MODERATOR: "The chat will begin in approximately 10 minutes. Feel free to start asking questions."
MODERATOR: "Ok everyone, it' about time to get started..."
Hanson answers: Hey everyone good to see you all in this Hanson.net chat... Let's hear your questions....!!!
Soundscene asks: "Hey guys. I wanted to get your opinion on the state of music now -- the boyband phase seems to be waning a bit and now it seems that rock bands have made a comeback, of sorts. You have Nine Days, 3 Doors Down, Vertical Horizon and Lifehouse, to name just a few. A lot of people, including myself, are having trouble distinguishing from band to band -- a lot of the same vibe. Do you see this happening and how do you think this trend will effect how your next album is received?"
Hanson answers: I think in the end good music will prevail. Its really cool that music can continue to change and can be put in the listeners' hands.
Soundscene asks: "You've been to a lot of film festivals lately and had mentioned that this was partly to get a feel for documentary film making in the hopes to put out your own documentary on the album recording process. Is this still a plan for this next coming album and what did you learn, if anything, from watching professional documentaries?"
Hanson answers: We were just at the Sundance Film Festival and it did inspire us for the documentary that we're working on. Hopefully that's going to coincide with the new album and you'll be able to see the real details of the creation of this record. It's been really fun to think about concepts for the documentary, I hope you'll enjoy it when it emerges. In connection with the making of this album you'll soon be able to visit Hanson.net to see pictures and videos of what happens along the way!
Taffie asks: "What do you envision or think of what you sing? Do you see pictures or ideas that remind you of the song or do you try to focus on being on-pitch (or whatnot)? (P.S. Happy Birthday, Tay )".
Hanson answers: Depending on the song, a lot of the times you need to picture whatever puts you in the mood to sing and portray the song the way it needs to be portrayed.
Boppycherry asks: "in your opinion, who should win the best movie academy award?".
Hanson answers: We've seen a lot of good movies this year. It's GOT to be between TRAFFIC and CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON!
Chels1440 asks: "What stage of recording are you guys in currently--are you still writing songs, or doing demos, or are you actually in the studio recording?".
Taylor answers: We are actually RIGHT in the beginning of the recording process. We've done some writing in the last few weeks with some other people and we're very excited about the new music. Hopefully we'll have an album out real soon. -- Crosses fingers --
Hanson_chick asks: "How is it different when you went to South America to being in the USA? \*\~Laura\~\*".
Hanson answers: Well, every country is different, but there are a lot of similarities. The fans are really great and they had a lot of enthusiasm. We had a great time getting to play concerts for those fans.
Alexd asks: "Can you hint as to who we may see on the new album".
Hanson answers: No, we have no plans to have outside players. But we DID write with some cool artists who we'll tell you about later. -- But then again, there were no plans for guest musicians on the last album.
Hitzgirlie asks: "Hey Hanson! Do you guys see a change in your fans from these past 3 years? Since a lot of us are more mature, do you seem to be noticing anything different, since all of the young fans are obsessing over groups with no talents? Happy b-day tay! Love, Kate".
Hanson answers: I think for decades there have been groups with no talent. So I guess it's your job to decide who are the talented ones. We're leaving it up to you to decide which one we fall into. We've seen a growth in our fans in the same way we've grown up and we hope you all will continue to grow with us.
Itzhnsner asks: "Hi Hanson! Now that you've recorded some of what will appear on your new album, do you feel that the sound and style is much different from 'This Time Around', or is the sound basically the same?".
Hanson answers: The sound has DEFINITELY changed a little bit. In some ways there are more pop elements, and in other there are more rock elements. You'll definitely see a change -- we hope you'll like it!
Crescentmoon asks: "If you could interview a celebrity and only had 10 minutes for the interview, who would you interview? And what questions would you ask?".
Hanson answers: Bill Clinton. What were you THINKING?!?
Kyla asks: "In 30 years- Which of today's musicians do you think history will remember? and who will have made the greatest impact on music? Do you think Hanson will have that kind of longevity ?"
Hanson answers: Sheryl Crow, Lenny Kravitz, U2, Radiohead, REM. That's just a few... Oh yeah and Aerosmith.. You can get their new album "Just Press Play" TOMORROW!
Kyla asks: "To what extent do you think that you owe your continued success and staying power to the internet? Many groups in the pre net days have come and gone- but yet Hanson remains...".
Hanson answers: I think a HUGE part of our fan base and ability to communicate with you has been through the Internet As long as you guys stay fans, we'll give you info over the net. Stay logged on to HANSON.NET!
Aprincess asks: "Will "Never Let Go", "Bridges of Stone", or "We All Know" (I heard them on Napster, sorry, I know you hate Napster)be on the new album? They are really great songs".
Hanson answers: We're writing so many new songs that it's highly unlikely that they'll be on the new album -- BUT you never know. You can always here them at the concerts.
Alexd asks: "Taylor -- People wanna know -- what's up with the new do?
Taylor answers: I just felt like cutting it -- so I did.
Zac adds: kind've like cheese.....
Alexd asks: What did you guys do that was cool while you were in NYC?
Hanson answers: We had a lot of meetings for the new album. And we also got to take in a great jazz show at the Blue Note.
MODERATOR: There are only two more questions remaining...
Lovehitzalot asks: Just for fun, let's pretend you had to live out, in real life, the situations in one of your songs. Which song would you want it to be and why?
Hanson answers: Man From Milwaukee. Why -- because nag champa grows wild on Albertane....
Monica asks: Is there any place on this planet that you have yet to visit that you would like to see?
Hanson answers: There's actually a LOT of places. We haven't been to Africa or India. Haven't been to Antarctica either, but I think we'll pass. We'd LOVE to go to New Zealand!!
MODERATOR: OK everyone. That's it for the questions. Hanson is going to bid you all farewell for tonight.
Hanson says: Thanks everyone SO MUCH for coming to the chat. You guys ROCK as always. Thanks for all your great questions. Stay tuned to "The Making Of" section of Hanson.net for the newest pics and videos from the studio. We'll talk to you soon! Love ya -- I/T/Z
MODERATOR: Hanson has left the chat.
