Brotherly pop trio Hanson has formed its own label, 3CG Records, through which it will release its third album, “Underneath,” in early 2004.
The band, which parted ways with Island Def Jam in May, has also extended its acoustic tour, which wraps Nov. 5 at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
The group plans to eventually sign and develop other acts through 3CG, but for now the focus is on “Underneath.” A limited-edition acoustic EP bearing the 3CG stamp and featuring some of the group’s new songs is available at the band’s official Web site (http://www.hansonline.com) and at shows on its current tour.
“There have been a lot of changes happening in the music industry, and for us, starting a record label was a way to reach our fans in a new way,” singer/guitarist Taylor Hanson said Wednesday. “We’re excited to take it to the next level.”
The new album was primarily produced and written by Hanson, with guest appearances by Michelle Branch and Matthew Sweet. It will be the group’s first since 2000’s “This Time Around,” which debuted at No. 19 on The Billboard 200. The band’s 1997 Mercury debut “Middle of Nowhere” peaked at No. 2 on the chart and has sold 4 million copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.
3CG releases will be distributed in North America by ADA, in the U.K. via Universal Distribution and will be licensed to JVC in Japan.
Here Are Hanson’s Upcoming Tour Dates:
- Oct. 10 – Toronto – Guvernment
- Oct. 11 – Buffalo, N.Y. – Sphere Complex
- Oct. 14 – Cleveland – the Odeon
- Oct. 15 – Cincinnati – Bogarts
- Oct. 17 – Alexandria, Va. – Birchmere
- Oct. 21 – London – Islington Academy
- Oct. 27 – Orlando, Fla. – House of Blues
- Nov. 5 – New York – Carnegie Hall
