Press
Mr. Hand Inks Deal with MTV's 'Undressed'
Weekender - By Jerry Conover
4/26/01
Mr. Hand, one of Siouxland’s favorite local bands, is about to get nationwide publicity thanks to MTV.
Mr. Hand, a rock trio from Northeast Nebraska, will have the music from their second album "Treats" used in new episodes of MTV’s "Undressed."
"One of our band members sent our music in and then MTV called us," said vocalist and guitar player Bret Nellor, "Our music will be on about 40 episodes."
Nellor and the rest of Mr. Hand do not know when the episodes will air but are keeping their fans updated on their website, www.mrhand.com. "We were more than happy to give the rights to our music to MTV," said Nellor, "it’s cool when the ‘little guy’ gets a shot like this."
One of the things that made it easy for Mr. Hand to make a deal with MTV is that they are not signed to any label, giving them the freedom to do what they want.
However, Mr. Hand will not get paid straight from MTV, but will get royalties through ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
Mr. Hand was formed in August 1995 out of friendships and a desire to write, record and perform rock music. The name of the band comes from the ‘80s cult-movie classic, "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." The band has been able to carry a fan base stretching across Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota.
In October 2000, Mr. Hand trimmed their numbers to three, but they have not let that change in the lineup affect their style. They have chemistry at their live performances where they play original music, but also crowd-pleasing cover songs.
"Our connection to our audience comes from the fun, spontaneous energy we have when we’re together and that catches on to all the people jumping and dancing around, just having a great time," said Nellor
"I like to be on stage," said vocalist and bass player Jeff Conrad, "I love it."
Mr. Hand’s attitude and musical style has earned them great recognition when in February 2001 they were voted as "Siouxland’s Favorite Local Band." The Omaha World-Herald readers also voted them as one of the "Best Local Acts of 1999."
"We are honored to be getting all these awards," said Nellor, "it is hard competition out there, but we love many of the other local bands ourselves, like Going Nowhere and Red Road."
Like very few local bands, Mr. Hand has been able to get airplay with local radio stations. Stations such as Z-92 and 89.7 in Omaha, KNEN radio in Norfolk, Z98, KMSC Morningside College radio and KLIF Briar Cliff College radio in Sioux City are all spinning their CD.
Mr. Hand released its second full-length album "Treats," in October 1998. The album contains eight original tracks, written and produced by the band and Cory Delp. They are currently playing continuous gigs to promote the album. Their next live performance in Sioux City will be at Briar Cliff College’s spring music festival, Cliffstock on May 5.
