Backstreet Boys Back in Studio

Josh Grossberg Sat Jul 26, 6:46 PM ET

Los Angeles (E! Online) - The now-aged but still-recording New Kids on the Block have some whippersnappers competing for the attention of suburban housewives nationwide by the name of the Backstreet Boys.

Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough and A.J. McLean are looking to give their boy-band brethren a run for their record sales. The quartet has begun working on its sixth studio album, targeted for a late 2008 release, just in time to compete with the latest from NKOTB.

The Backstreet Boys (still sans the retired Kevin Richardson) began cranking on the new material while touring Europe last month, according to Billboard. They may debut some of the material during their North American tour, which runs through August and September, before putting the wraps on the follow-up to 2007's Unbreakable.

Apparently believing that there's not such a thing as too much Backstreet, the boys are also working on various side projects.

McLean revealed in March that he finished his solo set. And Dorough's "halfway" through a Latin-themed CD with singer-producer Jon Secada and George Noriega, the mastermind behind albums for Ricky Martin, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.

"I've always embraced the Latin rhythms, the Latin sounds, just the music itself," Dorough tells Billboard. "It's just such a feel-good music, and I've always looked up to people like Jon Secada, Ricky Martin, Enrique [Iglesias], who have done a good crossover.

"It's just a mixture of my American roots in pop music meets my Latin roots. It's gonna be a good, kind of eclectic mixture."

He just better hope fans want it that way.

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Backstreet Boys At Work On New Album, Solo Discs

July 24, 2008 , 12:15 PM ET

Gary Graff, Detroit

Backstreet Boys Howie Dorough and A.J. McLean are continuing to work on their first solo projects even as the group has started work on its sixth studio album.

Dorough tells Billboard.com that "A.J.'s about done" with his album, while Dorough is "probably close to halfway there." He's been working with Jon Secada and George Noriega (Ricky Martin, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez) on an album Dorough says will explore the Latin roots of his mother's family, which hails from Puerto Rico.

"I've always embraced the Latin rhythms, the Latin sounds, just the music itself," says Dorough, who even flirted with joining Menudo when he was younger. "It's just such a feel-good music, and I've always looked up to people like Jon Secada, Ricky Martin, Enrique (Iglesias), who have done a good crossover."

Dorough describes his album as "kind of Latin-ish, English, Spanglish. It's just a mixture of my American roots in pop music meets my Latin roots. It's gonna be a good, kind of eclectic mixture."

Release dates for both his and McLean's albums are up in the air, however. "Obviously Backstreet's always gonna be number one," Dorough says. "It's a matter of timing, when we feel each of us wants our record to come out so that we're not competing with each other or taking time away that we could be working ... as a group."

The group, in fact, has already started working on its follow-up to last year's "Unbreakable," recording some new material while on tour in Europe. Dorough says the quartet plans to hit the studio after its tour of North America, which starts Tuesday in St. John's, Newfoundland, and wraps on Sept. 6 in Seattle.

"We're looking at getting back into the studio quite quickly," says Dorough, adding that Backstreet Boys may work again with Swedish producer/writer Max Martin, who worked with the group on "I Want it That Way," "Shape of My Heart," "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)" and other hits.

"We want to hopefully have something ready to go or at least be heavily into it by the end of the year and have something out towards the beginning of next year," Dorough says.

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AJ Interview With UK Magazine

This article is taken from the UK weekly celebrity magazine called Closer, issue12-18 July '08.
P47. The photo referred to is of the guys in front of a dianasour at Universal Studios in what
looks like '93. Also included is a smaller photo of the guys this past year in Russia.


'This picture was taken at Universal Studios Florida in 1994. It's special to me because it represents the very beginning of Backstreety Boys.

We were living in Orlando and noone knew who we were. We'd left school and had been signed by a management company, but we didn't havea record deal yet. At this point we could never have imagined we'd become the best-selling boyband of all time.

It's humbling to look back - we were just ordinary kids having a fun day out. Howie, who I've known since I was 11, had worked at Universal park so he was really excited, showing us the best bits. Brian hadn't been in the group long so we were still getting to know what a great guy he is.

It's also funny to notice that of the five of us, I've changed the most. Brian, Howie & Kevin still look the same and Nick is just a bit taller. But I think "Wow, I didn't have any tatoos or piercings. What the hell happened?". This is before I started dying my hair every colour of the rainbow too.

Seven years after this picture was taken, Kevin gave me the kick up the arse I needed to check into rehab for subvstance abuse. When your in it, you don't think you have a problem. I will always be an alcoholic but I've been sober for about six years now. And I'm happy with who I am today. You realise who your friends are when you leave rehab because they're there to help you pick up the pieces. My boys were there always therev for me.

We were all so naive back then - we were just praying that we would record one album that would make the charts. Two years later, we got a record deal and went on to sell over 100million records. The bands still going strong with a new album on the way - despite Kevin sadly leaving in 2006 - and I'm also trying for a solo career'.

SOURCE: LiveDaily

July 2008's Nick's FanChat

Transcript From Fanchat with Nick Carter July 2008.

Nick: Hold on… Um… Ok so now what do you want?… Yeah…Yeah…Okay. Okay… So Why are we saving the video? I don’t understand what that’s doing. Ok, alright, so you let me know when it’s ready and i’ll start. let’s do this. Wait a minute, how am I going to be fed the.. ok.. ok,.. alright… so…alright cool. i’ll get on and do it…

It’s a little strange cause you guys can see me right now, or at least I think you can… So I’m going to start answering some questions now (..) all you out there. Um, before I get into that, real quick - so this is my studio. You know, Where the magic happens (..)

Anyway’s um. Alright I’m going to start with some questions, this is from - well if you don’t know. I’m Nick Carter, Backstreet Boy, little ol’ me.

Oh and just to introduce you to my new dog real quick, this is Maxi, say hi Maxi, she’s really scared right now. Maxi’s an Australian Cattle Dog. I’m hoping you guys can see me, and I’m not just talking to… anyways. Ok….let’s start this.

So this one is from Madelyn. It says..

Madelyn: What is the most important, what is most important to me when it comes to being on Stage?

Nick: Well, I think when I’m on stage the most important thing would be the way that we sound. The way that the way we sing onstage. Um, A lot of times we try to make it sound as close the record as possible because we do realize that there are a lot of fans out there that do really enjoy the songs from the past, so I think that in my opinion is one of the most important, to try to sound the best. So, now actually now that I can kind of clear this up real quick. Cause we just did this webcast on MSN and it was um, and it was, I was sick I was extremely sick during that show. so I didn’t sound the best. So just if you guys watched it. I hope you didn’t judge me on that cause I tried to sing good, but I was actually like really sick on that, that show at the 02 Arena. So Anyways, ok.

Leessee2112: What would you do if you were not a singer?

Nick: I don’t know, it’s hard to say what I would do honestly. Uh, I probably would do something involved with the ocean, but I like. I enjoy writing. I actually really enjoy writing screenplays. I enjoy writing music. Could’ve been like a sail boat captain. or actually, you know what else i could’ve been. I could’ve been like a scuba diving instructor. I would’ve go really deep into that. I started scuba when i was like 12 years old. So I could’ve probably advanced more in that. I still can. I’m an open water diver since I was twelve. Everything started when I was twelve.

Krissy (…): Hey Nick, What is the most meaningful gift from a fan you have ever received? Do you wear some of the shirts the fans give you? Kisses from Germany?

Nick: Well kisses back to Germany. I guess you’re asking why do I wear shirts that fans give me. Well, first of all because I don’t want to shop. I hate shopping and I um, so I don’t shop as much as I probably should. so I think fans probably started…

Ok… now they’re both on.. can you herrr me. ok I’m on, ok let’s do this… (now the real Fan Chat starts)

Literally the thing i was worried about was getting on here for about six minutes, by myself, which I did so, um, now we are in the Matrix and your on, you’re chatting with me. Nicholas Gene Carte (with a french accent). Um, this is my recording studio, in my house in Nashville. Welcome to the crissive. I’m nick and I want to introduce you to the new little tyrant, and she’s a Australian cattle dog, I just got her yesterday, her name is Maxi. I’ve always wanted an Australian cattle dog. Actually Laylah is a half Australian cattle dog. so that’s maxi.

The reason I call her Maxi. In the movie called mad Max, he had a dog that was an Australian cattle dog and it’s name was Maxi.

So Anyway lets get to business. Um.. I’m going to go ahead and start to answer some questions for you guys.

Madelyn (question repeated from above)

Nick: The most important thing to me is the way we sound as far as vocally, the way we sing. Trying to make it sound as close to the record as we can. it’s always the most important, even before dancing. We stress ourselves on being a vocal harmony group and uh, I think that’s what’s kind of kept us around forever. (is that) We, we try our hardest to sound the best we can on stage. So that it me is the most important thing. Sounding as close to the record.

So I can clear up something for you guys from the 02 Arena Webcast show. I was really sick, I was really really sick. I had strepthroat during that one, I’m not trying to vouch, I’m just . So just to let you guys know, It wasn’t the best show, so uh, that could’ve sounded a little bit better, so Hopefully you enjoyed it.

Lesse2112: Same question as posted above.

Nick: yeah, it would probably something to do with the ocean. I love the music industry and I love being an entertainer, um. But the thing that I would probably would have done would be something to do with the ocean. Maybe I would’ve been a master diver, and maybe an instructor, someday. It would’ve been kind of cool to in the future, if you look towards the future, you kind of see yourself living in the future, in the Bahamas, or something. Being an instructor and having a little business, it could still happen I think.

Krissy: What’s the most… (same question)

Nick: So Germany, Love you. The thing that - the reason why I wear a lot of the shirts the fans give me is number one, they are great gifts is I love them, They always have like really funny things that they say on them. and also to because I don’t shop as much as I probably should. So it kinda puts me in a position to where I think the fans are starting to realize that I don’t shop enough.I kinda wear the same clothes over and over again, but hey I’m touring. I got one suitcase you’ve go to give me a break, you know what I’m saying.

The most meaningful give: you know, the gift of love. to our music. loving our music and loving the only thing that we’ve done.

Christie Lee: Who do you credit as your greatest support in your career?

Nick: The person, or, the people that I credit the most would probably be the rest of the guys in the group. I, I credit them for showing me, um, a different side of life and a different side of a life, a different way of living. Cause I had trouble with my family and stuff like that, So they were able to kind of mentor me and teach me and um, and I think their influence has been amazing for me as a career. So I credit them for even having a career, cause without them it wouldn’t have been Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys.

Bengylena: What is your favorite thing to do on your days off in between shows?

Nick: the thing I enjoy doing the most is probably is playing basketball. I am really enjoying getting back into that again, getting back into sports.since I’ve been back home. So like playing basketball. I still play video games, what guy doesn’t. The thing that I’ve picked up now is, on this computer, that I’m talking on right now, um. I’ve actually got a couple music programs in there that I’m really enjoying. One program called LogingA and I’m doing a lot more writing for the third album that I’m recording right now. I enjoy writing music on days off, playing sports. I’m a diehard football fan. So hopefully when we’re on tour, on the US/Canda run, football will be back on…! Nothing but the Bucks and the celtics, baby!

Blanca: Have you regret sometime in your life having started so young, maybe too young in this business, not having to live the teenager experience, like going to high-school and parties?

Nick: Well look Blanca, um, as far as the party stuff. there’s so many parties being in the business it’s about time to stop partying as much, that’s one thing. and so I don’t regret that. Um, but you know there was a time when I missed being in school, but you know I realize I’m fortunate and not everybody lives the same life and other people are going to be benefited and blessed in other ares. You know, in being able to live life a lot differently. I think we have all our own paths, just be greatful The one thing I believe in is. being grateful for what you have, and I’m very grateful.

BSBAggi: Hey Nick what is your favorite song to perform?

Nick: My favorite song to perform, from the boys it would probably be, Siberia is a fun song because we don’t perform it to often, and um. Siberia is, Sometimes we throw it into the new shows, It’s one of those songs that the audience is like really quiet, because it’s the type of song, it’s such a touching and unique melody so I think that’s why I enjoy siberia. Now by myself I really enjoy singing I got you. the song that was written on the first solo record. I enjoy performing that song because it’s touching and amazing, and the melody is amazing.

Mykacho84: How do you decide what non-bsb songs to play live with BSB?

Nick: So that kind of answers the same. How do I decide. It’s hard you know. you just got to satisfy yourself but at the same time you’ve got to satisfy the people listening to you and wanting to hear your music. It’s kind of half a medium, a compromise. Trying to put yourself in, your in the fans minds. So I think that that is how you decide. You know, what is it. you think to yourself if you went to one of your favorite artists concerts, what would you want to hear. There would probably be some songs that they don’t normally perform that you would want to hear too. It’s kind of complex, but hey that’s my job and it’s fun. So..

Drummergirl1984: Hi nick my name is Robbin and I was wondering is it hard remembering all the dance moves?

Nick: It gets harder t the older you get o remember stuff period. and it’s fun, it’s fun to perform. it’s fun to add choreography to the song that’s you’ve done. and re choreographing is a lot of fun. Working with people like Richie Torrigan (sp?), we’re friends. So it’s just fun, it can be sometimes tedious to remember some of the things, some of the moves. If you mess up you just got to kind of go with it.

Vinna AllAbass: Nick, you mentored something in one of your bulletins that you had something in store for Europe. Can you give us a clue as to what that might be? World domination?

Nick: I don’t remember saying world domination. (laughs), no, um. Just what I was insinuating was embarking on recoding solo material again. i took a very long time in-between to come back with the boys and obviously not leaving the group, because I love them and um. i really I kinda went back to school and studied a lot more. I was kind of thrown into the frying pan wit the last solo record. That was what I was meaning. That I wanted to keep it secret, but I’m letting it out of the bag, cause I love you guys. At the moment recording in Nashville. It’s not anything you guys
are expecting so maybe, it’ll be great music so um, that’s what I mean by sunrise.

Marjet: if you could go back to one moment in your life, what moment would it be and why?

Nick: I think I would go back, it’s hard to say that I would go back because you know. everything takes you to where you are now, and I;m grateful for that and it teaches you so much and I’ve recently started to realize some things about myself . I think I would’ve talked a little bit more to my grandmother before she passed away. yah that would probably be something I would do, cause she was cool.

BrianHeartsBacon: Whatever happened to Frick and Frack?

Nick: ok well, Frick and Frack came out again on tour, and towards the end we started sayin’ - me Frick, me Frack, and doing all that stuff again. And, no, Frick and Frack are still there. You’ve just got to come see it and expereicne the Frackalicious and the Frickatrocious , and so no fick and frack still exist. it never ends, it never ends.

Watch the FULL video here http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/527991

Thanks to http://intobackstreet.com/

SonyBMG releases 25 years of the Best Boybands!

SonyBMG have announced details for their forthcoming compilation album featuring 38 songs from some of the best boy bands ever plus the bonus parody track from Boytown (from the movie of the same name) “ I Cry”.

"It's A Boy Thing: 25 Years Of The Best Boybands" will be released July 19.

You will hear The Jacksons, New Edition, Bros, New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, East 17, Human Nature, Boyzone, Westlife, Five, 98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC to name a few. (Please note that Hi – Five is the American R & B Quintet not the Channel 9 act). Turn it up, smile and dance.

Tracklisting – Disc 1

1. The Jacksons - Can You Feel It (1981)
2. New Edition - Candy Girl (1983)
3. Menudo – Hold Me (1985)
4. Bros - When Will I Be Famous (1988)
5. New Kids On The Block - You've Got It (The Right Stuff) (1988)
6. Boyz II Men - In The Still Of The Nite (I'll Remember) (1992)
7. Worlds Apart - Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel (1993)
8. Boys In Black – More Than A Woman (1993)
9. CDB - Hook Me Up (1994)
10. Kulcha - Fly Girl (1994)
11. East 17 – It’s Alright (1994)
12. MN8 - I've Got A Little Something For You (1995)
13. 3T – Anything (1995)
14. Human Nature - Wishes (Remastered) (1996)
15. Code Red - This Is Our Song (1996)
16. No Mercy - Where Do You Go (1996)
17. 911 - The Day We Find Love (1997)
18. Next - Too Close (1998)
19. Boyzone - No Matter What (1998)

Tracklisting – Disc 2

1. Lyte Funkie Ones - Summer Girls (1999)
2. Ultra – Say It Once (1999)
3. Westlife - Flying Without Wings (1999)
4. Five - If Ya Gettin' Down (1999)
5. 98 Degrees - I Do (Cherish You) (1999)
6. C Note - Wait Till I Get Home (1999)
7. Backstreet Boys - Shape Of My Heart (2000)
8. Natural - Put Your Arms Around Me (Original Mix) (2000)
9. Blue - All Rise (Radio Version) (2001)
10. O-Town - All Or Nothing (Album Version) (2001)
11. Soul Decision - Faded (2001)
12 *NSYNC - Bye Bye Bye (2002)
13. A1 - Caught In The Middle (2002)
14. B2K - Girlfriend (Main Version) (2003)
15. V - Blood, Sweat & Tears (2004)
16. McFly - Five Colours In Her Hair (2004)
17. Mercury4 - 5 Years From Now (2004)
18. Hi-Five - I Like The Way (The Kissing Game) (2005)
19. Naturally 7 - Feel It (In The Air Tonight) (Radio Edit) (2006)
20. BOYTOWN - I Cry (Bonus)

SOURCE