1 00:00:04,160 --> 00:00:07,000 Speaker 1: Hey, how's it going to? Is Steve Walton and this 2 00:00:07,160 --> 00:00:09,520 Speaker 1: week we have one of my favorite interviews of the 3 00:00:09,600 --> 00:00:13,800 Speaker 1: year on in the Service Up. I sat down with 4 00:00:13,840 --> 00:00:17,759 Speaker 1: the Backstreet Boys AJ McClain to talk about his new EP. 5 00:00:18,480 --> 00:00:22,080 Speaker 1: My name is Alex. I've known AJ for twenty plus 6 00:00:22,200 --> 00:00:26,440 Speaker 1: years and this was an incredibly intimate conversation about the EP, 7 00:00:26,760 --> 00:00:31,600 Speaker 1: about sobriety, about his marriage, about his relationship with the band, 8 00:00:32,360 --> 00:00:37,640 Speaker 1: about his Jim Crochey tattoo. We talked about everything. It 9 00:00:37,720 --> 00:00:41,159 Speaker 1: was a really wonderful conversation. He really opened up and 10 00:00:42,640 --> 00:00:44,760 Speaker 1: this is the time for him to do the solo EP. 11 00:00:45,280 --> 00:00:47,960 Speaker 1: How supportive the guys were of him, how much he's 12 00:00:48,080 --> 00:00:51,040 Speaker 1: loving doing the Backstreet Boys as well. So I really 13 00:00:51,040 --> 00:00:53,239 Speaker 1: hope you enjoyed this conversation as much as I did. 14 00:00:53,360 --> 00:01:12,759 Speaker 1: Thanks well, thanks for being here today and it's always 15 00:01:12,800 --> 00:01:14,920 Speaker 1: great to catch up. And you know, all right, wait, 16 00:01:14,959 --> 00:01:17,480 Speaker 1: we're gonna start with a fun one first, rather than 17 00:01:17,520 --> 00:01:19,440 Speaker 1: talking about agent because that's not fun. 18 00:01:19,840 --> 00:01:22,600 Speaker 2: But you know, I am. 19 00:01:22,560 --> 00:01:26,119 Speaker 1: Curious because I do these four ground up questions and 20 00:01:26,160 --> 00:01:28,559 Speaker 1: you know, the last one I just did was favorite lyric? 21 00:01:29,120 --> 00:01:32,240 Speaker 1: So what's your theme song? That one song you feel 22 00:01:32,280 --> 00:01:33,400 Speaker 1: identifies you best? 23 00:01:34,440 --> 00:01:36,880 Speaker 2: Wow, favorite theme song or. 24 00:01:37,000 --> 00:01:40,240 Speaker 1: No, the theme song, the song that you feel identifies 25 00:01:40,280 --> 00:01:42,840 Speaker 1: you best. That would be like your spirit song. 26 00:01:46,160 --> 00:01:49,800 Speaker 2: Probably Time in a Bottle by Jim Croachey. 27 00:01:50,600 --> 00:01:53,160 Speaker 1: Interesting one? Why that one? And I fucking love that song. 28 00:01:53,160 --> 00:01:54,680 Speaker 1: I love Jim croaching Oh. 29 00:01:54,800 --> 00:02:00,800 Speaker 2: I that song was my grandmother's favorite song. I actually 30 00:02:00,800 --> 00:02:04,680 Speaker 2: have a tattoo with a clock inside of a bottle, uh, 31 00:02:04,880 --> 00:02:08,960 Speaker 2: to represent that song. It just the lyrics and everything 32 00:02:09,000 --> 00:02:13,359 Speaker 2: about it. I feel like that's my life and and 33 00:02:13,360 --> 00:02:17,880 Speaker 2: and even more so today being older, you know, having 34 00:02:17,960 --> 00:02:20,519 Speaker 2: the experience the things I've experienced, I feel like it 35 00:02:20,760 --> 00:02:24,680 Speaker 2: it really holds true more now, you know. I became 36 00:02:24,680 --> 00:02:27,079 Speaker 2: a fan of it when I was like eight or 37 00:02:27,160 --> 00:02:30,880 Speaker 2: nine years old, so I didn't really understand it as 38 00:02:30,960 --> 00:02:33,519 Speaker 2: much then, but I but I just love the melody 39 00:02:33,560 --> 00:02:35,959 Speaker 2: and I love the lyrics, and my grandmother and I 40 00:02:36,000 --> 00:02:38,680 Speaker 2: would always sing it in the car when it would 41 00:02:38,680 --> 00:02:41,200 Speaker 2: come on the radio, you know, or shoot, pop it 42 00:02:41,240 --> 00:02:43,680 Speaker 2: in the uh, pop in the A track or pop 43 00:02:43,680 --> 00:02:47,160 Speaker 2: in the cassette tape. But but yeah, that one's just 44 00:02:47,280 --> 00:02:48,720 Speaker 2: always stuck out to me. 45 00:02:49,760 --> 00:02:52,000 Speaker 1: No, it's an amazing song. Have you read Cameron Crows 46 00:02:52,040 --> 00:02:53,880 Speaker 1: memoir yet I haven't. 47 00:02:54,200 --> 00:02:56,919 Speaker 2: I haven't. I've heard about it, but I haven't. 48 00:02:57,160 --> 00:02:59,400 Speaker 1: Okay, well, Cameron's a really close friend at this point. 49 00:02:59,560 --> 00:03:02,680 Speaker 1: But it's because in there it's a whole chapter talking 50 00:03:02,760 --> 00:03:06,520 Speaker 1: about hanging out with Jim Croche, which you know, of course, 51 00:03:06,600 --> 00:03:09,240 Speaker 1: because I was way before my time. I'm like, that's 52 00:03:09,280 --> 00:03:09,960 Speaker 1: just insane. 53 00:03:10,520 --> 00:03:12,760 Speaker 2: That's that's a pretty That's a pretty awesome thing to 54 00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:16,720 Speaker 2: be able to share. I mean, you know, that would 55 00:03:16,760 --> 00:03:19,000 Speaker 2: be like me saying I was you know, I was 56 00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:21,120 Speaker 2: hanging out with Elvis or I was hanging out with 57 00:03:21,400 --> 00:03:25,200 Speaker 2: you know, Dean Martin, just kicking it. You know that. 58 00:03:25,200 --> 00:03:27,960 Speaker 2: That's that's a pretty awesome thing to be able to 59 00:03:27,960 --> 00:03:31,960 Speaker 2: to have in your back pocket for conversation starter. 60 00:03:32,960 --> 00:03:36,000 Speaker 1: It is, man, I mean, all those songs are so great, 61 00:03:36,080 --> 00:03:37,920 Speaker 1: but now, cle I just wanted to start with that 62 00:03:37,960 --> 00:03:40,280 Speaker 1: because I love doing these questions because I'm always curious 63 00:03:40,280 --> 00:03:43,560 Speaker 1: on people's answers, and I love Jim Croche. But now, 64 00:03:43,720 --> 00:03:47,400 Speaker 1: congratulations on the EP. You know, it's my favorite song 65 00:03:47,440 --> 00:03:51,200 Speaker 1: I think on the EP initially, And it's interesting that 66 00:03:51,240 --> 00:03:53,800 Speaker 1: you chose time in a Bottle because mine is probably 67 00:03:53,960 --> 00:03:57,400 Speaker 1: right now Arizona and the rest. I love that song is. 68 00:03:57,440 --> 00:03:59,080 Speaker 1: And it's funny because I find this to be the 69 00:03:59,160 --> 00:04:03,200 Speaker 1: case so much. The more vulnerable you are as an artist, 70 00:04:04,000 --> 00:04:05,520 Speaker 1: the more people respond to it. 71 00:04:06,480 --> 00:04:12,560 Speaker 2: True, and that song definitely, you know. I when we 72 00:04:12,640 --> 00:04:16,719 Speaker 2: wrapped up the DNA tour in South Africa May of 73 00:04:16,760 --> 00:04:21,120 Speaker 2: twenty twenty three, my wife and I were already separated. 74 00:04:21,160 --> 00:04:26,280 Speaker 2: We were living in separate homes. And I called her 75 00:04:26,320 --> 00:04:28,120 Speaker 2: when I got home from that from the end of 76 00:04:28,160 --> 00:04:30,600 Speaker 2: the tour, and I said, you know, I think I 77 00:04:30,640 --> 00:04:34,400 Speaker 2: need a I think I need a break, like a 78 00:04:34,440 --> 00:04:38,240 Speaker 2: mental break, and I kind of want to go away 79 00:04:39,200 --> 00:04:43,760 Speaker 2: and you know, kind of handle some stuff. And she's like, 80 00:04:43,800 --> 00:04:48,440 Speaker 2: whatever you need to do. And you know, I already 81 00:04:48,480 --> 00:04:52,520 Speaker 2: had two years sober under my belt. But I I 82 00:04:52,560 --> 00:04:55,200 Speaker 2: wanted to get to the root of the problem because obviously, 83 00:04:55,240 --> 00:05:01,360 Speaker 2: anyone that does understand addiction in any capacity no that 84 00:05:01,400 --> 00:05:04,080 Speaker 2: the drinking and the drugs is just symptomatic, that's not 85 00:05:04,279 --> 00:05:10,120 Speaker 2: really what the issue is pressing. So I went to 86 00:05:10,200 --> 00:05:13,440 Speaker 2: a place called The Meadows in Scottsdale, Arizona, and I 87 00:05:13,440 --> 00:05:18,920 Speaker 2: did a intense aboutpatient program for trauma and you know, 88 00:05:19,000 --> 00:05:23,720 Speaker 2: all these different things and came to the realization that 89 00:05:25,360 --> 00:05:28,000 Speaker 2: you know, AJ is a character in a band that 90 00:05:28,080 --> 00:05:30,680 Speaker 2: I've played for thirty two years, and I'm very beyondrateful 91 00:05:30,760 --> 00:05:36,600 Speaker 2: for having that opportunity. But Alex got stifled, you know, 92 00:05:36,839 --> 00:05:41,600 Speaker 2: unintentionally got stifled for the last forty years for a 93 00:05:41,600 --> 00:05:44,880 Speaker 2: plethora of reasons that I discovered while I was in Arizona. 94 00:05:45,800 --> 00:05:48,839 Speaker 2: And you know, I learned about boundaries when I was there, 95 00:05:48,880 --> 00:05:51,000 Speaker 2: which you know, I knew the word, I just never 96 00:05:51,880 --> 00:05:55,320 Speaker 2: implemented it in my life. And now I have boundaries 97 00:05:55,360 --> 00:06:00,240 Speaker 2: in my life and it's been an absolute blessing. I 98 00:06:00,240 --> 00:06:03,719 Speaker 2: I really discovered because I as my best friend and 99 00:06:03,760 --> 00:06:06,880 Speaker 2: my sponsor tells me, you know, we suffer from as 100 00:06:06,880 --> 00:06:10,760 Speaker 2: he calls it, piece of shit ism. And that was 101 00:06:10,839 --> 00:06:14,520 Speaker 2: my That was my core issue was low self esteem, 102 00:06:15,120 --> 00:06:19,760 Speaker 2: people pleasing looking for external validation, and by staying in 103 00:06:19,800 --> 00:06:21,919 Speaker 2: the AJ mode twenty four to seven, I thought that 104 00:06:22,080 --> 00:06:25,479 Speaker 2: was the answer. I thought that was how people liked me, 105 00:06:25,560 --> 00:06:26,880 Speaker 2: and I would go to the ends of the earth 106 00:06:26,920 --> 00:06:29,800 Speaker 2: to make you like me. And now where I am 107 00:06:29,839 --> 00:06:31,680 Speaker 2: in my life, if you don't like me, tough shit, 108 00:06:31,800 --> 00:06:34,159 Speaker 2: that's your loss. I know I'm a good person and 109 00:06:34,200 --> 00:06:37,080 Speaker 2: I'm not going to go bend over backwards for someone 110 00:06:37,120 --> 00:06:41,440 Speaker 2: anymore except for my children and my wife and my 111 00:06:41,520 --> 00:06:44,279 Speaker 2: family outside of that and my bandmates of course, but 112 00:06:44,560 --> 00:06:48,480 Speaker 2: that's it and my family. But I when I got 113 00:06:48,480 --> 00:06:51,960 Speaker 2: home after that trip, I got back in the studio 114 00:06:52,560 --> 00:06:56,000 Speaker 2: and I was sharing the story with with my with 115 00:06:56,040 --> 00:06:58,599 Speaker 2: my writers, and they said, why don't we write a 116 00:06:58,600 --> 00:07:00,560 Speaker 2: song about this? Why don't we write a song about 117 00:07:00,600 --> 00:07:02,600 Speaker 2: your experience? And I was like, you know what, Yeah, 118 00:07:02,720 --> 00:07:06,040 Speaker 2: let's do it. And it like the minute pen hit 119 00:07:06,080 --> 00:07:11,840 Speaker 2: the paper, the words just poured out. And a couple 120 00:07:11,800 --> 00:07:14,120 Speaker 2: of years ago, Joey Fatona and I decided to go 121 00:07:14,160 --> 00:07:16,480 Speaker 2: on the road together and have a little fun for 122 00:07:16,520 --> 00:07:18,520 Speaker 2: the fans, and that was one of the songs I 123 00:07:18,560 --> 00:07:21,160 Speaker 2: did in the show. And there was never a dry 124 00:07:21,160 --> 00:07:25,440 Speaker 2: eye in the house. It touched people, and it's you're right, 125 00:07:25,520 --> 00:07:30,600 Speaker 2: it's vulnerable, it's raw, it's real, and what I hope 126 00:07:30,880 --> 00:07:34,559 Speaker 2: people take from it is a personal reflection. I hope 127 00:07:34,560 --> 00:07:37,840 Speaker 2: that it inspires people to know that you are good enough, 128 00:07:38,320 --> 00:07:41,800 Speaker 2: which was the original song title. It wasn't until maybe 129 00:07:41,840 --> 00:07:44,720 Speaker 2: like four months ago that I decided to to just 130 00:07:45,360 --> 00:07:49,280 Speaker 2: I do love one word titles more than anything, and 131 00:07:49,360 --> 00:07:51,880 Speaker 2: so I was like, you know what, I think I 132 00:07:51,920 --> 00:07:54,560 Speaker 2: want to call this song Arizona, make it a little more, 133 00:07:55,440 --> 00:07:59,240 Speaker 2: you know, of a mystery and until you listen to 134 00:07:59,280 --> 00:08:02,960 Speaker 2: the song and know that it is about being good 135 00:08:03,040 --> 00:08:06,200 Speaker 2: enough and we are all good enough no matter what capacity. 136 00:08:06,880 --> 00:08:10,119 Speaker 2: So I'm so excited that that's your favorite. That means 137 00:08:10,120 --> 00:08:12,160 Speaker 2: a lot to me, man honestly. 138 00:08:12,640 --> 00:08:15,720 Speaker 1: Well, because again it is so open and as I say, 139 00:08:15,840 --> 00:08:18,320 Speaker 1: I mean when you think back to like you know again, 140 00:08:18,440 --> 00:08:20,720 Speaker 1: going back to like Jim Croche or I'm sure so 141 00:08:20,800 --> 00:08:23,320 Speaker 1: many of your favorite songs. And it's funny because I 142 00:08:23,320 --> 00:08:26,000 Speaker 1: did a book a couple of years ago I'm called 143 00:08:26,040 --> 00:08:28,480 Speaker 1: Anthems We Love, where I spoke to like twenty nine 144 00:08:28,680 --> 00:08:32,920 Speaker 1: iconic songwriters about how their songs you know, evolved into 145 00:08:32,960 --> 00:08:36,000 Speaker 1: becoming an anthem. And what was interesting was right, there 146 00:08:36,040 --> 00:08:38,240 Speaker 1: were two songs in there that really stuck out to me. 147 00:08:38,320 --> 00:08:40,440 Speaker 1: I mean, some of the best songs of all time. 148 00:08:40,760 --> 00:08:42,079 Speaker 1: And by the way, I did try and get you 149 00:08:42,160 --> 00:08:45,680 Speaker 1: guys in there, it just didn't work out timing wise. 150 00:08:45,800 --> 00:08:48,840 Speaker 1: It was like Brian Wilson, Neil Diamond all these grace 151 00:08:48,920 --> 00:08:51,920 Speaker 1: novel was interesting And the reason I mentioned it, I 152 00:08:51,960 --> 00:08:54,800 Speaker 1: was talking with Daryl Holl about Sarah Smile and Graham 153 00:08:54,880 --> 00:08:58,400 Speaker 1: Nash about our house, and those songs which were literally 154 00:08:58,440 --> 00:09:03,480 Speaker 1: written for one person, you know, like each became anthems 155 00:09:03,480 --> 00:09:07,080 Speaker 1: Bill be loved by millions. And the reason why is 156 00:09:07,120 --> 00:09:09,800 Speaker 1: we realize it's the feeling. It's the feeling of the 157 00:09:09,840 --> 00:09:12,760 Speaker 1: song captures you want that. You may not know what 158 00:09:12,800 --> 00:09:14,840 Speaker 1: it's like to live with Joni Mitchell. Fuck, no one 159 00:09:14,880 --> 00:09:17,000 Speaker 1: knows what it's like to live with Joni Mitchell. Or 160 00:09:17,040 --> 00:09:20,280 Speaker 1: you never knew Joe Hall's girlfriend, but you wanted that feeling. 161 00:09:21,320 --> 00:09:25,600 Speaker 2: Yep, it's true. I mean that's what That's what music does, 162 00:09:26,000 --> 00:09:30,000 Speaker 2: and that's why music is so imperative and why you know, 163 00:09:30,640 --> 00:09:32,720 Speaker 2: like you said, if you as a writer and as 164 00:09:32,720 --> 00:09:36,360 Speaker 2: an artist, are are able to peel back the layers 165 00:09:36,360 --> 00:09:39,720 Speaker 2: of the onion and you know, expose yourself in the 166 00:09:39,760 --> 00:09:43,960 Speaker 2: most vulnerable way, those are the songs that will stand 167 00:09:43,960 --> 00:09:46,080 Speaker 2: the test of time. Those are the songs that will 168 00:09:46,120 --> 00:09:49,959 Speaker 2: touch people the most and will stay with them. And 169 00:09:50,000 --> 00:09:53,560 Speaker 2: that's that is what Arizona is to me. That's a 170 00:09:53,600 --> 00:09:59,120 Speaker 2: song that, regardless of its popularity, once the EP's out, 171 00:09:59,640 --> 00:10:02,680 Speaker 2: that's will stay with me personally for the rest of 172 00:10:02,720 --> 00:10:08,199 Speaker 2: my life. And it's a testament to the journey I've 173 00:10:08,240 --> 00:10:12,480 Speaker 2: been on, and hopefully it becomes like you said, that's 174 00:10:12,480 --> 00:10:16,480 Speaker 2: a great word. Hopefully it becomes an anthem for anyone 175 00:10:16,520 --> 00:10:19,280 Speaker 2: and everyone, you know, to be able to look at 176 00:10:19,280 --> 00:10:21,800 Speaker 2: yourself in the mirror and to know every day, you 177 00:10:21,800 --> 00:10:25,520 Speaker 2: know what, I am good enough. However I live my life. 178 00:10:25,720 --> 00:10:29,120 Speaker 2: This is enough. I don't need to do anything more. 179 00:10:29,559 --> 00:10:33,480 Speaker 2: I don't need to be anymore. I'm good enough. It 180 00:10:33,520 --> 00:10:37,200 Speaker 2: took me forty years to figure that out, but you know, 181 00:10:37,280 --> 00:10:39,760 Speaker 2: and it's still a work in progress. It's progress, not perfection, 182 00:10:40,160 --> 00:10:44,040 Speaker 2: and I embrace that every day. I wake up every 183 00:10:44,080 --> 00:10:48,360 Speaker 2: morning and I can look at myself in the mirror 184 00:10:48,360 --> 00:10:51,920 Speaker 2: when I'm brushing my teeth and I'm like, yeah, you 185 00:10:51,960 --> 00:10:53,800 Speaker 2: know what, I like the person that I'm looking at 186 00:10:53,840 --> 00:10:58,800 Speaker 2: right now, in all my imperfections, it doesn't matter, you know. 187 00:10:59,400 --> 00:11:04,480 Speaker 2: Like I tell my daughters, I'm perfectly imperfect. Nice. 188 00:11:04,520 --> 00:11:05,400 Speaker 1: How old are the dollars? 189 00:11:06,320 --> 00:11:11,640 Speaker 2: They're great. My oldest turns thirteen. Oh actually on my 190 00:11:11,720 --> 00:11:16,000 Speaker 2: EP release day, which is Thanksgiving. Her birthday falls on 191 00:11:16,040 --> 00:11:20,560 Speaker 2: Thanksgiving this year, and so no cooking, no turkey. We're 192 00:11:20,559 --> 00:11:22,800 Speaker 2: going to the happiest place on earth. We're going to 193 00:11:22,840 --> 00:11:26,640 Speaker 2: go to Disneyland with her, with some of her friends 194 00:11:26,679 --> 00:11:29,160 Speaker 2: and with family, and my mom's flying in today, so 195 00:11:30,160 --> 00:11:33,079 Speaker 2: it's it's gonna be nice. You know. We'll probably get 196 00:11:33,080 --> 00:11:35,360 Speaker 2: a turkey leg while we're there. That's about the That's 197 00:11:35,360 --> 00:11:37,400 Speaker 2: about as closest to Thanksgiving as we're gonna get. 198 00:11:38,559 --> 00:11:41,400 Speaker 1: All right, wait now, now she's about to be a teenager. 199 00:11:41,440 --> 00:11:45,960 Speaker 1: Important question, any idea like what your music is or 200 00:11:46,000 --> 00:11:47,960 Speaker 1: does she not give a shit? Because I've talked about 201 00:11:47,960 --> 00:11:50,199 Speaker 1: this with every parent in the world, and it doesn't 202 00:11:50,240 --> 00:11:52,480 Speaker 1: matter how big you are or how cool you are. 203 00:11:52,760 --> 00:11:54,840 Speaker 1: The one I always us as the benchmark is Patty 204 00:11:54,840 --> 00:11:57,320 Speaker 1: Smith because Patty Smith I think it's the baddest woman 205 00:11:57,360 --> 00:11:59,480 Speaker 1: on the planet. And when I talk with her about it, 206 00:11:59,520 --> 00:12:01,520 Speaker 1: she's like, yeah, I went home just doing laundry. I 207 00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:02,160 Speaker 1: have just mom. 208 00:12:03,480 --> 00:12:07,440 Speaker 2: No, I mean I am I am definitely dad, you know, 209 00:12:07,600 --> 00:12:12,760 Speaker 2: first and foremost. But recently the last show of the 210 00:12:12,840 --> 00:12:16,880 Speaker 2: Residency runs the first leg of the Residency in August, 211 00:12:17,800 --> 00:12:21,760 Speaker 2: my daughters came out with my wife and with their friends, 212 00:12:22,520 --> 00:12:26,640 Speaker 2: and after the show, for the first time since my 213 00:12:26,720 --> 00:12:29,520 Speaker 2: both my daughters were born, for the first time, they 214 00:12:29,520 --> 00:12:31,640 Speaker 2: pulled me aside in my dressing room and they looked 215 00:12:31,640 --> 00:12:34,560 Speaker 2: at me square in the face and they said how 216 00:12:34,600 --> 00:12:37,520 Speaker 2: proud they were of me, and I lost it, like 217 00:12:37,760 --> 00:12:44,960 Speaker 2: I just babbling Brooke instantly, and it just it. It 218 00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:48,280 Speaker 2: was the most incredible feeling, Like for my kids to 219 00:12:48,360 --> 00:12:51,240 Speaker 2: say A how proud they are of me, and b 220 00:12:52,080 --> 00:12:54,760 Speaker 2: to want to bring their friends to my show. Not 221 00:12:54,840 --> 00:12:56,800 Speaker 2: a lot of kids want to bring their friends to 222 00:12:56,880 --> 00:13:00,480 Speaker 2: their dad's job, no matter how cool it might seem. 223 00:13:00,840 --> 00:13:03,840 Speaker 2: And my girls are my are my true biggest fans, 224 00:13:04,080 --> 00:13:07,440 Speaker 2: you know. Right now, they're going through that phase of 225 00:13:08,440 --> 00:13:12,600 Speaker 2: we're kind of tired with it. Like Daddy is probably 226 00:13:12,640 --> 00:13:14,960 Speaker 2: the most popular he's been in a very long time, 227 00:13:15,520 --> 00:13:19,360 Speaker 2: if not the most popular, and anywhere we go, Daddy 228 00:13:19,400 --> 00:13:22,760 Speaker 2: gets stopped and it's it's frustrating for them, Like they 229 00:13:22,840 --> 00:13:25,200 Speaker 2: just want to hang with dad, and Dad stops and 230 00:13:25,240 --> 00:13:28,800 Speaker 2: takes pictures and you know, signs autographs and they're like 231 00:13:28,880 --> 00:13:33,160 Speaker 2: my mini security guards. They really, you know, they're not 232 00:13:33,360 --> 00:13:36,200 Speaker 2: fans of that part, you know. They they when we're 233 00:13:36,200 --> 00:13:38,800 Speaker 2: hanging out just me and them, they just want Dad 234 00:13:39,559 --> 00:13:42,200 Speaker 2: and that's what I'm trying to do. But I'm not 235 00:13:42,200 --> 00:13:44,240 Speaker 2: going to say no. If somebody asks for a photo. 236 00:13:44,320 --> 00:13:45,280 Speaker 2: That's just who I am. 237 00:13:45,440 --> 00:13:50,280 Speaker 1: You know, well, I mean I've talked about this with 238 00:13:50,360 --> 00:13:53,360 Speaker 1: many people too, and you know, it's got to be 239 00:13:53,400 --> 00:13:57,160 Speaker 1: so gratifying that, you know, as you say, this is 240 00:13:57,200 --> 00:14:00,280 Speaker 1: probably the most popular you've ever been. Because the thing is, 241 00:14:00,320 --> 00:14:03,800 Speaker 1: when you go through those down cycles, which everybody does, 242 00:14:04,240 --> 00:14:07,360 Speaker 1: even David Bowie went thirty years between top ten albums, 243 00:14:07,640 --> 00:14:10,120 Speaker 1: when you come back to the top and again, as 244 00:14:10,160 --> 00:14:13,360 Speaker 1: someone as Gavin Rossdale once said to me, it's just 245 00:14:13,440 --> 00:14:16,240 Speaker 1: called a career, you know. But when you have those 246 00:14:16,280 --> 00:14:18,880 Speaker 1: down and come back up, it's like the best feeling 247 00:14:18,880 --> 00:14:20,320 Speaker 1: in the world to feel appreciated. 248 00:14:21,120 --> 00:14:24,920 Speaker 2: It is, you know, especially you know groups like us. 249 00:14:26,920 --> 00:14:29,400 Speaker 2: You know, it doesn't it doesn't happen. It just doesn't. 250 00:14:29,440 --> 00:14:33,440 Speaker 2: I mean, the Beatles were together for seven years. You know, 251 00:14:33,560 --> 00:14:38,240 Speaker 2: granted they did a gaggle of albums, but that was 252 00:14:38,280 --> 00:14:40,680 Speaker 2: a different time. You know, you could write three albums 253 00:14:40,720 --> 00:14:43,640 Speaker 2: a year. You know, we don't write three albums a year. 254 00:14:43,720 --> 00:14:48,400 Speaker 2: But you know, to be here for thirty two years 255 00:14:48,480 --> 00:14:51,160 Speaker 2: and still be doing the things we're doing, or being 256 00:14:51,240 --> 00:14:53,440 Speaker 2: asked to do the things that we're being asked to do, 257 00:14:54,400 --> 00:14:57,120 Speaker 2: it just doesn't happen. It truly is a phenomenon, and 258 00:14:57,720 --> 00:15:01,640 Speaker 2: I pinched myself truly every day, and and now where 259 00:15:01,640 --> 00:15:05,800 Speaker 2: I am mentally and physically in my life as an individual, 260 00:15:08,560 --> 00:15:11,960 Speaker 2: I can really finally appreciate it, and I can honestly go, 261 00:15:12,040 --> 00:15:16,040 Speaker 2: you know what, yeah, damn right, we sold one hundred 262 00:15:16,040 --> 00:15:18,320 Speaker 2: and sixty million albums. Damn right, we did this, and 263 00:15:18,320 --> 00:15:23,520 Speaker 2: that like, I can finally own it. And because for years, 264 00:15:23,560 --> 00:15:25,560 Speaker 2: you know, people would give me compliments and I would 265 00:15:25,600 --> 00:15:28,800 Speaker 2: not along, but I never felt worthy of those compliments, 266 00:15:29,320 --> 00:15:31,560 Speaker 2: whether it was about the group or it was about myself. 267 00:15:31,960 --> 00:15:35,800 Speaker 2: And now I you know, I'm able to own that 268 00:15:35,840 --> 00:15:38,520 Speaker 2: feeling now, and that's a great feeling. And people were, 269 00:15:38,560 --> 00:15:42,640 Speaker 2: you know, shocked, like how do you not already? You know, 270 00:15:42,960 --> 00:15:44,840 Speaker 2: how have you not felt this for years? And I'm like, 271 00:15:44,880 --> 00:15:47,360 Speaker 2: because I didn't think I was I was worth it. 272 00:15:47,440 --> 00:15:49,120 Speaker 2: I didn't think I was good enough of man. You know, 273 00:15:49,160 --> 00:15:52,080 Speaker 2: I was putting on my mask and doing my job 274 00:15:52,600 --> 00:15:58,720 Speaker 2: and that was it. But today is a completely different feeling, 275 00:15:59,560 --> 00:16:01,800 Speaker 2: and you know that's because of the work I put 276 00:16:01,840 --> 00:16:04,840 Speaker 2: in on myself and will continue to put in on 277 00:16:04,920 --> 00:16:09,360 Speaker 2: myself daily. It is a really surreal feeling, you know, 278 00:16:09,520 --> 00:16:12,800 Speaker 2: to be here thirty two years later selling out sphere, 279 00:16:13,480 --> 00:16:18,600 Speaker 2: adding more dates, and you know it's just it's just crazy. 280 00:16:18,920 --> 00:16:21,600 Speaker 2: You know, it really is a phenomenon. Honestly, it's a 281 00:16:21,640 --> 00:16:25,800 Speaker 2: testament to the fans, to the music, to Max Martin 282 00:16:26,760 --> 00:16:28,480 Speaker 2: and to the other writers we've worked with. 283 00:16:39,120 --> 00:16:41,400 Speaker 1: Well, also the the hard work in the ethic and like, 284 00:16:41,640 --> 00:16:44,520 Speaker 1: as you say, being there for the fans. But it's interesting, 285 00:16:44,560 --> 00:16:46,000 Speaker 1: So I'm gonna go back to that for a second. 286 00:16:46,400 --> 00:16:50,520 Speaker 1: You know what I mean by nature as an artist, 287 00:16:51,680 --> 00:16:56,160 Speaker 1: you're just never satisfied, and most artists come, honestly from insecurity. 288 00:16:56,200 --> 00:17:00,640 Speaker 1: I remember Chris Cornell, who to me was like should 289 00:17:00,720 --> 00:17:04,080 Speaker 1: have been the ultimate rock god, you know, the best 290 00:17:04,080 --> 00:17:07,840 Speaker 1: looking guy in the world, greatest voice, nicest guy by 291 00:17:07,880 --> 00:17:12,000 Speaker 1: the way too, and he's yea, he told me, as 292 00:17:12,480 --> 00:17:16,040 Speaker 1: great frontmen never come from like the popular kids. Every 293 00:17:16,080 --> 00:17:19,160 Speaker 1: front man is an outcast. And it's curious for you, 294 00:17:19,560 --> 00:17:21,280 Speaker 1: as you've been around so many artists, so are the 295 00:17:21,320 --> 00:17:24,040 Speaker 1: people that you've learned from how to kind of handle 296 00:17:24,160 --> 00:17:27,680 Speaker 1: that and to accept the success because it's always tricky 297 00:17:28,119 --> 00:17:30,800 Speaker 1: and it's normal that you've had this response because you know, 298 00:17:30,880 --> 00:17:33,480 Speaker 1: you start off a certain way, you come in you're 299 00:17:33,520 --> 00:17:35,160 Speaker 1: not sure about it. And then all of a sudden, 300 00:17:35,440 --> 00:17:38,080 Speaker 1: you know, everybody who like in high school didn't like 301 00:17:38,119 --> 00:17:40,320 Speaker 1: you now thinks you're the coolest fucking person in the world. 302 00:17:41,040 --> 00:17:44,639 Speaker 2: Of course, you know. I you know, I'll never forget 303 00:17:44,680 --> 00:17:46,960 Speaker 2: when I was in high school, which was really really 304 00:17:47,040 --> 00:17:49,439 Speaker 2: only my freshman year, and then I and then I 305 00:17:49,560 --> 00:17:52,400 Speaker 2: left and I got tutored, and I went back and 306 00:17:52,520 --> 00:17:56,080 Speaker 2: you know, graduated and got my diploma, and people looked 307 00:17:56,119 --> 00:17:57,600 Speaker 2: at me like, who the hell is this guy? Where 308 00:17:57,600 --> 00:18:00,000 Speaker 2: have you been for the last four years? And you know, 309 00:18:00,240 --> 00:18:01,879 Speaker 2: and then I got my diploma and hopped on a 310 00:18:01,880 --> 00:18:04,239 Speaker 2: plane back to Germany to do our first you know, 311 00:18:04,359 --> 00:18:08,280 Speaker 2: solo show. But uh, you know, there was a lot 312 00:18:08,320 --> 00:18:13,240 Speaker 2: of people that doubted me, like teachers that were like, 313 00:18:13,359 --> 00:18:15,639 Speaker 2: you know, don't get your hopes up. This thing's not 314 00:18:15,720 --> 00:18:18,560 Speaker 2: going to work. You know, new kids did it, so 315 00:18:18,640 --> 00:18:21,919 Speaker 2: and so did it, you know, blah blah blah. And 316 00:18:21,960 --> 00:18:26,959 Speaker 2: then look at what happened, obviously, but you're right, there 317 00:18:27,040 --> 00:18:30,439 Speaker 2: was a lot of people that thought this was going 318 00:18:30,520 --> 00:18:33,280 Speaker 2: to fail. And you know, and then, you know, being 319 00:18:33,320 --> 00:18:36,439 Speaker 2: so young at fourteen, when when this thing started for me, 320 00:18:37,040 --> 00:18:39,280 Speaker 2: I started digging that in my head, like in the 321 00:18:39,320 --> 00:18:41,080 Speaker 2: back of my mind, like, is this going to fail? 322 00:18:41,200 --> 00:18:44,960 Speaker 2: Is this just a quick little thing? Is you know, 323 00:18:45,119 --> 00:18:48,520 Speaker 2: is is this going to have any any true longevity? 324 00:18:48,560 --> 00:18:50,760 Speaker 2: And and that's the thing that we always strive for 325 00:18:50,960 --> 00:18:53,439 Speaker 2: is to have a career, Like you said, that's what 326 00:18:53,600 --> 00:18:57,560 Speaker 2: this is. This is a career. We you know, Kevin 327 00:18:57,600 --> 00:19:02,080 Speaker 2: said it recently in some interview that we were striving 328 00:19:02,080 --> 00:19:04,359 Speaker 2: to be the rolling stones of pop, like to be 329 00:19:04,440 --> 00:19:08,760 Speaker 2: around as long as the stones and you know, still 330 00:19:09,080 --> 00:19:10,840 Speaker 2: doing what we do. I mean, there's gonna come a 331 00:19:10,880 --> 00:19:14,879 Speaker 2: point where we don't dance anymore, but we but we 332 00:19:14,880 --> 00:19:16,879 Speaker 2: can still get up there and sing, still get up 333 00:19:16,920 --> 00:19:18,920 Speaker 2: there and do our and do our five part harmony 334 00:19:18,960 --> 00:19:21,840 Speaker 2: and and bring you know, joy to people. And that's 335 00:19:21,880 --> 00:19:23,960 Speaker 2: what we're gonna do. I mean, we're the only ones 336 00:19:24,000 --> 00:19:27,760 Speaker 2: that can really truly say we're done when we're ready 337 00:19:27,800 --> 00:19:29,040 Speaker 2: to be done. And I don't know if we're ever 338 00:19:29,080 --> 00:19:31,479 Speaker 2: gonna be ready to be done, you know, I mean, 339 00:19:31,480 --> 00:19:33,680 Speaker 2: we're gonna do this for as long as we physically can. 340 00:19:34,200 --> 00:19:37,920 Speaker 2: It brings us so much joy and to look out 341 00:19:37,920 --> 00:19:42,040 Speaker 2: in the audience and see four generations of fans, that's 342 00:19:42,240 --> 00:19:44,960 Speaker 2: just that to me is the most exciting thing because 343 00:19:45,800 --> 00:19:48,400 Speaker 2: my daughter's friends. You know, both my girls are eight 344 00:19:48,440 --> 00:19:53,000 Speaker 2: and almost thirteen, and their friends are fans of us 345 00:19:53,359 --> 00:19:55,880 Speaker 2: and look at us like a brand new group, even 346 00:19:55,920 --> 00:19:58,480 Speaker 2: though we've been around, you know, for a long time. 347 00:19:59,160 --> 00:20:02,400 Speaker 2: And that's just really cool. You know that eight year 348 00:20:02,440 --> 00:20:06,000 Speaker 2: olds think that we're awesome and like, that's awesome. You know, 349 00:20:06,080 --> 00:20:08,680 Speaker 2: that's a whole new generation of fans. 350 00:20:10,080 --> 00:20:12,800 Speaker 1: Yeah, No, it is interesting. I mean it's funny because 351 00:20:12,840 --> 00:20:14,760 Speaker 1: you know, I was just smiling when you said that, 352 00:20:14,800 --> 00:20:16,640 Speaker 1: because then I'm trying to picture you guys at eighty 353 00:20:16,720 --> 00:20:19,000 Speaker 1: years old, like the Stones ab up on stage. But 354 00:20:19,080 --> 00:20:19,760 Speaker 1: it's kind of both. 355 00:20:19,960 --> 00:20:22,040 Speaker 2: Yeah, you know. 356 00:20:22,359 --> 00:20:26,240 Speaker 1: Yeah, So for you, how gratifying is it then? To like, 357 00:20:26,640 --> 00:20:29,200 Speaker 1: now it seems like you're in the perfect artistic place. 358 00:20:29,480 --> 00:20:32,120 Speaker 1: And I've talked about this with many people as well, 359 00:20:32,160 --> 00:20:34,560 Speaker 1: Like right when you're in Springsteen's E Street Band, right 360 00:20:34,800 --> 00:20:37,439 Speaker 1: and you're Steve van Zant, or you're Jake Clemons, you 361 00:20:37,440 --> 00:20:39,919 Speaker 1: get to put out solo records and play clubs and 362 00:20:39,960 --> 00:20:43,040 Speaker 1: then go and headline stadiums with Bruce, you know, or 363 00:20:43,080 --> 00:20:45,040 Speaker 1: I talked to Joe Perry about it with Aerosmith and 364 00:20:45,040 --> 00:20:47,760 Speaker 1: Hollywood Vampires, and now you're in this place where you 365 00:20:47,840 --> 00:20:50,679 Speaker 1: have the Backstreet Boys and all the camaraderie and all 366 00:20:50,720 --> 00:20:54,359 Speaker 1: the success, and you get to challenge yourself artistically with 367 00:20:54,920 --> 00:20:57,920 Speaker 1: you know, doing the solo stuff. How gratifying is that 368 00:20:58,000 --> 00:21:00,639 Speaker 1: because you get to express yourself to you get to 369 00:21:00,680 --> 00:21:04,040 Speaker 1: express yourself rather than your multiple personalities. 370 00:21:04,080 --> 00:21:07,800 Speaker 2: Sorry in all ways, yeah, I mean this is you know, 371 00:21:07,960 --> 00:21:12,159 Speaker 2: I put out my first solo project in two thousand 372 00:21:12,200 --> 00:21:15,080 Speaker 2: and nine or two thousand and eight, one of those, 373 00:21:15,119 --> 00:21:17,880 Speaker 2: and you know it, it was a great album. Don't 374 00:21:17,880 --> 00:21:21,520 Speaker 2: get me wrong. It was only released overseas. You know, 375 00:21:21,560 --> 00:21:25,600 Speaker 2: I didn't have great representation then, so it didn't really 376 00:21:25,680 --> 00:21:28,760 Speaker 2: get as much push as I would have hoped. But 377 00:21:28,840 --> 00:21:32,879 Speaker 2: if you listen to that first record, every song sounds 378 00:21:32,920 --> 00:21:35,920 Speaker 2: like a Backstreet Boy song. Like I didn't know myself 379 00:21:36,000 --> 00:21:40,240 Speaker 2: well enough yet to kind of break away and to 380 00:21:40,359 --> 00:21:44,399 Speaker 2: really find my own voice. So everything that I wrote, 381 00:21:44,840 --> 00:21:48,919 Speaker 2: the arrangements, the harmonies, all you know, all I was 382 00:21:48,960 --> 00:21:52,520 Speaker 2: programmed to do was boy band type stuff. So that's 383 00:21:52,560 --> 00:21:55,760 Speaker 2: what that album came out sounding like. Granted, the songs 384 00:21:55,760 --> 00:21:59,720 Speaker 2: were great, the lyrics were great, but now you know, 385 00:21:59,800 --> 00:22:02,720 Speaker 2: this has been four years in the making, you know, 386 00:22:02,800 --> 00:22:09,800 Speaker 2: because of schedule and music change my my my way 387 00:22:09,800 --> 00:22:12,920 Speaker 2: of thinking has changed, you know, in the last four years, 388 00:22:14,600 --> 00:22:16,480 Speaker 2: and the cream has risen to the top. You know, 389 00:22:16,720 --> 00:22:22,960 Speaker 2: I've you know, this has been such an explorative process 390 00:22:23,760 --> 00:22:27,679 Speaker 2: and a very therapeutic process, and it's so rewarding to 391 00:22:27,880 --> 00:22:31,600 Speaker 2: finally get to stand on my own two feet outside 392 00:22:31,640 --> 00:22:35,320 Speaker 2: of the group and get the love and support from 393 00:22:35,400 --> 00:22:38,200 Speaker 2: my band. Because I know a lot of bands they've 394 00:22:38,200 --> 00:22:40,399 Speaker 2: had members go solo and the rest of the band 395 00:22:40,560 --> 00:22:43,680 Speaker 2: is not happy about it. They don't support it and 396 00:22:43,720 --> 00:22:46,840 Speaker 2: they try to shoot it down. And my boys are 397 00:22:46,840 --> 00:22:50,280 Speaker 2: not like that. They're extremely supportive. It meant the world 398 00:22:50,320 --> 00:22:52,600 Speaker 2: to me. The other day, I've been posting snippets on 399 00:22:52,680 --> 00:22:58,000 Speaker 2: my socials and Kevin responded to one of the first 400 00:22:58,000 --> 00:23:00,280 Speaker 2: ones I posted, and he's like, Wow, what a great 401 00:23:00,320 --> 00:23:02,680 Speaker 2: song and you put a bunch of hearts, and I 402 00:23:02,720 --> 00:23:05,320 Speaker 2: was just like, dude, that's that's just that's so awesome. 403 00:23:05,680 --> 00:23:09,560 Speaker 2: Like my boys love it, and that's that just is 404 00:23:09,600 --> 00:23:14,440 Speaker 2: such an encouragement to me. But I'm ecstatic about this 405 00:23:14,560 --> 00:23:19,600 Speaker 2: project as a whole. The EP was a real challenge 406 00:23:19,640 --> 00:23:21,879 Speaker 2: for me to kind of figure out what songs to 407 00:23:21,880 --> 00:23:24,800 Speaker 2: put on there that would kind of represent the album. 408 00:23:24,840 --> 00:23:28,159 Speaker 2: As a whole, and I think we nailed it with 409 00:23:28,280 --> 00:23:30,840 Speaker 2: these six songs. I think across the board it kind 410 00:23:30,880 --> 00:23:33,200 Speaker 2: of shows what the full album is going to be. 411 00:23:34,119 --> 00:23:36,960 Speaker 2: And we just finished recording the album two weeks ago. 412 00:23:38,920 --> 00:23:43,040 Speaker 2: We did six songs in three days and they just 413 00:23:43,160 --> 00:23:46,960 Speaker 2: kept coming. They just kept coming. And I told my producer, 414 00:23:47,000 --> 00:23:48,919 Speaker 2: I said, Okay, if I tell you I want to 415 00:23:48,920 --> 00:23:51,520 Speaker 2: go back in the studio tomorrow, don't answer the phone 416 00:23:52,200 --> 00:23:55,040 Speaker 2: because I'll I'll stay in the studio and I'll keep 417 00:23:55,040 --> 00:23:58,560 Speaker 2: writing until my hand bleeds. But I said, we have 418 00:23:58,640 --> 00:24:00,520 Speaker 2: to be done in order for me to make my 419 00:24:00,600 --> 00:24:04,280 Speaker 2: birthday deadline for my album. We have to be done. 420 00:24:04,760 --> 00:24:07,960 Speaker 2: But I think this is my My manager said it 421 00:24:07,960 --> 00:24:10,080 Speaker 2: to me the other day, my wife said it to me, 422 00:24:11,800 --> 00:24:14,640 Speaker 2: and two of my bandmates have said the same thing. 423 00:24:14,720 --> 00:24:18,560 Speaker 2: This is the best body of work I've ever done. 424 00:24:18,840 --> 00:24:22,000 Speaker 2: And I've been writing music for a long time. I 425 00:24:22,000 --> 00:24:26,000 Speaker 2: think collectively, in the last ten years, I have probably 426 00:24:26,080 --> 00:24:29,680 Speaker 2: six albums worth of material. But this is the best 427 00:24:30,320 --> 00:24:32,159 Speaker 2: I've ever done, and that means a lot to me. 428 00:24:33,640 --> 00:24:35,919 Speaker 1: Well's so interesting you say it's therapeutic, because I'm a 429 00:24:36,000 --> 00:24:39,800 Speaker 1: huge believer in the idea that most great not most 430 00:24:40,160 --> 00:24:44,520 Speaker 1: almost everyone I talk to you says great songwriting is subconscious, 431 00:24:44,720 --> 00:24:48,280 Speaker 1: you know, Like I mean, Jimmy Cliff, who we just lost, 432 00:24:48,600 --> 00:24:51,000 Speaker 1: told me he wrote many Rivers Cross in ten minutes 433 00:24:51,040 --> 00:24:52,800 Speaker 1: on the way to the studio. 434 00:24:53,280 --> 00:24:53,439 Speaker 2: You know. 435 00:24:53,800 --> 00:24:57,000 Speaker 1: Neil Diamond said Sweet Caroline came from God. And so 436 00:24:57,040 --> 00:24:59,680 Speaker 1: what often happens is when you write a song, then 437 00:24:59,680 --> 00:25:02,000 Speaker 1: you go I can hear it and you're like, oh, 438 00:25:02,080 --> 00:25:03,879 Speaker 1: you know, I was thinking that, and you learn so 439 00:25:03,960 --> 00:25:06,600 Speaker 1: much from it. So were there songs off this album 440 00:25:06,640 --> 00:25:09,840 Speaker 1: that you really learned a lot from because again, oh yeah, 441 00:25:09,920 --> 00:25:12,040 Speaker 1: that coming from the subconscious? 442 00:25:12,520 --> 00:25:15,200 Speaker 2: No, there is. I mean, Arizona definitely is number one. 443 00:25:15,280 --> 00:25:19,399 Speaker 2: There's another song on the album called better Man, which 444 00:25:19,920 --> 00:25:23,199 Speaker 2: to me is like the I would say is the 445 00:25:23,280 --> 00:25:25,960 Speaker 2: sister song to Arizona, but it's on the flip side. 446 00:25:26,400 --> 00:25:29,639 Speaker 2: You know. Arizona is kind of about the journey, and 447 00:25:29,720 --> 00:25:32,080 Speaker 2: better Man is kind of where I am today. I 448 00:25:32,160 --> 00:25:34,840 Speaker 2: feel like I am a better man for all the 449 00:25:34,880 --> 00:25:37,680 Speaker 2: things I've been through and all the things I've experienced 450 00:25:38,440 --> 00:25:44,080 Speaker 2: and continue to experience and continue to learn. I'm a sponge. 451 00:25:44,200 --> 00:25:48,520 Speaker 2: I've always been a sponge, and I will always absorb 452 00:25:48,760 --> 00:25:52,280 Speaker 2: the good and the bad. And then figure out how 453 00:25:52,280 --> 00:25:57,440 Speaker 2: it applies to me. There's you know, there's other songs 454 00:25:57,480 --> 00:26:03,280 Speaker 2: that are kind of from personal experience. Thinking about us 455 00:26:03,640 --> 00:26:09,040 Speaker 2: on the EP was inspired by my wife and our 456 00:26:09,119 --> 00:26:11,960 Speaker 2: situation we are, you know, we've we're kind of coming 457 00:26:12,000 --> 00:26:13,719 Speaker 2: out the other end right now and her and I 458 00:26:13,720 --> 00:26:16,600 Speaker 2: are and probably the best place we've ever been since 459 00:26:16,640 --> 00:26:20,520 Speaker 2: we met. And we both see a future together and 460 00:26:21,160 --> 00:26:23,520 Speaker 2: that brings me so much joy. But I think we 461 00:26:23,760 --> 00:26:27,560 Speaker 2: both needed this break for us to grow as individuals, 462 00:26:27,680 --> 00:26:32,919 Speaker 2: because you know, like they say, obviously absence makes the 463 00:26:32,920 --> 00:26:35,439 Speaker 2: heart grow fonder. Yes, that's true, but also if you 464 00:26:35,560 --> 00:26:40,720 Speaker 2: can't love yourself, you can't love another human being. And 465 00:26:40,840 --> 00:26:43,600 Speaker 2: for us to do this time apart and to really 466 00:26:43,680 --> 00:26:47,560 Speaker 2: learn to love ourselves has really brought us together so 467 00:26:47,720 --> 00:26:51,760 Speaker 2: much stronger, all the while co parenting and putting our 468 00:26:51,840 --> 00:26:55,320 Speaker 2: children first and taking care of my kids. And you know, 469 00:26:56,119 --> 00:26:59,679 Speaker 2: there's songs on the album that are just fun to 470 00:26:59,800 --> 00:27:04,040 Speaker 2: just and joyful records. And then you know, there's another 471 00:27:04,119 --> 00:27:09,679 Speaker 2: song called Relapse that's on the album that I that 472 00:27:09,760 --> 00:27:13,840 Speaker 2: I wrote in the in the perspective of a relationship, 473 00:27:14,840 --> 00:27:19,040 Speaker 2: but it's really about the drink. And but I'm using 474 00:27:19,040 --> 00:27:25,560 Speaker 2: a relationship as the metaphor, and it's a really really 475 00:27:25,560 --> 00:27:30,159 Speaker 2: cool song. The melodies and it's it's just it's just 476 00:27:30,240 --> 00:27:33,560 Speaker 2: a really great song. But as this process has been happening, 477 00:27:34,720 --> 00:27:38,760 Speaker 2: you know, the conversations that happen in the studio amongst 478 00:27:38,760 --> 00:27:42,960 Speaker 2: my writers and myself, that's where the growing has been happening. Obviously, 479 00:27:43,000 --> 00:27:47,080 Speaker 2: writing the lyrics out and you know, finishing these songs 480 00:27:47,119 --> 00:27:51,080 Speaker 2: has been a great growing process, But it's the conversations 481 00:27:51,119 --> 00:27:55,480 Speaker 2: that happen in the rooms with my writers, with my producer. 482 00:27:56,119 --> 00:28:01,359 Speaker 2: We're all family, we're friends, but it's these heartfelt conversations 483 00:28:01,400 --> 00:28:04,600 Speaker 2: that I'll never forget that I can take with me 484 00:28:04,960 --> 00:28:09,560 Speaker 2: forever and I can reflect back on. And something else 485 00:28:09,600 --> 00:28:12,040 Speaker 2: I do. When I finished writing a song, I don't 486 00:28:12,080 --> 00:28:16,000 Speaker 2: listen to it for about a week. I just write it. 487 00:28:16,000 --> 00:28:18,080 Speaker 2: It's done. I let my producer do what he has 488 00:28:18,160 --> 00:28:20,959 Speaker 2: to do. I don't let him send me a copy. 489 00:28:21,680 --> 00:28:23,880 Speaker 2: I just I don't want to hear it for a week, 490 00:28:23,960 --> 00:28:28,320 Speaker 2: so I can hear it with fresh years, and it's 491 00:28:28,119 --> 00:28:30,840 Speaker 2: it's it's just, it's it's like a sweet little surprise. 492 00:28:31,720 --> 00:28:34,679 Speaker 2: And you know, hearing these songs now that I wrote 493 00:28:34,960 --> 00:28:38,200 Speaker 2: three months ago, because we're in the final mixing phase 494 00:28:38,280 --> 00:28:41,160 Speaker 2: to get the album done. I'm like, oh, crap, I 495 00:28:41,200 --> 00:28:43,560 Speaker 2: forgot about that one. Oh crap, I forgot about that one. 496 00:28:43,600 --> 00:28:48,640 Speaker 2: That one's great, Holy shit. And yeah, so every song 497 00:28:48,800 --> 00:28:52,760 Speaker 2: on this album, every song, there's not one song that 498 00:28:52,880 --> 00:29:00,960 Speaker 2: I feel people are gonna skip over. There's not one. 499 00:29:07,840 --> 00:29:10,200 Speaker 1: Well, you know, so the EP has called him name 500 00:29:10,400 --> 00:29:11,880 Speaker 1: out since the name of the album as. 501 00:29:11,800 --> 00:29:19,360 Speaker 2: Well, Actually the album is my name is Alexander James. Okay, Yeah, 502 00:29:20,720 --> 00:29:21,120 Speaker 2: what I was. 503 00:29:21,120 --> 00:29:23,960 Speaker 1: Gonna ask is does it feel good at this point? 504 00:29:24,040 --> 00:29:25,880 Speaker 1: I mean, I'm sure it feels great at this point 505 00:29:26,280 --> 00:29:28,080 Speaker 1: to be able to do that. And as you say, 506 00:29:28,520 --> 00:29:32,080 Speaker 1: AJ was a character, you know, and again, not like 507 00:29:32,480 --> 00:29:35,320 Speaker 1: you know, a bad character, but it's just I've talked 508 00:29:35,320 --> 00:29:37,040 Speaker 1: about this with a lot of people. You kind of 509 00:29:37,160 --> 00:29:41,200 Speaker 1: get trapped in a way in your success and now 510 00:29:41,360 --> 00:29:43,120 Speaker 1: it's like you're at a place in your life where 511 00:29:43,160 --> 00:29:46,360 Speaker 1: it's like, yes, AJ is cool, and you love your 512 00:29:46,400 --> 00:29:49,120 Speaker 1: bandmates and all of that, but you also can say 513 00:29:49,160 --> 00:29:51,320 Speaker 1: that the world this is who I am as well. 514 00:29:51,760 --> 00:29:54,840 Speaker 1: And again, I mean, so many great musicians have lived 515 00:29:54,880 --> 00:29:56,760 Speaker 1: with that and struggled with that and had a hard 516 00:29:56,840 --> 00:29:59,000 Speaker 1: time figuring out how to get you, you know, because 517 00:29:59,000 --> 00:30:01,800 Speaker 1: of course everybody wants to be who they know you. 518 00:30:01,760 --> 00:30:06,160 Speaker 2: To be exactly. And you know, it's interesting because, over 519 00:30:07,280 --> 00:30:10,960 Speaker 2: i'd say, like the past maybe five to six years, 520 00:30:12,200 --> 00:30:17,320 Speaker 2: for whatever reason, fans, especially in Latin America, Mexico, Canada, 521 00:30:18,360 --> 00:30:22,120 Speaker 2: a lot of fans just for whatever reason started calling 522 00:30:22,200 --> 00:30:25,440 Speaker 2: me Alex. I don't know why I didn't put it 523 00:30:25,520 --> 00:30:30,080 Speaker 2: out there. I didn't say anything about it in like interviews. 524 00:30:30,200 --> 00:30:33,320 Speaker 2: They just started calling me Alex and you know, it 525 00:30:33,400 --> 00:30:35,200 Speaker 2: took me a minute to respond. I'm like, oh shit, 526 00:30:35,280 --> 00:30:39,240 Speaker 2: that's my name, that's right. And but now, you know, 527 00:30:39,440 --> 00:30:43,520 Speaker 2: finally being able to embrace Alex and give him an 528 00:30:43,560 --> 00:30:48,680 Speaker 2: opportunity to shine is is probably the most beautiful thing 529 00:30:50,080 --> 00:30:55,320 Speaker 2: I've ever experienced, because, you know, getting to show the 530 00:30:55,440 --> 00:31:00,400 Speaker 2: world who I am as an individual. You know, could 531 00:31:00,480 --> 00:31:03,040 Speaker 2: I could I do it under the pseudonym, you know, 532 00:31:03,200 --> 00:31:08,400 Speaker 2: AJ Sure? But then it then it still takes you 533 00:31:08,520 --> 00:31:12,120 Speaker 2: immediately back to the group. And again, there's nothing wrong 534 00:31:12,200 --> 00:31:16,280 Speaker 2: with that. And I wouldn't even have an opportunity to 535 00:31:16,400 --> 00:31:18,840 Speaker 2: do something on my own if it wasn't for being 536 00:31:18,920 --> 00:31:23,200 Speaker 2: in this band. I don't truly believe. But to have 537 00:31:23,400 --> 00:31:28,080 Speaker 2: this opportunity now of complete and other freedom to express 538 00:31:28,200 --> 00:31:31,880 Speaker 2: myself truly as who I am on my own two 539 00:31:31,960 --> 00:31:38,360 Speaker 2: feet is the most incredible gratifying thing. And you know, yes, 540 00:31:38,880 --> 00:31:45,400 Speaker 2: is there is there hints of Backstreet Boys on the album, 541 00:31:48,200 --> 00:31:52,560 Speaker 2: maybe here and there, but as a whole, I don't 542 00:31:52,560 --> 00:31:55,480 Speaker 2: think any song really could be a Backstreet Boy record. 543 00:31:55,920 --> 00:31:59,440 Speaker 2: I think every song truly is a great representation of 544 00:31:59,520 --> 00:32:06,360 Speaker 2: who I am, my personal love for different genres of music. 545 00:32:06,480 --> 00:32:08,600 Speaker 2: I mean, we have rock on this album, we have 546 00:32:08,880 --> 00:32:15,160 Speaker 2: R and B, we have funk, we have like almost 547 00:32:15,480 --> 00:32:18,920 Speaker 2: like a blues jazz like. We have a little bit 548 00:32:18,960 --> 00:32:22,400 Speaker 2: of everything that inspires me. And it's kind of hard 549 00:32:22,520 --> 00:32:25,760 Speaker 2: to do that in the group sense, even though we've 550 00:32:25,840 --> 00:32:29,000 Speaker 2: had songs that are country records, we've had rock songs 551 00:32:29,040 --> 00:32:35,560 Speaker 2: like Incomplete, but overall Backstreet is strictly pop and I 552 00:32:35,680 --> 00:32:38,000 Speaker 2: struggled with that. Four years ago when I started writing 553 00:32:38,040 --> 00:32:41,520 Speaker 2: this record, I wanted to go like straight urban or 554 00:32:41,600 --> 00:32:49,200 Speaker 2: straight funk, and was it believable. Yes, But then after 555 00:32:49,520 --> 00:32:53,600 Speaker 2: my little trip to Arizona, I realized, why why go 556 00:32:53,800 --> 00:32:58,400 Speaker 2: so left field? Why not embrace who I am? I'm 557 00:32:58,640 --> 00:33:02,120 Speaker 2: a pop artist. There's nothing wrong with that, and I 558 00:33:02,240 --> 00:33:07,320 Speaker 2: can still implement musically the genres that I'm a fan of, 559 00:33:07,520 --> 00:33:10,440 Speaker 2: the R and B, the funk, the rock, the soul, 560 00:33:11,360 --> 00:33:13,880 Speaker 2: and the minute I put my vocals on it, I'm 561 00:33:13,920 --> 00:33:16,760 Speaker 2: gonna make it my own. But it is still pop 562 00:33:16,880 --> 00:33:21,360 Speaker 2: music and and and I'm I'm finally able to lean 563 00:33:21,480 --> 00:33:24,840 Speaker 2: into that and to be comfortable with that. You know, 564 00:33:24,920 --> 00:33:27,000 Speaker 2: I was fighting that at the beginning of this writing 565 00:33:27,080 --> 00:33:31,160 Speaker 2: process so hard, and now I'm like, no, you know what, 566 00:33:31,480 --> 00:33:35,160 Speaker 2: lean into what you are, into who you are, and 567 00:33:35,320 --> 00:33:39,120 Speaker 2: you know, obviously my second record looking down the road, 568 00:33:40,120 --> 00:33:43,840 Speaker 2: my second record. Yeah, then maybe once I've established myself, 569 00:33:43,880 --> 00:33:46,840 Speaker 2: then we can go straight eighties funk or like, you 570 00:33:46,920 --> 00:33:52,120 Speaker 2: know whatever. But to start, no, let's let's let's do 571 00:33:52,280 --> 00:33:54,280 Speaker 2: something that's familiar but fresh. 572 00:33:55,440 --> 00:33:58,400 Speaker 1: I imagine as well. Having this other outlet is maybe 573 00:33:58,560 --> 00:34:01,920 Speaker 1: actually more fun too, not that Backstreet wasn't great, but 574 00:34:02,080 --> 00:34:04,360 Speaker 1: it's like, now you get to satisfy all sides. So 575 00:34:04,440 --> 00:34:06,480 Speaker 1: when you come back to back Street, like when you 576 00:34:06,600 --> 00:34:09,520 Speaker 1: do the Sphere, it's like, all right, well, now I 577 00:34:09,840 --> 00:34:13,160 Speaker 1: just enjoy this, like because I feel so creatively fulfilled. 578 00:34:13,760 --> 00:34:17,439 Speaker 2: Oh absolutely, I mean, I'm you know, it's that age 579 00:34:17,520 --> 00:34:19,719 Speaker 2: old saying I'm getting my cake and eating it too. 580 00:34:19,880 --> 00:34:24,000 Speaker 2: It's like, this is the best it's the best time 581 00:34:24,040 --> 00:34:27,400 Speaker 2: to be alive for me, honestly, Like, yes, it's so 582 00:34:27,600 --> 00:34:31,120 Speaker 2: rewarding to be doing the most state of the art 583 00:34:31,239 --> 00:34:33,360 Speaker 2: venue in the on the on the planet with my 584 00:34:33,600 --> 00:34:37,680 Speaker 2: with my brothers, celebrating our biggest album, selling it out, 585 00:34:38,400 --> 00:34:43,160 Speaker 2: you know, taking people down this incredible journey, and it's 586 00:34:43,239 --> 00:34:46,520 Speaker 2: so rewarding and it's so pleasing, and it's so much fun, 587 00:34:47,320 --> 00:34:50,279 Speaker 2: and I can't wait to get back. Honestly, all of 588 00:34:50,400 --> 00:34:52,720 Speaker 2: us are chomping at the bit to get back to Vegas. 589 00:34:54,120 --> 00:34:56,880 Speaker 2: But on the other side of the coin, to finally 590 00:34:56,960 --> 00:35:00,440 Speaker 2: have the freedom and the joy to know that body 591 00:35:00,480 --> 00:35:02,760 Speaker 2: of work that I've been working on for four years 592 00:35:02,960 --> 00:35:06,279 Speaker 2: is finally here and I get to share with the 593 00:35:06,360 --> 00:35:11,040 Speaker 2: world and I and I and I get to have 594 00:35:11,200 --> 00:35:14,040 Speaker 2: the same level of joy that I get from being 595 00:35:14,080 --> 00:35:18,440 Speaker 2: with my boys on my own, if not more, if 596 00:35:18,520 --> 00:35:22,160 Speaker 2: not a little more, you know, And it is it's 597 00:35:22,200 --> 00:35:24,560 Speaker 2: the best of both worlds. And I've told my boys, 598 00:35:24,600 --> 00:35:27,440 Speaker 2: and I've told the fans, and I've told my team. 599 00:35:28,320 --> 00:35:30,560 Speaker 2: You know, people have said, so what if what if 600 00:35:30,640 --> 00:35:33,600 Speaker 2: this album Knock on Wood blows up like this whole 601 00:35:33,680 --> 00:35:37,360 Speaker 2: thing just blows up and you know you're you're getting 602 00:35:37,400 --> 00:35:41,920 Speaker 2: offers to do arenas. Will you leave the group? Absolutely not. 603 00:35:42,640 --> 00:35:45,239 Speaker 2: There is not a chance in hell I would ever 604 00:35:45,360 --> 00:35:50,560 Speaker 2: abandon my boys. I believe I can have both both 605 00:35:50,680 --> 00:35:57,080 Speaker 2: worlds coexist. And sure it's a lot of work, but 606 00:35:57,239 --> 00:35:58,840 Speaker 2: I love to work and I love what I do, 607 00:35:59,640 --> 00:36:05,120 Speaker 2: So it's about balance, you know. Cool. 608 00:36:05,280 --> 00:36:07,120 Speaker 1: Well, we'll wrap up in a second because the zoom 609 00:36:07,160 --> 00:36:09,160 Speaker 1: is about to end, but I want to ask you quickly. 610 00:36:09,160 --> 00:36:11,360 Speaker 1: The name of the podcast is in Service Off, and 611 00:36:11,480 --> 00:36:14,440 Speaker 1: it started with the idea of giving back philanthropically, but 612 00:36:14,520 --> 00:36:17,479 Speaker 1: I've realized in talking to so many instants, as an artist, 613 00:36:17,560 --> 00:36:20,000 Speaker 1: you're always in service off. Because again, I'm like you 614 00:36:20,040 --> 00:36:22,760 Speaker 1: talked about Arizona and hopefully that becomes an anthem for fans. 615 00:36:23,080 --> 00:36:26,000 Speaker 1: I'm sure you've heard from a zillion people. How you 616 00:36:26,120 --> 00:36:28,680 Speaker 1: know they danced at two I want it all at 617 00:36:28,719 --> 00:36:31,160 Speaker 1: their wedding, or they had babies to it or whatever 618 00:36:31,280 --> 00:36:34,480 Speaker 1: it is. You know, so as an artist, you're always 619 00:36:34,560 --> 00:36:37,000 Speaker 1: in service off. So for you, what does it mean 620 00:36:37,080 --> 00:36:39,400 Speaker 1: being in service up to the music or are there 621 00:36:39,440 --> 00:36:41,880 Speaker 1: any particular charities that are really important to you? 622 00:36:42,960 --> 00:36:46,000 Speaker 2: I mean, I am a huge advocate for the LGBTQ 623 00:36:46,200 --> 00:36:51,759 Speaker 2: plus community. I'm also a huge, huge animal lover. You know, 624 00:36:52,120 --> 00:36:58,000 Speaker 2: I wish there was more non lethal shelters out there 625 00:36:58,120 --> 00:37:01,440 Speaker 2: that if a dog or a cat and get adopted, 626 00:37:01,520 --> 00:37:07,239 Speaker 2: that they get put down, you know. And I've been 627 00:37:07,239 --> 00:37:12,080 Speaker 2: a huge supporter for the LGBTQ plus community for decades 628 00:37:13,640 --> 00:37:17,600 Speaker 2: and as well as anything and everything in the mental 629 00:37:17,680 --> 00:37:21,680 Speaker 2: health space. If I can give back by being of service, 630 00:37:22,560 --> 00:37:26,120 Speaker 2: and whether it's through my music or it's actually me 631 00:37:26,320 --> 00:37:30,400 Speaker 2: tangibly being somewhere sharing my story, That's why I've been 632 00:37:30,440 --> 00:37:33,440 Speaker 2: so open in public about my recovery and about my journey. 633 00:37:33,520 --> 00:37:38,160 Speaker 2: Is if my story helps one person, then I did 634 00:37:38,239 --> 00:37:38,640 Speaker 2: my job. 635 00:37:39,320 --> 00:37:39,480 Speaker 1: You know. 636 00:37:39,800 --> 00:37:42,719 Speaker 2: That is you know, if you look at it as 637 00:37:42,719 --> 00:37:45,080 Speaker 2: a twelve step program, that is what the twelfth step 638 00:37:45,160 --> 00:37:49,240 Speaker 2: of AA is is being of service and sharing your experience, strength, 639 00:37:49,280 --> 00:37:52,000 Speaker 2: and hope with others in hope that you can take, 640 00:37:52,080 --> 00:37:55,920 Speaker 2: you know, help someone get sober. And with the mental 641 00:37:55,960 --> 00:37:59,719 Speaker 2: health crisis happening and no longer being swept under the 642 00:37:59,800 --> 00:38:03,480 Speaker 2: ruugh it's being talked about now, I want to be 643 00:38:03,600 --> 00:38:06,239 Speaker 2: on the forefront of that any way that I can. 644 00:38:07,080 --> 00:38:12,120 Speaker 2: And I think Arizona in particular, is a great stepping 645 00:38:12,239 --> 00:38:15,640 Speaker 2: stone for that. And I hope that that song becomes 646 00:38:15,680 --> 00:38:22,680 Speaker 2: an anthem for the mental health community and becomes an 647 00:38:22,680 --> 00:38:25,879 Speaker 2: anthem for those that, like I said, don't feel good enough, 648 00:38:26,560 --> 00:38:32,320 Speaker 2: and it kind of empowers them to feel strong and 649 00:38:32,400 --> 00:38:36,680 Speaker 2: feel confident and to love themselves, because we need a 650 00:38:36,719 --> 00:38:39,719 Speaker 2: lot more love in this world. We really do. You know, 651 00:38:39,880 --> 00:38:42,360 Speaker 2: the world's going to shit, going to shit in a handbag. 652 00:38:42,760 --> 00:38:45,920 Speaker 2: But as long as we love each other and love 653 00:38:46,000 --> 00:38:48,760 Speaker 2: our neighbor, we're we're gonna be just fine. 654 00:38:50,480 --> 00:38:52,080 Speaker 1: That is a beautiful wrap up now that this is 655 00:38:52,120 --> 00:38:53,719 Speaker 1: about to end. Is there anything that you want to 656 00:38:53,760 --> 00:38:55,160 Speaker 1: add that I did not ask you about. 657 00:38:57,120 --> 00:38:59,440 Speaker 2: No, I just, you know, thank you to everyone that 658 00:38:59,520 --> 00:39:03,719 Speaker 2: has been reporting me since day one. I am. I'm 659 00:39:03,800 --> 00:39:08,759 Speaker 2: over the moon. I'm elated that the support has been overwhelming. 660 00:39:09,520 --> 00:39:14,600 Speaker 2: And I love my fans. I love our fans, and 661 00:39:15,080 --> 00:39:18,160 Speaker 2: I want to wish everyone a happy Turkey Day. And 662 00:39:19,320 --> 00:39:21,719 Speaker 2: we do have a lot to be thankful for. I 663 00:39:21,880 --> 00:39:28,239 Speaker 2: know I do. And true victory is victory over oneself. 664 00:39:29,000 --> 00:39:29,680 Speaker 2: I'll leave you with that.