In the chaotic mass marketed world we call life, there is so much out there telling us who we should be, how we should think and what we should consume. The notion of what is authentic, honest, and real has become a disingenuous blur as the agenda of corporate superpowers defines how young adults perceive the world.

This notion especially rings true in today’s consolidated music industry. Labels are no longer interested in cultivating honest, authentic artists; instead, they are fixated with making money on the marketability of the manufactured garbage we have become accustomed to. The incredible thrill of discovering new music or a new artist has been tainted as our once liberated radio waves are being manipulated by music conglomerates such as Clear Channel, force-feeding the same mundane playlists all over the country; not to mention the fact that top-execs at many of these companies have little or no music background.

However, young adults aren’t just sitting back and letting these music superpowers control their perception of what is and what isn’t authentic. In the vulnerability of our post 9/11 world, young adults are seeking things that are genuine and support their desire simply be themselves. As young adults search for the pre-approved and familiar, we are seeing a new relevance in music’s elder statesman such as Jonny Cash, Bob Dylan, and the Beastie Boys. Hip hop is beginning to move beyond the bling, country is returning to its roots and embracing its heritage, “garage” rock has returned, r&b is reclaiming its soul, and pop has made room for singer/songwriters not afraid to be themselves. So what does all of this mean? It’s time we return to real music…honest music…authentic music.

As young adults seek authenticity in life and in music, I begin to ask myself who of today’s artists could exemplify all that is authentic. Of course Dylan, Jonny, Aretha, Hendrix, and yes the Beastie Boys are all considered genuine artists in their own right. However, who of today’s artists could define an evolved authenticity?

As I scroll through my i-pod (a.k.a. the proverbial soundtrack to my life), past Ben Kweller, Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie, Franz Ferdinand, Johnny Lang, Natalie Merchant, Bleu, Guster, and Wilco…all amazing artists in their own right, I get to the band Hanson. Some of you may be wondering why I have included Hanson as part of my music repertoire. My answer is quite simple; this band is made up of some of the most talented, authentic artists of our time, a lofty but very honest statement.

Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson have single handedly redefined the expectations of rock. With their amazing passion for music and their incredible talent, these guys ‘get it.’ They know how to inspire, they know how to create movement, they know how to captivate, and they know how to craft real, honest, authentic music. However more importantly, they know who they are…and their music is a direct reflection of that.

With a credible reputation among the industry’s most talented artists, Hanson has what it takes to lead this industry back from the detached ledge in which it has settled. In order to maintain their creative vision, Isaac, Taylor, and Zac decided to part ways with their former label Island Def Jam in 2003, and create their own independent label, 3CG Records. Indie-minded from the beginning, 3CG enables Hanson to stay true to themselves; they can create the music they wish to create, deliver it through whichever platform they wish to deliver, and cultivate their sincere relationship with their devoted fans. This progressive mentality yet again illustrates how these guys are true pioneers of rock.

In an effort to showcase their new material and promote their acoustic EP, Underneath Acoustic (distributed exclusively on the Internet and at their shows), Hanson embarked on a four-month acoustic tour last fall, which culminated in an impressive evening of rock at New York’s Carnegie Hall. I had the opportunity to attend this particular show and it was one of the most inspiring acoustic performances I have ever seen. Hanson gracefully displayed their raw talent as the new material was stripped down for an intimate interpretation of every chord, note, and detail of the music.

The decision to do an acoustic tour not only allowed their fans to experience the music in an entirely different way, it demonstrated how passionate this band truly is about their music…and their fans. Hanson understand that young adults want to be treated as patrons of the arts, and not just consumers; that’s why they formed 3CG, and that’s why they keep astounding peers and critics alike.

Immediately after a notable acoustic tour, Hanson didn’t waste any time in launching a full out ‘plugged in’ tour to promote their latest studio album, Underneath. Their most accomplished work to date, Underneath serves up a magnificent blend of dynamic melodies and fine production that will astound the senses and leave you in a state of liberation. The inspired songwriting is skillfully woven throughout artistically orchestrated instrumentation and superb harmonies only siblings could produce.

The title track, co-written with the Thorns’ Mathew Sweet, is a phenomenal example of a naturally composed masterpiece that captures the feeling of spontaneity with intuitive strings and pensive vocals. A direct reflection of the pain and struggle they were going through at the time is the eloquently written “Strong Enough to Break.” Pure, honest songwriting at its best, “Strong Enough to Break” truly captures the essence of who this band really is. Then there’s the cynical resonance of “Misery,” life’s innocent moments captured in “Penny and Me,” and the pure spirit of classic rock portrayed in “Dancing in the Wind.”

I was able to catch a few shows during the Northeast leg of their Underneath tour in which Hanson managed to impress yet again. A highlight of the show is during an intimate solo set where the audience gets to experience Isaac, Taylor, and Zac at their most vulnerable. The relationship between Zac and the piano during the melodic performance of “Broken Angel” is reminiscent of Coldplay’s Chris Martin’s yearning vocals. A possible new direction of their music, “Broken Angel” certainly reveals the versatility and depth of this band. Hanson also offers up an impressive mix of classic covers including Bill Wither’s “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Teach Your Children,” AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top,” and Little Richard’s “Rip it Up;” a direct reflection of their inspiration.

At the end of the day, Isaac, Taylor, and Zac are just three guys creating music. For them, it’s not about misconceptions or the need to convince others; it’s about staying true to themselves and creating meaningful music that will inspire. As young adults seek authenticity in life and in music, it’s time we move beyond the cluttered landscape of fallacy and towards the quest of originality…it’s time for real, honest, authentic music… it’s time for Hanson.