Nick Carter: After harmonizing his way to millions of dollars and mega fame, the youngest Backstreet Boy wants to be a rock star.

By Dina Singing

First came the rumors: The Backstreet Boys are breaking up. Then came the denials: The Fab Five parade through TRL insisting there is no--- repeat---, no----end in sight for the original Orlando-born boy band. Now, after nearly two years, two marriages and A.J.'s stint in rehab (which only further fueled gossip about a split), the Backstreet Boys have finally started working on their fourth album. Then we heard that resident hunk Nick Carter is working on solo material. So what's up?

"This is my chance to try everything that's been stored in my mind musical since I was 12 years old", says Nick, who's making beats behind a high-tech soundboard at his Los Angeles studio. "It's my release." He's wearing silver rimmed glasses that give him an I'm-not- just-another-dumb-heartthrob-look. "The best part about doing this is that there are no boundaries. There are certain things we can't do on a Backstreet record, like rocking out on a song," he says, strumming the guitar he keeps in the studio. Yep, you heard right...Nick is ready to rock. "I know everyone will say, 'Oh, he's trying to do rock.' But that's what I grew up listening to. I've been influenced by groups like Stone Temple Pilots and classic stuff like Creedence Clearwater Revival."

The 22-year-old tells us he's experimenting with a harder, more guitar-based sound. He hopes to show some of his drum and guitar skills--he's been playing both for a while now--on the album. He's also considering teaming up with an established female rocker. "I'd like to do a duet with a girl, someone like Michelle Branch, Shakira, or Alanis Morissette," says Nick, adding that he hasn't made any decisions yet. But after hearing him sing over a fast-paced but still pretty poppy track, we're not quite convinced that he's abandoning his roots altogether. After all, he is working a bit with producer Max Martin, the Swedish mastermind behind several Backsreet Boys, 'Nsync and Britney songs. But several days later, we're told that Nick decided not to include--or even finish recording---that cut that we heard him work on. Guess Nick thought that it was too pop- influenced as well.

Flying solo is also giving Nick the chance to get personal. Though he's contributed to several Backstreet tunes through out the years ("True" and "Take The Pain Away", to name a couple), he's written more than half the songs on this album. So what topics can we expect to hear him sing about? Love---or more specifically, lack of it. "I've been a heartbroken kid for a while," Nick explains. "I haven't had a girlfriend in a long time. The record has to do with wanting love. But I also sing about being 22 and a little bit crazy."

Ummm, crazy? We hadn't pegged the cute singer as a psycho, but Nick promises that he's about to bust out his wildside---especially if he decided to embark on a solo tour (a choice he'll make after the as- yet-untitled album is finished). "I haven't had the chance to lose my mind on stage," he says. "I've been a little restrained. Kevin and the guys want to be more respected. They're always aware and cautious and don't want to be looked at in a certain way. Me, I don't care. You can look at me any way you want."

After hearing that, we're beginning to worry there's more truth to those breakup rumors than we had thought. We put in a call to Jive Records, the label behind the group and presumably, Nick's solo record, to get the truth. Their rep assures us that the guys--- including Nick will begin recording in Sweden in July. She says that while Nick is working on his own material, it's too early for the label to have scheduled a release date for his album. Sounds believable. Besides, Nick himself insists he has no plans to leave BSB behind and claims they've been supportive of his new project--- well, for the most part.

"Sometimes there can be a little bit of animosity in certain places," he says offering no details. "But at the end of the day, this is something I want to do very badly. I know they won't hold me back." He also brushes off talk about conflict within the group over which record to release first. "They both are up in the air. My album is coming along little further," he says. "Of all the groups out there, I think we have some of the most talented people. I think we could all be individually successful and have fun doing it by ourselves. When I hear rumors about us breaking up, I toss them out the window, because it's not true. I've been with a group since I was 12 and I just wanted to try something different. A lot of people sad, 'Don't do it. It's the wrong time.' I guess I was thinking, When is the right time?" And with that, he heads into the sound booth, looking happy to be singing his own tune

"Help Me" the first single will ship to radio on August 20. The video will debut on MTV's Making of The Video on September 16.

"Help Me" was written by Matthew Gerrard and Michele Vice-Maslin and produced by Matthew Gerrard.

Now or Never has tracks written by Nick Carter, The Matrix, Mark Taylor, Steve Mac, Max Martin and Rami.

You can also pre-order the new album, Now Or Never from Amazon.com by clicking here.

Expect Nick To Play Guitar For Live Shows

Launch.com caught up with Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter to talk about his debut solo album 'Now Or Never'. "Yeah, I wanted to put more guitars in it, definitely. A little harder, a little newer. Just different, just very different," Nick said. "I've been playing guitar lately and you know, I'm probably going to start playing when I perform onstage. And y'know, the drums I've been playing since I was, 12 years old." Fans can pick up their own copy and judge for themselves on October 29th.

heres another article.......

Justin Getting More Airplay Than Nick

Like I Love You is getting 6 times more spins (798) than Help Me (173). It's also being played on 39 stations to Nick's 11. And that was just the pop format. In the urban/crossover chart, Like I Love You is getting almost 300 spins per week

Nick Carter Q&A -Nick with the Herald Sun in Australia.

Nick Carter tells NEALA JOHNSON how it feels to be the first solo Backstreet Boy.

Are you happy with your first solo album, Now Or Never?

Yeah, Im ecstatic about it.

Does it feel different to be talking about a project thats come from you, and you alone?

Yeah, its different. I mean, its weird because Ive got so much to say. Its like, man, I didnt realise I had so much I wanted to talk about.

Why was Help Me chosen as your first single?

First of all, I didnt write the song. But the songs that I didnt write on the album, Id listen to em before Id record them, and if it didnt, word-wise, have anything to do with what Im trying to say, or what Im going through in my life, I didnt need to record it. So that song right here, it hit home with where Im at right now. It talks about how Im trying to find my way, and Im soul-searching. You know, Im 22 and Ive gone through the business and theres a lot of stuff in this business that can really mess with a young kid.

Do you look at what youve been through with the Backstreet Boys and wonder how you came out with your sanity intact?

Yep. Definitely. Theres a lot of situations that make me think, God, man, how did I even get there? But getting through those things and learning only makes people stronger, from what Ive noticed lol.. And thank God Ive been blessed and Ive been able to learn, and learn quickly, and not do em again.

Have you written or co-written many songs on Now Or Never?

Most of the songs, Ive co-written. But even though I co-wrote with people, a large portion is my ideas. Everything on the album, its very personal. Its stuff that I either have gone through, or I really, really love, or would love to have. So whoever listens to the songs, theyre going to be able to tell what Ive been going through for the past how long, because Ive been able to use the writing as a therapy. Instead of writing in a diary, I wrote it on paper and recorded it.

Who did you write with?

I worked with Max Martin again. I did some stuff with Teddy Riley (Joe, Mary J. Blige), I did some stuff with Guy Chambers Robbie Williams and Steve Mac of Westlife in England. But Ive also worked with a lot of underdogs, people who are on the up, people whove really got a lot to say.

Are you nervous that Now Or Never is an open book, without four other guys to hide behind?

I know its gonna be very open, and Im prepared for that. Very prepared. But hey, Im willing to tell people, finally, through the music, about stuff Ive been going through. I think the fans wanna know.

Youre still part of one of the most popular bands in the world, so what are you hoping a solo album will achieve for you?

Personally, Im not really into the whole success thing to the point where I need it to be this huge magnitude or anything. What I really want is for it to be successful in my own mind and my heart and in my soul. Ive been very happy recording it. Im very positive right now, and all the positive stuff I put into the music. And what I would like to do is bleed through to the fans, so it can possibly make them happy, too. Thats the main goal, for the fans that are still there wanting to listen to new music, I wanna just make them happy. So thats why I tried to make feel-good music.

Will the songs surprise your fans?

In general, the musics gonna surprise them. But its what influenced me, its like a rock feel. Ive been very influenced by rock since I was very little. I knew I wanted guitars, and I knew I wanted a lot of live music.

How heavy do those guitars get?

Theyre not that heavy, I mean its not like Metallica. You know what it is? To me its a new pop, its a new type of pop music that Im trying to do.

Are there plans to tour the album?

It would be fun, but right now Im just livin day by day and seein how it goes. But hey, Im definitely gonna be promoting it, so that means Im gonna be going out all around the world and gettin down with the fans again.

So you might spend longer in Australia than the 14 hours you were here with the Backstreet Boys in 2000?

Oh, I know lol. Im gonna make sure I get over there.

Did you do things on this album you didnt know you could?

I didnt know that I was able to write a song the way Ive written songs, and I didnt realise I could sing the way I sang. It was all very eye opening to me, I didnt expect it. Im not the kind of person thats so confident in myself that I can be like, Yeah, I can do this!. Ive always been very I dunno lol. I just didnt expect myself to be able to do something like that.

Stories on the Internet have said other members of the Backstreet Boys are unhappy about you making a solo album. Should we believe any of the rumours?

I dont know if its true. Ive heard some things about that, but I dont believe the guys would be like that.

So, by the sound of it, while the band has been on a break, youve been taking a complete break from each other as well?

Its not a break from each, its more, I really wanted to do this. And were gonna get back in Im gonna get back I would love to get back with them and record some music.

How much work will you be able to put in behind your solo album if two days after its released you have to jump back on board with the Backstreet Boys?

Well, I guess thats why Im taking everything day by day. Cos Im really happy doing what Im doing.

Help Me:Zomba: out now. Now Or Never out October 28.

Simon S: He's Nick Carter! :Nick On Pop World, Sept 02'

Nick N: Hey wassup!! (Nick hold up his hands and smiles)

Miquita M: I'm honoured!

S: Now are you alright without the other boys?!

N: It's a little different, but I've been with the boys since I was 12, or ten years!

S: Arn't you sick of 'em!?

N: laughs No I'm not sick of them! I love them, they're my brothers, but em...it was just like, I really wanted to try something new and different - y'know?

S: And it is different, its rockier!!

N: ..basically, yeah, I was like the guy, everytime we'd perform at a show, or something like that, and we'd be in out dressing room before hand, I'd bring in 'System of a Down' big rock/heavy metal group and play it, and they'd really hate me for it! Maquita laughs They'd hate me for it! laughs

S: But in your fantasy would you love to be head bangng on stage with a guitar?

N: That's what I'm doing now he grins

S: Head baning as well?!

M: Do you head bang?

N: he laughs Uh...yeah! I cn't do it now, I need some, like, really heavy metal stuff like 'Korn' or something! laughs

M: You need some more hair as well!

N: Huh?!

M: You need the curtains back again!

N: Yeah, I used to have it really long, that's hpw I had it, I might gorw it back again....

M: Did you ever have a mullet?

N: Uh...I think I did! laughs

M: Oh no! both presenters laugh

N: I think I had a mullet, but, I've had like really crazy hair-styles!

M: OK!

S: Nnow the word on the street is that you're a rock beast when it comes to the drums! Maquita laughs

N: I played since I was 12...

S: But are you a beast Nick?!

N: I don't know if I'm a beast necessarily! laughs

S: OK, we;d like to see

N: I'mm...I like to play really hard!!

M: Yeah - really get into it!

S: OK

N: Yeah, I like to play really hard when I play!

S: Well, we;ve got one drum for you and two sticks!

N: laughs Two sticks and a drum!

M: laughsYeah two sticks!! imitating Simon

S: OK

N: Its got a snare huh??

M: We;d like you to ...are you gonna rock out Nick?!

N: I can't really rock out on a snare too much, but I can do a couple of drum rolls though!

M: OK that'll do! But first here's his first debut solo single - 'Help Me'.

Video Plays - they come back on screen with Nick holding a drum in front of him

S: There it is 'Help Me'. And now the moment Nick Carter - And this this is a world exclusive joking by the way!!

M: Yeah it is!

S: I don't think they've done this on GMTV!

M: No!

N: I'll be honest with you, I'm not that good on a small set!

S: Oh come on! You're a beast!! Maquita laughs

N: I'm a beast hits drum once

S: Oh yeah!

M: So...come on then! Nick starts drumming away like a march type beat

M: Ok - I'm feeling it! Nick drums a bit more harder and louder and both presenters begin to wince!

S: OK! OK! He takes it away - Nick laughs

m: It's like a toy! Nick hands the drumsticks to Maquit

S: Go back to the ballads he jokes

M: Oh, that was impressive that, that was impressive Nick!

S: Thank you very much! Now Justin, he'd got the celebrity girlfriend in Britney, would you ever consdier getting a celebrity girlfriend to further your career? Not that he did that to further his career!! Well..... (Nick laughs) Is that something you'd consider?

N: Yeah - I'm gonna hook up with Kylie!

M: Mmm - Kylie!

S: I thought you liked Holy Valance?!

M: Yeah I though it was Holly?

N: Nah! She's got a boyfriend! Thats what I heard!

M: So's Kylie!

S: No, she's split up with him!

M: Oh no not really, so if Kylie's....

N: Yeah, so I heard Kylie split up with her boyfriend grins and laughs

M: So if she was around.....

N: She's a little bit older...but thats OK

M: So you don't mind that she's a little bit older?

N: No - she's fit! laughs

M: She's fit! laughs

N: Yeah - she's fit says it in a British accent

M: You laernt that word whilst you've been over here!

N: I love that word! She's fit! says again in a British accent - Maquita cracks up laughing

S: Where would you take her on you first date?

N: Buckingham! laughs

S: Buckinghm Palace!? You know the royals - I heard you met William?!

N: Yeah I'm good friends with them - NOT! laughs

S: Where did you meet William - at a party?!

N: Yeah - I was like - at a club...and...

M: What?! William's out clubbing is he?!

N: Yeah! Oops! puts his hand over his mouthMaybe I shouldn't have said that!

M: Was it in America or this country?

N: It was here - like a couple of days ago

S: And what happened, what did you say? Is he a fan?

N: I'm gonna start some controversy laughs um...no he wanted to dance and all...and I was like...

M: What?! With you?!

S: That's sweet! laughs

N: Yeah, we were like dancing, and we were kinda like, just chillin!

M: Wills was chillin!

N Yeah, just hangin' out! He's a cool lad!

M: Its such a weird imagery, him and William just chillin' out at a club!

N: Yeah, I had my band, and we were all just istting and chilling out there, and all of a sudden he walked up and was like 'Hey!'. And I was like, y'know, 'Hey! whats up?!'

M: Woah - you're like friends!

N: I was like - don't I know you?! all laugh

S: Has he got any BSB albums?!

N: laughs Uh...no, but he...uh...I'm gonna cause controversy (laughs) but um...he was like,' Hey the next time you see Britney, tell her I say Hi!'

M: laughs What!

N: I was like - I'm the wrong guy for that!

S: Oh no!

N: You need to talk to Justin about htat, not me!

M: Good point! Nice to meet you finally!

N: Uh - thanks!

M: Good luck with your debut single!

N: Say hi to William!

M: laughs I will 0 cause we;re like that! Yeah! right! (laughs)

S: Yeah!

N: You know you're gonna be right there telling him! Maquita still laughs

M: Yeah!

N: Like - guess what I heard!!?!

S: OK meanwhile Maquita still laughing!)