Friday, December 30, 2011

Hanson grateful for MMMBop

Hanson think 'MMMBop' wasn't a ''shabby way'' to start their career and see their debut as a ''pretty good first chapter'' to their 15 years in the music industry.


Hanson grateful for MMMBop
Hanson think 'MMMBop' wasn't a "shabby way" to start their career. 

The Oklahoma-based band - who had a worldwide hit with the pop song in 1997 - admitted they see their debut as a "pretty good first chapter" to their 15 years in the music industry. 

Isaac - who is joined in the group by brothers Taylor and Zac - exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "Every book has a story, every book has a first chapter and for us that's a pretty good first chapter. It was not a shabby way to start things off." 

The group explained they feel in a "lucky position" to have written a track so young that continued to be popular over the years. 

Isaac added: "I think that we're in a really lucky position that as young as we were, a song like 'MMMBop' was so popular. And I have to say it kept getting bigger over the years. 

"Songs and careers they kind of grow in a unique way over time. It's not just about what it was, it's about what it is, what it continues to be."

Copyright (C) bangshowbiz.com 2011.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Big music acts to dazzle Manila

by Nickie Wang
 
American rapper Pitbull, pop rock band Train and singer-songwriter Richard Marx were the last foreign acts that staged sold out shows in Manila for 2011. And as the Philippine capital continues to rise as one of the most preferred concert destinations in Asia, a lineup of big names on the international music scene is set to make the concert circuit much more alive.

If Katy Perry and Simple Plan excite concertgoers, they would be more thrilled to hear that Avril Lavigne, James Ingram, Edwin Mccain and Bryan Adams are scheduled to set foot Philippine shores to treat music aficionados. To top that, ’90s boy bands like Hanson and A1 are also coming here.
In January, the only female recording artist to have five singles (from an album, Teenage Dream) at no. 1 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart, is set to return to the Philippines to stage another concert at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on Jan. 22. “California Girls” and “Fireworks’ singer Katy Perry, who has been named by MTV as its first artist of the year for 2012 due to her remarkable achievements, first visited the country in 2009 for a one-night performance. With ticket priced at P10,000,00, her concert is one to watch out for.

Before we see Katy, the Canadian quintet Simple Plan famous for its pop punk songs like “Perfect,” “Addicted,” and “Crash and Burn” to name a few is the concert scene’s opening salvo. On Jan. 12, Pierre Bouvier (lead vocals), Jeff Stinco (lead guitar), Sébastien Lefebvre (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), David Desrosiers (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Chuck Comeau (drums and percussion) will be sure to entertain their Filipino fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Avril Lavigne, another Canadian star, will visit the country to promote new album Goodbye Lullaby. The pop rock princess who scored a string of international hit singles such as “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” “I’m With You,” “My Happy Ending,” “Girlfriend,” “When You’re Gone,” and “The Best Damn Thing” performed in a sold out arena in Manila in 2008.

One of the most anticipated concerts this 2012 is that of the Hanson’s. The American pop rock band formed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by brothers Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson, is best known for the 1997 hit song “MMMBop” from the album Middle of Nowhere, which earned three Grammy nominations. The trio is scheduled to do two concerts in the Philippines, one in Manila and another Cebu.
 
Concert season
In the first quarter of the year, if the schedule does not change, at least 20 foreign acts are expected to stage a concert in the country. From February until the summer season ends numerous concerts are expected to be staged both by local and foreign acts. Music promoters and producers call it the concert season.
Exactly one year ago, in the wake of upcoming concerts by foreign artists like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber, singer-actress Kuh Ledesma called for the immediate regulation of such concerts. She asserted that lawmakers should study ways to protect the interests of local acts as the concert season nears.
As expected, Kuh made a lot of buzz and got the support of OPM artists. But then again no solid initiative had taken place to look into the appeal of local artists.

In an interview, Kuh Ledesma insinuated that proper authorities must make immediate move to protect the interests of Filipino artists who are being challenged by concerts staged by international acts. She furthered that the presence of foreign acts greatly affects the number of attendees to their concerts. The singer made this statement while she is promoting her show with other OPM singers as guest artists.

It’s easy to understand the sentiments of Kuh and all the local artists that will only benefit from the spillover from international concerts. But the issue is that Filipino concertgoers are looking for quality entertainment. We can’t deny that from the set list to choreography and from entire stage design to sound engineering, which are all essential in music events, local concerts are no match to the ones staged by foreign acts.
Why would concertgoers watch local artists who sing foreign song if they can just pay more and watch the original artists, who are apparently foreign musicians? Staging a concert is like selling a product. Is our product good enough? Is it original and will it satisfy the consumer? Although most local artists believe so, the real situation is otherwise.

It’s interesting that in 2011, more foreign artists have set foot on our tropical shores to either promote their album or entertain their fans with sold out shows in big concert venues. In October alone, 15 international musicians held a concert in Manila including Jayson Mraz, Black Eyed Peas, and David Foster and Friends.
On the other hand, local singers were only impelled to stage their concerts in small venues, which they even failed to fill up considering that more often than not the performances were collaboration of two or more local artists.




Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Hanson loved 'ridiculous' Katy Perry

Hanson think Katy Perry is ''ridiculous'' and said they had so much fun when they appeared in her music video for 'Last Friday Night'.

Hanson think Katy Perry is ''ridiculous'' and said they had so much fun when they appeared in her music video for 'Last Friday Night'.Hanson think Katy Perry is 'ridiculous'.
The Oklahoma-based band - who appear in the singer's video for 'Last Friday Night' - explained Katy spent time 'entertaining' the extras in between takes, and she was a 'lot of fun'.
Isaac - who is joined in the group by brothers Taylor and Zac - exclusively told BANG Showbiz: 'She was fun, it was a good time. We shared some time on the video set and she was really in character and being totally ridiculous.
'We chatted for a few minutes and she entertained the extras between takes. She's a lot of fun.'
However, the group admitted they thought it was pretty 'random' to be asked to be in the video in the first place.
Isaac added: 'We were on the road and we randomly got a call from her saying, 'Hey, we're talking about this latest video and we thought of you guys. Would you guys be interested in it?'.
'Then we talked with her a little bit about what it was and she said that, 'You basically have to be yourself and bring the party'.
'Being ourselves was not difficult, we're glad that she did that but we could probably have dressed up like aliens.'

Monday, December 19, 2011

Fearne Cotton Reveals Teen Crush On Taylor Hanson



Fearne Cotton Taylor Hanson













Fearne Cotton once penned a love letter to Hanson brother Taylor begging him to marry her.
The Radio 1 DJ hasn't always been so cool and hip - she suffered the same embarrassing teenage crushes as the rest of us.
And despite being a TV presenter from an early age, Fearne couldn't get to grips with this particular celebrity, who stole her heart with a rousing rendition of pop masterpiece MmmBop.
During her show on Thursday, Fearne's five closest pals presented alongside her as part of Radio 1's 'Bring your friend to work day', and one snitch couldn't wait to dish the dirt.
Fearne had to play Truth or Dare to decide which embarrassing secrets to tell listeners, and opted to allow her chum to reveal all.
The friend explained: "When Fearne was about 14 and Hanson were in their heyday, she was absolutely in love with Taylor and she wrote to him, sent a picture of herself, begging him to marry her. And she was just asking if he'd marry her and if he'd come to England... she was rather obsessed, to put it mildly."
A red-faced Fearne added: "I still love them, they've still got it. It is so tragically true, I did at one point think I was going to marry Taylor Hanson."
(WENN)
> Read our exclusive blog by Taylor Hanson

Rock The Red Kettle Live Blog w/ Cody Simpson, Greyson Chance, Colbie Caillat, Hanson & More Add to favorites!

We're live at Universal CityWalk for this year's Rock The Red Kettle and eagerly awaiting the live stream event with performances by Hanson, Honor Society, Cody Simpson, Greyson Chance, Colbie Caillat and Drake Bell. Refresh this page to see more live blog updates as the night goes on and make sure to tune into see the concert.

Fill out the form on the right and you'll be entered to win a trip for two to sunny Los Angeles, CA!


Rock The Red Kettle Retro Cam

Rock The Red Kettle Retro CamRock The Red Kettle Retro CamRock The Red Kettle Retro CamRock The Red Kettle Retro CamRock The Red Kettle Retro Cam


LIVE BLOG:

7:18 PM - The Honor Society drums are on the stage, here they come!

6:58 PM - Greyson Chance on stage and killing it.

6:20 PM - The girls are going wild for Cody Simspon... wild I tell you.


6:18 PM - Our intern just escorted Scooter Braun backstage. Nice.

6:15 PM - A little rain never scared off anyone here. The crowd is pumped for the remaining performances by Cody, Greyson and Honor Society.

5:59 PM - The lovely Rebecca Black introduces the equally lovely Colbie Caillat. Love her!


5:40 PM - Drake Bell is looking insanely dapper in his plaid suit. Seriously.
5:12 PM - Hanson is on the stage

5:02 PM - It's starting!

4:45 PM - The concert starts in 15 minutes, we just started live streaming!

4:22 PM - Greyson is up in the Hard Rock Cafe VIP area now

4:06 PM - Hanging out with Hanson, who wrapped up their sound check a little while ago.

3:50 PM - Colbie's above the knee grey boots are gorgeous!


Want more? We've been counting down to the event all day and posting photos of sound check on our Facebook page. Click here to check it out and tweet us using #cambioredkettle to join the conversation.

news: Hanson talk adulthood, Katy Perry & Janet Devlin's X Factor performance







Hanson talk adulthood, Katy Perry & Janet Devlin's X Factor performance

We catch up with the band, more than a decade after Mmmbop

Hanson celebrate 15 years in music in 2012, and while it's already been 13 years since their global number-one hit Mmmbop stormed the charts, the brothers are still going strong.
We met up with them this week at the end of their UK tour in London, and caught up with older brother Isaac on music, adulthood, their appearance in Katy Perry's Last Friday Night video, and Janet Devlin's disastrous X Factor performance of their huge hit.

You guys are touring on your fifth studio album, Shout It Out. What’s different this time around?

When we first came out in the late 90s, a lot of people would draw - I think appropriate - comparisons.. saying things about some of the Motown influences and R&B influences.

With this record, Shout It Out, I feel like maybe - moreso than any of the previous records since then - this one kind of draws on a lot more of that late 50s, early 60s rock and roll influences. We’ve kind of rediscovered some of those passions in a more obvious way than ever before.
How has the creative process changed since you’ve all gotten married and had kids?

I think the only thing that’s really changed about our creative process is the added level of required focus, just because time is precious. You know, we’ve run a record company for the last eight years, doing self releases since 2003. So that process, as well as the personal element - now I’m married, and now I have kids, and stuff like that - you’re conscious of time.

That being said, if you actually talk to our wives, they’d say ‘what time’, cause unfortunately our job is all-consuming. You’re either all on or all off.

It’s an unusual life. I mean, when your four-year-old is asked what your Dad does, and he says ‘my Dad plays the rock n roll guitar’ it’s a pretty interesting job description. But unfortunately - and fortunately - it’s true.

Are there any aspirations amongst you three to have another family-grown band with your kids?

Oh - no, no, no, no. Not aspirations to do that, the question would be ‘do my kids have aspirations to do that’. We did it just purely out of raw desire and passion for music, and we kind of lucked out that our parents were supportive enough that when they saw us pushing and asking loads of questions.. they saw what we were actually capable of doing. They weren’t patting us on the head saying ‘oh no, no, no - wait, wait’. When we said ‘hey, we want to make a record’... they said ‘okay’ and they figured out a way to help us do that.

It’s too hard of a job, and I would never volunteer anyone for it. If they want it, they’re gonna show me they want it. And if they don’t want it? All the power to them, we’ll find something else that they’re passionate about.


What is it like performing Mmmbop and songs from Middle Of Nowhere all these years later?

Performing songs like Mmmbop, Where’s The Love - anything like that - it’s no different than performing any other song. As far as musically speaking, it’s not any different to me.

If this music wasn’t ten years old, you wouldn’t know it was ten years old.

You guys appeared in Katy Perry’s video for Last Friday Night. How did that come about? 

We happened to be in Los Angeles at that particuar convenient time. We got a call from the people that were involved in making the video, and then Katy called us as well and said: ‘hey, you gotta do this!’

And we said ‘hey, what’s the schtick?’

And she said: 'Well, here’s the concept: I’m at a party... and I get a makeover, and you guys are like the band at the party, playing in the backyard. So you’ve just pretty much gotta be yourselves.’

It was fun - it was perfect timing and she was really sweet, and we’re glad that she called us. And they gave us instruments that were plugged in, so we spent a good amount of the time actually bringing the party to the backyard between the takes. 

Do you think you’ll ever collaborate with her in the future?

Well, honestly the call was kind of unexpected. It was kind of out of the blue. So, I wouldn’t rule that out - no. I think she’s got a really nice voice, and she’s clearly capable of writing very popular, successful songs. And she’s on the top of her game right now,  she’s doing very, very well for herself. I think we’d be very open to that opportunity if it were to show itself.

Have you guys watched the X Factor while you've been in the UK? Did you seen Janet Devlin's performance of Mmmbop?
We heard about our recent Mmmbop cover and we saw a clip of it. I feel bad for her, because she seemed nervous. And she definitely forgot a significant amount of the lyrics. I don’t want to be saying something mean, because it’s not really appropriate. Because clearly she was caught in a situation where she was not fully in the moment, able to fully execute it. I feel bad that it went down that way, but lyrics are really, really important. Preparation is key.

How does it feel to have your songs covered like that?

It’s cool, when people ask. I think Mmmbop is actually a little bit of a difficult song to cover because you really need to have more than one vocalist. And there’s a rhythmic element to the chorus that often can be misinterpreted.

But it’s an honour that you have a song like that, ‘cause most artists never have the opportunity to ever have a song - or multiple songs in any shape or form - in that kind of category. So to have a song in that kind of category for people to be able to cover it, it’s a great thing. So we’re glad that they asked about that, and I feel bad that it went down that way. But it is what it is.

How has your UK tour been this time around?

UK audiences are great - they’re a lot of fun. They style of audience in Edinburgh - this was our first time playing in Edinburgh - and they were ridiculous. And Birmingham and Manchester - there’s always a really good energy to it.

There’s something about UK pop culture that I find really interesting. I feel like the genres are not quite as wide in the UK, in some form or another. It just seems like a lot of people just like a lot of different things - that people can have a wide music taste.

See Hanson in Katy Perry's Last Friday Night video
http://www.4music.com/news/interviews/2233/Hanson-talk-adulthood-Katy-Perry-Janet-Devlins-X-Factor-performance

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Hanson sings ‘Waiting for This’ at 'Rock The Red Kettle' concert (video)


Hanson hit the stage on Saturday night singing Waiting for This to the delight of hundreds of fans who stood in the brisk air for the free show. The group, along with Cody Simpson, Greyson Chance and others hit the stage for the Salvation Army's Rock the Red Kettle concert.  The free performance was at the Universal City Walk in Universal City for fans to enjoy.
The second annual Rock the Red Kettle was an opportunity to hear some great music and help the community. An offspring of the red kettle program seen in malls across America, the audience at CityWalk, as well as those watching from home, were asked to donate to help others. Whether it was five dollars of twenty five bucks, it was a chance to help others while sharing the stage.
As one of the favored groups of the concert, Hanson warmed the crowd as the group gave a high energy performance in the chilly Los Angeles air. The fans, with cameras focused on the stage, captured it on film to share with everyone.
Take a look at the video clip of Hanson performing Waiting for This at the Salvation Army’s Rock the Red Kettle.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The Beer Nut: Big beer biz news in Massachusetts


I was on vacation for a week and a half, so I'm just catching up on all of the happenings in the beer world as I work my way back into working shape.
Here is a round up of some things that have been happening lately, plus some random musings.
Massachusetts is a hotbed of activity this year. Eight new breweries opened, and at least another is planned for early 2012.
One of those breweries, Jack's Abby Brewing of Framingham, has been quite busy, and has already started making some changes in its lineup.
They have recently announced they will not be brewing its Saxon Sons Pilsner and Red Tape Lager. Instead, they have introduced a brand-new beer. Called Jabby Brau Session Lager, a 4.5 percent alcohol by volume, easy drinking beer. I tried a sample of this beer, and it was quite good.
They also recently bottled its first beer, Kiwi's Rising Double India Lager. It is a fantastic beer. The beer was hand bottled, so it was only available in limited amounts. But, Jack's announced on Facebook that they have put a down payment on a bottling line, so expect to start seeing bottles of Jack's beers sometime next year.
Talking about bottles, Wormtown Brewing Company has recently bottled its third beer, and I am so excited. It is one of the best beers brewed in Massachusetts. Sweet Tat's Imperial Stout is an imperial breakfast stout brewed with coffee, chocolate, vanilla and oatmeal. Can't wait to get my hands on a few of these.
More Massachusetts beer news. Blatant Brewery, which just made its debut in the past couple of months, is now available at every Not Your Average Joe's restaurant in the state. That is fantastic for an up-and-coming brewery.
And one random thought about the new Massachusetts breweries. Mystic Brewery, one of the new breweries in 2011, is brewing world-class beers. If you see a bottle of any of Mystic's beers, splurge and drink them. They will be a big player in the future.
Stepping away from Massachusetts beers, one of the biggest beer stories of last week was about the band Hanson. Yes, the band made up of three brothers, has announced they are releasing a beer. The beer is called MMMhop IPA.
"We are going to be selling our own beer,'' said band member Zac Hanson. "I'm not joking. MMMhop anyone?''
The fact that Hanson is releasing a beer may be the sign that craft beer is dying. I may have to switch to whisky.
Speaking of which, Watch City Brewing Company in Waltham last week did their first whisky mash-in and will be making its own whisky. They are working with an Ipswich distiller. Should be interesting.
Recently, a new brewery made its debut in Massachusetts. Uncommon Brewers from California started popping up on local shelves. The beers are available in 16-ounce cans. Give them a try, they make some pretty interesting beers.
Another brewery that you will see popping up, at least on draft, is Hill Farmstead from Vermont. Hill Farmstead beers have been available at the Armsby Abbey in Worcester for about a month, so I bet other bars will soon be offering their excellent beers.
Also, even though we just finished one of the warmest Novembers on record, it is time to think about winter beers. Here is a quick list of my top five winter beers everyone should try.
  1. Troeg's Mad Elf; a Belgian-style quad
  2. St. Bernardus Christmas; a Belgian-style strong dark ale
  3. Port Brewing Company's Santa's Little Helper; a Russian Imperial Stout
  4. Boulder Brewing Company's Killer Penguin; a big, burly barleywine
  5. Samuel Smith's Winter Warmer; a British winter warmer, with, thankfully, no spices.
Norman Miller is a Daily News staff writer. For question, comments, suggestions or recommendations, email nmiller@wickedlocal.com or call 508-626-3823. Check out The Beer Nut blog at http://blogs.wickedlocal.com/beernut/.165


Read more: The Beer Nut: Big beer biz news in Massachusetts - Maynard, MA - The Beacon-Villager http://www.wickedlocal.com/maynard/features/x605400025/The-Beer-Nut-Big-beer-biz-news-in-Massachusetts#ixzz1gVtEHa6M

Monday, December 12, 2011

Five Countries on Three Continents in 48 Hours

Posted: 13/12/11 00:00 GMT
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/taylor-hanson/hanson-tour-diary-blog_b_1135262.html#s530355
Part 1

In the last 14 years we have traveled from Manila to Anaheim, from Santiago to Amsterdam, all the while seeing places both grand and humble along the way - in almost 40 countries, if you're counting. This year we were determined to revisit and grow that list as we supported our latest release Shout It Out. As the year comes to a close, with tours on three continents I'd say we've made strides on our travel agenda, earning a fair amount of miles along the way. 

It feels like we haven't stopped moving since we earned our first world touring badge 14 years ago with our debut major label album Middle Of Nowhere in 1997. I guess it feels that way because it's true - we have never stopped. Since 2003 we've embarked on another kind of journey too - running our own label 3CG Records and releasing our own albums around the world, while navigating the close relationship with fans, business and art all meshed together.

Among our many quests, with five albums now under our belt (three of them on our own label), quite a few chart topping singles and albums and a somehow ever-engaged passion from fans around the world, I would say I'm happy to claim the bruises with the accolades. Mounting a world tour to return to many international markets for the first time in several years brings with it a bit of both.

The Shout It Out World Tour has taken us across Latin America, Europe and the UK over the last couple of months. In an attempt to share an inside look, I thought I would highlight one of the most epic days on the tour, taking us from the mountainous region of Santiago, Chile, to Stuttgart, Germany to start the European leg of the tour...

It's after 11pm, and we have just finished our second to last concert on the South American continent, with a show in the dusty valley of Santiago, Chile. Since we started the international shows on the Shout It Out World Tour we have made it through Brazil and Argentina which were both amazing, with a fantastic response from the fans following a six year touring hiatus in the region. 

Following the Chilean concert we had to be ready to move quickly in order to catch a late flight overnight heading north to Mexico City, where we would conclude our Latin American tour. Without time to waste, we walked off stage and quickly packed our bags to make it to the airport for the first leg of the longest 48 hours of the tour. With everything collected, we made a short stop outside to say thanks to the gathering of fans waiting by the backstage gates. We squeezed in a blitz of autographs and pictures, and then hustled to get everyone in our crew loaded for departure.

For reasons too many to recount, it has been almost six years since our last concerts in most of Latin America, but in Chile it had been a decade since our last visit during the promotion of our second album, which made the amazing response from so many local fans that much more incredible. As we arrived at the airport we were greeted again by a now familiar gathering of dozens of traveling fans who's fervour and genuine excitement was very welcome, but at times highly complicated to navigate for our motley crew of travelers. With a wave to the crowd as we headed through the security check we were once again in the strange territory between one stop and the next. 

It's 1:45am and we're all boarded on the redeye flight, our whole party instantly collapsing into their respective rows. Next stop, Panama. A quick six hours later, we greeted the breaking sun through low clouds and a soft blue bay checkered with countless freight ships across the horizon like toy boats in a large bathing pool. We arrived on Panama's runway, all of us having made good use of the nighttime hours (however insufficient any overnight plane sleep is). Our time in Panama was quick, just a connecting stop. In order to get to our final location of the night/day we had to catch another flight, to Mexico City. The sun was finally up but our day was just beginning, with a busy day of PR for the digital release of the new album Shout It Out, and a concert the same night. 

For us the day before never really ended, but that was not going to stop the next day from getting started on another long day at the circus.

TH


Friday, December 09, 2011

Hanson brothers enter beer industry


After finally recovering from the ’90s pop music atrocities that kept songs stuck in our head for weeks or even years, boy band Hanson has found a reason to enter our lives again. The bros who shamelessly brought us “MmmBop” now have their own beer: “MmmHop.”
“We are soon going to be selling our own beer. I’m not joking — MMMhop IPA anyone?” drummer Zac Hanson said as he introduced the concept.
This is not the brothers’ first business endeavor. Hanson has its own independent music label and manages a stable of branded merchandise.
“It’s vital our fans have trust in everything Hanson do,” Zac added.
“A branded HANSON IPA beer concept is in the works under the moniker ‘MmmHops,’ ” adding that the idea “has been brewing for some time.”
The brothers were well known in the 1990s for their long locks and the hit song “MmmBop.” They have all since married and continue to produce music together, although their sound today is far more rock than teenie-bop pop.


Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2011/12/08/hanson-brothers-enter-beer-industry/#ixzz1g23eSY98

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

The Beer Nut: Big beer biz news


By Norman Miller/DAILY NEWS STAFF
Posted Dec 07, 2011 @ 12:00 PM

I was on vacation for a week and a half, so I’m just catching up on all of the happenings in the beer world as I work my way back into working shape.
Here is a round up of some things that have been happening lately, plus some random musings.
Massachusetts is a hotbed of activity this year. Eight new breweries opened, and at least another is planned for early 2012.
One of those breweries, Jack’s Abby Brewing of Framingham, has been quite busy, and has already started making some changes in its lineup.
They have recently announced they will not be brewing its Saxon Sons Pilsner and Red Tape Lager. Instead, they have introduced a brand-new beer. Called Jabby Brau Session Lager, a 4.5 percent alcohol by volume, easy drinking beer. I tried a sample of this beer, and it was quite good.
They also recently bottled its first beer, Kiwi’s Rising Double India Lager. It is a fantastic beer. The beer was hand bottled, so it was only available in limited amounts. But, Jack’s announced on Facebook that they have put a down payment on a bottling line, so expect to start seeing bottles of Jack’s beers sometime next year.
Talking about bottles, Wormtown Brewing Company has
recently bottled its third beer, and I am so excited. It is one of the best beers brewed in Massachusetts. Sweet Tat’s Imperial Stout is an imperial breakfast stout brewed with coffee, chocolate, vanilla and oatmeal. Can’t wait to get my hands on a few of these.
More Massachusetts beer news. Blatant Brewery, which just made its debut in the past couple of months, is now available at every Not Your Average Joe’s restaurant in the state. That is fantastic for an up-and-coming brewery.
And one random thought about the new Massachusetts breweries. Mystic Brewery, one of the new breweries in 2011, is brewing world-class beers. If you see a bottle of any of Mystic’s beers, splurge and drink them. They will be a big player in the future.
Stepping away from Massachusetts beers, one of the biggest beer stories of last week was about the band Hanson. Yes, the band made up of three brothers, has announced they are releasing a beer. The beer is called MMMhop IPA.
“We are going to be selling our own beer,’’ said band member Zac Hanson. “I’m not joking. MMMhop anyone?’’
The fact that Hanson is releasing a beer may be the sign that craft beer is dying. I may have to switch to whisky.
Speaking of which, Watch City Brewing Company in Waltham last week did their first whisky mash-in and will be making its own whisky. They are working with an Ipswich distiller. Should be interesting.
Recently, a new brewery made its debut in Massachusetts. Uncommon Brewers from California started popping up on local shelves. The beers are available in 16-ounce cans. Give them a try, they make some pretty interesting beers.
Another brewery that you will see popping up, at least on draft, is Hill Farmstead from Vermont. Hill Farmstead beers have been available at the Armsby Abbey in Worcester for about a month, so I bet other bars will soon be offering their excellent beers.
Also, even though we just finished one of the warmest Novembers on record, it is time to think about winter beers. Here is a quick list of my top five winter beers everyone should try.
1. Troeg’s Mad Elf; a Belgian-style quad
2. St. Bernardus Christmas; a Belgian-style strong dark ale
3. Port Brewing Company’s Santa’s Little Helper; a Russian Imperial Stout
4. Boulder Brewing Company’s Killer Penguin; a big, burly barleywine
5. Samuel Smith’s Winter Warmer; a British winter warmer, with, thankfully, no spices.
Norman Miller is a Daily News staff writer. For question, comments, suggestions or recommendations, email nmiller@wickedlocal.com or call 508-626-3823. Check out The Beer Nut blog at http://blogs.wickedlocal.com/beernut/.


Read more: The Beer Nut: Big beer biz news - Dedham, Massachusetts - The Dedham Transcript http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/lifestyle/columnists/x695858345/The-Beer-Nut-Big-beer-biz-news#ixzz1ftLMrq8r

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Hanson Coming Out with Beer - MMMHop


(EndPlay Staff Reports) - Been thirsting for some Hanson lately? If you're 21 or older, then you can soon partake in the new beer from the brotherly trio band of the '90s – MMMHop.
No, that's not a typo. It's a play-on-words of the brother's breakout hit "MMM…bop."
Rolling Stone reported that the beer will be made available in 2012 and will be an Indian Pale Ale.
The brothers – Isaac, Taylor and Zac – were speaking at an event in England last month when they made the announcement, the UK's Express reported.
""It's vital our fans have trust in everything Hanson do. We are soon going to be selling our own beer. I'm not joking – MMMhop IPA anyone?" Zac told the crowd.
This isn't the first time the '90s pop band has ventured into branding themselves and creating products.
Their official website featured products like a board game called Hansonopoly, as well as other merchandise like playing cards, shirts, jewelry and a calendar.
According to The Huffington Post , Hanson has also created their own independent music label in which they release their albums from.
"We have a board game and even a record player to play our last record on, but we will never make dolls, lunch boxes or toothbrushes that play our songs, for example," the Rolling Stone reported Zac saying.
The band from Tulsa, Okla. can't be credited for being the first musical group to delve into the adult beverage market.
Contactmusic.com reported that the British group Elbow came out with Build A Rocket Boys Beer, and Joe Elliot from Dep Leppard came out with a lager named Down 'N' Outz.
Hanson is currently on their Shout It Out World Tour , as well as their Musical Ride Tour here in the states.


Read more: http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpps/entertainment/hanson-coming-out-with-beer-mmmhop-dpgoh-20111205-fc_16239899#ixzz1fnc7lCXe

MMMHop: Hanson Make an IPA

 




For their newest project, the three brothers are changing up their attack on your palate, this time swinging the bitter punch that only one thing can bring -- hops. That's right,Hanson announced at a talk/concert at Oxford this week that starting early next year they will be selling an India Pale Ale called MMMHop. And no, they're not joking.
When Hanson rose to fame only two of the three brothers were old enough to see PG-13 movies, and the vast majority of their fans were shuttled to and from concerts in their parents' packed mini vans. In the 13 or so years since MMMBop dominated the airwaves, the band, and presumably their fan base, have grown up, and each Hanson brother now has kids of his own. Whether MMMHop is a PR stunt meant to get the band back in the spotlight and showcase their maturity, a merchandising move to take advantage of the growing craft beer market, or a new passion project for the bros is unclear, but regardless of the motivation we're definitely prepared to give their brew a shot. Soon enough Hanson will be making us bitter again, but this time we might actually enjoy it.

Nineties boy band Hanson 'bops' into beer making


Published: Monday, December 05, 2011, 12:30 PM

I have to admit, I giggled a little when I heard this on 95.7 over the weekend: the nineties boy band Hanson Brothers will be making their own beer. 

Really? Beer? 

Home brews by celebrities are not uncommon, Def Leppard’s Joe Elliot’s Down ’n’ Outz for example and of course there was Madonna's famous stint on the wine bottles for her family's winery, Ciccone Vineyard in Suttons Bay. But the Hanson Brothers? 

After “bopping” around on the World Wide Web, I discovered that it is true. The name: MMMHop IPA, an India pale ale named after the group’s biggest—and I believe only hit—“MmmBop.” 

According to Express.co.uk, which broke the story, the Oklahoma band was speaking and performing some of its music at Oxford Union on November 28, when boys broke the news of their latest venture. 

“It’s vital our fans have trust in everything Hanson does,” said Zac Hanson, as reported byExpress.co.uk. “We are soon going to be selling our own beer. I’m not joking—MMMhop IPA anyone?” 

Rolling Stone announced the beer is scheduled for released in 2012.

Apparently the band already has a board game and a record player for anyone interested in playing their latest recording, which is the 2010 Shout It Out

First an appearance in Katie Perry’s “Last Friday Night” music video and now beer, with the story going viral on the web. This could be the comeback year for the group, or at the very least give hope to the Jonas Brothers.

Hanson's Making a Beer -- But What Will It Look Like?


Creatives weigh in on the package design for MmmHop.

BY: SHAREEN PATHAK, PUBLISHED: DEC 05, 2011
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Remember Hanson? The young pop trio that were all the rage in the '90s are old enough to drink now--and they're making sure you know about it. The Hanson brothers, Isaac, Taylor and Zac recently announced that are releasing their own brand of beer. It's an India Pale Ale and it's called, aptly, "MmmHop."
We asked designers, students and creatives to send us some ideas of what the packaging for the new beer should look like. Here's what they came up with. Got ideas of your own? Send them tocreativityeds@creativity-online.com and we'll add them!
Droga5's Kenny Kim, art director and Sophie Isherwood, copywriter
This concept even lets you mouth kiss the brothers--all three, if you drink half a six-pack!


Hyper Island's student team, Carl Oscar Lund-Hansen, Peter Sundberg, Jonathan Pettersson and Jacqueline Anne Sibert
It's a secret no one knows. You would never guess from this more subtle approach (and save for the brew's moniker) that the bros spawned this brew. 

Help Remedies Designer Phillip Nessen
Help Remedies designer Phillip Nessen used the principles of Dadaism for his design. He embraced the "senseless horror and atrocity of MmmHop" by making a sketch of a bottle while blindfolded and then applied random graphics to create this 3D bottle.


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