CHAT TRANSCRIPTS

hanson.net
11 May 2006

HANSON: Hey everybody! Welcome to the chat. We're live from 3CG Studios!

KRISTINA81: Isaac, Taylor, and Zac, I was wondering if you could please tell me what type of music we could expect to see on the new album? Thanks.
HANSON: Great question! Everything on the record is more rooted in a more off-the-floor sound... the sound is more of a live band sound. In general, it's more of a less mellow sounding album. We wanted it to be a bit more harder hitting. We think you guys will like it!

KODIAK: My OB was so tickled that I went to one of your concerts 8 months pregnant back in '04 that the first thing he asked me when I found out #2 was on the way was, "Is Hanson touring again this year?" LOL! When I told him I didn't know, he wasn't happy. "Well, you have to go to at least one Hanson concert before you have this baby. Tell them it's doctor's orders! I'll write you a script if I have to." Any chance you will be able to fill my prescription in time? I'm due October 13! :D
HANSON: Well best of luck with #2! We hope to be on the road again later this year, so we'll definitely try to meet the doctor's orders :)

BLUESIDEONE: How many hours are you guys in the studio each day?
HANSON: Usually we go from noon to about 11 in the studio

LYNNBOP: Has any of the colors/artwork been discussed about the new album? If so, any hints on what we could be expecting? - Lynn in Virginia
HANSON: We're thinking hot pink! Seriously, it's a little early to be thinking about artwork. But we are working on some photographers...

_FERNANDAFEFE_BRAZIL: So far, what are the difficulties you've been facing during this recording process?
HANSON: This is one of the first album's that we've made completely using our own studio that we designed, so we've had a lot of challenges making everything work the way we wanted to. It's been great though because we've been doing things exactly the way we've wanted to.
ZAC: For the most part, it's been a fairly easy process since we've been able to set the studio time. So it's been great so far.
HANSON: As we get closer to being done, there is a possibility we'll be putting up some clips to give you an idea of the songs. So you guys will be the first to hear some new music!

JESSICA: Any new instruments gonna be on this new album?
HANSON: Many new instruments! Like the electric kazoo, the cig fiddle, and of course there'll be lots of cowbell! We're also all moving around between our instruments, so you can expect us all playing some instruments we don’t usually do.

AYOHBEE626: Are you working with any new people on the upcoming album?
HANSON: There's multiple guest appearances from various artists already, like Miles Zuniga, Bleu who you guys already know, and have a producer in named Danny Kortchmar. Danny has worked with everyone from Carol King to Don Henley, Jackson Browne, the list goes on, so he's a great producer!

DONNA: What was the funniest thing that happen in the studio so far?
HANSON: Most of the funny things that happen are inside jokes, so we would be the only ones laughing… But some crazy things happen, like a tornado passing through about a mile away two nights ago, and our studio was close to being hit by trees.
TAYLOR: I would have to say Zac's gaseous fumes, cos they usually cause us to forget whatever we're doing and force us to evacuate the building :)

JENNABENNA: What do you say to the people who think only of “MMMBop” when they hear your name?
HANSON: We usually don't say much to those people :) We're making music for our fans and the best thing to do is do what we're passionate about. We're proud of everything we've done. And we like that people know who we are :)

JENNABENNA: You aren't going to let a couple of hurricanes scare you from coming back to Florida, are you? ;)
HANSON: We're definitely not scared of coming back to Florida, but we're not responsible for the hurricanes ;)

HITZOKAY4ME: What are some new merch items or works in progress that fans will love to hear about?
HANSON: Definitely… We've got some new playing cards in the works, a new key chain, a travel mug, and some other goodies. Stay tuned!

KRISTINA81: Isaac, Taylor, and Zac, if you could design your own guitar, drum and keyboard, what would it look like?
ZAC: Unfortunately, I'd have to answer in a detailed sketch, and we can't do that via chat right now. :)

LYNNYWINNY666: Do you have any irrational phobias like mine of polystyrene?
HANSON: Ike has an irrational fear of moths. I (Tay) don’t have any irrational fears... I'm about to go skydiving in two days :)

NIKKI: Zac, are you anticipating the upcoming game consoles? Wii, PS3, Xbox360 (unless you have that one already)? Any game titles on your list to get as they come out or already out?
ZAC: I am in much anticipation of the PS3.. My current game "City of Heroes" for the PC, I've been playing it all night every night. So if you can find the "Guardian" server, you might run into me there :)

MMM_KIMMY: Question for Hanson... Do you feel the role of conventional radio will diminish over the years and be replaced exclusively by other mediums such as satellite and digital radio formats? Thanks!
ISAAC: Absolutely, no question. There is no question that terrestrial radio has diminished already and sites like MySpace are taking their role already, helping fans discover new music already, which is what's missing on terrestrial.
ZAC: And with things like video podcasts, traditional TV is not far behind.

ELYSE: You experimented with time signatures a little more in Underneath (4/4 to 2/2). What experimenting is happening with this record?
HANSON: There has definitely been more experimenting with time signatures.. 6/8, 3/4, etc. There's a song that's 5/4 but that won't make it on the album :)

HOLLY: Could you guys use a mental health therapist on staff at 3CG?? I'm the best!!!
HANSON: We actually have an established relationship with a mental health facility here in town... but thanks for your offer :)

TEAINTHESAHARA: Hanson, are there any more drinks from Starbucks that you can recommend we all check out, cos whenever one of you mention a drink, Starbucks is all a-flurry of toffee nut lattes.
HANSON: We have a lot of drinks that we like.. but lately we've back on the manly brew. Straight-up black drip coffee, the studio drink of choice! Of course with a little hint of non-fat soy, Splenda sweetener, extra hot, and no foam.

DRUMMERGIRL85: Zac-What is your favorite song to play live?
ZAC: “Honeybee” by Tom Petty. :)

IONLYDOGPADDLE: Any plans/ideas for the opening band for next tour? Will there be anything like the last tour... with the contest?
HANSON: We were definitely excited by the contests last time around and will probably do it again next tour.

WONTUSAVEME: Who’s the dorkiest member of the band??
HANSON: Cleatus Hanson is definitely the dorkiest. After that, Zac -- When he's playing City of Heroes :)

ROCKINFREE: Don't you guys get burned out after 11 hours in the studio every day?
HANSON: It hasn't really taken a toll, it’s been great. We're getting to make the record the way we wanted to from scratch, so it's been fine. We've been moving really quickly on the recording itself, so it hasn't really burned us out.

HANSON: Anyhow... we've got to go. Thanks everybody for joining us in the chat. Check back tomorrow for a new video FUTY. Thanks again -- it's been great chatting. We'll talk again soon!