AJ McLean Talks New Solo Album, Backstreet Boys Biggest Hits, Sphere Shows and Sobriety
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AJ McLean opens up candidly on the Zach Sang Show about his journey from child star to sober, self-aware artist, reflecting on the Backstreet Boys' unprecedented legacy, the transformative power of their Sphere residency, and his deeply personal solo album under his real name, Alexander James. He shares intimate stories from the band's early days in Stockholm, the creation of timeless hits like 'I Want It That Way' and 'The Call,' and the emotional toll of fame, including his long struggle with alcohol and low self-esteem. AJ reveals how sobriety, therapy, and reconnecting with his identity as Alex—separate from the 'AJ' persona—have allowed him to live authentically, heal generational trauma, and build meaningful relationships with his daughters. He also discusses the band's future, their desire to be the 'Rolling Stones of pop,' and the cultural impact of their music across generations.
Sobriety and therapy allowed AJ to separate his identity as 'AJ' (the performer) from 'Alex' (the real person), leading to profound personal healing.
The Backstreet Boys' Sphere residency is a groundbreaking, immersive experience that has redefined their legacy and created a global fan phenomenon.
Songs like 'I Want It That Way' and 'The Call' were born from artistic rebellion and spontaneity, not logic—proving that emotional resonance trumps lyrical sense.
The band’s longevity stems from brotherhood, shared trauma, and a commitment to control their own destiny after years of being exploited by the industry.
AJ’s solo album 'My Name Is Alexander James' is a raw, honest record that reflects his journey from insecurity to self-love and authenticity.
Introducing AJ McLean: Icon, Legend, and New Solo Artist
Zach Sang introduces AJ McLean as a living legend, celebrating the Backstreet Boys' 130 million album sales and their cultural dominance. The episode sets the stage for a deep dive into AJ’s personal evolution and the band’s latest triumphs.
The Birth of a Sound: Max Martin, Dennis Pop, and the Millennium Era
“Without Max Martin, there would be no Backstreet Boys. Without Dennis Popp, there would be no Backstreet Boys. We created a sound together that is foundational for almost every other pop song to come after it.”
The Call: A Viral Story and the Making of a Legend
“Max took it, time stretched it and made it into like a bass synth sound. So when the music goes dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun. It's in there.”
From Stockholm to Sphere: The Evolution of a Cultural Phenomenon
“I pitched it to the boys for seven years. And nope, no, no. And then finally, towards the end of this last tour, back in 23, they were like, you know what? This is a great idea.”
The Weight of Fame: Addiction, Identity, and the Birth of Alex
“I had never done that. Like, I had gone to meetings. I was working a program. But I never dove into the why. And what I discovered, I was supposed to be there for four weeks. I stayed for 10. And it literally changed my life.”
“Without Max Martin, there would be no Backstreet Boys. Without Dennis Popp, there would be no Backstreet Boys. We created a sound together that is foundational for almost every other pop song to come after it.”
“I had never done that. Like, I had gone to meetings. I was working a program. But I never dove into the why. And what I discovered, I was supposed to be there for four weeks. I stayed for 10. And it literally changed my life.”
“You don't have to be an addict to relate to that song. You can relapse on anything and not be an addict.”
Host
Guest
AJ McLean
person
Backstreet Boys
other
Max Martin
person
Sphere
other
Britney Spears
person
Howie Dorough
person
Zach Sang
person
Dennis Popp
person
Euphoria
other
Kevin Richardson
person
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