Priya Joshi Saturday, November 26, 2011 11:00 AM
The trio from Tulsa, Oklahoma, comprising brothers Issac (guitar, vocals), Taylor (keyboards, piano, vocals), and Zac Hanson (drums, vocals) are a household name the world over, having sold more than 15 million records worldwide and a number one record in 25 countries.
The Shout It Out tour will ill t It Outtone describing theirck for the real dealy so year, theound teh all over the UK r the image and account informatiofeature tracks from their acclaimed fifth studio album, as well as highlights from their previous four albums, spanning nearly 15 years of music.
Speaking to London24, 31-year-old Issac explained why they were so keen to make a return to the UK after an absence of four years.
“The UK is one of our favourite places to tour and play, and we have a lot of fun here,” he said.
“After four years of not being here, we’re trying to make up for lost time. It’s been a real goal for us to build and to focus ourselves and we decided we’re gonna focus on the whole world, and actually there are shows everywhere, but there’s always someone that you’re not getting to.
“So we’re trying to make everyone as happy as possible. The UK is kind of an anchor.”
Zac, the 26-year-old drummer, explained what they love most about touring.
“We’re musicians. We like playing live music. I don’t know how you could live this life and do this job and not be a live performer.
“That’s the reason why we do what we do and it was that way even as little kids. That still remains true. It’s the experience on stage. It’s the way the crowd is, the way the room sounds, it’s the challenge.
“We probably have less of a challenge than some bands because we have these amazing hardcore fans. There’s nothing like it. We have amazing fans. They’re incredible.”
Following on from the success of their critically acclaimed album The Walk and now recording under their own label, 3CG Records, the new album reflects where the band are personally and professionally.
“If you look at it that way, I think we’re in a pretty good place,” says Zac. “I think it’s a record that’s loud and proud and happy to be where it is.
“Our last album was called The Walk and I think that was indicative of the slow steady climb and I think this record is almost the opposite of that. It’s sort of reveling in the achievement of the time that has passed.
“The fact that this is our fifth album, it’s a landmark time for us. We’ve been doing this together for 20 years. It’s a big deal. There is a serious excitement in the feeling that is worth remembering and reveling in.”
While other bands have floundered, Hanson have been performing together for 20 years. Taylor explained how the brothers work together creatively.
“We have our good and our bad moments and when we creatively work it’s much like the way we interact.
“I mean, everybody has different styles. You try as much as possible to blend and I think over 20 years we’ve more or less figured it out. Everyone’s their own ways that they create music. What we’re really saying is, we’re all different and we draw on what each person has to contribute.”
Widely recognised for their philanthropic efforts, Hanson have followed in the footsteps of Johnny Depp, having been invited to speak at The Oxford Union.
And despite the innumerable accolades to their credit, including three Grammy nominations and described by U2 front man Bono as “genius,” as they explain, there’s much more to come from the Hanson boys.
“As accolades go, that’s not a bad one,” said Zac. “There are amusing moments and when somebody knows your music or someone says something like that, it’s amazing.
“Thing is when you write a song and the public responds to it, it’s a pretty amazing experience,” added Issac, “and I think we feel lucky to be in that position, but there’s much more still to come.”
Hanson will be performing at London IndigO2 on November 29.
