Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean talks about his upcoming EP and why he decided to title it Hello, my name is Alex.
In an interview broadcast on Monday The Jennifer Hudson Show The singer said his solo project has been four years in the making, as he was working on it around his touring schedule. He revealed that the EP will be released on November 27, a date McLean chose as it is his eldest daughter’s birthday and Thanksgiving.
“Normally, as you know, new music comes out on Fridays,” he told Hudson. “I’ve been going against the conventional rules my whole life, so I figured why not throw a curveball and throw it on Thanksgiving because, in my opinion, I’m so grateful for the fans who have waited so patiently for this. I promise you it’s worth the wait.”
The complete LP, which will have the title Hello, my name is Alexander James. will be released on January 9, which is McLean’s birthday. “I give a gift to the fans and to myself because I’m really passionate about it,” he said about why he chose that date.
“I’m proud of it,” he continued, “it’s been an incredible journey to find my way out of the Backstreet Boys, you know, this kind of journey of self-discovery and really finding my true happiness. I just celebrated four years of sobriety, so… where I am today shows in the music.”
Two years ago, he took a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, for “a little mental health retreat.” He was there for 10 weeks. “What I got from that was understanding that AJ is a character in a band,” he shared. “It doesn’t define me as I am. I want the world to know Alex… I want everyone to know me as I am. There’s not much difference between the two, but you’re part of a group, part of a team, and then I just, I finally realized that today I can love myself, and I do. I can look at myself in the mirror.”
McLean shared that he has also struggled with low self-esteem throughout his life.
“It’s a little mind-blowing considering what I do… but I wanted it [the fans] “You like it and now, if you don’t like it, you lose it,” he said. “I’m a good person.”
Watch the interview below.
