Littrell takes a solo flight home

Backstreet Boy brings act to Lexington church
By Rich Copley
RCOPLEY@HERALD-LEADER.COM
Source: Herald Leader

Brian Littrell's debut solo album is called Welcome Home, and the Backstreet Boy is bringing it home next week in his first Lexington concert as a solo artist.

"I'd deal with being in the Tokyo Dome in front of 55,000 people better than being at Immanuel Baptist, when it comes to a nervous standpoint," Littrell says, with a laugh. "I'm always a little nervous, but playing in front of your peers and smaller audiences is a little more intimidating."

Littrell has played Lexington before, as a member of the Backstreet Boys, the chart-topping act he's been with since 1993. But then, he was part of a quintet that included his cousin, Estill County native Kevin Richardson.

Thursday night at Immanuel Baptist Church, the focus will be on him. While there are those nerves, Littrell says its appropriate that he return to Lexington on his own as a contemporary Christian solo artist.

"This began many, many years ago with my love of contemporary Christian music and listening to Michael W. Smith and Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris and singing in church as a little boy," Littrell says. "Little did I know I would be doing this for a living. I hoped and dreamed like everybody, but I couldn't really fathom all the blessings that have been given to me.

"I back up to 2006 in May when Welcome Home came out, because we talk about this being a homecoming, and it really is a homecoming process from start to finish for me," Littrell says. "The icing on the cake for me is getting to come home and play a large church in front of family and friends and sharing who I am as a solo artist."

Becoming a solo artist has meant balancing two separate recording careers. Thursday's concert comes in the midst of promotional events for Backstreet Boys' latest album, Unbreakable, which was released Oct. 30. It was the first album without Richardson, who left the band following its previous album and tour.

"It didn't really set in until we went into the studio," Littrell says of his cousin's departure. "When we all got back together and Kevin wasn't there, obviously it was a little strange to record as four. But you know, at the end of the day, there's no ill will towards Kevin from the group's side or from Kevin's side to the group."

In the studio, he says, "the focus was on the music and making the best CD that we could so the fans wouldn't miss anybody, vocally."

Littrell is close to heading back into the studio to record his second solo album. Asked if we may be hearing any new material at the concert next week, he said the songs are still works in progress, "but you may hear a story about one of the new songs."

In addition to material from Welcome Home, Littrell will be singing some of his favorite Christmas songs, and he'll be joined by the Immanuel Baptist Choir for some songs.

Littrell has found that life as a solo artist is more of a do-it-yourself proposition than working with the Backstreet Boys. Unlike traveling with the band, there's no entourage or staff to cater to his needs. That, he says, is fine.

"I like to know that I'm capable of doing those things because pop stars get a lot of things taken care of for them," Littrell says. "I like to know I'm independent and can handle my stuff."

Littrell also likes the format of his shows, where there's less pop and flash to distract from the music. With the solo effort, he says fans are getting to know him better, as a husband, father -- he and his wife Leighanne's son, Baylee, turns 5 on Monday -- and a Christian.

"What you'll find in the solo shows is it's just real music," Littrell says. "It's just me and my band rejoicing and happy doing what we're doing.

"I think the fans are attaching to what makes me tick and what makes me funny and what makes me happy and what makes me sad, and all these things."

Brian Littrell's Healthy Heart Club for Kids Walkathon 2008 "Logo Challenge"

Build a design based on the slogan: "Happy Feet for Healthy Hearts"
Other info to include in the design:
* The Date of the Walkathon, Saturday, June 14, 2008
* The name of the organization: Brian Littrell's Healthy Heart Club for Kids or HHC.

*The winning design will be an official logo for the very "FIRST" HHC Walkathon. This will be used for our event shirts, banners and many other items surrounding this event.

Rules for the challenge:

1. Each participant is to submit a design built around the idea of the slogan listed above to: hhc_walkathon2008@yahoo.com
2. Send it in a jpeg form, or if you want to load it on your photo bucket, just include your link. The deadline for all entries is due no later than midnight November 30, 2007.
3. Once all entries have been received, they will be posted at the official HHC Web site. Everyone will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite design. In order to vote on your choice design, you must submit $1 donation per vote, $5 donation per 6 votes and $10 donation per 12 votes. The winning logo will be the design that raises the most votes. All donations received will go directly to HHC.
4. Voting will begin, December 10th, 2007 and the last day to vote towards your choice design will be midnight January 10, 2008 The winner will be announced Saturday, January 12, 2008 at the Kick Off Party.
5. You do not have to be present to win. Only requirement is to submit your contact information on your entry form.
6. Make sure to add a tag to your design so you earn credit for your creative art work, but please make it small and preferably on the corner of the design.

**************************************

Entry Form
Name: ______________________________________
Address: ________________________ City _______________ State ____Zip _______
Phone Number: ________________________
Email Address: _________________________

Source: HHC Walk-A-Thon 2008 MySpace

2007.11.20 BSB FanChat with Spanish Fans

What’s the difference between Unbreakable and other cd?
- The most important difference is that it’s more mature, we are very proud and all of us have involved in this album

Howie, did you enjoy your bachelor party?
- Yes! It was great with Kevin, AJ and 20 more friends.

Howie, is it true that you are recording a spanglish solo album?
- Yes it’s true. I want to explore my language by my own. I’ve been in Miami with my producer (George Noriega) and with Jon Secada.

Where do you like to go when you are on holidays?
- At home and on Christmas time with our families. On Thanksgiving Day we are going to be in Germany. Also we like to go to warm places such as Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

AJ, why did you have all those tatoos?
- Because my tatoos has become a diary of my life. When something good or bad is happening I write it in my diary and if it really influences me then I tatoo it.

Were you afraid of your return to the music scene without Kev?
- No. For the fans it’s like a shock but for us it isn’t. We miss him and he will always has the doors open to come back. We know he is happy with his current life and we saw him a few days ago.

Which song of the new album you like most?
- AJ: “Helpless when she smiles” and “Trouble is”
- Howie: “Inconsolable”
- (A few minutes later Brian and Nick answered this question)
- Brian: “Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon”
- Nick: “Unmistakable”

How you feel now on the stage being only 4?
- It’s weird. We have to dance more as long as we sing. We hope that the fans enjoy the concert and don’t miss Kev so much.

Will you sing any song of this album in Spanish?
- Yes, we want to translate one of the songs, maybe the next single.

What’s the best thing of being famous?
- Travel around the world, see beautiful countries, new people … different cultures, foods. There are things that we couldn’t do if we weren’t famous.

When do you come back to Barcelona in concert?
- We’ll be back between May and July: Barcelona, Madrid and may be other cities of Spain.

Have you thought to teach what you learned in all your career? I mean, to be a singing teacher.
- Maybe, when we are older. When I think of a singing teacher I think in bifocal glasses and grey beard and a lot of diplomas on the wall.

Are you guys going to do any kind of appearances in Tampa where fans can go to see you up close?
- On tour, this summer. We were there one month before the cd release.

WILL YOU COME TO ARGENTINA? WHEN?
- YES!! WE’LL GO ON TOUR, PROBABLY AROUND MARCH AND JUNE.

In the future, duets on your album?
- We’d like to make a duet with any artist. We’ve done duets but never on an album, with Shania Twain, Sting … We’d like to do one with Shakira and Ale Sanz

Will there be another album after Unbreakable?
- Yes, we are talking about it.
(Now Nick and Brian start to answer questions)

What are your musical inspirations?
- All kind of music, R&B, gospel, rock, pop, country, hahaha…

Brian, would you like your son to be a singer?
- Yes, if it’s what he wants to do.

If you could to ask for a wish to be real tomorrow, what will you wish?
- Nick: No more war.
- Brian: No more poverty and I agree with Nick of course!

Nick, do you think to do other things as an actor?
- Yes, I have to finish Fast Glass and then I’m going to direct, act and write a horror movie, probably the next year.

Brian, how to feel to be a father?
- There’s nothing better in the world than being a father.

Will “Everything but mine” be a single?
- We don’t know, we’d like but we don’t know!

Nick, are you interested in contemporary art?
- I love art, my grandmother was a painter. I like white and black and I’ve started to make a collection, I have a painting of Wyland.

In what countries do you think you are the most welcomed?
- Spain has been always very special for us because the fans have much passion for BSB.

Do you think to include solo performances in the next tour, like many years ago?
- Yes, we’ll do!
- Brian: I’ll sing some songs of my solo album

Source: Portal Mix.Com Thanks to Litrellfans for English translation

A Backstreet love affair

Source: Lexington Herald

Training our eye on Kentuckians out and about
By Ashlee Clark
ACLARK@HERALD-LEADER.COM
LOUISVILLE -- It was like a scene from 1999 Thursday night when Backstreet Boys visited Fourth Street Live.

The teenage girls still squealed.

The adult women still admired the group's clean-cut good looks.

And a few men and boys still peppered the audience, unashamed of their love for BSB.

Backstreet was back, and that was more than all right for the 500 fans who came out to see the Boys.

The pop group posed for photos with fans during the 36-hour Lambert and Lindsey Citi Cards Request-A-Thon, an event from 102.3 the Max in Louisville to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Ashley Fancher, 17, of Ramsey, Ind., is a part of the Make-a-Wish Foundation and got to meet the Boys.

"This foundation really brings hope to kids who are in the hospital," said Ashley, diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in 2004.

The Backstreet Boys are A.J. McLean, Lexington native Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough and Nick Carter. Kevin Richardson, Littrell's cousin and an Estill County native, is no longer with the group. The group released a new album, Unbreakable, on Oct. 30.

Thursday the fans caught every move and shake the Boys made when they did a quick radio interview on a stage set up in the middle of Fourth Street. Littrell did a little boogie in between questions, sending the fans into a flurry of excitement.

Then the Backstreet Boys announced they will kick off their world tour in February and hope to return to the United States by the summer. The crowd cheerfully roared at the news.

The fans have matured since they got their first taste of the Backstreet Boys a decade ago. There were nose rings, makeup and even a little cleavage in the audience. Some of the diehard fans are now moms. ready to pass along the boy band magic to a new generation.

But their devotion to the group was unwavering.

There were some guidelines that most BSB admirers at the event still seemed to abide by:
• Backstreet Boys are way better than *NSYNC.
• Littrell and Carter are the crowd favorites.
• And the Backstreet Boys are still cool and always will be -- and don't try to tell them otherwise.

"They never went out. They were never not in. They were never out to me," said Taylor Horsey, 16, of Crestwood. "They were just at a resting point."

Amanda Downs, 23, of Louisville, doesn't care when people tease her about BSB.

"I just like them," Downs said. "That's what I tell my boyfriend. And they are older guys, and I'm getting older with them, so it's OK." Downs is six months pregnant and said she hopes to share BSB with her son when he's born.

"Don't get too excited and drop that baby on the stage," said her mom, Wanda Bender.

A mutual love for native son Littrell united Spaulding University students Allison Woosley, Morgan Kennedy and Sarah Vincent.

"He just had a cute face," Woosley said.

Then the 19-year-old thought about it a little more.

"I wouldn't say a cute face," she said. "A gorgeous face."

For Tiffany Grangier, meeting the Backstreet Boys is a teenage dream fulfilled. For her 17th birthday, her mother bought her and 10 of her friends tickets to see the Backstreet Boys in Rupp Arena in 1999.

"It's like a flashback on my high school years," Grangier, 25, said.

A few people got to meet the Boys beforehand in the Hard Rock CafŽ, including Tori and Taylor Horsey.

"My pulse was just jumping out of my body," said Tori Horsey, 14, of Crestwood, who came with her sister, Taylor. A dreamy look glazed her eyes when she talked about meeting Littrell, her favorite BSB member.

"I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs, but I didn't," she said. "I was excited."

The Backstreet Boys also unite friends from across the country. Maria Leonardi, Margaret Marr and Jesi Ramirez met on a Backstreet Boys fan Web site. Leonardi and Marr drove seven hours from Michigan to meet up with Ramirez, who is from Lawrenceburg, to see the Boys.

"It's good music and they're amazing people," Ramirez said. "You can't stop it."

Reach Ashlee Clark in the Richmond bureau at (859) 626-5878.

Celebrity Noose: Blast from the '90s

Source: andPop

Written By: Nicole Feenstra
(andPOP) - This past Tuesday (Oct. 30), while I was putting the final touches on my Halloween costume, two of my favourite acts from days gone by put out new records.

One act -- Britney, bitch -- put out 'Blackout,' a poppy, techno smackfest with a craptastic cover I could have made on Photoshop three years ago. The other was the Backstreet Boys, the boy band that includes Nick Carter, my one true love and father of my babies.

We all know the drama Britney has been living lately: her yo-yo custody battle with K-Fed for her children, her inept displays of driving resulting in banged up cars and paparazzi, and her lacklustre promotion for 'Blackout,' which has so far included a dazed interview by Ryan Seacrest and half-assed performance on the MTV Video Awards.

It seems things are getting worse for Britney. She's being sued by former manager Johnny Wright, a purveyor of pop who says Brit Brit owes her commission. Her spending habits are also on public display today as released court records have revealed Britney spends $16,000 to look that crappy each month. Also revealed: she spends over $100,000 a month on 'entertainment,' over $60,000 a month on two mortgages and $20,000 a month on spousal support (ca-ching).

I've been spinning 'Blackout' for a couple days now and have to say a couple of the songs have great beats and catchy melodies. Before you go out and grab the CD, though, just remember Britney's making more than $730,000 a month for doing shit all. Guess she needs our $20 to foot her monthly entertainment bill, though.

Life for the Backstreet Boys has been markedly calmer, though they've also had battles during their latest hiatus. Oldest member Kevin Richardson flew the coup (though the melodies on their disc, 'Unbreakable,' are as strong as ever) and a sex scandal involving former boy band guru Lou Pearlman blew up. Apparently there was one member of each boy band he managed who Lou would give special tongue baths to. No doubt Topanga is pissed that Lou got more of Lance Bass than she did.

From what I've heard of the new BSB disc, it's great. Fellow andPOP writer Jen Fong, being the Backstreet Boys purist that she is, dearly misses Kevin's slow-burn vocal solos, but there are plenty of harmonious songs to make me happy!

I'm also excited about the Spice Girls reunion. Their greatest hits disc, bedazzled and only available at Victoria's Secret, will prelude a world tour. Ziga-zig-ahhh!

Unbreakable REVIEW: About.Com

REVIEW: Backstreet Boys - Unbreakable
Source: About.Com
Simply Beautiful
Guide Rating - 4 out of 5 rating

The Backstreet Boys are not every music fan's cup of tea, but, simply put, this album consists of one beautiful pop song after another. The incomparably lush harmonies and instantly pleasing melodies are a bit overwhelming when taken as a complete album, so the group remains at its best as a singles band. The good news is that every one of these songs is radio friendly. As Timbaland tops the pop singles chart with the unapologetic adult contemporary sound of "Apologize," it's time for radio programmers to welcome the Boys back.


Sympathetic Production

In a very wise move, the Backstreet Boys have fully abandoned the Max Martin sound of many of their early hits and, instead, are working with producers sympathetic to their efforts to sound like an adult vocal group. Dan Muckala, producer and co-songwriter of the group's hit single "Incomplete" from their last album Never Gone, is the producer of the bulk of the material here. However, other top studio pros like Emanuel Kiriakou (Nick Lachey's "What's Left of Me"), John Shanks (Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway"), and Billy Mann (Pink's "Stupid Girls") work their magic, too.


The Purest Pop

The sound leans to adult contemporary, but contemporary pop music doesn't get much more pure than this. Memorable melodies, interwoven choral harmonies, piano, strings, and gentle use of guitar and drums combine for straightforward songs that will engage most pop fans. There are a few cuts, most notably "Any Other Way" and "Panic," that add rock elements to the group's sound but it only takes one cut like the first single "Inconsolable" to realize the group is concentrating on fleshing out their most comfortable pop territory. Fellow boy band veteran JC Chasez of *NSYNC takes the Backstreet Boys into upbeat pop territory familiar to both goups with his production and songwriting talents.


Top Tracks on 'Unbreakable'

* Inconsolable

* Helpless When She Smiles

* Treat Me Right

* Love Will Keep You Up All Night

* Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon


A Comfortable Place for the Backstreet Boys

The days of first week album sales in excess of 1 million are probably long over for the Backstreet Boys, but, after the growing pains of Never Gone, the group seems to have settled into a comfortable place as an adult vocal group. They have long been one of the most talented of boy bands in pure vocal ability. Now they have found the right production and songwriting collaborators to take their songs to the next level. If you are looking for an album of pure pop pleasure, you can not do much better with current releases than Unbreakable.

Five minutes with ... Nick Carter

As the Backstreet Boys release their comeback album Unbreakable, NW chats to baby — but best known of the group — Nick Carter
Source: NW

You've lost one of your members, Kevin Richardson, who quit last year. Was it hard to go into the studio without him?
- It was definitely a little weird at first — after 14 years of being in the same band, it's just kind of a shocker. But we got past that. In reality there are no hard feelings and it's one of those things where we've just got to move on. And I don't know if you've looked at the music in depth, but it still feels like the Backstreet Boys, you know.

Is it true that former *Nsync star J.C. Chasez wrote some songs for the new album?
- Well, no, he wrote one song. He and A.J. [McLean] wrote a song together and we liked it, so we decided to record it.

Was it weird to put the old *Nsync/Backstreet Boys rivalry to one side?
- No, not at all. It felt great. I don't think there's rivalry in the pop industry to that extent anymore. Just to be in the same boat [as J.C.] and reminiscing was great.

Does it grate to still have people calling you a &quotboy band"?
- No, because they don't say that anymore. We're like, &quotBackstreet Boys are still here — they won't die so, whatever!"

You have huge fan support. Do you have the same people turning up to your gigs as in the early days?
- We have some new fans and we definitely have some older fans. We treat them very well and we love them very much, that's why they stick around. We understand they are the best, we know that.

Have you ever got used to being a teen heart-throb?
- Nah. [Laughs.] If you get used to that stuff I don't know if that's necessarily a good thing. I always feel like it's an honour.

You started in the band when you were 12 years old. How did you deal with having so many things thrown at you from such a young age?
- It was definitely tough. All those things you go through as a child entertainer can affect you because your sense of reality is basically tarnished. Now it's starting to get better and I'm starting to realise what's going on, so I don't want to be a victim.

You did a reality TV show with your family which really laid your problems bare. Having always led such a public life, in hindsight do you have any regrets about exposing yourself even more?
- I never have any regrets because the things I've gone through have taught me to be the person I am right now, you know? And as far as the reality show goes, it really gave me a chance to look at myself. To judge myself. It really made me aware that I had issues I had to deal with.
Have you dealt with those problems now?
- Well, as you've seen with a lot of other artists — like Britney Spears — they've had meltdowns because they don't know how to handle it. They don't know how to give themselves a break and that time [to] come down to reality. That's what happened to me. I've had a lot of reality checks along my life — a lot of reality checks with everything that's gone on.

Are you in a happy place now?
- Absolutely! I really feel so strong and ready to take on the world. Ready to start touring, start working on my record label. I'm also acting.

You've just finished filming a movie called Fast Glass with Heroes star Greg Grunberg. How was it?
- It was amazing. I met lots of great people, I learnt a lot, it was awesome. Also, I met a great director [Kim Ball] who was also the writer of the movie and we wrote a short film together. So next year I'm going to film it. I'm directing it, acting in it, and I'm also one of the writers.

So you're a bit of a workaholic?
- Well, I've got to keep myself busy.

How do you prioritise things?
- I've turned out to be really good at multi-tasking. That's something that comes along later on in life.

What do you like doing in your free time?
- Playing basketball, working out, watching American football, writing or recording music, playing video games. And I love to sleep!

Do you have to get really fit to go back on the road?
- Absolutely. You can't have fat Backstreet Boys on the stage!

Is there any chance you'll tour here with the new album?
- Absolutely, there's no doubt about it. I can't wait to get back to Australia. I love it, it's my favourite place in the world.

You're just saying that because we're in Australia ...
- No, it's true! I love that accent. I hope I'm going to meet an Australian girl.

You're single at the moment?
- Yes I am.

So what are you looking for in a girl — apart from an Australian accent?
- Honestly, someone who's going to let me do my thing and who I can let do her thing. Who's sexy and cool and career-driven — all that stuff.

Are you gun-shy about having another relationship with a celebrity after dating Paris Hilton?
- I guess I am kind of scared to do it. I don't want to necessarily get involved in another situation where maybe ... Oh, I don't know, we'll see who's out there. You can't judge everybody who is in the same category. Maybe if I meet the right person it will be okay.

Well, the Aussie girls are ready and waiting, anyway.
- Hey, that's exactly what I wanted to hear! [Laughs.]

Unbreakable REVIEW: Azcentral.Com

10.25.07: Azcentral.Com Review of 'Unbreakable'

The boy band that just keeps on going loses one member (new father Kevin Richardson), but the new quartet lineup works fine, given that the group's famed harmonies are used more sparingly on its first album in three years. The sound is more mature and rock-flavored, with plenty of solo vocal takes. The opening track, Everything But Mine (which follows a short, harmony-laden intro), borrows a page from Duran Duran, with synthesizer and piercing guitar chords. Helpless When She Smiles starts with Sting-like bass before building into a rock power ballad. You Can Let Go uses strings and acoustic guitar as the foundation for a slow rock anthem. The harmonies drift in on the choruses of these songs. The debut single, Inconsolable, has a stronger dose of old-school Backstreet vocals, as does Unmistakable, another slow rocker. Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough and AJ McLean would be wise to stay away from reggae in the future, with that sound anchoring the CD's most forgettable tracks, Any Other Way and One in a Million. The album ends with Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon, which hints at where Backstreet ultimately may be headed: a lush take on adult-contemporary music, bathed in piano, strings and harmonies.- Larry Rodgers

"I would be the dessert because I’m satisfying."

Nick Carter discusses pudding and the umpteenth Backstreet Boys comeback...
Source: Popjustice

INTERVIEW BY DANIEL NOLAN
One minute Backstreet Boys are there, releasing number one records like nobody’s business, the next they’re gone. Then they’re back again, then gone again and so on...

Nick Carter has been playing this game for 14 years. He used to be one fifth of the Backstreet Boys, but since Kevin quit, he has been promoted to a quarter, which means he is better than he was last time.

We spoke to Nick recently and here is what was said…

Hello Nick. How many comebacks with 'Backstreet's Back' headlines is this now?
You know what, whatever they wanna say, I don’t care any more. It can be a slogan of ours for the rest of our freakin’ lives. As long as people still come and see us, still buy our albums - and are still happy - then we’re back. Alright.

You have a new single which is not about Backstreet Boys being back. What is the new single about?
‘Inconsolable’ is about a person who really, really loves somebody but they just can’t go there because of something that has happened in the past. I personally love the song because it’s a great representation of what we are about.

After ‘Incomplete’, and now ‘Inconsolable’, are you planning any more songs whose titles use the ‘In-’ prefix?
Inconsistent! Yeah, that’s the next single, that’s an exclusive.

You could have had ‘Incomparable’. Or ‘Incontinent’.
Or Incomprehensible...

Ours were funnier. It’s a Backstreet Boys record that sounds very much like a Backstreet Boys record.
Exactly. It doesn’t sound like the Backstreet Boys trying to be rock, you know, you don’t have to listen to it and go ‘what the hell is that?’, it’s refreshing to have something that sounds so familiar.

Do you think, in 2007, the world really needs a boyband?
We were never a boyband.

Really?
We always thought of ourselves as a white vocal harmony group (clang), we didn’t model ourselves on Take That or anything. Maybe things started off a little boyband-ish but after a while you shed that. The way we did this album was different. We worked with Dan Muckala, who wrote our song ‘Incomplete’ and we said, ‘Look, Dan, let’s do something different’ and we sat down, and got the songs that we wanted.

Good. Do you prefer MySpace or Facebook?
I’m on MySpace at the moment, because it’s cool to customise your page.

Are you really ‘on MySpace’ or is someone from your record company ‘on MySpace’ for you?
No, it’s me! I check it all the time! I do my own little videos and stuff like that. I’m gonna start blogging too; I’m always involved.

Shall we look forward to reading 2000-word blog posts because The Internet said something about your waistline?
Too many people are judged on the way they look. As long as you’re healthy and you’re active, that’s the important thing. You look good if you feel good. People should be judged on the things they do, not how they look.

Speaking of how people look, you were once voted one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People. Are you still beautiful Nick?
I don’t really care. If they wanna say that, that’s nice, but it’s all kinda meaningless. I got that because of who I am, I didn’t do it on purpose.

If the Backstreet Boys were a meal, what part of the meal would Nick Carter be?
I think I would be the dessert because I’m satisfying and I’m a guilty pleasure. AJ would be the meat.

Thank you very much Nick Carter.

Nick Carter's Life Changed

Source: Telegraph

The Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter lost nearly 20 kilograms to get in shape for the release of the American boy band's latest album, Unbreakable, and upcoming world tour.

"I was really unhealthy on the last tour,'' Carter told Insider.

"I was really fat and disgusting. I never want to get to that again.

The 27-year-old weighed around 100kg at his heaviest and said it had taken him six months to get trim.

He's didn't go on any special diets and simply ate healthier food and worked out at the gym.

"I am feeling great. I look better. I feel better. I am ready to get out there and perform. I am so ready.''

Carter grew up in the public eye, joining the group when he was just 12.

The group has sold more than 100 million albums and 15 million singles worldwide.

Their hits include Quit Playing Games, As Long As You Love Me, I Want It That Way, Incomplete and Just Want You To Know.

"We definitely have to just take care of ourselves because we are getting older,'' Carter said.

"So we all have to prepare ourselves and make sure we are ready. It is a gruelling schedule.''

It's been two years since the band last visited Australia - and a lot has changed. They're now a four-piece - Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrel and AJ McLean - after Kevin Richardson left the band in June 2006 to pursue other interests.

"The dynamics of the group is different, with Kevin gone,'' said Carter.

"Kevin was a perfectionist, which maybe at certain times prohibited a creative atmosphere.''

The album title of Unbreakable signifies the group's strong bond and all they've been through since forming in 1993.

"No matter what road blocks or adversities come in the way, whether people have heart issues, whether people go to rehab, whether people leave for a solo stint, whether a member leaves the group, the The Backstreet Boys is unbreakable,'' he said.

Carter lives in LA. Many would think he leads the A-list Hollywood life, but that's a misconception.

Carter, who has dated the likes of Paris Hilton, Ashlee Simpson and Kathy Griffin, said he didn't like to mix with other celebrities.

"I am not friends with a lot of people out here in Hollywood, I barely know any celebrities out here and I like it that way,'' he said. ``Most of my friends are just normal people.''

The Backstreet Boys Unbreakable is out October 28.

The band will tour Australia next year.

The Backstreet Boys Talk About The Making Of Their Latest Album, Unbreakable

Article By: Jonathan Widran
Source: Singer Universe Magazine

Ten years after taking over the pop chart with their 14 times platinum debut album, the Backstreet Boys are indeed back and in fine form on their new Jive Records release Unbreakable, out October 30. The upcoming disc’s first single “Inconsolable,” written & produced by Emanuel Kiriakou (Nick Lachey, Katharine McPhee) was released to U.S. radio outlets on August 27 and hit the Billboard Hot 100 in late September.

Like the title of their previous album Never Gone (2005), the name of the new collection is an obvious reference to not only the enduring impact of the group, but also to the Backstreet Boys’ unwavering commitment to each other. A lot has changed since 1997, when the Orlando, FL-based unit of Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, AJ McLean and Kevin Richardson began their impressive run. Today, like so many of their fans that bought those 75 million albums and helped them score a dozen Top 40 Hits (including “As Long As You Love Me,” “All I Have To Give,” “Larger Than Life” and “I Want It That Way”), they’ve grown up and started families.

Carter and Littrell have recorded successful solo projects and Richardson starred as Billy Flynn in Chicago on Broadway. In 2003, McLean appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show, where he came out for the first time about his drug and alcohol addictions. In the early to mid-2000s, they left their original management company The Firm and filed a $75-100 million lawsuit against Jive Records’ parent company Zomba Music Group, claiming breach of contract. Yet even with all those extra-Backstreet happenings, the “boys” (who now range in age from 27 to 34) never lost their touch, coming back in 2005 to release Never Gone, which sold 10 million units worldwide.

The Backstreet Boys keep that momentum going on Unbreakable, but with a catch: this is their first album since Richardson exited the band in 2006. Dorough says, “Kevin actually came to us right before we started recording this record and told us that in his heart he just wasn’t feeling the passion to go forward with another project. His life is taking a different departure, with his wife just having a baby and him wanting to have time to be there to raise a family during those early years. We all know from past experience that between writing and recording, an album can sometimes be a long two-year process. So we totally understood and gave him that space and time. He in turn gave us his blessing and encouraged us to move forward, with absolutely no hard feelings. He’s at a great place in his life now and we’re happy for him.”

Dorough adds that while it was a challenge trying to reconfigure the lead and harmony vocals as a quartet, there was never talk about replacing Richardson. “Making this record, we consciously had to make a decision on how we were going to do this with just the four of us so that people wouldn’t feel we were missing something. And I think we were able to really do that. We actually partnered up with a great team of writers and producers and did some writing as well ourselves. I think everyone’s going to be really happy with Unbreakable. It definitely represents the Backstreet Boys of the old and new. And we’re looking forward to moving on with this next chapter in our lives as Kevin moves on with his.”

The Backstreet Boys spent a year and a half recording Unbreakable, which marks a confident return to the pop template that best defines the group’s sound. All 13 tracks demonstrate an organic ease with material that is an ideal fit. “Helpless When She Smiles” is another hit-worthy midtempo ballad produced by Grammy-winning John Shanks (Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Crow, Bon Jovi, Hilary Duff). A number of other tracks were produced and co-written in Nashville by Dan Muckala, who worked with the group on Never Gone. Among his standouts is the moody Beatles-esque “Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon” - a song that all four singers herald as a highlight of the set. BSB asked well-known songwriter Billy Mann (Pink, Jessica Simpson) to collaborate on the song with Muckala. The result, says Littrell, “is a love story, but with an unexpected message that really makes you think. Melodically, the bridge becomes another song, which I love. It’s really all about the emotion of the vocals, and it’s different than any other track we’ve recorded.”

Another priority was to include various uptempo tracks on the new album that would translate into some serious trademark kinetic energy when Backstreet Boys start touring again. The synthesizer-driven “Everything But Mine,” lively and frenetic “Panic,” rollicking “Any Other Way” and creepy crawler “One in a Million” fit this bill perfectly. The other producers involved in Unbreakable are Rob Weiss and *NSYNC member JC Chasez.

McLean says, “One of the things we really strived to do was just really have fun again as far as the creative process. We spent almost a month and a half working with Dan Muckala and some other really talented writers. We essentially lived in the studio and took a full, hands-on approach to the entire record, predominantly A&R-ing it ourselves, along with management and the record company. It was very similar to making records like the old days for us. We were just really excited about it, wanting to find the sound we’re known for but kind of modernize and update it and try to be trendsetters again. The idea was to be a little bit more on the edge but also have timeless classic Backstreet with really good harmonies and melodies and great lyrical content. We did some organic pop rock for a while, but those songs didn’t allow us to dance as much. On this record, we’re going to be dancing all over the place, having a good time and putting on a great show again!”

As exciting as all the new collaborations are, there is one obvious element missing: Max Martin, the mega producer who has worked with Backstreet Boys since the very beginning and is the sonic force behind most of their best known hits. Carter insists that the group still has a great relationship with Martin, but they ultimately decided to experiment with a different direction and try some new things on Unbreakable. “It went into a new direction just naturally,” he says. “We worked with Dan Muckala a majority of the album and he wrote the song ‘Incomplete’ on Never Gone. And I think we wanted…we had done so much with Max in the past, I think we just wanted to break the mold and do some stuff on our own, too. We worked extensively this time in Nashville and wrote and mixed and matched different writers and producers that we wanted to be on the album. That’s not to say we wouldn’t work with Max in the future. We love everything we have done with him in the past, but for now it was time to move on and try another approach.”

While the Backstreet Boys can easily claim (with their new album) that they’re back - the truth is they never went away. Over the course of 15 years, the group has maintained relevance in an industry that often disposes of pop acts with haste. Littrell reflects, “The pop bands of yesteryear that don’t exist anymore were centered around one or two central vocalists. What has allowed us to keep going is that we were always a team of well-rounded singers, with a similar vision. We’ve been through so much together, on equal terms, and that either tears you apart or brings you closer. When we took a break from 2002 to 2005, it was such a blessing to step outside of our own spotlight and focus on the value of something other than being a pop star. We needed to go through that character building in order to maintain respect for what we all have as a group.”

Dorough adds, “Our music has evolved with our fans. We were young pups when we started. With each album we’ve had the opportunity to grow more mature, lyrically and vocally. We’ve also had the chance to educate ourselves about the business, about artistry and becoming real musicians. I hope that shows with each step we’ve taken.”

Echoing the sentiments of his bandmates and looking ahead towards a still bright future for the boys, McLean concludes, “We’ve been part of this group for half our lives - it’s crazy to think about. If you asked me in 1992 if I’d still be a Backstreet Boy in 2008, I’d have thought we’ll make some records together and have a good little run. But we continue because we love what we do. We thrive being onstage and seeing the faces of little girls and boys and couples and grandmothers, all cutting a jig in the front row. If we were to write a book based on our experiences, I think it would be longer than War And Peace. When I’m a grandpa, I’m going to have a lot of stories to tell.”

Jonathan Widran is a free-lance music/entertainment journalist who contributes regularly to Music Connection, Jazziz and All Music Guide. He can be reached at Few522@aol.com.

2006 Article: Backstreetboys No Hard Feelings for Kevin

Source: People.Com

Their new single "Inconsolable" hits radio this month (hear it below), but it doesn't describe how the Backstreet Boys felt when Kevin Richardson told them during a conference call last year that he was sitting out their sixth album, due Oct. 30.

Despite feeling "kind of a shock," at first, says Nick Carter, "everyone understood. There were no hard feelings and that's just the way it needs to be. We've been through a lot in 14 years together, and there's no need to get angry or overly emotional."

In fact, the group – Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and AJ McClean – still talk to Richardson, whose wife Kristin gave birth to son Mason in July.

"I just saw Kevin a couple days ago," says Dorough. "He's got a glow that is unbelievable, and I'm happy for him. And he's happy for us as well – he's not bitter. He's totally like, 'I want you guys to do your thing and not have weirdness.' "

The as-yet untitled new album features the usual Backstreet Boys fare that fans expect, says Carter: "Dance tracks, poppy rock songs, really beautiful ballads and R&B vocals. We're being what we are and have been for years. There are no catches. We just want to cater to the fans."

As the former boy-banders promote the new CD, Carter, 27, also will be showing off a new, trimmer physique. "I lost more than 40 pounds," says the singer, who worked out one hour a day, five days a week for six months to slim down from 223 pounds.

Carter says he put the weight on because he was depressed. "With my show The House of Carters, it was a shock to me to realize what my family had gone through. After so many years of dysfunction and my parents finally getting divorced and everybody being lost and me being the oldest, there was a lot of stress, a lot of pressure," he says.

"So I finally concentrated on my health, even went to some therapy. They say it starts on the inside. And it's nice when people look at you and think, 'Wow, he got his stuff together.' "

Between promotional trips for his family's Dorough Lupus Foundation (founded in honor of his late sister), Howie D, 33, has been in the studio working on his first solo album. "A kind of Latin/English thing," says Dorough, who just recorded nine demo songs with Jon Secada in Miami. "It's kind of Spanglish, kind of Latin with a little bit of a samba vibe."

But don't expect his first solo effort – or the second Christian album that Brian Littrell, 32, is working on – to derail the band that made them famous.

Promises Dorough: "Backstreet Boys comes first." Adds Carter: "This album is definitely going to be a little different when there's only four of us, but the door's always open for Kevin whenever he wants to come back."

2006 Article: Nick Carter: DUI 'Was Good for Me'

Source: People.Com

Onetime Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter has been tight-lipped when it comes to dishing on his ex-flame Paris Hilton's DUI-related woes, but he readily admits his run-in with the law taught him some valuable lessons.

"I got a DUI, I did the classes and I went in and did my AA meetings that they made me do," Carter said Thursday in Washington D.C. at an event to promote conservation of marine life. "And because I did, I will never ever get behind the wheel and drink again. I learned so much and it was so good for me."

Carter, who was recently appointed Special Ambassador for the Year of the Dolphin by the United Nations Environment Programme Convention on Migratory Species, was charged with driving under the influence in 2005 and was ordered into alcohol rehab.

He says he is a better person today because he didn't receive special treatment as a celebrity. "As far as celebrities go and getting treated differently, it didn't happen for me. I did everything I was supposed to do when they told me to do it. It helped me so much."

Asked by the Washington Post about Hilton's recent trouble with the law, Carter would only say, " I, uh, want to leave that negativity and that lifestyle behind and pursue things that actually mean something, you know?"

Now, Carter is looking to help dolphins and oceans – a cause he says he's been interested in since childhood. "I grew up in Florida, and from a very young age I enjoyed every aspect of the ocean and all of its beautiful living creatures," says Carter. "My greatest sanctuary away from all of the stress – touring, busy schedules, performing – is still the big, blue sea."

To help raise funds for the cause Carter will participate in a public service announcement and plans to launch a Web site in coming months and release a "cool song" dedicated to the dolphins.

His other plans include working on a new album with his Backstreet brethren and shooting an independent film called Fast Glass.

2006 Article: Pop Superstar Nick Carter to Help Wild Dolphins and Oceans

Source: Newswise.com

Newswise — In recognition of his commitment to the conservation of oceans and marine life, and as a future messenger for dolphin conservation, Nick Carter was appointed today as Special Ambassador of the Year of the Dolphin by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

Through his Ocean Campaign, Nick Carter has already been encouraging young people to learn about environmental issues affecting oceans and become active in environmental work. In his new role, Nick will further his commitment and partner with the UNEP Convention to raise public awareness and action to protect dolphins and their habitats.

“Everyone loves dolphins. Yet, we are still driving them to extinction. They face numerous threats such as being caught in fishing nets, disoriented by noise of boats and sonars and poisoned by more and more waste in the oceans. Global warming is threatening for most dolphins as well.” said Carter. “I want to work with the UNEP Convention on Migratory Species and the partners of the Year of the Dolphin to inform and fundraise for dolphin conservation, to save these animals and their habitats.”

Nick will actively assist with the educational campaign and fundraising. For instance, he will work on a special song and video for dolphins, and funds raised through the sale of the song will be used for CMS projects on dolphin conservation. He will also develop a public service announcement, to engage his fans and the public at large in conservation of dolphins and ocean environments. Specifics of his campaign will be revealed next month including a website, contest to have Nick Carter appear at local schools, as well as information on ways to contribute to UNEP/CMS and educational information to save dolphins.

“I trust that many young people will be inspired by Nick to take positive action on behalf of dolphins and oceans, and contribute to safeguarding their heritage and environment. I thank and commend Nick for his support, and I hope this will be the start of a long lasting friendship with the Convention on Migratory Species” said Mr. Hepworth, Executive Secretary of CMS.

CMS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) and other Year of the Dolphin partners are working hard to raise awareness and prepare the conservationists of the future. Mr. Hepworth presented a booklet, entitled “All About Dolphins”, and which is being distributed through UNESCO schools and TUI - the largest European tourism agency – destinations.

“I am honored to offer my resources and my music to help the United Nations save dolphins and their habitats” explained the singer.

2006 Article: BACKSTREETBOYS - CATFIGHT ON THE CHART

January 4, 2007
Thanks to: Ama of projectbackstreet

BRITNEY Spears.
Hilary Duff.
Avril Lavigne.
Kelly Clarkson. Whitney Houston.


These pop stars will be vying for your attention this year.
Rock lovers, fret not. Expect fresh material from Maroon 5, Linkin Park, A Simple Plan and Good Charlotte. And if Axl Rose gets his act together, the return of Guns N' Roses.

Now for the bad news - we'll have to suffer more with Westlife and Backstreet Boys.

BRITNEY SPEARS Will the former Mrs Kevin Federline, with her resume of No 1 hits, slick dance moves and clever marketing keep her fans? Or will her hard-partying and crotch-flashing antics shoo away the supporters?
Remember, never underestimate this sexy mama, who has pledged to lose her pregnancy weight and reinvent herself. The only good thing about the upcoming album so far? No token contributions from Federline.

HILARY DUFF Also eager to exorcise relationship demons is Duff, 19, who recently broke up with Good Charlotte frontman Joel Madden, 27. Duff plans to spice up her saccharine-sweet image with an album, due out in April, that she says is 'a little less pop-rock and more electronic-sounding'.

But watch out: Duff's album is going head to head with Good Charlotte's new album, due in March.

AVRIL LAVIGNE Now that she's tied the knot and dyed her hair blonde, will Lavigne pull a Christina Aguilera andget serious? You wish.

The 22-year-old' s next album will be 'fast, fun, young and bratty'. Titled The Best Dam (sic) Thing, it is due in April and is lovingly co-produced by new hubby Sum 41 rocker Deryck Whibley.

WHITNEY HOUSTON It's good to have you back, Whitney, after finally ditching your has-been R&B star husband Bobby Brown.

If the 43-year-old chanteuse's collaborators (Missy Elliott, R Kelly, Ne-Yo, Akon) are a hint of what to expect, this will be an edgy, R&B album, very different from her usual octave-soaring ballads.

KELLY CLARKSON By far the most successful product of the American Idol franchise, Clarkson, 24, broke away from the cookie-cutter pop mould with her sophomore album, Breakaway, and scooped up two Grammys.

Clarkson's new album, also due out in April, will be more 'more rock, more soulful', thanks to contributions from punk rock veteran Mike Wait. Cue more Grammys rolling in.

DIDO It has been a long time since the Brit electronic-pop singer-writer' s last album, 2003's Life For Rent. The delay will be worthwhile. Dido, 35, has assured fans that it's 'full-steam ahead' in her Los Angeles studio, 'experimenting' with new sounds.

WESTLIFE The Irish boys will be back in the later half of this year with yet another release, and we can already predict more maligned covers of soppy romantic oldies, which will inevitably end up on a compilation album in time for next year's Valentine's Day. David Gates, you've been warned.

BACKSTREET BOYS Guys, we heard you the first time when you made that totally unnecessary comeback, 2005's Never Gone.

The Boys' next album, minus member Kevin Richardson, who split last year, will be out in spring and is 'very piano-driven and guitar-driven' . In other words, nothing like what former 'N Sync-er and rival Justin Timberlake does.

LINKIN PARK Enough with the side projects, remixed releases and mash-ups with rap stars supposedly in retirement. There will be a third studio album later next month. Straying away from the band's nu-metal roots, the new album promises to be a mixture of punk, classic rock and vintage hip-hop.

MAROON 5 Aptly titled It Won't Be Soon Before Long, the band's follow-up to its 2002 album has been pushed back repeatedly.

Blame it on injuries (drummer Ryan Dusick left after hurting his arms while touring) or romantic dalliances (singer Adam Levine has supposedly been dating everyone from Jessica Simpson to Kirsten Dunst). But the band has promised that the new album will be 'aggressive, upbeat and pounding'.

GUNS N' ROSES This will be the biggest surprise of the year if Axl Rose actually makes good on his word and produces the much-anticipated Chinese Democracy.

Rose has set 6 Mar as a release date - pretty ambitious, considering the 12-year delay. The buzz has been good though. Last year, several tracks were leaked onto the Internet and critics gave it a thumbs up. Still, we'll believe it only when we see it.

2006 Article: Celebrity Chow: Nick and Aaron Carter

December 18, 2006
Source: Food.Yahoo.com


All-time favorite food?
Nick: Sushi
Aaron: Roscoe's chicken wings

Favorite cocktail or nonalcoholic drink?
Nick: Ginger ale
Aaron: Grape soda
Favorite food on tour?
Nick: Pickles and provolone
Aaron: Honey-mustard pretzel bites

Favorite food celebrity?
Nick: Martha Stewart
Aaron: Emeril

Favorite junk food?
Nick: Häagen-Dazs chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream
Aaron: King-sized Kit Kat with grape soda
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Nick: A muffin
Aaron: Three eggs

What foods do you avoid at all costs?
Nick: Pasta
Aaron: Onions

What was your favorite meal growing up?
Nick: SpaghettiOs and Vienna sausages
Aaron: Chicken-with-mushroom-soup-and-baked-onion casserole

What's the one thing in your fridge you can't live without?
Nick: Pickles
Aaron: Milk

Go-to condiment?
Nick: Cholula hot sauce
Aaron: Honey mustard sauce

Best city for food?
Nick: San Francisco
Aaron: Chicago

Best dinner party tips?
Nick: Serve sushi -- everyone loves it.
Aaron: I'm 18... I don't have parties, I go to them.

You can catch Aaron and Nick on their show House of Carters on E!
Aaron would also like to tell you about MusiCares, a charity offering critical assistance for music people in times of need, while Nick suggests you check out ICRAN, a global partnership of experts working to reverse the decline of the health of the world's coral reefs.

2006 Article: GMA Dove Awards Tickets Go on Sale

December 13, 2006

Tickets for the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards went on sale last week through TicketMaster (www.ticketmaster.com).


The Dove Awards will be presented on Wednesday, 25 April, 2007 (8:00-10:00pm CST) at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, hosted by Dove-winning artists Natalie Grant, Brian Littrell and Donnie McClurkin.


Littrell, who is widely-known as a member of the legendary pop group Backstreet Boys for 13 years, won his first Dove Awards last year for his solo "In Christ Alone" earlier this year.


GMA's Dove Awards is Christian and gospel music’s biggest night of the year, when top artists from every style of gospel music come together for a national night of music and celebration as the GMA bestows the industry’s highest honour - the Dove Award. Nominations for the awards will be announced on 20 February 2007.


“Six months out, everything is already falling into place for a fantastic Dove Awards show in 2007. Natalie, Brian and Donnie make a striking trio of hosts who will be engaging, smart and entertaining and we are excited each accepted our invitation to host the show,” said John W. Styll, president of the GMA. “Also, our television syndication plan is well underway, and in terms of broadcast confirmations, we are already well ahead of last year. There’s a building enthusiasm for the GMA Dove Awards just as the national spotlight on Christian and gospel music’s positive impact on our country and culture continues to radiate.”


ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox broadcast affiliates in Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington DC, Atlanta, Cleveland, New Orleans and Nashville are among the more than 50 television stations that have already cleared the GMA Dove Awards for the 2007 broadcast.


The Dove Awards will be produced by Steve Gilreath Television. Handling first-run syndication through broadcast network affiliates and independent stations nationwide is Central City Productions of Chicago, Illinois, which also produces and syndicates the Stellar Awards. Following the broadcast syndication, The Gospel Music Channel will have the cable premiere of the GMA Dove Awards.


The broadcast taping of the GMA Dove Awards will begin at 8pm and feature artist performances and the presentation of a number of key Dove Awards. The opening ceremony begins at 5:30pm and will include the announcement of most of the 44 categories of Dove Awards. Tickets to the show include seating at both events.


Source: Christian Today]

2006 Article: Kevin Richardson reprises his role in hit musical

Nov. 23, 2006 Article

In the late 1990s, The Backstreet Boys were the undisputed kings of the pop music market.

They regularly performed to stadiums full of screaming fans at destinations around the world, produced record-smashing albums and were staples of Top 40 radio.

After a hiatus between 2002 and 2004, the group released their platinum-selling comeback album last year entitled Never Gone, a success that was generally warmly received by fans and critics.

But the eldest of the group Kevin Richardson, the black-haired former model and Disney World tour guide who sought a career in music before finally striking gold with the band, announced in June this year that he would be leaving BSB to embark on a new phase of his career.

One element of that new phase will be a return to the stage, a move that will soon see him reprise the role of Billy Flynn in the Toronto production of Chicago, a part he first played on Broadway and in London’s West End.

Having exposure to fame and performance on two very different stages puts Richardson in a unique position as an artist, but he says there are definite advantages to working in both arenas.

"Performing in front of a huge crowd can be intimidating, but at the same time it can be comforting because there are so many people there and so much is going on you feel like you can maybe hide," he says.

"When you’re performing in front of a small, intimate crowd you feel very naked, very exposed, because it’s so much more intimate."

Richardson says he’s addicted to the theatre and the Flynn part but for no other reason than the fact that he can actually hear himself sing in the theatre, a nearly impossible feat when performing in front of 50,000 screaming fans.

While he admits theatre performance can be intimidating in its own way, the 35-year-old native of Lexington, Ky., recalls a more arduous time in 2002, prior to the release of the film version of Chicago, when he was preparing to act in the production on Broadway.

"With all the renewed interest when the film came out, here I am doing it on Broadway and I hadn’t done musical theatre for 10 years. There were moments when I thought what have I done? I’m in over my head. Then there were days in rehearsal when I thought, ‘I’ve got this, I was totally in my element.’ "

The natural tenor decided to simply dive into the part, the result being a successful run in New York, later London, and eventually on to Toronto. "With theatre, it is a nice change," Richardson says. "It is a totally different type of gratification and satisfaction that I get with that."

Source: Metro

2006 Article: The Little Drummer Boy

December 9, 2006

When most children hear their father singing around the house, they’ll probably roll their eyes at the off-key harmonies or mangled lyrics. Baylee Littrell’s father is different: He’s a Backstreet Boy.Littrell was with his son in the studio putting the finishing touches on his solo Christian album. Baylee (who loves to hear his voice in the headphones) said, “Daddy, I want to hear ‘Jesus Loves You,’ ” an a cappella number he’d heard around the house.The producer liked the way Baylee sounded and added the sound bite to the beginning of the track. “Jesus Loves You” closes out “Welcome Home,” released in May. Littrell co-wrote half of his solo album as well as several Backstreet Boys songs, including hits like “Larger Than Life” and “The One.”

Littrell brings his Christian music to Manassas on Wednesday.Don’t expect to see pyrotechnics or choreographed dances - Littrell said the show would be an acoustic set with some drums.
“It’s a Christmas show,” said Littrell. “It’s more or less sharing stories about our lives or our faith.”
He also said that the set would include numbers from his solo album, “Welcome Home,” as well as some of his favorite Christmas songs.Littrell, originally from Lexington, Ky., always wanted to do Christian music.“I grew up singing in church,” said Littrell, 31.
To audition for The Backstreet Boys, Littrell had to pass up a four-year vocal scholarship to Cincinnati Bible College.
“That’s what I thought God had planned for my life,” said Littrell, adding that while he grew up Southern Baptist, he now considers himself non-denominational.“I didn’t really ask to be a pop star,” said Littrell, who was 18 at the time he became a Backstreet Boy. “God blessed us with a wonderful audience all over the world. As a Backstreet Boy, I can break down the door and share the Gospel with countries that don’t believe in Christ.”
The Backstreet Boys have sold over 74 million records worldwide. They’ve inspired an Internet lip-syncing sensation “The Back Dorm Boys,” as well as the ultimate certificate of pop notoriety: Weird Al’s “eBay” was a parody of the Backstreet Boy’s ubiquitous “I Want It That Way.”
“I hear those songs in the elevator today,” said Littrell.
He also said that though the band’s fame shot through the stratosphere, his relationship with Christ kept his feet on the ground.
When negotiating his solo recording contract, it was important to Littrell to be on a Christian label.
“If I’m making that jump, I want it to be wholeheartedly,” said Littrell, adding that the process was surprisingly easy.
His is on the Reunion Records label, alongside artists such as Michael W. Smith and the Casting Crowns.
Some of the fans jumped with him. Littrell said that he’s found his solo album appeals to both Backstreet Boys fans and Christian music fans.“It’s amazing how Backstreet Boys fans are intrigued by my project, whether or not they’re believers in Christ,” said Littrell.
He added that as the initial Backstreet Boys fans have become older, girls in their early 20s, they’re searching for something on a different level in their music. “It’s just as rewarding to go to work and do something I’m so passionate about,” said Littrell.
The Backstreet Boys aren’t done, though. Littrell said the band plans on releasing a new album in the spring. He said the record would incorporate the Euro-dance synthesizers of the early Backstreet Boys albums with the pop-rock guitar driven songs with their later efforts.
There are eight songs in the can, and Littrell said the band plans on finishing in January.

Source: Potomac News & Gina for submitting this article!

What Happened with the Boys in Miss Switzerland?

The Backstreet Boys performed at the Miss Switzerland pageant live show last night. But something went wrong. Brian was the only one without a suit and their microphones didn’t work for several seconds. What happened?

I met the Boys shortly before the performance in the hotel to interview them and experienced a pissed off manager. He screamed into the phone that it can’t be right and how you can lose a suitcase during a flight....He talked with the Zurich airport and searched for Brian’s suitcase. The suitcase had been checked in “VIP” in Milano with the other suitcases but didn’t get out of the plane in Zurich. In it was Brian’s Gucci suit worth over 3000 $, like their manager told the Lost and found person at Zurich airport. He obviously didn’t realize whose suitcase got lost cause he said it will be all ok by Monday.

They needed a replacement. ( I heard all of that while I was waiting for the interview) They wanted to get one of AJ’s suits changed so that it would fit Brian. Just stupid that every store in Zurich was closed at 6 pm already. Their manager couldn’t believe it. 6 pm? Everything closed? Unbelievable! No one could be found anymore who could change Aj’s suit and make it perfect for Brian, the suitcase didn’t appear either and that was the reason Brian had to wear the sweater he was wearing during the interview.

(Strange, cause with the money the Backstreet Boys they could’ve bought the whole Gucci store in Zurich)

Additionally the suitcase with all of their audio material and personal microphones got lost so they had to perform with equipment they didn’t know....and it didn’t work out.

Translation by Linnywitch of LD. Click for the SOURCE

Backstreet Boys hope to restore fading fortunes

By Jill Menze
Fri Oct 12, 8:57 PM ET
Source: Yahoo! News Billboard

NEW YORK (Billboard) - AJ McLean remembers the conversation well. Kevin Richardson was having doubts about his future in the Backstreet Boys, and one night in the dressing room after a 2005 show, he told his friends in the mega-selling boy band how he was feeling.


"There's some things I need to do first, for me," McLean recalled Richardson saying.


The group had been discussing "when we wanted to start recording again," McLean said. "Everyone was ready, but that was the first time Kevin put it out in the atmosphere that he wasn't."


The Boys needed some time to digest Richardson's news. In June 2006, he made the official statement that he was moving on to "pursue other interests." Although all were supportive of Richardson's decision, remaining Backstreet Boys McLean, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough and Brian Littrell were still left one man down. But according to McLean, replacing Richardson was never even an option. They turned down an offer to star in a reality show to find a new member, and opted against changing the group name to Backstreet. "This is a new band, but this is a brand, and it's the Backstreet Boys," McLean said.


Instead, the group resolved to make a new album as a quartet, and the result is "Unbreakable," due October 30 via Jive. It's a return to form of sorts for the band, with 13 songs of unmistakable Backstreet Boys-style group harmonies, upbeat dance numbers and hearts-on-their-sleeve midtempo ballads.


But how do the Backstreet Boys, the first, if not best, of the all-male pop groups to dominate the latter half of the '90s and early '00s, fit in among the roster of current hitmakers? The niche the group helped pioneer is slim, if not altogether nonexistent. Can they remain relevant to a new generation of consumers as well as to one-time fans who might have moved on?


"There are definitely some challenges, just because of some people who, especially in America, may look at the band" as just a boy band, said the group's current manager, Jeff Kwatinetz. "But I think that some of (the boy band) characterizations are wrong. They're singers, performers, songwriters."


TRANSITION GAME


This particular transition began for the Backstreet Boys with the 2005 album "Never Gone," released five years on from their chart-dominating pop glory days.


By that time, their boy band contemporaries had faded from the limelight, and their second acts were meeting with mixed results. Justin Timberlake found great solo success outside of 'N Sync, but 98 Degrees fizzled as group member Nick Lachey hawked his solo album on an MTV reality show and became tabloid fodder for his marriage to Jessica Simpson.


The Backstreet Boys had also been mired in management changes, legal battles with longtime label Jive and various personal issues, from McLean's drug addiction to Carter's flop solo debut.


So the group went a new route for "Never Gone," stepping away from slickly produced dance pop and taking a stab at the adult contemporary market with help from writers and producers like Max Martin, Mark Taylor, Billy Mann and John Shanks. First single "Incomplete" hit No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, but despite first-week U.S. sales of 291,000, according to Nielsen SoundScan, "Never Gone" stalled. Sales to date are at 748,000 units, the lowest of the band's career.


Carter feels the disjointed sound of "Never Gone" was the result of working with different collaborators on virtually every track. "(The album) was just like an experimental, get-back-into-the-game type of album," he said, adding that a lot of the songs "just slacked."


This relative lack of success stood in stark contrast to the Backstreet Boys' track record.


Initially managed by Lou Pearlman (who helped spawn 'N Sync but is now embroiled in embezzlement charges and allegations that he was a sexual predator) and Johnny Wright, the group first met phenomenal success overseas. Its 1996 self-titled debut sold more than 7.5 million copies internationally, and the 1997 follow-up, "Backstreet's Back," shifted 10.2 million units worldwide.


At a time when rock and hip-hop were dominating the charts, it took longer for the boys to break into the U.S. market. But the band's 1997 U.S. self-titled debut eventually scored big in the States, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, selling 10.1 million and spawning the hit singles "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)" and "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)."


For the next few years, the Backstreet Boys were unstoppable. "Millennium" (1999) sold a then-record-breaking 1.1 million copies in its first week of U.S. sales (a record later shattered by 'N Sync's "No Strings Attached," which sold 2.4 million). It hit No. 1 in 25 countries, leading to worldwide sales of 21.6 million, according to Jive.


The following year's "Black & Blue" did even better, shifting 1.59 million in its first week. But the nonstop pace was taking its toll.


"Everyone was at wit's end," McLean said. "It was just work, arguments, conflicts."


Those problems seemed to multiply. A 2001 North American tour had to be postponed while McLean entered rehab, and 2002 saw a split with the group's management at the Firm, where Kwatinetz is CEO, as well as a lawsuit against Jive parent Zomba for breach of contract and trademark infringement. (The case was settled amicably; McLean says the band's relationship with the company has gotten "immensely better.")


A hiatus was inevitable. Group members went their separate ways; Richardson starred in "Chicago" on Broadway, while McLean, Dorough and Littrell worked on solo efforts. Carter stayed with Jive to release his solo debut, "Now or Never," which hit No. 17 on The Billboard 200 but has sold just 238,000 copies.


Although there was some speculation that the group had disbanded entirely, McLean insists that was never the case. "We kind of took a small break," he said of the time off. "We needed a break, mind you -- we were touring for pretty much nine years straight."


ON THE REBOUND


Backstreet's members found their way back together in 2003, when they surprised McLean on the set of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," where he'd come to discuss his drug problem.


"I cried like a little girl," McLean said.


And with the experimentalism of "Never Gone" out of their system, the group got back to the type of pop music that attracted such a huge fan base to begin with. With the new album, "we've proved we're doing this for (the fans) and we're doing this for us and because we love it so much," McLean said.


In January, the group went on a writing trip with songwriter/producer Dan Muckala in Nashville for six weeks. "We wanted to have one consistent body of work that was cohesive," Carter said of their time in the studio. While there, "a lot of cool, magical stuff happened."


Carter says the group personally selected the album's contributors, which include Rob Weiss, Shanks and Mann, who collaborated with Muckala on the song "Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon." JC Chasez of 'N Sync fame wrote the track "Treat Me Right" with McLean, and first single "Inconsolable" was written and produced by Emanuel Kiriakou and co-written by Lindy Robbins and Jess Cates.


"Inconsolable" is a dramatic, piano-driven ballad reminiscent of past hit "Shape of My Heart," while "Helpless When She Smiles" is a similar ballad with a mammoth-sized chorus. Elsewhere, "Panic" is a jittery electric dance number and "Treat Me Right" bounces along to a hand-clapping funky groove.


The final product "is great, classic Backstreet Boys, with obviously a little more grown-up sound and more mature lyrics," McLean said, adding that the absence of Richardson is hardly noticeable in the sound mix, and the harmony parts sound as fresh as ever. "Everyone's singing their butts off on this record. Everyone's got leads across the board."


RADIO RESISTANCE


Jive is working hard to get the Backstreet Boys in front of audiences again. The group began a two-week European promo tour October 9 and will be in Japan to launch the album there the week of October 23. In the States, performances are set for "Today," "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live."


The radio picture is less certain.


"They face the same challenge that any of the bands that are more than 10 years old face, especially any pure pop act. And that is they struggle to appear relevant and get the radio support they need to have a hit," analyst Guy Zapoleon said.


"Inconsolable" spent only two weeks on the Hot 100, peaking at No. 86. International listeners have been more receptive; the track debuted at No. 15 in Japan and was a top 20 hit in Germany after just two weeks.


A worldwide tour will kick off the first quarter of 2008 in Japan and Asia and will carry Backstreet through 2009. McLean is continuing to work on his solo album on the side, a single for which he hopes to have ready by the end of February. Carter is also working on his next solo effort in addition to building the infrastructure of his new record label, Kaotic Records.


As for a new start without Richardson, McLean and Carter both say he is missed, and the door is wide open should he ever decide to return. As for whether he actually will come back, McLean remains hopeful: "I really think he's going miss it. I really do. Some of the guys you could ask and they'd probably tell you the total opposite. Me, I really believe he may come back."


And regardless of whether "Unbreakable" returns the group to a high level of visibility, the group is content with its place in the pop-music universe.


"We don't have these huge, massive releases anymore," Carter said. "Some people ask us, 'You guys have another album?' That's kind of a cool place to be for the Backstreet Boys. In a sense, we're very underground."


Source: Reuters/Billboard

Backstreet Boys: An Unbreakable Force

By Sandy Lo Grasso
Editor-In-Chief
Source: Starshine Magazine


Artist: Backstreet Boys
Album: Unbreakable
Release Date: October 30, 2007
Label: Jive Records
Tracks to Check Out: “Panic”, “Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon”, “Treat Me Right”
Look out for: An interesting mix of classic and new.
Artist Website: backstreetboys.com

It's been ten years since "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart) hit U.S. airwaves, and the faces of a new generation of heartthrobs took over MTV. The music scene changed with the Backstreet Boys leading a pack of "boy bands" into the new millennium. Once again, music has evolved, and album sales continue to decrease. Boy bands are no more, but hip-hop, punk, and country are strong in the game. The only remnants of that past wave of pop is laced over with heavy dance/R&B/Hip-Hop via Justin Timberlake, and Mission: Man Band, a failing reality series of mix-matched has-beens called Sure Shot, is a sure flop.

With the dust settling over the years, the Backstreet Boys remain on top of their game still. Since the deflation of pop music in 2002, which is credited to squeaky-clean images gone bad, mixed with the inability to stick together, the Backstreet Boys have managed to keep the ball rolling. "We’ve always stressed quality versus quantity when it comes to our career," Brian Littrell, 32, explains in a recent press conference. "I think that’s what it's attributed to, the music, and the loyal fans that we’ve had, and also the passion that we all have. The Backstreet Boys has never been about one particular guy. It’s always about a team. I think that’s what’s kept us together for this long."

Though in the early 2000s, the group was somewhat absent after their greatest hits album was released, they never wavered, and had a strong comeback in 2005 with Never Gone debuting at #3 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart. The album was a departure from their previous recordings like Millennium and Black & Blue, which are considered some of the greatest pop records of this generation. Never Gone tugged on the pop-rock strings a bit, and was received well. However, two years later, the group is gearing up to release Unbreakable, which is a throwback to BSB's "classic" sound, yet brings in new elements as well. "We really wanted to find the sound that we’re really known for," says AJ McLean, 29, "But kind of modernize it, and update it, and try to be trendsetters again, but also timeless.” The Backstreet Boys achieved just that!

Unbreakable hits stores October 30th, and the first single, “Inconsolable” has already been creeping up the Top 40 charts. One of the obvious differences on the latest CD is the missing bass voice of Kevin Richardson, 36. He approached his band mates before they began recording, and decided he wanted to pursue other interests, mainly becoming a father. Richardson’s wife gave birth to son, Mason in July. Turning their usual five-part harmony into four appeared smooth, now leaving room for high-note hitter, Howie Dorough, 34, to gain more leads. “When making this record, we consciously had to make a decision on how we were going to do this with just the four of us and not feel like [people] were missing something.” Dorough explains. “I think we actually were able to really do that.” He credit’s the team of writers and producers like Dan Mukala, John Shanks, and Billy Man, who the group worked with on the album, as well as the group writing themselves.

According to McLean, the Backstreet Boys “A&Red” the album themselves, and worked on the project for a year and a half, which left them with thirty-five songs to play with. Of the thirty-five, fourteen made the cut, with a few bonus tracks thrown in for Wal-mart and special editions. Considering themselves a visual group, BSB thought of how their music would play out onstage. “One of the things that we really strived for on this new record,” Begins McLean, “is to have those up tempos again so we can dance, and we can perform and not just sit up there on stools and look like a bunch of old farts.”

When asked about the Boys’ vocal progression over the years, Nick Carter, 27, was eager to speak up. “I'm going through my third puberty.” Carter jokes. “I feel like I’ve gotten better. I feel like I don't sound like an album from the Chipmunks anymore. I'm very happy where I'm heading vocally.“ AJ McLean added on, “I think we’re all the strongest that we’ve ever been. I think we’re all blending really well together; it’s just a really tight sound amongst us four now.” McLean says. “But also for me, I think my voice has definitely changed every since I got sober, because, you know, drinking and partying and doing all those things definitely affects not only your voice but your morale and all of that. I'm at the top of my game. I think we all are.”

While reading the album credits, one name will come as a surprise: former competitor/‘N Sync member, JC Chasez. McLean and Chasez penned “Treat Me Right” together; one of Unbreakable’s more unique sounding songs. “Writing with JC was actually a really, really interesting process.” Says McLean. “He really understands the harmonies, the melodies, and the complex simplicity [of what we do as a group]. He’s a very talented writer; he’s a very talented musician, as well as artist. I would hope that we could work with him again.“

While “Inconsolable” is reminiscent of “I Want It That Way”, don’t be fooled, Unbreakable has a lot more to offer than recycled hits. Though “Helpless When She Smiles” and “You Can Let Go” blends mostly old with a bit of new, “Panic”, “One In A Million”, and “Treat Me Right” turn a different corner with an interesting sound, great lyrics, and, a refreshing look into the future of the Backstreet Boys. “Everything But Mine” will get stuck in your head without even realizing it, while “Any Other Way” will have you singing along, and tapping your feet when you’re listening to your i-Pod. Rounding out the album are “Trouble Is”, “Love Will Keep You Up All Night”, and “Unmistakable”, which are mid-tempo love songs, a style the band has honed over the past fifteen years.

The final track on Unbreakable is “Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon”, a ballad written by the Backstreet Boys with Dan Mukala and Billy Mann. The “mouthful” of a title, as Littrell puts it, appears to be one of the band‘s favorites off the album. Unbreakable will be something for everyone, and may surprise those anti-pop critics. Generations from grandmothers to children can still enjoy the Backstreet Boys, and looks like they will for a long time to come. Music needs an artist like this right now.

After promoting the album, the group is planning an extensive world tour, expecting to hit Asia, Europe, South America, and finally North America. The Boys are grateful to their loyal fans around the world saying it provides them with “good problems”, since they have so many places to perform. What can audiences expect this time around from a Backstreet show? More dancing!

Since the Never Gone album didn’t allow too much room for choreography, BSB want to bring the element back in again. The Boys even have new choreographers, Charm & Caitlin, who are young and fresh at nineteen and twenty-years-old. “We just have to get through the soreness first before we can hopefully look good.” Says Littrell. AJ even admits to falling during rehearsal recently due to a bad knee. “We’re just excited to be dancing again,” McLean explains. “It’s just fun again–it’s just fun to be up there moving and dancing and just–everybody feels really good about it.” Besides dancing, Nick hinted around at a big production with pyro and trampolines, which the other Boys weren’t too sure about. “These are just things we’re thinking about.” Nick corrected. “Our minds are wide open for the idea of something extravagant, and big and entertaining.”

In 2008, the Boys also plan to continue on with their solo albums as well. Carter is working on a follow-up to his 2002 rock-fused album, while Littrell is working on a sophomore album to his successful Christian CD last year. Both Dorough and McLean have been recording for their first shot at a solo career. “Each of our [solo records] are actually kind of different directions, which is kind of cool,” Dorough explains, “Because that’s the chemistry of each of us that comes together and makes the Backstreet Boys who we are. We can all be out there and not be competing with each other.” Until then, it’s all about the Backstreet Boys as a group, who continue to strive for longevity, which in the ever-changing music industry is becoming more difficult. “There’s so many artists now, young and new, up and coming artists that are more or less working a song.” Discusses Littrell. “They don't really get that opportunity to build a long career. In the time that we were so very successful in the late ‘90s, early 2000--people were looking for that integrity and that staying power. And it was a blessing.”

And blessed the Backstreet Boys are. With the ability to stay true to their sound, yet re-invent it album after album, it’s no wonder they’re the real “Man Band”, and that’s the only reality out there. Unbreakable is deserving of not only the Backstreet Boys’ loyal fans, but a new generation of music lovers. Hopefully critics, cynics, and the close-minded alike will be pleasantly surprised.

Rating: 97%