AJ MCLEAN: We've Been Running For 17 Years Without Break

Many thinks that
the Backstreet Boys had finished many years ago. And now they make a
comeback. -Completely wrong, we have continued the whole time and never
made a break, "said AJ McLean, who is proud of the new album and the
fact, that group is on tour until 2011.

The four members of
the Backstreet Boys are sitting in a hotel room in Stockholm and are
very excited. AJ McLean with his gruff voice and Brian Littrell, who
seem to be fond of most things, love Sweden and in particular producer
and songwriter Max Martin, who stood behind so many of their hits.

They
are a bit surprised that someone thinks they have finished. On the
other hand, the Backstreet Boys are not as large today as in the late
1990s when they were on top with the album Millennium.

The two latest album generated no hits, which probably explains why people forget about boyband.

"But we did not break but toured all over the world," said Brian Littrell.

"We've been running for 17 years without break," added AJ McLean.

The
new plate has been named This Is Us, which in itself sounds as if the
band would like to point out that they actually exist.

"We
thought of calling the album Bigger, after a Max Martin song, but
guessed that it would be misinterpreted by the media, as we had
megalomania," said AJ McLean.

They are very positive to work
with Max Martin again, as in their "hits-years" when they spat out the
list climbers like Everybody (Backstreet's Back), I want it that way,
Larger Than Life and As Long As You Love Me.

"It's always the
same thing with Max, which is good. We worked with him in Los Angeles
and he had sent demos of songs where he sings. He has an amazing rock
voice, exclaims Brian Littrell.

Why is he so good at producing?

"He
has the magic formula that makes our voices blended perfectly. Many
other producers do not know how to get it sound that good. In addition,
we have a long history together since Stockholm was the first place we
recorded our music outside the U.S..

Backstreet Boys, who seem
to have a weakness for Swedish producers, using also Red One on the new
disc, who also has worked with Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga.

"It was cool. We needed a dance-pop song and as old fan, he knew exactly who had sung which part in all our previous songs.

How is it to be a Backstreet Boy today?

-Better
than a decade ago because we have a life now. Then we knew just how to
travel around the world and everything was crazy. We are adults and
have stopped picking on each other. Now we are like a fine wine. We are
happy with what we have achieved and I am married and have a son who
loves both us and Miley Cyrus, "said Brian Littrell.

He has
also recorded Christian discs and released the single In Christ Alone
2005 and solo album, Welcome home the following year. Right now he is
inside his studio to record a sequel. Although AJ McLean will release
his first solo album in 2010 with the title Have It All.

McLean
quickly became known as the Backstreet Boy with problems such as
alcoholism, cocaine, clinical depression and admission to rehab.

In the end, he spoke out in The Oprah Winfrey Show (2003)

"I
do not regret that I was so open. If I could help someone with my
history, I am happy. Many fans got in touch as well as celebrity
friends. Even the Backstreet Boys called.

"I called not, Brian Littrell smiles and then says that he just kidding.

Is there any more Swedish people you want to work with?

-Yes, the dream is that Bjorn and Benny to write a song for us.

Is it okay to still be called the Backstreet Boys?

-Yes, it's our brand and it's not worse than the guys from Beach Boys.

Backstreet Boys playing at Hovet in Stockholm, December 4.

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