INTERVIEW: Backstreet Boy Howie D asks ‘Which One Am I?’
Photo: Howie D’s family greatly influenced his upcoming solo album. Photo courtesy of Nicole Hensley / Provided by Waldmania with permission.
The Backstreet Boys are known throughout the world for kickstarting the boy-band craze in the 1990s with such hits as “Everybody,” “I Want It That Way,” “As Long As You Love Me” and “Quit Playing Games,” among countless others. They are still going strong with a worldwide tour of their latest album, DNA.
One of the members of the band — Howie D — has stayed busy both with his commitments to the Backstreet Boys and his solo work. The accomplished singer is set to release his first family-centered album, Which One Am I? The recording features songs in which Howie D reflects on his own childhood experiences, offering listeners his thoughts on dealing with insecurities and overcoming obstacles.
The album is also building to an even larger project: a family musical that will have its world premiere in early 2020 with Howie D starring in the opening run. Howie D: Back in the Day is set to play the Rose Theater in Omaha, Nebraska.
Some of the songs on the new recording include “No Hablo Español,” which speaks to Howie D’s cultural heritage, and “The Me I’m Meant to Be,” about achieving one’s dreams.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Howie D about his new project, the Backstreet Boys current DNA tour and what the future holds for the successful singer. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can fans expect from Which One Am I? What inspired you to create your first family album?
Fans can expect to hear a different side of me. The album is meant for families and is light-hearted. The album explores some of the different challenges I faced in my childhood and that kids face in this current day.
The album’s first single, ‘No Habo Español,’ has recently been released to the public. Why is this an important tune for you?
The idea for the song ‘No Hablo Español’ came from my experiences as a child and people assuming I spoke Spanish by the way I look. Unfortunately, I wasn’t taught Spanish at a young age. My response was always: ‘No hablo Español.’ The album is based on different childhood experiences and challenges I faced.
Were you ever hesitant to make an album about your youth, growing up and overcoming obstacles?
If someone would have asked me 11 years ago if I would ever be interested in making a family-oriented album, I would have thought they were off their rockers. But after having my oldest son, James, I realized music was a great way for us to connect on a deeper level. After talking with my other writers and explaining my childhood issues to them, they made me realize how the issues I faced growing up are still relevant to today’s youth. This made me way more comfortable with writing about these topics.
What do you hope younger people learn from your songs?
I hope younger kids, including my own kids, learn there are no obstacles in this world that you cannot overcome. You are not alone in any challenge you face. The more you face those challenges head-on, the more you will find the ‘me you’re meant to be.’
Are you excited for the Backstreet Boys’ 2019 DNA tour? What can fans expect when you come to town?
I am very blessed to be in this position and embarking on yet another world tour. It’s a blessing to have the best fan base in the world. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but fans will definitely be taken on a journey!
Can you believe it has been 25 years with your fellow band members? Is today completely different than your early days with the group?
The biggest difference now is that we are all married men with families. We find it funny that we now have a family room backstage for all the kiddos.
There are many people in the world (including my twin sister Jennifer!) who have grown up with your music over the past 25 years. Is it cool to play to people who have been on this journey with you and are now going through similar life issues and experiences?
Besides my own family, seeing other families in the audience is something that inspired me to make this record. Something for our adult fans and their kids.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Howie D’s new family album is called Which One Am I?, and it is available July 12. The Backstreet Boys are currently on their worldwide DNA tour. Click here for more information.
