http://www.cmcmusic.ca/images/publicity/littrell_brian_promo_tour.jpg

 

 

Brian on Hit Music

 

 

 

The first paragraph's basically a recap of what they've been doing since Kevin left: Howie has been involved with the DLF and doing some business stuff, AJ broke up with Kaci Brown and has been working on a solo record, Nick's been busy with HoC, and even though reactions haven't been great, they're considering a second season. Brian's been busy with Welcome Home, and it was very well received, and it was the best gospel album of 2006.

 

How was your tour of America?

 

Brian: To be honest my tour of America wasn't very extensive/frequent. The few shows last autumn were mostly on the East coast. The main aim of this 2 weeks is to get together with the rest of the band and complete the new album.

 

How complete is the new record?

 

Brian: We're pretty close to completion, and we're only waiting for the last song. Within a month of completing the record, we have to pick out those tracks that we think have the potential to be singles. Then we'll have to do promotion around the world, including Europe, Southeast Asia and Japan. Following which will be the tour.

 

What type of style/genre is it?

 

Brian: Some will have Backstreet's retro/dance characteristics (I'm not sure about this, lol). Just like the songs we performed in 1997. The aim of us recording this is so all the young people can enjoy it. It has to appeal to a wide range of people. We're trying to tell people that Backstreet doesn't only sing pop music/music in the pop genre. You'll also hear some songs with strong rhythms, [guitar-driven songs, etc]. There'll also be some songs which we've written.

 

Why isn't/doesn't Max Martin involved/want to be involved? He's written so much for you.

 

Brian: It really is like that. Right now, we actually don't know why. He simply doesn't want to work with us. We've telephoned him and emailed him, but he just hasn't answered. We really don't know what happened! I'll admit, I'm not very happy about it, but you also have to admit that he's a great songwriter!

 

[Are your musical tastes all different?]

 

Brian: Haha, I know what you're talking about. Of course, regarding this, we have an experimenting process. As you said, we all have different styles, and so when we work together, we have to skillfully integrate them together and see what the results are. Now we know the direction the album's headed in, so we can choose the tracks that we all like together, and then happily carry on. We also choose the best people to work with, such as Billy Mann, who helped us with Poster Girl, and also my album's Angels And Heroes and Gone Without Goodbye. On this new album, he's helped us write a song called Love Will Keep You Up All Night. I've let several people listen to it, and they've all said it's brilliant. But I just wanna say, as long as the fans keep supporting us, we'll carry on.

 

Talk about the recording process.

 

Brian: It's the same as our previous albums - Millennium and Black & Blue. [We'll write songs, do different demos, until we're all satisfied]. And my family will also come and see us record. Haha, my son Baylee oftens goes out on stage and runs about, sometimes he doesn't understand what we're doing, just that we're together. Sometimes during my solo tour, he asked whether Nick would be coming too.

 

Before, regarding the "why Kevin left" question, your answers have expressed confusion/bewilderment. Now, can you answer again, why did Kevin leave the group?

 

Brian: First of all, he wanted a family, to have a kid of his own. That was his top priority. I respect his decision, and also feel proud of him. For him to choose having a family over Backstreet really is indescribable (In a good way, lol. I couldn't think of another word to use). Of course, we also have to include his other reasons for leaving. He wants to do some of what he enjoys, and not only be considered a member of the Backstreet Boys. But maybe I disagree with him over this. I feel because of our fans, we have an obligation to continue. Being a Backstreet Boy has brought me much joy and happiness. Which is why now, whenever I go out and perform, wherever I go, I'll tell myself, "Hey Brian, you're Brian of the Backstreet Boys, and will always be." I won't feel that being a Backstreet Boy has restricted my development. You know, I've devoted 14 years of my life to BSB, Backstreet is a part of me. With regards to Kevin, it is the same. When he's out on stage performing in a musical, I think he is still Kevin of the Backstreet Boys. Even though he's left the group, he's always our Kevin. Backstreet is a part of all of us.

 

Is he as religious as you are?

 

Brian: I think so. We'll often discuss the existence of our Lord. You know, he and I grew up in church. Whenever we encounter setbacks in our lives, the Lord offers us hope.

 

Do the other members of the band talk to Kevin as often as you do?

 

Brian: Yes, of course. Around February, I was talking to him on the phone. At that time, he was in Hawaii, and Nick was at his house. It turned out that they were watching the NFL game together. As time goes on, we respect each other's feeling more; there is absolutely no hostility towards him; in fact we all help each other. We've worked together for a fairly long time and even though we're not performing or recording together, we won't ever lose this friendship. Me, AJ, Nick and Howie, we'll forever be Kevin's younger brothers.

 

Do you all feel lonely now that Kevin's not there?

 

Brian: Not having Kevin there recording with us, that kind of feeling is unprecedented. So, the four of us have to be even more serious and diligent in going about with his new record. Furthermore, don't worry about our relationship with Kevin - we'll forever be brothers, and our relation ship will always be that good. When I went back for Christmas, I met up with Kevin, and talk about life and what's going on currently. Haha, Kevin told me his wife is pregnant.

 

Wah! When's he/she being born?

 

Brian: Haha, I'm also very excited. But I don't know when's the due date. Haha, I really am a big mouth. You know, I like sharing this kind of news with people; it lets people be happy. Besides, I can share what Kevin's happiness about being a father is like. Also, Kevin promised me that he will always support whatever I do, and will also write for me.

 

What's he up to now?

 

Brian: I think he's writing now... for a movie, I think.

 

Helping others write songs?

 

Brian: Yeah, writing songs for many people. From what he said, he's might be starting a production company. That way he can fulfil a wish of his to help other people in the business. Besides that, what he wants to do now is to start a family. Also, to go back on Broadway and perform. When I heard him say that, I said to myself, "Hey, brother, you're very busy, will you be busier than us?"

 

Let's talk about AJ. A lot has happened to him in the past few years. How is he now?

 

Brian: He's very strong. You know, he's already been sober for 4 years, he now values life. I think he's got a lot of courage. He's our pride. We'll accompany him all the way.

 

Did you see Nick's House of Carters? Is it a popular show in the states?

 

Brian: No I didn't. I don't really know whether it's popular; if you have the opportunity, go and ask him! Though, I think if you go and interview him now, he'll only talk about our new album, haha.

 

Do you think he's a musician or a television star?

 

Brian: I don't think appearing on a reality show makes him a television star. Although we didn't really approve of him going to film it; it'll expose/reveal himself. But no matter what, he's a Backstreet Boy, and will always be. Our current focus is Backstreet's new album, everything else is secondary. I'd like to let you know that our feelings about this album are all the same.

 

 

Edited May 15, 200718 yr by Dino

Thanks for posting....translation is a bit dodgy though! Is this the same Japanse interview from a couple of months ago? It sounds evry similar!

yeah it does sound very similar i've heard theres a german version too

of this interview.