, the body of Christ needs to help support it!!!

JFH: What's the band's favorite movies?

Jade: Wow tough question, in my case, at this time, I would have to say Braveheart or anything with great special effects! Jeff likes comedies and Jason likes cerebral movies.

JFH: So, you guys like Monty Python! Do you have a favorite skit??

Jade: The parrot skit!!!!

JFH: The Jesus freak Hideout site was started out of appreciation for good Christian music. We've set a goal to try to use the site to spread Christian music, as well as God's Word, & show others how great Christian music can be. Do you listen to Christian music? If so, what bands?

Jade: Some. It is hard though, most CHR [Christian Hit Radio] stations have way too broad a format for us. Hearing Skillet then 4him is too much for me!!

JFH: I really appreciate you taking out the time in your busy schedule to answer some questions for us. Are there any last comments you'd like to make?

Jade: Cling tenaciously to Christ, it's too easy to be sucked into today's world and leave your faith on the back burner!