Back to Articles

Taylor Hanson talks about breaking loose with indie disc 'Underneath' The new disc was released on the band's independent label, 3CG.

The final track on Hanson's latest disc, "Underneath" is a plaintive, piano-based ballad that finds lead singer Taylor Hanson yearning for something to believe in.

When asked in a telephone interview to pick out a few things he most believes in - things that keep him going each day - Taylor zeroed in on family and the aspects of life that give him solace. "My relationships with my family are definitely paramount," he said. "That glues it all together. I've always been fueled by that.

"At the core of it is just joy in my life and finding things that really give me absolute peace. A lot of times, it takes sacrifice, pursuit and commitment to get to that place.

"I think I would do anything to really be at peace with whatever decisions I make with my life."

Taylor can sleep soundly knowing he and his brothers have made some fine decisions this year.

Taylor and his brothers have recently been in Thailand and have done the first few dates of the band's plugged-in tour.

Taylor was eager to discuss the band's independent label, 3CG, which is short for Three Car Garage.

The trio released "Underneath" in April via 3CG and came up with a powerhouse indie record that shows their musical and business savvy.

But has "Underneath" proved to critics and the band's detractors that Hanson's success is based on quality musicianship -- rather than just the band's allure to young teeny-boppers?

"I don't know whether we've reached that point, honestly," Taylor said. "I think nobody has asked for approval. I do think that we're in an amazing position to tell the story of who this band has always been from the beginning. And we've really made huge strides with everything we've done to bring the focus back to, you know, the stuff that matters: the music we make and the things we talk about.

"That's really always been what we've tried to do. I don't think we should ever stop shooting for higher goals, but I'm really, really happy with what we've done so far."

Deciding to release "Underneath" on 3CG ultimately was a decision for the three brothers to take control of their future, Taylor said.

"One thing we knew was, whatever happened, we wanted to be in control of our content and in control of where we went," he said. "I think that decision definitely took a certain amount of cajones . . . I'm excited to redefine what it means to be an independent band."

That redefinition involves basing everything on "passion" and "building a lasting relationship" with their fans.

"We're out there to connect with people and win," he said.

At that, Taylor realized he didn't sound like a regular dude in a pop band -- he sounded "a little bit like the CEO."

But, oh well, he loves talking about the business side of Hanson. It offers him something music and fame do not.

"It's exciting because from the beginning we had no trouble getting down into the mud and dealing with everything, because we really care about it," he said. "And so I think it's cool to be in a position where we're actually supposed to be doing that."

As far as signing other artists to 3CG, that will have to wait, he said.

"We're not focused on that right now just because we've got so much on our plate. But we would like to," Taylor said. "I think that's the ultimate dream: we'll get to spend every waking moment focused on another act and record at some point.

"We'll take the passion we have for music in general and help other acts to be successful. It'd be really healthy for us to do that, and not do it for ourselves."

Until then, the band of brothers is out there promoting the new record.

It's a blast for him these days because after four years of playing acoustic gigs, Taylor is reveling in finally playing full-on electric shows.

"It really is such a different experience and such a liberating thing to finally be plugging in," he said. "It's been so amazing to see how we've continued to carry a group of fans along and have them come back and still be excited to see what we're going to do next.

"I'm just getting into the enjoyment of playing a full-on rock 'n' roll show."

The trio will play a two-night stand Aug. 7 and 8 at the Cain's Ballroom.

Taylor was cryptic about the nature of the shows.

"Well, we always say that we never really play the same show," he said. "It's not a mandate, it's just a natural thing that happens. We're definitely going to try and change them up.

"I don't want to give it away, but we're going to make it so if people come to both shows, which they should definitely go for, it won't be the same."

The new record is doing wonders for the band's career, but that doesn't mean Taylor isn't already thinking about the next disc.

" 'Underneath' is a cool statement because it's the first record to be totally produced on our own, but the following album is really going to begin the next era of our band, where we'll be able to take it up a notch," he said.

"I think this next record is going to be a much more of a off-the-floor, live experience whereas 'Underneath' is more spacious, a little more broken down in places and more mellow. It's definitely like a very textural, rich record. I think the next record is going to be a little more let loose."

Actually, he'd like to capture some of the visceral attitude found on a few "Underneath" tracks.

"If you listen to the song, 'Get Up & Go,' for instance, there's a certain rawness to it," Taylor said. "Or even 'Lost Without Each Other,' which is definitely very tight, together and punchy, but there's a certain release, a certain kind of garage-rock rawness to it. I also think the next album is going to be a little tougher."

What it all comes down to is Taylor and his brothers are doing things their way.

"I love the oppportunity to affect people with something that is very real to me," he said. "Again, there's a lot of bull (expletive) and you've got to brave your way through all of that.

"Whenever I get to walk out on stage, I get to talk about things that matter. I'm very proud of that and I don't take that for granted. I'm really enjoying the opportunity to work my ass off and love what I do.

"Hopefully, I'll change some people by doing that."

Through the years

• 1980: Clarke Isaac Hanson born
• 1983: Jordan Taylor Hanson born
• 1985: Zachary Walker Hanson born
• 1992: Hanson makes big performing debut on the community stage of Mayfest.
• 1997: “Middle of Nowhere” released. Album reaches No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. Its single, “MMMBop,“ hits No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Top 40 Mainstream chart. The disc ultimately yields two other top 10 singles and sells 8 million copies.
• 1997: The band releases its Christmas album, “Snowed In.” It reaches No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart.
• 1998: Hanson nominated for three Grammy Awards, for Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It releases “Live from Albertane.”
• 1998: “Three Car Garage: Indie Recordings 1995-1996” released.
• 2000: “This Time Around” hits No. 19 on the Billboard 200 chart. The title track hits No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Also, Hanson sweeps the Spot Music Awards in Tulsa, winning Artist of the Year, Best National Album and Best Rock Act.
• 2002: Taylor gets married and becomes a father
• 2004: Hanson releases “Underneath” on its own label, 3CG. It tops Billboard’s independent albums chart.

Matt Gleason 581-8473
matt.gleason@tulsaworld.com

Concert: HANSON
When
7 p.m. Aug. 7-8

Where
Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N. Main St.

Admission
Aug. 7 show sold out; Aug. 8 show, $28 in advance