CHAT TRANSCRIPTS

Hanson.net
28 March 2004

REDBECCA: How do you perceive the independent music industry evolving in the future?
HANSON: Interesting question!
HANSON: I think the most important thing is to not focus so much on the industry, rather on the music itself. The music is where it starts and that's what we all need to stay focused on. Obviously online stores like iTunes are becoming more and more viable in exposing people to music and it seems like the industry is moving in that direction.

NATALIECOBAIN: I got to read this article a while ago and at the end of it the writer of the article wrote "...they are probably way too good to be ever played on the radio again..." I wanted to know how you guys feel about it.
HANSON: First off, that's very complimentary of them. I'd have to say thanks to the writer, but hopefully no music is ever too good to be played on the radio :)
HANSON: But it's nice that they liked it that much!

SEVERAL PEOPLE: What made you decide to move to NY as opposed to LA, staying in Tulsa or moving to any other city?
HANSON: The reason is that a lot of our business is based out of here. But it's also a great city and we always enjoyed the time we spent here.

SECONDHANDONSHOES: How did you meet Ben Jelen and is there any chance he will open for you guys again on another tour?
HANSON: We met Ben at a party and got to hear some of his music and loved it. I think we might see him at a show in the near future!

SEVERAL PEOPLE: What can we expect on the Underneath Tour this summer?
HANSON: Hopefully more of the same as the Acoustic Tour... obviously it'll be electric so it'll be different. Expect to have a lot more fun, and expect a the volume to be at level 11! (Reference to Spinal Tap)
HANSON: We'll be hitting a lot of cities starting in early summer and continue the tour throughout the rest of the year.

SEVERAL PEOPLE: Will you have new merchandise?
HANSON: Yes, we're definitely working on that right now!
HANSON: Expect to see it soon!

SEVERAL PEOPLE: Do you plan to release Underneath internationally? When?
HANSON: Underneath is going to be released internationally. It's actually out in Japan right now. It'll be released in the rest of southeast Asia soon. We're also working on the rest of the world.

FORLOVEOFMUSIC: If another band/artist wanted to cover one of your songs, which one would you be the most honored for them to sing?
HANSON: We would be honored by anyone covering our music. Of course, each artist would have a different song that would fit them best.
HANSON: We've had different upcoming bands talk about covering our songs. It's always flattering when bands cover more obscure stuff.

MIHO: What Japanese food that you ate here did you like the most??
HANSON: We're always fans of good old fashioned Ramen. We loved Sushi when we were there, and it was actually a first for us in Japan! It was great.

ONEBREATH: When you step out on stage, and all those people in the crowd are screaming for you, out of admiration and love, how does that make you feel? How do you respond to something like that?
HANSON: It's incredible to be making music and having fans respond to it. We feel humbled and honored every time we go out there.

GNR0502: My question is do you think you'll ever do another Christmas CD??
HANSON: I don't know if we'll ever do another album per se. We've thought about releasing Snowed In with some new bonus features possibly this winter.

KENISAMAZING: How have you guys liked the process [so far] of releasing Underneath independantly and having total control of your career?
HANSON: We've always been really hands on when it comes to our music. But it's been really exciting taking on the direction of our career in a brand new way. We feel like this is a whole new step in Hanson history.

HANFAN007: Since creating your own label, have you found DJ's and program directors receptive vs. being on a major label; is there still a prejudice among program directors toward "independent" or non affiliated artists?
HANSON: It's always a big job to launch a record and make a song successful on the radio. We're learning a lot doing this right now, and these are challenges everyone faces when releasing a new song…

ERIN7005: Do you think that you are at your best while in the studio or on the stage? For example, The Beatles felt they were better represented in the studio; The Who felt they were at their best while on stage.
HANSON: For us it's a totally different experience. Our music can be represented in more subtleties and nuances when it's on a record; when you're live there's an energy that can't be created on a CD. We love them both!

SEVERAL PEOPLE: Knowing that you've written enough songs for at last five albums, will we ever get to hear any of those "unreleased" songs other than just live? Would you consider making a CD to sell with some of the them on hanson.net?
HANSON: Those songs will find their out way through many different avenues. The first HANSON.NET premium CD was one way. All over the world we'll be adding different songs to the album when we release it there to make it different for every place. Even on the "Penny & Me" single there's a special song not on the album, and on iTunes there's another song you can't get anywhere else.
HANSON: So, we're always looking for new avenues…

SEVERAL PEOPLE: When are we just going to get the DVD? Theatres are great, but Pay Per View? How about just releasing the DVD?
HANSON: We wanted to focus our energy on the album for right now. We're looking to release a DVD of the Underneath Acoustic Tour with features much more extensive than the Pay Per View (inDemand) or Regal Cinema showings. You'll get a lot more. We plan on releasing it later this year.
HANSON: Since the Regal and inDemand showings only reach certain parts of you guys, we're making the DVD much more comprehensive.

HILLARY: Is it true that Frankie Muniz will be playing drums on stage with you guys on your next tour?
HANSON: Frankie's a great friend, and we would be honored to have him come on and drum with us!

SQUEAK: If you could be any character in The Lord of the Rings, who would you be?
ZAC: Manwe. He's the huge spirit God character.
ISAAC: Stryder... you all know him!
TAYLOR: I would definitely be Gimli.
HANSON: (Apologies for those spellings!)

ALKMUSICGURL: Have y'all seen a lot of Broadway shows since moving to New York? If so, which ones?
HANSON: Only seen a couple... been pretty busy. Little Shop of Horrors was really good. Early Modern Milly was excellent (We went with our wives and girlfriends!)

KAIYT: The song "When You're Gone" seems to have a very religious message, and I think that's great. Could you guys explain some of your thought process behind this song and its meaning?
HANSON: The song is all about being at the absolute bottom... just being destroyed and not knowing what steps to take... And discovering a way out of it.

ELF: Are you going to tour Australia?
HANSON: We're working with different labels all over the world, so we've mapped out different launches with every company all over the world. We're definitely looking forward to coming over to Australia this year and look forward to seeing you there.
HANSON: For the rest of you guys, in regards to the worldwide release of Underneath, we're hoping to tour all over the world and even reach places we haven't reached before!

MEGHAN1985: Is the last issue of MOE the biggest issue?
HANSON: It'll definitely the most robust in content, and that's why it's been delayed for SO long. We wanted to make sure it had a lot of information and really gave every MOE member their money's worth and make it a very special issue.

ELF: How come Underneath was released in Japan first as apposed to the US?
HANSON: Japan has issues with people purchasing CD's from out of the country, so we needed to release it there first. And of course Japan has been a great market for us, and JVC has been a great partner and were really motivated to put the record out as soon as possible. This is also why there are some different songs on the Japanese release versus the US one.

KODIAK: I heard Zac has been making Flash animations. Any samples we can check out online?
ZAC: I've been making them... but not yet available... Maybe some day!

JRLOGICCHIP1: If you could open up for anyone on a tour who would you choose?
HANSON: It would be amazing to play with U2. That would be an incredible honor! Or Twisted Sister! :)

JRLOGICCHIP1: If they could own any record in the world what record would they choose?
ZAC: Underneath by Hanson!

THEROADNOTTAKEN: What inspired you to write "Broken Angel?" It's such an amazing song.
ZAC: I don't really remember... it's something that just came to me. Sometimes songs just appear and you write them. Where it exactly it came from? I'm still searching.

LYSS: If you boys could pick any song off the new album as your favorite, which would it be and why?
ISAAC: "Broken Angel," because it was the first track we officially produced on our own, and it gave us confidence to take the rest of the record to the next level.
ISAAC: I also feel that Zac's performance on that song showed a vulnerability and talent not shown up until we did that song

STARBRITE: I don't know if you're taking questions or not... but... How do they feel about the fans sticking around so long and being so incredibly patient? Do you realize your fan base is like none other?
HANSON: We feel inspired and motivated by the enthusiasm of you guys. We will never take that for granted. We're just three guys out to make music and it's humbling to be an inspiration for people... we hope you guys all stick around!

HANSON: Also, I wanted to thank everyone who's been a part of our Street Team and is taking an active role in promoting what we're trying to do on this record. You guys are all amazing!

ISAAC: Finally, thanks to everyone who is a HANSON.NET member.. The fact that you're a part of the community means a lot to us, and we look forward to chatting with you guys again very soon!

ALL: Thanks again guys. We can't wait to see all of you guys when we come to a city near you.

HANSON: We hope everyone is enjoying the new single.. Talk to you soon guys! Bye!