I’m sure by now, most of you have heard of the Backstreet Boys. They were my number one favorite boy band ever since I was little. I always grew up listening to them, and I still listen to them today. They will always be my favorite boy band! If you have never heard of them yet, I’d say you are definitely missing out. They have such amazing music.
I had the wonderful opportunity to do an interview with one of the members, Howie D. He’s even made his very own album! You have got to check out this album once it’s released on July 12th. I know I will be!
About Howie D:
Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, Howie Dorough’s passion for music and entertaining was evident as early as age three, when, with his little guitar, he would sing around the house for his family. By the time he was seven years old, Howie had performed his first role in a musical production of The Wizard of Oz. Clearly bitten by the show biz bug, Howie spent his childhood taking dance lessons, singing lessons, acting lessons, performing in school productions, singing in choir, and, as he puts it, “doing anything to break into the business.” He acted in a Nickelodeon TV production, starred in a commercial for Walt Disney World, and even landed roles in movies such as Parenthood and Cop and a Half. After high school, Howie studied music at the University of South Florida until he got his big break as a Backstreet Boy at the age of 19. As everyone knows, he has been performing all over the world with BSB ever since.
Questions:
1. What drew you to the music industry?
I have an older sister named Pollyanna, she was the family entertainer growing up. I would always tag along with her to all of her auditions and musicals. By the age of 7, I caught the bug!
2. Who is your inspiration?
Definitely Pollyanna. I am so grateful for her guidance and inspiration.
3. What is an average day like for you?
Oh my… depending on what I am doing… an “average day” can consist of meetings, press, meet and greet, concert, and an after-party… OR it can mean getting the kids up and ready for school, being the bus driver to and from school and afterschool activities. Since I travel so much, I always try and handle all business during school hours when I am home.
4. How did you become part of the Backstreet Boys?
I auditioned for the Backstreet Boys at the age of 19 in Orlando, Florida and never turned back!
5. How did the Backstreet Boys come up with their name?
The name came from a local flea market in Orlando, Florida.
6. What has it been like being a part of the Backstreet Boys?
It’s been an amazing 26 years. It really is a dream come true. I still feel like I won the lottery. Being part of the group has opened the doors for me to do and see so many things. It’s allowed me to travel the world, meet millions of fans, and also has created the platform for me to do individual projects, like Which One Am I?.
7. What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? What do you hate the most?
I enjoy performing around the world and seeing the joy our music brings to so many people. Being away from my family is the hardest part. I am grateful my wife and kids are willing to share daddy with the world!
8. What can we expect from your new album?
Which One Am I? is a musical journey of a young Howie searching for his identity and finding his place in the world. It’s light-hearted and fun. Something both parents and kids can enjoy!
9. What is your favorite song from your album and why?
Monsters in My Head is my favorite song off the album. The idea stemmed from a situation where my oldest son, James came to me one morning saying he had monsters in his head. What he described were indeed just nightmares. This was the inspiration behind “Monsters in my Head”. The song also has a fun Lenny Kravitz-type of vibe!
10. If you didn’t become a musician, what do you think you would be doing right now?
If I didn’t pursue music, I would probably pursue being an actor. I’ve always had the entertainer bug!!!
11. Which musician would you love to collaborate with and why?
Bruno Mars would be a dream. I really admire his creative and artistic energy.
12. What are some of your hobbies or what do you like to do in your free time?
Even though I don’t have a lot of free time, I love dabbling in acting when my schedule allows. I also love going to the movies with my family.
13. If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
I would give them a BIG THANK YOU for supporting the Backstreet Boys for the past 26 years. Both as a group and in each of our solo endeavors. KTBSPA!
14. What advice would you give to someone wanting to be in the music industry?
I would say: take your time to perfect your craft. Your first impression can be your last impression. Before releasing music to the world, make sure it is exactly how you want to be represented.
15. Any last words?
Thanks to all the fans for your support! Which One Am I? comes out on July 12th. My musical, Howie D: Back In The Day, premieres at the Rose Theatre in Omaha, Nebraska on January 31st, 2020. More information on all upcoming releases and events can be found at Howied.net.
I would like to thank Howie D for taking the time to answer my questions.
Howie D on Facebook
Howie D on Twitter
Howie D on Instagram
Howie D on YouTube
What a fun interview. I remember the Backstreet Boys. I would listen to some of their music in high school.
I love them! My favorite boy band for sure.
OMG he looks SO DIFFERENT NOW – his skin is friggin’ PERFECT!!! Not gunna lie, I was more of an NSYNC girl myself, but I mean, I still loved me some Backstreet boys! I would be curious to hear some of his new music!!
I was Backstreet Boys and still am all the way. Love them and their music!
The backstreet boys bring back memories. What a great interview that you had
They do for me too.
Wow! That was a great interview and opportunity for you to fangirl out! I’ve learned a little bit about him!
Right! One of my favorites of all time.
Very interesting to learn about the members in this way instead of all at once. It almost makes you feel like you know them personally when you see them next.
I completely agree. I love getting to know more about each one.
This year is like back to the 90s what with all these older bands getting back together and going out on tour! It is incredible! Fab interview as well.
It really is! I love it.
Cool interview. I know they have some new songs out, but I still LOVE all their old ones.
Yes, I love all of them.
This is an awesome interview. I used to love the Backstreet Boys! Thanks for sharing, he looks so different now.
You’re welcome. I still love them!
Wow what a fun interview. I loved so many songs from the Backstreet Boys. I had their album playing all the time.
Same here!
I think it’s crazy he is doing kid stuff now. I was a BSB fan back in the day!!
Right! I love that he’s got his own album coming out.
Howie sounds like such a cool person and it’s going to be great hearing his new songs. The musical is sure to be a blast too!
I completely agree. I’m excited to hear his album.
Very cool interview! I used to be a huge Backstreet Boys fan! I still love many of their original songs!
I still love all their songs too!
Stop it now! How cool is this? I’ve been a backstreet girl since the beginning! This is amazing. Sweet Howie!
I’ve been a fan since they started too.
What a fun interview! I need to check out his new music
Yes! I can’t wait for his album to come out.
Backstreet Boy! Yes! I remember them! They were my sister’s favorite band! So glad to read this post!
They were and still are my favorite!
I was a NKOTB fan much of my teenage years. I did not really listen to a lot of Backstreet Boys until JT came on the scene by himself.
I was a Backstreet Boy fan ever since they came out and still love them today!
I have to admit I have never heard of this guy but I have heard of the Backstreet boys. He sure is handsome.
I’m surprised you’ve never heard of him since he was in the Backstreet Boys band. 🙂
I’ve never heard of him, but loved reading the interview! Fascinating!
I thought everyone has heard of him by now! I’m glad you were able to know more about him now.
I never knew that about how they picked their name, that’s pretty cool!
I didn’t know til I did the interview either.
Oh my! I remember one of my friend was so in love with him! I will show her this fun interview!
My friends and I loved him too!
Wow, 26 years is a long time. He made a nice call when we was 19, and he’s got lucky! It’s so great to be able to live his dream.
It sure is! I think he made the right call too because he’s amazing!
This is a great post! I love music and heard his songs before.He is very good.
He sure is!
It’s fun to get a sneak peek behind the curtain, so to speak, of someone like Howie! Thanks for sharing this with us!
I agree. It’s very nice to be able to get to know them more.
This interview is so very awesome. I never really knew that much about them listening to their music.
It was a fun interview too. Always love getting to know them more.
I love to see interviews like this where you get to know an artist better. Such great info!
Same with me. I love a good interview.