Interviews

The Philadelphia Inquirer - Backstage with Nick

Backstreet Boy Nick Carter has taken a break from his aging boy band. The pop sensation is going solo for the moment, like his little brother Aaron. Carter, 22, who has also tried his hand at acting, in the NBC series American Dreams, will showcase tracks from his debut disc, Now or Never, tonight at Q102's Jingle Ball.
Q: You and Justin Timberlake are leading parallel lives. You're both on hiatus from your primary gigs, your solo albums came out within a week of each other. Rumor has it that you've each had the same girlfriend this year. What's the connection?
A: Honestly, we lead two different lives when it comes to music. I don't even look at anyone outside of myself when I'm making music. Our albums are different. I wish him luck. As long as he's creating good music for the people out there, that's great.
Q: So is Britney Spears your girlfriend?
A: No. It never did happen. That was all just a rumor.
Q: Your album is more rock than anything Backstreet has done.
A: My album definitely has a different feel to it. It's all about showing the fans a new side. People want to hear something new and fresh. People get bored after a while, as I do. I want to bring a new flavor. It would be great to be like Madonna. Madonna is so successful and she brings something different to the table every time. It's cool to be different.
Q: What do you listen to?
A: I love rock. I really do. I love the grunge era. I love Elvis, the Beatles, the Who, the Stones, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden. Journey, Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams.
Q: Former New Kid on the Block Joey McIntyre said that 'Nick [Carter] is doing rock, but it's pop no matter what way you slice it. He'll always be a pop act.'
A: I'm played on Top 40 radio. That's what we're aiming for still. It's pop, Nelly is pop. Justin [Timberlake] is pop. I'm not trying to disconnect myself from pop.
Q: What's up with the Backstreet Boys?
A: We'll start recording in March or April. I'll definitely have time for a tour [in February]. Nobody knows what our next album is going to sound like, but it's going to be hot.
Q: What's something that your fans probably don't know about you?
A: When I wasn't on tour I've played [drums] in bar bands.
Q: What would you like for Christmas?
A: I'm not a materialistic person. I just wish the whole world could chill for one day.
- Ed Condran
Thanks to Angela.