The Surprising Artists Hanson Helped Get Their Start (It’s More Than You Think)

For a band that shot to global fame as teenagers with the infectious pop anthem "MMMBop," the brothers of Hanson—Isaac, Taylor, and Zac—have spent the decades since their 1997 breakthrough quietly becoming one of the music industry's most influential forces for artist independence and mentorship. As of December 13, 2025, the narrative of "who did Hanson help get their start" isn't about signing a single, huge act, but rather about a profound commitment to the craft of songwriting and providing a blueprint for creative control to musicians across the spectrum.

Their journey from major-label darlings to fiercely independent power-pop veterans is the very foundation of their mentorship. After a high-profile split from their major label, the trio founded 3CG Records (Three Car Garage) in 2003. This act of independence is arguably the single greatest piece of help they've given to the music world, offering a viable, successful model for artists seeking to bypass the traditional, often creatively restrictive, major label system.

Hanson's Blueprint for Independence: The 3CG Records Era

The core of Hanson's mission to "help" other artists stems from their experience in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Despite their immense success, they felt a lack of creative control, which led them to finance and release their album Underneath on their own label, 3CG Records. This move was revolutionary at the time and set a precedent for countless artists who followed.

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• 3CG Records (Three Car Garage): Founded in 2003, the label's primary function is to release Hanson’s own extensive discography, but its very existence serves as a powerful statement to emerging artists: you can succeed without a major label.
• The Anti-Boy Band Model: By taking control of their business, touring, and creative output, Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson demonstrated that a band can be both commercially successful and artistically autonomous—a crucial lesson for any musician starting out today.
• Direct Creative Control: The label allows the brothers to function as producers, writers, and engineers, giving them the infrastructure to directly support and develop talent, even if a large, non-Hanson roster isn't publicly marketed.

The Surprising Songwriting Legends They Mentored (and Were Mentored By)

While the search for a young, breakout pop star signed to 3CG Records may be a dead end, Hanson's most significant "help" to the music community comes in the form of high-level, cross-generational songwriting collaborations. These co-writes not only validate Hanson's own musical pedigree but also show their willingness to work with and elevate other artists' material.

Carole King: The Legendary Singer-Songwriter

One of the most surprising and prestigious names on Hanson’s collaboration list is the iconic Carole King. This relationship demonstrates a peer-to-peer level of respect that few artists from the '90s era can claim.

• "Let You Go": Isaac and Zac Hanson co-wrote this song with Carole King and Jim Ashurst at a songwriting retreat in France in 2001. The collaboration itself is a masterclass in cross-genre and cross-era artistry.
• "One More Time": Taylor Hanson also co-wrote a second track, "One More Time," with Carole King during the same songwriting boot camp. This level of involvement with a music legend like King is a profound endorsement of the Hanson brothers' talent and their ability to contribute to the highest level of the craft.

Matthew Sweet: The Power-Pop Icon

Hanson's work with Matthew Sweet, a highly respected figure in the power-pop and alternative rock scene, further cements their commitment to musical integrity over mainstream trends.

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• "Underneath" & "I Almost Care": The trio co-wrote two songs with Sweet, including "Underneath," which was considered a potential title track for their independent album. This partnership highlights their effort to bridge the gap between their pop-rock sound and the more alternative, critically acclaimed world of power-pop.

The Producer Role: Taylor Hanson's Direct Mentorship

Beyond the collective efforts of the band, individual brothers have taken on direct production and mentorship roles, further extending their influence in the industry. Taylor Hanson, in particular, has been recognized for his work behind the mixing board.

Taylor Hanson is a multi-Grammy nominated artist, songwriter, and producer. While his primary production credits are on Hanson's own albums, his work ethic and experience are constantly being shared with collaborators and emerging artists, often in the context of their own 3CG Studios.

• Co-Producing Their Own Work: By co-producing albums like Shout It Out and Anthem, Taylor, Isaac, and Zac learned the entire production process firsthand. This knowledge is an invaluable asset they bring to any collaboration, effectively "helping" other artists navigate the complexities of modern record-making.
• Jim Scott Collaboration: Taylor co-produced the single "Child At Heart" with GRAMMY® Award-winning Producer/Engineer/Mixer Jim Scott (known for his work with Tom Petty and Red Hot Chili Peppers). Working alongside a legend like Scott is a form of continuous mentorship that Taylor can pay forward to younger artists.

The Unsung Artists: Supporting Tour Mates and Indie Acts

The most common way established bands "help" others is through touring, offering a massive platform to smaller, lesser-known acts. While a definitive list of successful opening acts that credit Hanson for their "start" is difficult to compile, the Hanson brothers are known for curating their tours to showcase diverse and talented independent musicians.

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Their commitment to the independent scene is a form of ongoing, practical help. By consistently choosing independent and developing artists to open their shows, they provide:

• Exposure to a Dedicated Fanbase: The Hanson fanbase is famously loyal and engaged, offering immediate, high-quality exposure to thousands of potential new fans for opening bands.
• Logistical Mentorship: Tour life is a brutal education. Sharing their tour infrastructure and advice on the road is a direct form of mentorship that helps young bands learn the ropes of the industry without a major label safety net.

In conclusion, the question of "who did Hanson help get their start" leads to a deeper, more meaningful answer than a simple list of signed artists. They have helped pioneer a path to true independence for an entire generation of musicians through the foundation of 3CG Records. More specifically, they have earned the respect of legends like Carole King and modern icons like Matthew Sweet, proving their value as world-class songwriters and collaborators. Their legacy is not just "MMMBop," but the empowerment of the independent artist.