It’s All About The Music
Before you start bashing on my band, let me tell you that it’s a simple plutonic relationship I carry on what with Hanson and their music.
I used to be one of those screaming Fansons, hell, even my first concert was Hanson at Red Rocks Ampetheater, July 18th 1998 (a fan like me can never forget the first hanson concert date). I would say that yes, the boys should have been scared for their lives back then. But not now.
However, if their music could somehow take on a humanly form, then it would be time to worry again.
For all you stubborn asses out there, let’s put out of mind the fact that MMMBop made you fear turning on the radio or television. Let’s take away the fact that for boys, hanson was their first taste of questioning their sexuality. I’m here to discuss the boys as a band, their music and their valant emphasis on what they do, and are doing, for the world as well as the music industry.
Back in 1997, Hanson was a top-selling, Platinum-taking, Grammy nominated band. Then out of the blue, they vanished leaving most to wonder what happened, right? Okay, okay, I know half of you don’t care. You’re probably sitting there, snickering to yourself saying, ‘jen, get to the point, my dear.’. And I am. Just hold on a moment. There’s some ‘splaining to do first.
Island/Def Jam were their record label back in those days. The label is still around today, piping out hit artists like The Rocket Summer and Lady Sovereign. I try to limit myself on buying any record with the Island/Def Jam label only because of the shit they put Hanson through. IDJ turned down over 80 songs that Hanson wrote because it wasn’t conforming to the ideal music that one hears today on the radio. Instead of wanting to focus on providing the world, and their fans with honest-to-goodness rock and roll, IDJ wanted the band to bring about messages of another kind.
That’s when Hanson began their struggle with detaching their name and music from the label to try to make it on their own, with their newfound independent label (3CG).
They released their first independent album, Underneath, and it reached the number 1 spot on Bilboards Independent list. They even went on tour and though the venue’s were smaller, providing a more comforting, laid-back feel, the band sold out their concerts still and prevailed.
At their Underneath Acoustic tour, they touched a bit on how the music business works. How radio, these days, only play music selected for us, and not by us. They struck down on the importance of going against the grain and supporting independent bands. Are You Listening is a site you can visit for further information.
It wasn’t long before Hanson met with with Blake Mycoskie (creator of Toms Shoes) and tried their hand at charity work that would end up being the basis for Hanson’s next project; The Walk.
The Walk helps support the battle against AIDS/HIV in Africa. It’s an east concept, really. Buy a pair of shoes, and a pair will be given to a child in née in Africa. Upon thinking about how Hanson can help get their fans involved, they made a song for purchase on iTunes called Great Divide where all proceeds would go for the AIDS/HIV prevention fund.
It was also formed, that before Hanson’s concerts, they would conduct a 1-3 mile walk and urge people to walk it barefoot, so they can see what most people take for granted. They set up Take The Walk providing the world a chance to help make a change in one of the most poverty-stricken places around.
These boys not only defied the world by making it successfully on their own, they found a way to make time, thinking about others as well.
Yes, Hanson and their fans still get crap from day to day by people who still have ‘a pickle in their booty’, but those are the people who fail to see the hardships these boys have encountered and overcome.
I’m not forcing you to like them. I’m not telling you too accept them into your own musical intrests. I’m only asking you to give them a chance. If you still have a problem with it, I’ll ask you to show me a band who is more dedicated to their fans, and still find time to make a personal shoe drop every year voluntarilly. I’ll ask you to find me a band who goes against the grain, and stands up against the music industry by giving others a chance to express theirselves. Show me the band who makes their own music and doesn’t reference drugs, killing, sex…etc. While still being able to produce good ‘ol rock and roll.
Might I add. If you think your girlfriend is a bitch, go to a Hanson concert. I assure you, their concerts beat all others on the bitch scale by infinity.
They’re coming back, guys. I promise =^^=
Oh! And before I’m done ranting on, lemme tell you about this supergroup coming out. It includes people from: Hanson, Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick and Fountains of Wayne. They’re called Tinted Windows.
<3,
Xoxo!
