A Conversation with the Songwriter Handpicked by Sean Penn and Eddie Vedder to Speak Musically for Penn's Film Into the Wild

Have you ever gazed at a beautiful nights' sky, full of stars and promise and thought that there's so much more to this life? Have you thought beyond money, politics and the religions of the world? Have you simply thought that there must be a better way? Well Jerry Hannan has...and through his gift of song he shares those thoughts with the rest of us.

"...We have a greed with which we have agreed. When ya think you have to want more than you need, until you have it all you won't be free. Society, your crazy breed, I hopeyou're not lonely without me." sings Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder on the soundtrack to acclaimed director Sean Penn's film Into the Wild. The lyrics belong to a song called "Society" written by San Francisco singer/songwriter, Jerry Hannan and man do they speak volumes.

As a long standing and revered musician in Northern California, Hannan has a knack for telling it like it is without being preachy or domineering. He's a storyteller in the vain of Dylan and Springsteen mixing honest, heartfelt lyrics with a deliberate, sometimes brooding delivery. That being said, he is also lighthearted with a quick wit. Emotion and mood dictate his music. He is a true artist.

One listen to his latest creation, the aforementioned "Society", the listener acquires the knowledge that Jerry Hannan is a musician for the ages. His passionate attack of the social norm and open rebellion of the status quo is the largest breath of fresh air I've taken in years. Written as companion and chronicle for the real life main character of Penn's film, Christopher McCandless, "Society" gives us eyes into the soul of a man who, whether we admit it or not, lives in all of us. Who hasn't, at one time in their life or another, dreamt of shedding their skin and following their inner most calling to disappear? No two weeks notice, no going away party, no parting shot to friends and family...just "poof" and you're gone! I know I have and if asked to bet, I'd bet you have to. Jerry Hannan has seemingly made the same bet and "Society" is proof of his victory.