Hanson Confirms Split With Label As Album Nears Completion
Contributed anonymously:
The following press release was posted today on Hanson’s official fanbclub www.Hanson.net
HANSON IN THE STUDIO WORKING ON THEIR THIRD FULL-LENGTH ALBUM
Three time Grammy nominated artists Hanson, newly free of their recording contract with Island Def Jam, are currently in the studio with producer Danny Kortchmar (Billy Joel, Don Henley, Jon Bon Jovi, James Taylor, Neil Young) recording the final songs for their largely self-produced third full-length album, Underneath. The band and IDJ mutually agreed to part ways this week after not seeing eye-to-eye on the band’s musical direction. Says Taylor Hanson, “Our vision for the songs and the production of this record was something we wouldn’t compromise. We are thrilled to finally be able to finish the record and move forward with our career.” To begin the setup of Underneath, Isaac (22), Taylor (20) and Zac (17) plan on rewarding loyal fans with an intimate club tour and corresponding online event that will showcase the new songs.
Commenting on Hanson, producer Kortchmar said, “In a flavor-of-the-minute” environment for music, I’m very happy to be able to work with a band like Hanson, who are real musicians with a strong vision of what they want to achieve artistically.”
Emerging from Tulsa, OK, Hanson was originally signed by Mercury Records. They rocketed out of the gate with 1997’s Middle of Nowhere, which was nominated for three Grammy’s and spawned three top ten singles including the self-penned smash hit “MMMBop” that went to number one in 27 countries. Through a series of corporate mergers following their debut album, Hanson’s recording contract was assigned to Island Def Jam, where they released the critically acclaimed album, This Time Around with hits; “This Time Around” and “If Only.”
The band is widely credited with inspiring the current wave of young musicians and helping launch the career of Michelle Branch, who was signed while opening for Hanson’s 2000 Tour. Chart-topper Avril Lavigne stated in a recent Rolling Stone interview that she was “influenced especially by the Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox 20 and especially Hanson”
Since their debut album Hanson has sold over 15 million records.
