The last that many college students remember of the band Hanson is the late 90s pop radio overkill of “Mmmbop.” The tune topped the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart for three weeks in 1997. With the release of their first album, “Middle of Nowhere,” the three brothers were all over the radio, magazines and television and were even nominated for three Grammy awards in 1998.
Like most of the other pop bands of the period, Hanson disappeared from the scene almost as quickly as it arrived. By the time its next album was released in 2000, the band was nearly forgotten. It seemed that it would be nothing more than pop culture trivia in a world driven by “the next big thing.”
Isaac Hanson, 24, Taylor Hanson, 22, and Zac Hanson, 20, exploded onto the popular music scene before they were old enough to drive. They topped the charts and sold millions. What few seemed to notice was that these teenagers were writing all of their music and playing their own instruments. As their voices, talent and style matured, Hanson had all of the makings of a great rock band. It gained respect from the likes of The Grateful Dead, Elton John and U2 for the talented and energy it wielded at such a young age. Thom Yorke of Radiohead put it simply, “If you want to be entertained, go and see Hanson.” Even Eminem commented on the young band. “Why the [expletive] would I hate Hanson? They’re the only [expletive] real band out there,” he said.
What happened next looked like nothing more than a one-hit wonder disappearing act. In actuality, it was a four-year struggle to gain creative freedom and make music on its own terms. This struggle involved leaving its former label, Island Def Jam, and creating its own label, 3CG Records. It also involved financing the recording and marketing of “Underneath,” the band’s first album in four years. The album, released in April 2004, entered the Billboard Independent Chart at No. 1 and is one of the most successful independently released albums in history.
Hanson puts a name and face to an almost unrecognized problem in the music industry. It now hopes to use its experience – and its loyal fan base – to promote awareness of independent music and support other indie artists. This month marks the start of Hanson’s second major tour since the release of “Underneath.” It has a contest running in which the fans vote for local bands to open each show along the tour. This helps to support independent musicians and gives the fans a voice. “Every fan that we grab is one that we want to value more than we have ever before,” keyboardist T. Hanson said. “We have an opportunity not only to build a direct relationship with our fans around the world, but also allow them to communicate with each other and create a powerful community.”
Another ground-breaking move for Hanson involves the upcoming release of its documentary “Strong Enough to Break.” The film chronicles its struggle with Island Def Jam and eventually with the individuals as artists. According to I. Hanson, it began as a behind-the-scenes look at writing and recording music but evolved into a spotlight on the inner workings of the recording industry.
Their desire to bring the story to the generation it most affects has it currently taking “Strong Enough to Break” to college campuses across the country. Along with a screening of the film, the band hosts a discussion with students in an effort to open their eyes to the struggle that has until now gone unheard. “We are here to talk about music and try to make students and young people aware of their importance of being involved,” Z. Hanson said at a recent screening at University of Central Florida. “They are going to be defined by what’s played on the radio, what’s played on MTV, and they have the power to redefine it.”
Hanson is just one example of the countless talented bands who struggle to have their music heard. The only difference is that Hanson was able to pull out of the rubble and is now on a mission to help others do the same. As the band loudly proclaims, it is in the hands of the fans to support their favorite music and make a change.
