It's finally here! Brett Dennen's latest studio album, Hope For The Hopeless, is the perfect follow up to the 2006 folk-pop smash So Much More.

With just a year to go before he hits the big 3-0, Brett Dennen has put out three uber-successful albums packed with poetic ballads and bubbly arrangements over the last few years, in addition to a handful of charitable music projects.

Dubbed the "resident rock star" of the San Francisco-based Mosaic Project, Dennen is heavily involved with a variety of nonprofit organizations, like Love Speaks and Survival International. In college he studied non-profit and community work, so it comes as no surprise to learn about his true-blue involvement in issues he so strongly supports in his music. After delving into Dennen's passion for the non-profit world, we sat down to learn a little about his other love: music.

When did your musical career begin? Did you always aspire to be a musician?

I didn't. It sort of just happened naturally. I had been playing guitar for a while, and got into a band in college. After playing in the band for a while, I grew into songwriting, and started to get used to the idea of being a musician.

When they named you an "Artist to Watch" last year, Rolling Stone mentioned your time as a camp counselor in your early twenties, and what they called a "rustic upbringing." How do you feel like these experiences play out in your music?

I think they give me a sense of magic when I write and play. Summer camp and singing around campfires are very magical. I try to tap into that when I perform.

You've been compared to all kinds of folk favorites, from Bob Dylan to Paul Simon, as well as more contemporary names like Dave Matthews and Jack Johnson. Who do you count as major influences?

I am a huge Neil Young, Paul Simon, and Van Morrison fan. I also love Joni Mitchell.

Femi Kuti makes an appearance on your soon-to-be-released album. How did that come about? What was it like playing with him?

He is affiliated with my label... I think he might sign with them. I was asked by my label if I was interested in working with him. I said, "Hell yes!"

I'm sure touring takes you to many places you previously had never been. Any favorite restaurants, bars, venues, truck stops?

Blue Bottle Coffee in San Francisco.

What is fundamentally different about this album? What's changed since So Much More?

Bigger production and better songwriting. I think I have grown into the songs as well. I think I am more expressive with my delivery.

You allude to the Oakland A's in San Francisco -- are you a big baseball fan?

Always. Best team ever. They won the "Battle of the Bay" on my tenth birthday.

How political are you and how do politics inform your songwriting? What issue pertaining to this election is the most important for you?

I am very political and I put a bit of my beliefs in the songs, but I mostly try to write to social and ethical issues. I care most about America taking responsibility for our actions and occupations in other countries. We need to be a leader in fighting global warming, and we need to nationalize healthcare.

Featured Tracks:
When She's Gone
Ain't Gonna Lose You