-:- lali de princesse -:- (lalique) wrote in _hanson, @ 2008-04-27 22:35:00 |
|
|||
Current mood: | amused |
Take a 'Walk' with Hanson
By DONNIE MOORHOUSE
Music writer
As this piece is being written, the members of the band Hanson - Zak, Taylor and Isaac Hanson - are likely walking the streets of Rochester, N.Y., followed by what is most likely a throng of enthusiastic fans.
This is not a video shoot, or some forced recreation of the hysteria that followed the success of their 1997 wild pop hit "Mmm Bop."
This walk is about inspiration.
It is about the now-indie band being inspired and hoping to inspire others.
Hanson is on the third leg of a tour supporting "The Walk" - their self-released CD of new songs that was partly inspired by a trip to Africa. The physical walk they take with fans before each show, a one mile "Barefoot Walk," is to raise awareness about the AIDS crisis in Africa and to hopefully inspire social change.
"We've done the walk in all situations, rain or shine," said Taylor Hanson, gearing up for the trek through Rochester. "The only way we won't do it is if there is a chance it would put fans through some undue misery."
The pre-concert walk has brought out a mix of Hanson fans.
"There are some that are just surprised," Taylor Hanson said. "They are not really expecting you to walk out the front door. But in a lot of cases they are people that have been to a bunch of these walks and they are almost part of the crew. They are really interested in what we are doing and in some ways proud to be part of something. It has been very rewarding."
Hanson admits that he and his brothers thought long and hard about "preaching" about anything, but in the end realized that their goal has always been to affect their audience.
"There is a moment of truth there when you wonder if people will stick with us or if it will fail miserably," he said. "It comes down to realizing that we couldn't not bring our other passions to the table. It comes down to being inspired and if you are going to affect people, why not in a way that would motivate you."
Not that the band's existence these days is built solely on social consciousness. They are still an indie band that is trying to survive in an ever-shrinking music business, a plight that is as consuming as their charitable drive.
"Indie music is really the heartbeat of who we are right now," said Hanson.
The band has a documentary that can be watched in installments on YouTube and another that airs on www.hanson.net The group utilizes as many Web resources as possible to reach out to fans.
In 1997, the band sold 4 million copies of its debut "Middle of Nowhere," earning three Grammy nominations. Just seven years later, after parting ways with its label and cutting ties with the corporate side of the music business, its first indie record, "Underneath," sold 40,000 copies upon release, making it one of the top-selling indie records of all time.
Hanson plays the Calvin Theatre tomorrow night. Tickets are available through iheg.com or by calling the Northampton Box Office at (413) 586-8686. For information on the band's pre-concert mile jaunt through the streets of Northampton, log on to www.hanson.net
Link to article: here
Hanson Rock 'The Walk'
MMMBop No More
By Dan Lorenz
dlorenz@seacoastonline.com
CD REVIEW: HANSON, "THE WALK"
Score: 7.5
From the earliest days of "mmm-bopping" their way into the hearts and minds of Tiger Beat-reading pre-teens everywhere, Hanson began their musical careers fixed firmly at the epicenter of the sugary pop universe.
Most of their original fans have now grown up, and thankfully, so have they. Although their latest effort, "The Walk," is pure, unapologetic pop, the band has made an effort toward a richer, more instrument-driven indie sound, a change that was very necessary — and much more rewarding for the listener.
Since breaking from their Island/Def Jam label, the brothers have made an effort to legitimize themselves in the wake of unbridled pop success, creating their own independent label and focusing their songwriting on more mature, serious topics.
"The Walk" is an earnest effort, and certainly earns itself a spot in the realm of classic pop-rock comebacks. Their old sound is buried deep underneath their soulful hooks and catchy guitar riffs, only momentarily peeking its head out to belt three-part harmony in songs like "Something Going Round" and "Got a Hold on Me."
"The Walk" is eager to please, taking its musical influences from rhythm and blues, rock, and even country. With such a wide array of styles, it's likely that even the most jaded anti-Hanson lobbyist will find a song to nod their head to.
While the musical styles may vary, Hanson's distinct late '90s voice still shines through, somewhat to their detriment. Like the candy, swallowing too much pop-rock in one sitting can cause a stomachache. It would take a dedicated fan to listen through all 17 tracks in one sitting; don't be afraid to use the "skip" button liberally.
Overall, the trio has created a solid pop album, one that should be taken simply for what it is. Don't let their reputation convince you otherwise; Hanson has certainly re-invented themselves and will likely earn a few more fans in the process.
Link: here
Hanson keeping it real
Focus on music and message as it takes a more mature tone
By John J. Moser | Of The Morning Call
The hottest music act these days is a trio of teen siblings, featuring a high-voiced lead singer.
The Jonas Brothers of New Jersey are topping the charts and selling out concert halls.
But 11 years ago, that same description fit another threesome -- Hanson from Tulsa, Okla.
And Taylor Hanson says he and his brothers Zac and Isaac -- now all married and, when Zac's wife gives birth next month, all fathers -- can tell the Jonases a thing or two about success and how to have a lasting career in music.
It's not idle talk: More than a decade after they were long-haired, tow-headed teens and their hit ''MMMBop'' saturated radio and sold millions, Hanson still is releasing strong, well-received albums, such as last year's rock-and-soul flavored ''The Walk,'' which looked at the personal and social responsibilities that come with maturity.
And they're also still selling out venues, including shows on Friday at Allentown's Crocodile Rock and next Saturday at Lancaster's Chameleon Club.
It's not just love of family and fans that unites the Hansons and Jonases. Both were ''discovered'' by record producer Steve Greenberg.
Taylor, 25, says that he and his brothers have been able to sustain their career because they put music first.
''I think more than anything the reason we're still here is because it was always about the music, and it was always about finding a connection with your fans and holding onto it,'' Taylor says.
''If you're interested in actually being a band for a long time ... every step you make you have to keep in mind, 'Well, what's this mean five years from now -- what does it mean to be a band that wasn't just successful in the '90s and wants to retire a few years later.'
''That's really the way we always looked at it -- [that] we're just young now. We jokingly used to say, 'Think of us as old guys with high voices.' We're not in this for the moment right now; this is just the beginning.
Hanson says he takes it as a compliment that ''people are looking back and drawing comparisons that are the real comparisons -- writing, playing the music and being brothers and being successful at it.'' But he says, ''I think musically it's clearly a very, very different thing.''
Especially now. There's a maturity on ''The Walk,'' the second disc Hanson has released on their own 3CG Records since leaving the Island/Def Jam label amid disputes.
''I don't want to be on the defensive, but I think we were always writing about stuff that was, to be honest, it was probably beyond our age group,'' says Taylor.
''So in a lot of ways I think people are able to see today kind of more honestly what we've always been: literally in the sound of our voices, in the sound of our presentation, guys in our mid-20s,'' he says, laughing. ''And so I guess in a way I don't really see if it's 'more mature,' but it is definitely mature.
''Every album, your life has been that much more rich. The last couple years we have been starting a record company and embracing some of these social issues, our trip to Africa during the making of this album.''
While maturity added richness to Hanson's music, it also brought a startling reminder of mortality.
At the end of a 2007 tour last year (they played Crocodile Rock in March 2007) Isaac, the oldest brother at 27, had a life-threatening affliction called a pulmonary embolism -- a pinched blood vessel that causes a blood clot that went to his lung. He had surgery to correct it -- it included removing a rib, Taylor says -- in December and took an extended rest.
The surgery was ''really successful and his doctors recommended that he actually try to stay active now that he's had time to heal,'' Taylor says.
Taylor, a father of three, describes he and his brothers as ''just guys raising families and trying to keep things afloat, but then we go out and we do the touring and get in the bus and we travel around the world.
''We all have amazing wives -- I mean, my wife is a complete gold medalist in survival and she's just an incredible sport for me and makes everything possible for us. In fact, when we're on the long tours, we try and take the family with us. My 5-year-old periodically says 'When are we getting on the bus?'
Speaking of singing siblings, does the future hold a second generation of Hansons, ala The Osmonds?
''Gosh, I can't predict the future, so I can't say there won't be,'' he says. ''We sort of joke that we're a band that happens to be brothers; it wasn't like the Hanson family [was the] Von Trapps ... So I don't know if that'll transfer completely into other bands.
''But they're creative. My kids all sing and they hear melody really well and Â
you know what? It could happen. There could definitely be some other musicians in the family. In fact, I'm sure there will be. It's just a question of whether people will decide that they're going to go make it a career, and go for it.
''Look, you cannot fabricate it or force it. If it's there, it is. If it's not Â
you're probably lucky,'' he says, laughing.
With that outlook, he says he doesn't foresee an end to the band.
''Look, unless something tragic happens, the world's going to have to deal with us until we die,'' he says. ''Ultimately it's the kind of thing where you can't not do it. And that's the way we are. We love many things, but ultimately we're artists, so we'll be doing it.''
john.moser@mcall.com
Link: here
Walk organizer ticketed
It's a first for touring pop group Hanson
BY MIKE RUTLEDGE | MRUTLEDGE@NKY.COM
COVINGTON - When pop group Hanson led a walk down Madison Avenue before its April 17 concert at the Madison Theater, it was an Mmm-Bummer for the show's promoter.
The band, known for its 1997 No. 1 single "Mmm-Bop," holds mile-long walks before shows to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and poverty in South Africa. About 100 fans participated here, walking to the Covington Landing site and back.
Nashville promoter Jason Zink, who grew up in Fort Thomas, received a misdemeanor citation for leading the walk without a city permit. The maximum penalty: $250 in fines and 30 days in jail. He must return next month for his court date.
"This is the 54th city they said they did - and never had to get any kind of permit to do it, have never had any issue," said Zink, of Outback Concerts, which promotes shows nationwide. "The city of Covington apparently are the only folks that are with-it enough to understand the full impact of the Hanson barrage."
"It's a really positive thing," Zink said about Hanson's walks, part of their Walk Tour. "Their message is certainly we can't all save the world, but in our small, individual ways, we should all do what we can - that's certainly a good message for people to hear, and a good thing to have in your community, one would think."
Police Chief Lee Russo said Madison Theater Chief Executive Officer Esther Johnson went to the city about an hour beforehand, seeking a permit.
"There's no way we can respond and deal with the situation, make sure it's going to be a safe environment for these kids who are going to be walking in this," Russo said. "And number two, for the traffic."
Russo, who believes permit applications are due "at least 30 days" in advance, said he decided the 3 p.m. walk should not happen. He met with Johnson and Zink about 30 minutes beforehand, and told them, "If you do this, here's what we plan to do: We will cite the promoter for organizing it, and then doing it."
"They said, 'OK.' We left, they subsequently organized it, let it go," Russo said.
"The walk happens, everything goes great, and about an hour or so later, several Covington police come up and give me a citation for leading a parade through downtown," Zink said. "Their comment was I was told not to do this, but I did it anyway. And if we wanted to play games, then they'd play games."
Zink insists he was not told not to do it. "The comment was, 'We are not going to stop you from doing this, but maybe you want to think about just talking with the crowd in the back parking lot,'" to discuss safety tips, like not crossing against red lights, Zink said.
"I told him we were not authorizing it," Russo said.
"Frank Warnock, the city solicitor, said the same thing: 'We cannot endorse this. If you do it, it's a violation, and you'll be charged.'"
Zink said Russo and Warnock told him "city council members were upset. ... If I were a voter, I probably would be curious to know which of the council members were trying to keep the cute, young girls from spending money in Covington."
Mayor Butch Callery said he had noticed "all these teeny boppers," but said he didn't complain or hear of any city commissioners doing so. He did not realize anyone was cited.
"I definitely have to go to court, and the officer made a point of telling me that if I didn't show up that a bench warrant would be issued for my arrest," Zink said.
"I saw where they just arrested a guy for swimming across the river. I'd probably be careful if I were riding a bike around in Covington - it seems like they have a citation triathlon they're trying to complete."
The band was unavailable to comment Friday.
Link: here
The Daily Collegian sits down with Hanson
By Teresa Reilly & Skye McIntyre, Collegian Staff
On a hot Friday afternoon, Hanson led over 50 barefooted fans through the streets and neighborhoods of Northampton. The brothers, whose hit single “MmmBop” left them as ’90s pop icons, were proving to the people of Western Massachusetts that walking barefoot hurts and children in Africa do it on a daily basis. They were walking with TOMS Shoes, a company that gives a child in Africa a pair of shoes for every pair sold. The walk was Hanson’s 60th since they began touring last fall.
Before the band played to a nearly sold-out crowd in the Calvin Theater, Taylor and Zac Hanson were kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions about the walks, bullet scares and midget ninja pastry chefs.
Daily Collegian: Do you have any stand out memories from the tour so far?
Taylor Hanson: There have been a couple really intense things that have happened. We had a scare when we were in Royal Oak, outside of Detroit, where we thought we had somebody with a gun. There was a bullet that was discovered in the front row.
Zac Hanson: We had to find them and shoot them. [Laughing]
TH: That was pretty intense. Unfortunately, it’s really sad to say; but on the last tour, the Walk Tour, in the fall and many other times we’ve had people call us with death threats and like when we were in Chicago last year we had somebody say “If you do the walk today you won’t…”
ZH: “You won’t survive.”
TH: Yea, “you won’t leave this town alive.”
DC: You got phone calls or e-mails?
ZH: A little bit of everything.
TH: So we had to take that seriously in Detroit. But, that’s not very positive. But when we found a .40 bullet in the front row, and somebody felt it drop on their foot, they immediately started searching to see if somebody had a gun. We had to rally and call extra police and also make it safe. We were worried about everybody, not just whether we’re going to get shot. So, that was a little bit of scare, and everybody was cooperative, and we had cops there. It turned out that an off-duty cop’s girlfriend was carrying bullets in her purse, and they had fallen out of her purse.
ZH: Did she explain?
TH: Don’t ask. [Laughing] But then, like an idiot, some guy rushed the stage before we found out who had dropped the bullet, and he tried to get onstage.
DC: While you were performing?
TH: Right after we had walked offstage.
ZH: In between sets.
TH: These guys [the cops] were ready to stomp somebody, and so he got his butt tazed. He was thrown around, and he was taken to jail. Five cops just right on his ass.
ZH: Tackled, dragged outside, three knees in his back. [Cops yelling] “Stop resisting!” But that’s what you get for rushing the stage after they announce that there is a security concern at the venue tonight, and there’s two cops standing at the top of each side of the stage. There’s double the security there was 12 minutes ago, and “I’m going to rush the stage because I’m drunk.”
TH: Just really, really stupid. But actually, what I was going to say was that with all of that going on, it was a really great show.
ZH: Yeah, you got to leave your legacy if you’re going out. “We’re going out tonight guys, this is it. Best show of my life!”
TH: It turned out to be a great show; and also I’ve been really blown away by all the walks we’ve been doing and how many people have come out to support us. We’ve had some of the best walks we’ve had on the whole tour since last year. It’s been really interesting. Some walks have been small, some walks have been huge, but it’s great. You get to see each tour stop very differently based on doing the walks and doing the shows, and it adds a whole new dimension to your memory of each place. You get a sense of the crowd in each city.
DC: What’s the most surprising item on your tour rider?
ZH: Um, ninja midget pastry chef. That’s the most shocking one.
DC: What is that?
ZH: A ninja, midget, pastry chef.
TH: We’ve been trying to get one on the rider.
ZH: No, that’s on the rider.
TH: It’s just really rare to get those delivered to every town. For instance, there are a lot of small people but not necessarily ones who are also ninjas and pastry chefs as well.
ZH: That is actually on our rider, and it has yet to be fulfilled.
TH: You need somebody who has both the power to kill and has a sensitive side and can also provide a service for the tour. But of course, you’d never see him, because he’s very small and all of a sudden you just see a pastry coming.
ZH: You don’t want to eat any of the pastries because he might have poisoned one or two of them, just for fun. That’s what ninjas do.
DC: You’re biggest guilty pleasure song?
ZH: Don’t have them. The songs I like, I like.
DC: Really, none?
ZH: I like a song and will tell you it, or I don’t like it. I’m not a pansy.
DC: There’s part B to this question.
TH: In other words, if we like a song we’re proud to say we like the song. For instance, I’m not a Celine Dion fan particularly, but she has an incredible voice and has sung a lot of great songs.
ZH: Although, I wouldn’t say she has the best voice out of anyone in the world though, like she has claimed.
DC: Did she say that?
ZH: She said it in some interview at some point, “I am the greatest singer in the world.”
TH: I think that’s probably true for all of us; although Ike probably has guilty pleasures.
ZH: But he’s not here right now.
TH: What’s part B?
DC: Part B is, can you crank that Soulja Boy?
TH: Can we what?
ZH: Negative.
DC: Have you ever heard that song, “Crank That” by Soulja Boy?
ZH: I know exactly what you’re talking about and no, that is not one of my guilty pleasures. Now, I might have missed something about it, because every time I hear it, it’s like, “Oh, it’s that song, click.” So, I’ve never put any effort into trying to crank that. Someday maybe. We’ll cover it. We’ll make it different.
DC: You guys have been doing a lot with the walk, trying to help, is there anything besides the walk that fans can do?
TH: That’s a really good question. One of the things we’re trying to do is one, find a way for you guys to link to each other to help make events more successful and so people can organize better if they do want to set up a walk event. One of the things we encourage people to do is to look at – if you’re not comfortable with direct connection with an organization based in Africa then you can start by looking at local organizations and say 'why don’t we start by raising funds for this particular AIDS research here in town or a clinic.' The other thing is that we’re about to set up a very simple page with a few other ideas, a few other things people can do. There’s a group called Blood Water Mission, which raises money to drill clean water wells. They have a couple really simple ways to donate, all the way down to a simple dollar donation. That was one of the things we were going to recommend people could do. There are also a couple of other simple examples like that.
ZH: When you look at AIDS, there are so many things that sort of coincide with it, like shoes. For instance, a mother, she has a baby, but she can’t feed her baby breast milk because breast milk contains the virus so she’s using formula which needs clean water.
TH: You have to hit from both sides. To be honest, we’re so overwhelmed by all that we’ve been trying to do, we haven’t gotten to where we wish we were but there are a couple of things that we’re going to be launching and integrating the walk into, which would really be helpful for that. One of them is going to start with a really simple page that will give a few more ideas of simple things we can do, starting with donating just a dollar and then moving to ‘now that you’ve donated a dollar, this is an awesome organization and if you’re one of those people who wants more, wants to help them raise more money or do more stuff and all the way up to trying to give fans and other people wanting to be involved more tools to set up their own events if they want to try and organize and we’re trying to support that with banners and use our own street team to try and make events bigger, connecting with other bands. I think it goes back, to like we said, if you’re stuck and you really want to do more, it’s ok to start local. It’s ok to start looking at these issues in our town because it is also going to teach you something about what you’re learning yourself about the cause and the issues with AIDS, with pediatric AIDS, kids that are born with the disease. It will help you become more involved with something like the hospitals in Africa. Also, HIVSA, the organization we’ve raised money for with “Great Divide," you can never go wrong if you just want to say, ‘ok, I’m going to come up with a sell tin cans idea and raise money for a check for HIVSA.' They are just rock solid. They are a fantastic group and they are leading the charge in making a difference and finding a cure if there is ever going to be one, to create a vaccine and preventing children from getting this disease.
LINK: here