Interview: A.J. McLean (of the Backstreet Boys)

Date of Interview: 04/22/2010

Although A.J. McLean is well-known for being the most out-spoken member of the Backstreet Boys, the most intimate side of his musical life would not be revealed until 2010, with the release of his first solo project: Have It All. Venturing beyond the “safe” confines of his “boy bad” experience, McLean was able to experiment with rock, funk and dance in ways that he had never done in the past. And thankfully, these new musical paths did not interrupt his membership with the Backstreet collective or progress on the band’s seventh studio album, This Is Us.

As part of a promotional campaign for the Backstreet Boys’ eight concert tour, A.J. McLean managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on his mother’s influence, working with T-Pain, and the band’s successful blending of pop and R&B.

Interview: Brian Littrell (of the Backstreet Boys)

Date of Interview: 10/14/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Although Brian Littrell is best-known for being a member of the Backstreet Boys, he is also a highly-regarded contemporary Christian recording artist.  And while Brian’s secular journey with “the Boys” never clouded his spiritual faith, his openness about his faith made him stand out from his fellow band mates.  Together, however, the Backstreet Boys would define (and in many ways, reshape) the contemporary musical landscape.

Over the past two decades, the Backstreet Boys have sold more than 100 million records.  And within the annals of history, they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best-selling artists of all-time.  Beyond all shadow of doubt, as far as vocal groups are concerned, the Backstreet Boys paved viable, commercial paths for N*SYNC, 98 Degrees and Westlife.

Upon the release of This Is Us, the band’s seventh studio album, Brian Littrell managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on his faith in God, the Backstreet Boys’ legacy, and the group’s successful blending of pop and R&B.