Song of the Moment : Hanson- I Was Born

Still enjoy these guys so much. With every passing year. Weirdly enough I think they're the only band I listen to these days.

Song of the Moment: Hanson- Finally It's Christmas

More scoop on Hanson's MmmHop brew

You'd be forgiven for thinking the words "Hanson beer" sound a little hokey together. After all, when those words initially started rolling out in the press almost two years ago, back before the band of brothers had formulated much of a plan or even landed on the style they'd ultimately brew, it seemed more like an offhanded interview comment (or an upcoming marketing gimmick) than an actual business plan. It would be another year and a half before the beer, an American Pale Ale called Mmmhops, would make its debut at The Hangover Part III's Los Angeles premiere party this past May. (The song from which the beer takes its name, Hanson's 1997 pop smash, "MMMBop," was featured on the soundtrack, and the makers of the song posed for photos with stars from the movie on the beer's Twitter account. Yes, the beer has a Twitter account.) Not much has happened since.

I decided to investigate. I sent a few emails, then made a few phone calls, then, two Sundays ago, braved an intimidating "Red Rover" situation with a long and winding line of Hansonites that stretched from the front door of Variety Playhouse, all the way back down the alley between the venue and El Myr, snaking around the outskirts of the parking lot, then halfway back up to Euclid Ave. I was on a mission. I was going to drink Mmmhops with Hanson.

"This is an endeavor on its own. It's not a promotional thing," drummer Zac, 27, says as we crack open a few bottles backstage. "We're not, like, making some up, having it on tour, then next year you won't see it. It's about taking the right steps, not moving too fast."

The Hansons are a friendly bunch without coming off as too polished or cheesy. They act like goobers in a way that three still-relatively-young brothers who hang out every day might act like goobers. They have plenty of handlers, but none flutter around while we drink beer and chat.

Mmmhops pours a light amber color with medium head. It's neither particularly fragrant or bitter, though there's some bready sweetness on the nose. Tastewise, it's a very balanced pale ale, much heavier on the malts than its name implies. (Play-on phrases aside, they probably should've bestowed the "Mmmhops" moniker on something a little more "mmmhoppier," as it were.) The Hansons have talked it up as a "craft beer gateway drug," which is a pretty fair assessment of this 7.5 percent ABV brew.

Like many bands, Hanson got a taste for craft beer on the road. Coming of age in a distinctly different environment than most American beer drinkers, the trio were less inclined to sneak booze and behave badly. They could have easily had a beer at a festival or show if they really wanted one. As a result, they started trying regional craft varieties in different towns, finding a taste for Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, Three Floyds, and New Belgium along the way.

"You're touring around the country, and you come into a city, and people go, 'Have you tried our beer?'" Zac says. "Especially in the size of venues we're usually playing - places like 1,200-2,500 seats. You're not playing the big Clear Channel arena, the hockey place. People who live in that community, places like this, Little Five Points, they love their local beer."

While they've never homebrewed themselves, under the influence of "a very good friend and longtime tech," they became interested in the science, reading up as they tried new IPAs and stouts. The band's done limited runs of chocolates and coffee in the past for super fans, but something about beer felt egalitarian enough that they should make it in a bigger way.

"The idea of doing a beer is like the great connector," singer Taylor, 30, says. "It's the equalizer. Our parents' church friends and our hip-hop remixer friends are all like, 'I'll drink your beer.' It bridges all people. What's cool about it is that it allows us to say something about ourselves without saying it."

"Perez Hilton and Jay Leno are both drinking our beer," guitarist, Isaac, 32, adds.

Enamored with their home state of Oklahoma's Mustang Brewing Company, the Hansons met with Mustang brewer Gary Shellman and started experimenting with recipes. They loved the first batch, but made it hoppier on a subsequent try, experimented with different types of barleys, tried dry hopping at one point, messed with the formula a bit longer, then decided they'd nailed it on the first try. Since Mustang isn't far from their native Tulsa, they even helped out on brew days, carrying sacks of grain and getting their hands dirty.

"When we first started [thinking about beer], we were like, should we just find a great company, license it, and hand it off?" Zac says. "But we realized that's not where we wanted to be. It's just way too much fun and too important for us. We wanted to find a partner close to home, and just like when you go to San Diego, you go to Stone. You get that trek to the place where it's from. It's from your backyard. If you're in downtown Tulsa, bartenders and bar owners know us by first name. Our beer is going to be in those bars."

Fittingly, the band turns 21 this year. Asked if timing the beer's release to the band's legal drinking age was a purposeful move, there's a brotherly quibble.

"It was by chance," Zac says.

"I wouldn't say it was completely by chance," Taylor counters.

"What I mean is," Zac says, "we started talking about the beer for the first time two years ago, but - "

" - I will say this," Taylor interrupts. "We really wanted it to come out this year - "

" - because of that," Isaac finishes the sentence.

"That's one more reason," Taylor says. "'Come on. We're 21. If it's gonna happen, let's get it done this year. We're never going to be 21 again. Let's make it happen.' We've been making stupid jokes about it ever since."

The brothers are striving to have the beer in 10 states this year, and are optimistically hoping to even have it available at some some shows later in their current tour. (Various state laws and permits have gotten in the way so far.) Every bottle will have a QR code on its neck that links the drinker to a downloadable song, and a portion of every beer sold will contribute to clean water wells in Africa. They're calling Mmmhops the flagship of what could become an ongoing project with subsequent beers, assuming their fans are as into it as much as the Hansons think they'll be.

"You kinda get addicted to the idea of creation, of ownership," Zac says. "My flavor, my take on the world. I think the beer, in so many ways, is an extension of that. Beer and music, obviously, go really well together. It's a great companion for what we already do and love. It's a new creative outlet, a new business to tackle and be challenged by. It's exciting. If you're a craft brewery in America, you're a little guy, you're busting your butt. We've run our label for the last 10 years. It's the same thing. You're not getting rich tomorrow. You're up against that guy who has a million more dollars to spend than you do, and you've got to find a way to break through the clutter."

clatl.com

I blogged about this earlier this year, thought this article provides a bit more info on the beer itself.

Hanson introduces Mmmbop Beer!

You know you've arrived when you have your own beer!  Awesome.  Or should I say Mmmbop-tastic (sorry couldn't resist).

I really wanna know what it tastes like!. :D

http://thinkinbouthanson.tumblr.com/post/50975687042/from-the-guys-that-invented-mmmfrom-the-guys-that

Song of the Moment: Hanson-Get the Girl Back

Can't wait for this new album June is so far away!.

Taylor Hanson and wife welcome 2nd baby girl!

There’s a new baby girl in the Hanson family!

“Natalie and I are thrilled to announce the arrival of our newest family member, Wilhelmina Jane Hanson,” Taylor tells PEOPLE exclusively. “She arrived on Tuesday, Oct. 2, and was welcomed by more love than could fit in the room.”

Taylor, 29 — who is one third of the band Hanson with his brothers Isaac and Zac — and Natalie, 28, told PEOPLE in April that they were expecting again, and announced in July that baby on the way was a girl.

Wilhelmina joins siblings Ezra, who turns 10 on Oct. 31,Penelope, 7; River, 6; and Viggo, 3½.

And in a family of unique names, choosing one for her new baby girl was of the utmost importance to Natalie.

“Thinking back on all the children’s names has helped to give me a fresh perspective in choosing the name for the baby girl we are expecting in the fall,” Natalie blogged over the summer.

“It has helped to remind me how the right name seems to come at the right time and how, no matter how ‘perfect’ the choice, it will only be a part of all this little person will become.”

Hanson just completed a world tour for their album Shout It Out, with sold-out dates throughout Australia. They are now working on their sixth studio album, set for release in 2013.

People.com

Baby #5 on the way for Taylor Hanson!

Hanson‘s latest release? Another baby for Taylor!


The musician, 29, who’s one-third of the band Hanson, and his wife Natalie, 28, are expecting their fifth child, their rep tells PEOPLE exclusively.


“Natalie and I are so anxious to meet our fifth mini-Hanson,” Taylor tells PEOPLE. “As are the four siblings at home who are counting the days to the arrival.”


The new baby, who’s due in late 2012, will join elder siblings Ezra, 9½; Penelope, who turns 7 on Thursday; River, 5½; and Viggo, 3, along with Isaac and Zac Hanson‘s own four children.


The family friendly band is currently in the middle of an international tour to promote their album Shout It Out (which debuted at no. 2 on the Billboard Independent chart).


“After two kids, you’re outnumbered,” Hanson told PEOPLE in 2009. “So once you cross having three, having [more] is not such a big deal.” His children would agree. Added the singer: “I think it’s pretty much ‘the more the merrier’ for them at this point.”

People.com

Wow just wow.  At this point I have no words.  Taylor must be going for some kind of record! LOL.

And what's more scary is that his kids are about the same age he and his brothers were when their first album came out.

He does make very cute babies though, maybe this time poor Penelope will finally get a sister.

Congrats to the expectant parents! :).

Song of the Moment: Hanson- Thinking 'Bout Somethin'

Thinking 'Bout Somethin'


HANSON | MySpace Music Videos

Taylor Hanson shares family portrait

While four kids may sound like a handful to many, for Taylor Hanson, the arrival of his newest child, son Viggo Moriah, didn’t send his stress level over the top. “After two kids, you’re outnumbered,” he tells Celebrity Baby Blog with a laugh. “So once you cross having three, having four is not such a big deal.” Viggo’s digging the big family, too. “He’s so interested in what everyone is doing around him,” says Taylor. “He loves to be in the middle of the action and doesn’t want to miss a thing.”

There’s no shortage of action for Taylor, 26, wife Natalie, 25, and their brood (left to right: Penelope Anne, 4, Viggo, 7 months, River Samuel, 2 ½, and Jordan Ezra, 6 ½). “I think it’s pretty much ‘the more the merrier’ for them at this point,” jokes the proud dad, whose bandmate brothers Isaac and Zac have families of their own as well.

Bryan Johnson for use on CBB

When Viggo arrived back in December, each of his siblings welcomed him in their own way. The eldest, Ezra, happily took the new addition in stride. “He’s always been really sweet with other kids and babies,” says Taylor. “My wife jokingly calls it the Hanson gene.” Big sis Penelope, “immediately wanted to hold him and said to Natalie, ‘Oh, Mommy, if you need any help, I can get Viggo dressed!’ It just clicked for her.” And the former baby of the family, River, “was a little indifferent when he first met Viggo,” says Taylor with a laugh (adding that River pronounced his brother’s name “Biggo“). “He appreciates that he’s got another brother, but he’s kind of busy right now. He’s like, that’s great! I’m gonna go play with my Legos.”

As for resemblance to mom and dad, Taylor reports that most people say he looks like Natalie more than any of their other kids, but Viggo, “has these fat little cheeks that are just like I had when I was a baby.”

Now, as dad gets back to work — Hanson will be back on tour in September to promote a new EP and have a new full-length album out in the spring — he says nothing compares to life at home with his wife and kids. Years ago, “I never saw myself having this big family at a young age,” says Taylor. “But I can’t imagine anything else now. It’s just the greatest.”

– Rennie Dyball

Source: celebrity-babies.com

Those kids are so darn cute!. The Hanson brothers have some seriously good genes.

Taylor Hanson welcomes baby #4!!

People.com reports that Hanson baby #7 has arrived.

Taylor and his wife Natalie have welcomed yet another son into their ever expending family.

Viggo Moriah was born this past Tuesday Dec. 9th in Tay's home town of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

And I couldn't be happier for them, but let's deal with the name for a second shall we, Viggo?!.

And if that's not bad enough a friend of mine informed me that the second name is typically given to a girl. WTF?!.

Honestly every time I think they cannot possibly top themselves with horrible name choices, they go and prove me wrong.

I really wish they would stop in fact I insist on it. And by 'they' I mean all the brothers, but I think Taylor's choice definitely wins the price.

I feel so sorry for poor little Penelope, who's now completely surrounded by boys. On the other hand she will have no problem with speaking up and standing up for herself when she becomes an adult.

Once again congratulations to the proud parents :). And here's to baby #5 in 2009 *LOL*.

Though it's any one's guess which one of the guys will have one next, my money is on Zac.

On the road with Hanson and their families

People.com has a great video of all the guys with their wives (above photo) and kids. Boy, talk about a handful!.

Their kids are adorable. Penelope is a real cutie and River definitely has music in his blood.

With Taylor's wife having another one real soon by the looks of it, that second bus will be a necessity.

Hanson continues to 'Take The Walk' for charity

The Hanson Brothers - Isaac, 27, Taylor, 25, and Zac, 22 - walk barefoot through Times Square in New York City on Tuesday for their ‘Take The Walk’ tour.

While working on their 2007 album, The Walk, the singing trio made trips to Africa in an effort to understand the poverty and disease that grips the continent. The Take The Walk Tour is a charity that brings attention to the poverty and AIDS epidemic in Africa through simple actions from individuals everywhere.

Source-JustJared

I've been visiting this site for a while now and I'm really surprised I haven't seen more stories and photos of the guys on there. Nice to see some updated ones though.

You can click on the link to see more pics ;). Also check out www.hanson.net for more info.

Taylor Hanson and wife to become parents of baby no. 4!!

Ok, I was only joking when I said the Hanson brothers were looking to break their dad's record on the number of kids (that number being 7). But it looks like they're well on their way.

The band's middle brother Taylor and his wife Natalie exclusively announced to People that they are indeed expecting their 4th child!. This will in fact make it baby number 7 all together.

These guys are an unstoppable force in the baby department, hell at this point I could start a whole new blog on this subject alone! *lol*.

I had to chuckle at Zac's second bus comment, I think at the rate Tay is going you're gonna need a third!.

In all seriousness now congrats to Taylor and Natalie on their new bundle of joy :).

Hanson at the Hollywood Film Festival

Zac Hanson with wife Kate

Isaac Hanson with wife Nicole

Taylor Hanson with wife Natalie

Hanson brothers were spotted at the Hollywood Film Festival showing their documentary "Strong Enough to Break".

All 3 arrived with their respective wives (I feel weird even writing that lol). Still can't believe they're all married. Anyway the above pics are from the event.

Pics taken from itsincredible.com

Pic of Taylor Hanson's growing family:)

The proud dad with son Ezra (left) with new baby brother and daughter Penelope (right)

A while ago I wrote about Taylor Hanson's wife Natalie having their third child River Samuel, well People has released a photo of the happy family:). I have to admit his kids are awfully cute. I still find it weird to see Taylor with facial hair though lol.

Here is the article the pic came from:
http://people.aol.com/people/article/0,26334,1535902,00.html

Taylor Hanson becomes a father again!

Yep, that's right the middle Hanson brother has become a father for the third time at the age of 23. Hasn't he heard of contraceptives? lol. His wife Natalie give birth to son River Samuel on Sept. 4th 2006.

River joins older brother Ezra and younger sister Penelope. The birth announcement was made on Friday on the bands official site. I guess they wanted to keep things under wraps for a couple of weeks. Anyway all kidding aside congrats to Tay and his growing family:).