By Danielle Tarloff and Tamara Garcia
It all started in the spring of 1997. Long blonde hair; infectious melodies; were they girls? Did it matter? With the hit single “MMMBop,” Hanson has been part of American and international pop culture, receiving mention in two “Family Guy” episodes and appearing in various teen sitcoms.
Not everything, however, has been all bubblegum pop for the three brothers, who came to afterHOURS last Wednesday to screen their new DVD “Strong Enough to Break.” The film, not yet officially released, chronicles the band’s departure from record label Island/Def Jam. Detailing the brothers’ struggles while preparing their third major release, titled “Underneath,” the film follows Isaac, Taylor and Zac through the writing and recording process.
“What we’re hoping this documentary will highlight is what is going on,” Isaac said. “So that you guys as fans of music are encouraged that something needs to change and that you can hopefully do something about it.”
The theme of the evening, aside from screaming fans, was the difficulties real music fans are having with the industry. Those screaming fans lined up at afterHOURS as early as noon, although doors for the event were not scheduled to open until 8 p.m. Students and guests were lined up around the back of the Curry Student Center almost to Snell Library even after the club reached its capacity of 275 people.
Many fans left outside were not pleased. Some area fans were turned away because they had shown up unaware Northeastern students were able to sign in only one guest.
“I wish it was NU only,” said Jackie Indrisano, manager of afterHOURS. “If I had know it was going to be so successful and busy, I would have made it for only NU students.”
Mike Mathieu, a junior music major, and Hunter Smith, a sophomore music major, started off the evening with an “acoustic battle” – each playing unplugged sets to warm the crowd.
“We got a good response from the audience. They were patient and they all definitely wanted to be there,” Mathieu said.
Both musicians said they were excited to get to perform in front of the large and receptive audience.
After their set, the 90-minute documentary began.
“This documentary deserves to become a great symbol of their achievement. They’ve proven to be more than a one-hit wonder,” said Nina Fortuna, a long-time fan and senior English major.
Hanson then walked up to the stage for a 45-minute question and answer session. Questions ranged from workings of the industry and songwriting processes to upcoming plans for Hanson’s label, 3CG Records.
Although the brothers did not perform at afterHOURS, students still felt it was a good night.
“My friend said they probably weren’t going to perform, but it was cool they were just doing a talk since bands don’t usually do that,” said Amber Lea Kincaid, a junior theatre major. “Since I knew they weren’t going to perform, I didn’t feel bad about missing it.”
As far as Northeastern’s own music industry program, the brothers said they believe any education is definitely worthwhile.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be the thing that makes you heads above everybody else, but I think it’s probably something that could give you a start into what the roles are and learning about the roles that at least people are supposed to play in the business,” Zac said.
