You’ve got to be living under a rock to not know who Howie D is. When the Backstreet Boys began topping the charts and touring the world, Howie was quickly dubbed “the sweet one” in the band. 15 years later and he’s still that same ol’ sincere, down-to-earth Backstreet Boy, only this time, he’s got a solo album to boot.

Howie spent about five years prepping for his debut, “Back to Me,” which finally drops November 15. He tells andPOP his intention was to explore his Latin roots.

“I’m a huge fan of David Guetta and Tiao Cruz. When I hear their songs I just want to get up and dance and hang out with my guys,” he says when asked what inspired him to come out with a dance album. “I have a lot of positive things going on in my life and it’s easy to make feel-good music.”

This Backstreet boy-turned-man should feel good knowing his fist single,”100,” is getting a ton of radio play. This includes a healthy amount of love from Canada, which might have something to do with the single’s producers, Toronto duo the Kuya Brothers.

For the music video, Howie D hooked up with another Canuck, this time director Randall Thorne — better known as RT! — to deliver three and a half minutes of nonstop gorgeous women and killer dance sequences. Sadly, Howie spends the majority of the video sitting on a chair.

“I was left on the cutting room floor,” Howie jokes about his lack of dancing in the video. “I think the girl [in the beginning] is more interesting to look at than me!”

100 is a song about always giving it your all and Howie is a great example of just that. The singer has been everywhere promoting himself and his forthcoming album. He toured Japan before stopping in Toronto last month for an AMFAR benefit to raise money for AIDS research. The following day, he presented at the Canadian Country Music Awards.

Howie tells andPOP that what truly inspires him to give his all in the music business are his wife and son.

“This new chapter in my life has made me more of a complete person,” he says.

Once the album is officially released there’s still no stopping Howie D. He says he has other goals to fulfill, including one day winning a Grammy and getting into acting.

“The biggest goal of mine is to be able to just balance everything! I want everyone to feel like they’re getting 100 per cent of me, even though they may only be getting bits and pieces of me here and there. I do like to please people but at the same time I’m learning how to make sure I’m pleased with myself too.”

Lucky fans will get 100 per cent of Howie once they win a 15-minute Skype session with their favourite Backstreet Boy. He’s giving away 5 sessions to fans who purchase V.I.P. packs on his website (www.howied.com). The prize packs also include a CD, poster, t-shirt and concert tickets. Howie believes it is important to continue connecting with fans.

“I just want my fans to feel like I’m approachable and they can still talk to me,” he says.

And who doesn’t have “talking to a Backstreet Boy” on their bucket list? If you didn’t have 100 reasons to love Howie D before, now you do.

Source: andpop.com
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