Backstreet Boys’ A.J. McLean on Fiery Solo Song, Nick Carter Zombie Western
A.J. McLean was lounging at home and browsing headlines on his phone when a disturbing stream of news propelled him toward a new musical mission. “I used to spend all my time on Instagram and social media, seeing what’s going on in entertainment,” says the 37-year-old Backstreet Boys member. “Then one day, I downloaded the CNN app and became glued to it — racial issues, cops killing young black men, the uproar with anti–gay marriage … all this negativity. I finally snapped and went, ‘This is ridiculous. This is the world my daughter’s growing up in, and it’s a fucked-up one.'”
Deciding to use his celebrity to help “start a movement,” McLean sat down with friend and producer Jordan James (Pussy Cat Dolls, Becky G, BSB) to write “Live Together,” an anthem meshing the aggressiveness of Kanye West’s “Black Skinhead” with positive yet controversial lyrics designed to “turn heads and shock people.” The song will appear on McLean’s upcoming solo debut, The Anthem.
“The moment I heard it in its entirety, the video concept flashed through my head.”
Tackling racism, homophobia and police brutality, the compelling clip for “Live Together” came to life during a three-day shoot at Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch, with Justin Jones directing and McLean’s “Backstreet army” in tow. We spoke to the singer-songwriter about the inspiration behind the song, his role in fellow BSB Nick Carter’s new zombie Western and the possibility of a Backstreet Boys–Spice Girls tour.
The video addresses major social issues facing the world right now. Having grown up on the road and lived somewhat of a privileged life, what exposure have you had to these problems, and how do you hope the song helps?
I’ve been living on the road for 22 years, and it has lots of perks, but there’s also the downside of traveling Third World countries and seeing how people live. It’s horrifying and makes me appreciate all that I have. Yet I’ve seen people who have nothing, but their spirits are so high. They just know it’s going to turn around. That’s a sign of hope, and hope is something we need right now.
This song is me taking a stand, saying, “Everyone needs to accept everyone for who they are — gay, straight, black, white ….” We would be flabbergasted how well people got along if they put their differences aside, and that’s what I want from this video — to change people’s views.
You mentioned you don’t want your two-year-old daughter Ava growing up in a world like this. How much has becoming a parent influenced your perspective on society?
My daughter’s my inspiration for everything. Every step I take, I think, “How will my daughter be affected? Is this setting a good example?”
Ava looks up to me like I’m king of the world, so I want her to be proud and see me follow my dreams and see things through.