Hanson's Independent Release, 'Penny & Me' Debuts at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Singles Chart

'American Idol' Clay Aiken Holds Top Spot

NEW YORK, April 1 /PRNewswire/ -- "Penny & Me," Hanson's debut single from their forthcoming independent release on their own 3CG Records, snagged the #2 spot on Billboard's Top 200 Singles chart this morning, with Clay Aiken holding on to #1. Hanson's single is the #1 independently distributed release in the country. Hanson has already started to make waves with the new single. VH1 is showing support for the indie rockers with an "All Access" documentary premiering April 12th and a new video in rotation starring Samaire Armstrong from the Fox hit TV show "The OC." MTV Hits is showing support for the video by putting it in "Power Rotation," 62 spins per week. Also in the works is the Hanson big-screen premiere -- a Regal Cinemedia "One Night Only" event on April 20th. The band also has multiple national television appearances scheduled in the coming weeks, leading up to the release of their full-length album, "Underneath" on April 20th.

"We're really happy to see such a strong response this early to the song and record," says Taylor Hanson. "When you are an independent label up against the American Idol media frenzy and other major labels, it makes debuting at #2 that much more rewarding ... not too shabby!"

Hanson opted out of their major label deal last year and created 3CG Records to release their new record, distributed by ADA.

Original Article