New Kids on the Block helped pave the way for bands like N’Sync and Backstreet Boys. The Backstreet Boys recently teamed up with New Kids for a highly publicized tour. Now, Howie D. of Backstreet Boys is taking this momentum into a solo career with his debut album and single, “100.” He recently stopped by to talk about Backstreet, their fans and which boy band member is his favorite.
Q – What was it like getting Backstreet Boys (BSB) back together?
A – Most people think we separated a while back but to be honest we never disbanded. We took a well-needed short break back in 2002 for about a year and a half, but then got back in the studio to record a record that came out two years later. We have been going strong now 18 years and loving every minute of the roller coaster.
Q – How has fan reception changed on this most recent tour compared with when the band performed and/or was big and famous around the late ’90s and 2000?
A – It’s great to see all our amazing fans that have stuck behind us for the past two decades. It feels great to look out into the audience and see those that were there since day one. Some now have kids of their own that they bring to our shows as well; it’s exciting to see all the new fans that have come on board recently. I believe our fans think of us as a fine wine; we get better with age.
Q – What was it like touring with New Kids On The Block (NKOTB)?
A – It was awesome touring with NKOTB. They are a real class act and we have always credited them as being the first boy band that we looked up to. It was so much fun sharing the stage with them.
Q – Every teenager had their favorite boy band member. Of the Backstreet Boys, New Kids On the Block and N’Sync, which member was your favorite and why?
A – I always looked up to Jordan Knight of NKOTB. He has an amazing falsetto voice and when I was younger I trained to be like him.
Q – You’re now venturing on a solo career. BSB seem to draw big fans whenever they perform. Why does the group even take breaks when the band is so lucrative?
A – We are so blessed to have some of the most faithful and loyal fans all around the world. They truly are the foundation for BSB and we always try to take care of them. As we have been together for a while now the fans have wanted to get to know each of us individually and have been asking each of us when our solo records are coming out. I feel after this many years now, they know that we are not going anywhere and the solo projects give us a chance to express our creative ideas individually.
Q – The new single is called, “100.” How is your solo music different than Backstreet Boys?
A – It is not far from the style of BSB; the major difference is that this is me singing 100 percent of all the vocals. I have some of my signature sultry ballads and mid tempos, but I have also recorded a few Euro/Pop dance tracks to get my fans energized and pumped up to go have some fun.
Q – With the success of Backstreet Boys, do you think there will be another group that makes it as big?
A – We are not the first successful boy band and I am sure we will not be the last as music styles go in cycles.
Q – Thanks for taking the time. Is there anything you wanted to add for your fans?
A – I just want to say thanks to all my fans around the world for not only their support for BSB, but also the support they have shown me for my first debut solo record. I truly hope they enjoy my CD as much as I did making it.