When it came time to revisit one of their biggest hits, the Hanson trio reached out to friends, both old and new. Rock band Hanson invited long-time friend Mark Steele of Mark Steele Creative to produce the music video for their new 20th Anniversary version of 2004’s “Penny & Me.”
Peaking at #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart, the 2004 song was the first independent single from the band after they left Mercury Records. It launched their first 3CG Records album Underneath, still a fan favorite to this day.
The new track, officially entitled “Penny & Me (Moonlight Version),” is far more than a remake, leaning into Nick Drake as an inspiration, the song has a lighter touch than the original that invokes nostalgia and allows the verses – some of the band’s most poetic – to truly sink in as the brother’s show off their musicianship.
Hanson reached out to new friend, actor & director Natalie Morales to direct the video effort. You’ve seen Natalie on everything from Parks & Recreation, Grey’s Anatomy, Dead to Me, and The Morning Show, but she is also an accomplished director in her own right.
To round out the cast, the band invited original “Penny & me” actress Samaire Armstrong (The O.C.) to star as the original Penny – and then cast lead singer Taylor’s own daughter Penny Hanson (named after the song itself) to play a new, young Penny. Talk about full circle.
Producer Mark Steele has been a long-time collaborator with Taylor Hanson, as well as directing and producing several videos by the band. Steele said, “Rarely does one get the opportunity to work on one project with such a widely talented group of individuals who are also kind, generous, and pushing their art at the top of their game. Working closely with Natalie, Samaire, and the all-Oklahoma crew to achieve something so technically challenging and artfully rewarding was a benchmark moment. It is always a joy and a thrill to work with the brothers – and welcoming the next generation of Hansons into the project – not only Penny, but also her brothers as crew – made it all the more special.”
“Penny & Me (Moonlight Version)” is the debut single off of the 20th Anniversary celebration album of 2004’s Underneath entitled Underneath: Complete, which drops October 4. The single debuts everywhere TODAY – and the music video debuts exclusively today on www.People.com.