The year is 1997.

For musical trio Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson, ages 16, 13 and 11, respectively, it was the year of their number one hit debut album, “Middle of Nowhere.”

As the years drifted by, Hanson went on to two Grammy award nominations, three platinum-selling singles and innumerable marriage requests scrawled in glitter-marker and ink on posters held by the hoardes of screaming female fans who showed up at every single public appearance.

But the glare of constant attention faded as the pop-spheres began to accommodate their sound and the constant buzz faded. With a new CD and a tour, Hanson is reconnecting with the pop mainstream. As part of that quest, Hanson talked to the Crimson about their determination to move musically forward, getting “Underneath,” and growing up.

A Fresh Sound

In the midst of a market oversaturated with low-quality boy bands, even less memorable girl bands and the empire created by some over-the-top British quintet that boasted about pinching princes’ bottoms while spouting the term “girl power,” Hanson’s music was a breath of fresh air.

Its unique hip, innovative blues-pop contemporary anthems displayed, unlike the work of their many competitors, masterful inherent musicality. And it just so happened that they were simply adorable pint-size musical masters, three brothers from a small town in Oklahoma. You can’t make this stuff up!

On their nationwide tour, the band will perform at 24 venues, from blues bars to college campuses. In addition to the gigs, at specified locations along the tour, Hanson will offer free screenings of their self-made documentary film, “Strong Enough to Break,” followed by panel discussions.

According to the band’s website (hanson.net), the film offers a candid look at the insightful young men’s views on the current state of the worldwide music industry, and explains why they formed their own label, 3CG Records, before creating their new album.

In addition to touring, performing and speaking around the country, Isaac says, “I’m excited to see what’s coming out of the various cities. Who knows? There may be some band that just really lights my fire. And I’d say,” he adds enthusiastically, “We’ve got to sign them! We’ve got to do something to help that band out.” It’s clear that his youthful vigor is still there in spades.

Family Matters

In response to the oft-heard misnomer “cheesy family band,” the taint of which the group has tried to escape for their near decade in the public spotlight, Hanson today is undaunted and remains idealistic.

Isaac, the talented lead guitarist responsible for creating the infectious opening riff for “Mmmbop” says, “I really don’t know how to get beyond [that label] except to continually be myself.”

Taylor is Isaac’s younger brother, the unofficial band leader and lead singer, who, even from the beginning of the band’s career, possessed the mature demeanor of an old soul.

“I think you just have to do what you do,” he says, “if there’s something cheesy about it, then there it is… And I guess all you can do is just say, ‘this is what we are, this is what we do, and let things follow what they will.’” Sage words, indeed.