LUBBOCK, TX | June 30, 2026 – Today, June 30th, The Daytime Rivalry (Lubbock, TX) released a single with none other than Christian Pop Punk Legend, Jason Dunn (Peterborough, CA) . Dunn, thought to be out of the game after his departure from Hawk Nelson in 2012, recently made his return to the spotlight with his album Formerly Known As. “Smile” steals its opening line from Hawk Nelson’s 2006 record, Smile, It’s the end of the world. Being a massive influence on The Daytime Rivalry growing up, this is not only the completion of a lifelong dream, but also a step forward into establishing The Daytime Rivalry’s growing reputation and fan base.
Tim was 10 years old when he bought my first two CD’s ever at Mardel. The first: TobyMac - Welcome To Diverse City. The 2nd: Hawk Nelson - Smile, It’s the end of the world. This catapulted him into a world of music and community that was built on something so positive and spirit infused that he is proud to look back on and have been a part of.
When he learned that the opportunity for a Jason Dunn feature was actually possible, he went to the drawing board on writing a song that was an ode, not only to that Hawk Nelson Record, but also an ode to the community he and many others grew up with.
“This was a dream come true for me especially as the size of the artist I am right now. I actually wrote the chorus on a lunch break at the Weekend To Remember Marriage Conference in San Antonio, TX. My wife was thrilled!”
What came out after a full writing and producing session, with Cory Brunnemann, was memories of misfit friends who are now killing it in adult life as business owners, parents, and so much more. As well as remembering some that are no longer with us for different reasons.
The final version of “Smile Ft. Jason Dunn” is a unique high-energy, nostalgic pop-punk summer anthem celebrating its 20th anniversary legacy while touching on notes of mental health. It is also the lead single for the upcoming 6-song EP from The Daytime Rivalry
(Disclaimer: No Ai was used in this process — just pure raw nostalgia.)
