Nick Carter
a.k.a.
Nickolas Gene Carter
BLOND AMBITION
Nick Carter, Backstreet's Most Popular Boy, Goes Solo
Teens and tweens agree: Nick Carter, the youngest member of the Backstreet Boys, is also the cutest. But with the days of squeaky-clean pop on the wane, it's about time for Carter to chart a new course. After all, kid brother Aaron can't be the family's only meal ticket. Thus, the 22-year-old makes his highly anticipated solo debut with the rock-tinged Now or Never, which boasts songwriting by Carter as well as pop hit makers Max Martin and Rami, who have crafted hits for Celine Dion and 'N Sync. Prior to the disc's release, Barnes & Noble.com's Pop editor, Tracy E. Hopkins, spoke to the boy wonder about his future with the BSB, his rivalry with Justin Timberlake, his alleged romance with Britney Spears, and more.
Barnes & Noble.com: What's the significance of the title Now or Never?
Nick Carter: Basically, I felt like it was time [for me to do a solo album]. I started recording and writing by myself, and things were flowing and coming together. [Writing] was helping me out a lot. I felt like this was the time I needed to do that [in order] to be an all-around artist in the future.
B&N.com: How does your sound as a solo artist differ from Backstreet's sound?
NC: It has a rock feel to it. The main difference is the hardness of the songs. The melodies are still pop melodies, which is what the Backstreet Boys did -- pop songs. I've always been a big fan of rock music, and I love guitars and I love edge. I felt like I was really trying to make a different album than what people would expect, 'cause it would have been so easy to do a Backstreet-sounding album. But why do that? I just felt like this is what was in my heart.
B&N.com: Will there be another Backstreet album?
NC: Well, we're talking about doing another album. But right now, I'm in the middle of starting what I'm doing. I really want to build and learn new stuff as a solo artist.
B&N.com: You and 'N Sync's Justin Timberlake are both the youngest and most popular members of your respective groups, and you're coming out with solo albums around the same time. Do you feel a healthy sense of competition with him?
NC: I don't feel any competition at all. If anything, I'm supporting him and I'm hoping he's successful. And hopefully, he feels the same way about me. Really, it's two different types of music. Personally, I like where I am and the position I'm in, and I'm very happy with everything. I don't want to start getting involved in that competition stuff, 'cause that takes away from my ultimate goal, which is to put my best [foot] forward for my fans and everyone who wants to listen to my music.
B&N.com: What inspired the single "Help Me"?
NC: I didn't write the song, but I really felt it. The cool thing about the album is that I didn't have to record songs that I didn't write. My record company told me this, and I was like, "Really?" But they did bring me songs. So I got the chance to make sure that the songs I didn't write really meant something to me personally. Therefore, I can sing it properly and with passion.
B&N.com: Who are your biggest musical influences?
NC: David Bowie, Journey, Bryan Adams, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and Bon Jovi. Those are my favorites. I like a lot of new rock, too. But I love all sorts of music. I love R&B, pop, and rap. If you looked at my CD case, you'd be, like, "Whoa!"
B&N.com: You and your younger brother, Aaron, are both pop stars. Do you give each other words of encouragement and advice?
NC: Of course, we always talk to each other. We're really supportive of each other. That's my brother, and I love him to death.
B&N.com: Are there any other Carter family members we should look out for?
NC: Yeah, my younger sister, Leslie. She's 15. I'm really getting into writing and producing -- I produce a couple rock bands here and there. So I'm probably gonna produce my sister and write her [music] when I get time off. She's incredible. She's probably the best singer in the family.
B&N.com: There's gossip about you dating Britney Spears. Is there any truth to that rumor?
NC: Not really.
B&N.com: But she's a friend?
NC: I don't know her too well. I'm not saying nothing will ever happen. But I'm not dating her. Let's put it that way.
B&N.com: So, you're happily single?
NC: Yeah. [laughs]
October 22, 2002
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