Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Q&A with Nick Lachey
SOURCE\
By Lie Shia Ong
MSN Music
We first met him as the lead singer of 98 Degrees, one of several boy bands who topped the charts in the late '90s and attracted thousands of screaming fans to their shows. But now more than 15 years later, Nick Lachey is singing a different kind of tune. Married to his wife, Vanessa, and now a first-time dad to baby Camden, born last September, Lachey just released what he calls a very personal album called "Nick Lachey: A Father's Lullaby," which he dedicates to his son.
Bing: More about Nick Lachey | More about 'A Father's Lullaby'
The 12-song CD includes songs like "You Are My Sunshine," "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "Baby Mine"
MSN Music spoke with the singer about the album, fatherhood and the upcoming 98 Degrees reunion tour with New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men this summer.
MSN Music: How did the idea of this lullaby album come about?
Well, the idea kind of really originated when you find out you're pregnant and all those emotions that go along with that start coming into play. For me music was a place where I was able to express myself and communicate those emotions, so I had a unique opportunity to do something cool and dedicate it to Camden, and have it be something we can kind of share as a moment in our lives together for a long, long time. I hadn't really heard of any guy doing a lullaby CD so I thought it was kind of unique and I decided to go for it.
Was there a particular process you took when selecting the songs on the album? Did you choose some songs that were special to you when you were a child?
Yeah. It was a combination of songs that I wrote that were from the heart and very meaningful for me and to me, and also songs that represented something for me in my life. Like "You Are my Sunshine" was a song my grandfather used to sing to me as a child. That was very special. "Godspeed" was a song the Dixie Chicks did that just really spoke to me, and I thought was a great record about having a little guy. I tried to pick songs that were meaningful; songs that mean something or spoke to me when I heard them.
Does baby Camden have a favorite song?
Well it's interesting: one song in particular; the melody I used to hum to him before he was even born. We had read some research that they said that babies can recognize and realize melodies they've heard in the womb. So the song "Sleepy Eyes" is one that I used to hum to him before he was born, so that's the one I sing to him every night before he goes to sleep. I like to think it's his favorite. He hasn't told me any differently, so we'll just assume that I'm right on that.
How has parenthood been for you and Vanessa? Is he keeping you up at night?
No. He's a great sleeper. He's been sleeping through the night now for about three months now, if not longer. He's a great kid. We love being parents. Every day is something new and exciting, and we just feel really blessed. We have a great kid. He's very well behaved. It's been nothing but fun. Nothing but great stuff.
You're also gearing up to go on tour with New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men for The Package Tour. Are you planning on bringing Vanessa and baby Camden with you?
Oh yeah. He's changing so much so fast, I can't imagine not being with him for two and a half months. They're definitely going to come out on the road -- maybe not the whole time, but for a chunk of it. It'll be cool to spend that time and share those memories with them. It's just a fun thing being on tour. It's a big chapter of my life with those guys so it'll be cool to be able to share that with Vanessa and Camden.
Your 98 Degrees fans have grown up since the last time you've toured together, and you all have obviously matured too. What are you looking forward to the most?
I think more than anything it's getting back in front of the fans. We've got some great fans who have stood by us and been with us for a long, long time. This is for them. This is something that they've been clamoring for and campaigned for, for a while. It's the right time for all of our lives and careers to make it happen on our end. It'll just be fun to get back out in front of the fans and give them a great show and see their energy and their love again.
98 Degrees was actually discovered as a group at a Boyz II Men concert, right?
That's right. We were huge fans and still are of Boyz II Men. We sang a capella at one of their concerts and got backstage and tried to sing for them, but they were really busy back then. We got discovered by someone there who hooked us up with Montell Jordan, and then from there we did our demo and got signed and all that good stuff. But it all started with the concert that night and singing backstage at their show.
And this is the first time you'll be touring with them?
It is. We've gotten to know them through the years. We were both on Motown Records for a while so we know them. I was on "The Sing-Off" with Shawn [Stockman] from Boyz II Men for the last couple years. We know each other, but this is definitely the first time we're performing on the same bill, on the same tour together.
Do you all have a personal connection with New Kids on the Block as well?
We do. Some of us do. Drew toured with Joey Mcintyre on the "Dancing With the Stars" tours. Way back in the day we toured with Jordan [Knight] in southeast Asia. So over the course of doing different things you get to know some of the guys personally. I actually ran into Donnie [Wahlberg] at a thing last year and we started talking about getting the group back together, and I think that the idea of touring together maybe originated from speaking to him at that party. All the groups of this particular tour have great guys. Really down to earth. A lot of fun. Both onstage and offstage it should be a lot of fun this summer.
Without giving too much away, can fans expect a big grand finale with all three groups onstage?
[Laughs] I wish I knew the answer to that. We haven't really gotten to the point where we're starting to put the whole show together. I think each group is starting to think about what they want to do, but as far as putting the big show together, we haven't gotten there yet. But it'd be a lot of fun to do that. I certainly hope we can.
What do you want parents to know about the lullaby album?
Lullabies are designed to calm down babies and put them to sleep. Aside from being a very personal record and one I'm very proud of, I think it's an effective record. It definitely calms Camden down. ... A lot of my fans from over the years are now starting families of their own and having their own kids. It's a great opportunity to continue to share my music with them but in a completely different way. So I'm very excited for everyone to hear it.
Does Camden get the album version or the live version of these songs each night?
He gets the live version!
http://www.bing.com/videos?mkt=en-us&vid=12d82030-7895-c13e-3f92-f601e384462c&from=sharepermalink&src=v5:share:sharepermalink:
Monday, April 22, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
From Boy Band To Awesome Dad…
Jeff Timmons from 98 Degrees, and the Leading Man of the Men of The Strip, couldn’t help but bring the whole family to enjoy the Cuddly Critters at Mix 94.1′s “Pet-A-Palooza” at Las Vegas Sunset Park.
Jeff and Coco Austin were interviewed by “Mark & Mercedes” from Mix 94.1 Las Vegas and shared some family photo fun.
And with all the Cuddly Critters that Pet-A-Palooza, why wouldn’t you want to bring some Cuddly ones of your own to share in the fun.
Boy Band Summit
There's been lot's of debate lately over 'Boy Bands.' First NKOTB settled the score on who is and who isn't (below.) And now 98 Degrees officially designated who originated the 'Boy Band', some iconic dance moves, where they fit in AND the truth behind One Direction's hit song.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Nick Lachey: I'm Not Raising My Son in L.A.
Nick Lachey will absolutely not be raising his seven-month-old son Camden in Los Angeles.
The 98 Degrees singer told ABC News that he and wife Vanessa will soon relocate permanently to his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.
"I've never embraced the idea of raising my kid in L.A.," the 39-year-old said.
"I want to move back home in a few years when Camden starts school. Vanessa and I share a common understanding that family is the most important thing, and we both appreciate the idea of raising our kids around their grandparents and cousins."
That's right…kids, plural!
So, while the boy bander is planning his son's future, he's also planning on having more children with his wife of almost three years.
Lachey is currently promoting his latest album, A Father's Lullaby, which is dedicated to his son.
So what's music to the proud new father's ears?
"A kid laughing is really the most magical sound I think I've ever heard. He's into the belly-laughing thing now, so it's all about tickling him." Lachey revealed on Live! With Kelly & Michael.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Nick Lachey On Fatherhood & Package Tour With Boyz II Men, New Kids: We’re Bringing 30 Kids On Tour
SOURCE
Credit: Access Hollywood
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. -- Nick Lachey became a first-time father seven months ago when wife Vanessa gave birth to the couple’s son, Camden, and the singer is loving every minute of fatherhood.
“He’s sitting up on his own now… he can’t quite reach out for the crawl, but he’s within days of crawling,” Nick told Kit Hoover and Billy Bush on Thursday’s Access Hollywood Live. “Every day it’s something new. It’s crazy.”
The singer (who was so moved by fatherhood that he recorded a new album, “A Father’s Lullaby”) said it’s no joke that becoming a parent changes a person’s life forever.
“[I was surprised by] just how much it affects everything in your life – all in a positive way, but literally everything. Every decision you make, your priorities completely shift, your schedule’s completely different,” he said. “It’s overwhelming… in a good way.”
Nick will hit the road with his band, 98 Degrees, this summer (along with New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men) for “The Package Tour,” and little Camden will be along for the ride.
And Camden’s not the only child set to tour with the three pop groups!
“We did the math – I think it’s 30 combined kids between everybody in every group. There’s 30 combined kids,” he said with a laugh. “There’s gotta be some big family moment at the end of the tour.”
Adding, “Everyone, I think, is going to bring their families at different points in the tour.”
“A Father’s Lullaby’ is available in stores and online now.
Additionally, 98 Degrees’ new album, “2.0,” will be released on May 7.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
98 Degrees Offer Boy Bands Advice: 'Stay Away From Taylor Swift!'
Reunited foursome gives sage advice to newbies One Direction and The Wanted.
By Jocelyn Vena (@jocelyn1212)
98 Degrees are OGs when it comes to navigating the politics of pop music. And as they stage their own comeback this year, they have some sage wisdom for newbies like One Direction and The Wanted.
"Surround yourselves with good people," Jeff Timmons told MTV News last week, when the fellas stopped by to talk about their new single"Microphone." "I mean, not to get too serious about it, but that's one thing that I think that we didn't always have. We didn't always have folks looking out for us the right way. Surround yourselves with good people; enjoy the ride."
"And stay away from Taylor Swift!" Nick Lachey added. "She'll write a song about you... Oh! I'm too late on that one. I didn't get to [that advice] fast enough. [The song will] be a hit, but it will be about you."
Lachey, who married fellow pop star Jessica Simpson at the height of their superstardom, knows a thing or two about dating fellow chart-toppers, but he's not sure the newbies really need his advice. "They're making money," he said. "They don't need our advice."
One reason he didn't have too much to offer is the stark difference between the pop scene then and now — namely how accessible pop stars are thanks to a 24/7 news cycle and the dominance of social media. "I'm very thankful we didn't have any of the Twitter and camera phones and all that stuff when we were going through it the first time cause that's a whole nother element that we didn't have to deal with," Lachey said. "A lot of respect for these guys who have to deal with that as young people, that's really tough."
Another major difference is how fans feel about the music. Drew Lachey thinks fans are more open to supporting multiple acts at a time, unlike in the late '90s explosion when fans were pledging their allegiances to one band over another.
"I think most fans that are fans of pop music have gotten to the point where they are fans of the genre in general. Of course they'll have their favorites, but they'll appreciate the genre. As opposed to saying 'I'm this one's fan.' Or, 'I'm this one's fan.' I think is music kind of become a little less segregated and it's more for the masses now."
Get More:
Music News
Bruno Mars Wrote 'The Sexiest Song' For 98 Degrees
The guys chat with MTV News about hitting the studio with Mars, Ne-Yo on their May album release 2.0.
By Jocelyn Vena (@jocelyn1212)
98 Degrees want to make you swoon like it's 1999. So when they drop their new album 2.0 in May, they'll take fans back with some smooth jams. And none will be as smooth as the one that Bruno Mars crafted for the foursome.
"It's a great song. It is. It's very sexy," Drew Lachey told MTV News about the track. "There's some real mood to it and it helps really shape out the record in general. Nick [Lachey] and Jeff [Timmons] are killing that song, so it's a great song."
All compliments about his vocal abilities aside, Nick Lachey couldn't help but gush about the song itself, which he dubbed "the sexiest song on the record."
But the guys didn't just enlist the help of Mars; they also got some songwriting assistance from another chart-topper, Ne-Yo. "We went with whatever the best songs we could find," Drew shared. "We have a song that was written by Bruno Mars. We have a song that was written by Ne-Yo. We have a lot of young, up-and-coming producers and songwriters on this record. We didn't really set out and say, 'We're working with that person. They're producing the whole record because they gave four hits to this other person,' " he explained.
While the guys cited Package Tour mates, Boyz II Men, as a major influence on their sound over the years, they added that the new set of R&B hitmakers have helped to shape their 2.0 era. Timmons said, "That's kind of the vibe. We're influenced by that music as well Bruno Mars, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Usher. It's sort of a more contemporary vibe of what we did in the past so."
Until fans hear the tracks by Mars and Ne-Yo, they can jam out to 98 Degrees' current single, "Microphone." The guys recently teased they may shoot the video in Las Vegas. Then, they are set to hit the road with the New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men on the Package Tour this summer. The tour will begin May 31 in Uncasville, Connecticut, and will circle its way around North America before wrapping up July 13 in Minneapolis.
Get More:
98°, Music News
Saturday, April 6, 2013
98 Degrees' Jeff Timmons & "Men of the Strip"
SOURCE
Jeff Timmons is looking for a few good men.
The 98 Degrees star is currently working on a new reality show called "Men of the Strip" -- a series which boasts the "hippest, hottest and sexiest male entertainers."
The cast will be featured in a new male revue show in Las Vegas, which Timmons will host
toofab recently caught up with the sexy singer as he and the show's most drool-worthy men shot a half-naked calendar in Los Angeles.
Trust us when we say that these guys are easy on the eyes!
Check out the video above to see some behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot -- plus, hear one dancer's on-stage horror story involving dentures. Yes, dentures.
98 Degrees credit TODAY performance with band reunion
SOURCE
By Randee Dawn, TODAY contributor
At some point, the TODAY plaza may become a shrine to fans of boy bands everywhere, and with good reason: Last August 98 Degrees performed on TV for the first time in more than 10 years, and, less than one year later they have a new album, "2.0" and are set to hit the road with fellow grown-up boy bands New Kids on the Block (who visited TODAY on Wednesday) and Boyz II Men
The band's Nick Lachey (along with members Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons and Justin Jeffre) gave props to that performance for helping them decide to move forward when the band visited the studio Thursday.
"That was our trial run, actually," Nick Lachey admitted to TODAY's Matt Lauer. "If all that went well, we were anxious to get back in the studio, but we came and performed on TODAY and then we did a concert shortly after that, had a blast and decided, 'Why not do some more?'"
"As long as the fans are out there for us, we want to keep it going," added Jeff Timmons.
"2.0" is due in stores in May, and the band will hit the road at the end of that month with "The Package Tour."
Check out their interview in the video above, and a performance of their new song, "Microphone
98 Degrees May Ship 'Microphone' To 'Sexy' Las Vegas Video Shoot
SOURCE
By Jocelyn Vena
For their comeback track, 98 Degrees knew they needed to find the right song after a 10-plus year hiatus from the pop scene. And, so they felt offering fans a saucy PSA on the proper technique to hold a, um, mic on their single "Microphone" would be just the right message to send their fans.
"It's about a microphone. It's all about holding a microphone," Jeff Timmons assured MTV News about the lead single off their May album release 2.0.
While Nick Lachey tried to brush off descriptions of the song as "cheeky," one listen to the up-tempo tune may prove otherwise. On it, the guys sing, "Put this in your hands/ And hold it up to your lips/ We can be a two-piece band/ And make some hits while you sing in this microphone." (That sounds kind of naughty to us.)
He further downplayed any subliminal messages fans might be hearing on the tune. He said, "One of the earlier lessons we learned when we got signed to Motown Records was how to use proper microphone technique. It's very important as a singer. If it's too close it distorts you, if it's too far away... you have to be very very precise with your mic technique. We felt like it was time to share that message with the world, and here we are."
Known for sweet love ballads like "I Do," as soon as the foursome heard the upbeat "Microphone," they knew it was the right song for the 2013 version of 98 Degrees. "Aside from the lyrics and all that and whatever innuendos folks might think, I think the sound of the song is cool," Timmons said. "We've always wanted to have an up-tempo song. We really only had one with 'Una Noche' and I think just the overall dynamic of the song is suitable for what's out there now and suits us as well."
Drew Lachey added, "It's a fun song. It's got a great melody to it. It's a got a great beat to it. It's great track, so why wouldn't we record it?"
Now that fans have gotten the chance to hear "Microphone," they might be wondering when they will get to check out the video for it. The only answer the guys have is "That's an interesting question you ask. We're in the process of making the video now," Nick said.
But, they think that the video might take them back to Sin City, where their memorable video for "The Hardest Thing" was shot nearly 15 years ago. "I think we're gonna do it in Vegas," Timmons teased. "I mean, maybe just to be sexy and fun like the song is without being too gratuitous and out of control. It's gonna be fun."
And maybe this video will have the same long-lasting legacy as that other one. You see the "Hardest" video was given the ultimate honor when it was sent to the "TRL" Retirement Home. Nick laughed, "I think I have a plaque of sorts... that was our last award. Wait! That was our only award!"
98 Degrees are also set to New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men on the Package Tour this summer. The jaunt will begin May 31 in Uncasville, Connecticut, and will circle its way around North America before wrapping up July 13 in Minneapolis.
Friday, April 5, 2013
What do the 98 Degrees guys have on their iPods?
98 Degrees perform in Studio 1A.
If you looked through the mp3 players of the members of 98 Degrees, you might be a little surprised at what you'd find.
98 Degrees rose to prominence with the boy band surge of the late '90s, and after a six-year hiatus, they're seeking their niche in the contemporary musical landscape. The quartet (Jeff Timmons, Justin Jeffre, and brothers Nick and Drew Lachey) said they've struck a balance between their signature style and the current sound of pop music. So TODAY.com decided to take a closer look at what the guys have been listening to these days.
"We like everything," Drew told TODAY.com. "There's good music in every genre, so for us, it's more about the song than the genre."
Nick said his favorite era of music was the '70s classic rock scene, while Jeff's taste was a little more in line with the group's style.
"I'm a big fan of '60s doo-wop," Jeff said. "And of course, late '80s and early '90s R&B."
"I love 1930s, 40s and 50s jazz," Justin put in. "That was just really classic American music."
So just what is on 98 Degrees' eclectic playlist? Check it out below!
1. When I was Your Man== Bruno Mars
2. Radioactive== Imagine Dragons
3. Sail== Awol Nation
4. The pit== Silversun pickups
5. What a Wonderfull World== Louis Armstrong
6. Madness== Muse
7. If I die Young== The Band Perry
8, Smells Like Teen Spirt== Nirvana
Monday, April 1, 2013
Vanessa Minnillo, Nick Lachey's Son Camden Wears Bunny Tail for Easter!
SOURCE
CELEBRITY MOMS
Some bunny had a great Easter! Vanessa Lachey (nee Minnillo) and husband Nick Lachey celebrated their very first Easter holiday with son Camden, 6 months on Sunday March 31. And although the couple's first child was too young to hunt for Easter eggs or gorge on jelly beans and chocolate, he was still able to get in the spring holiday spirit! "'Hoppy' Easter!" the Wipeout hostess, 32, tweeted. In an adorable snapshot, the little tyke crawls with a fluffy bunny tail affixed to the back of his shorts.
98 Degrees Reunion Tour: Boy Band Ready To Relive The Dream, Reveals New Album Cover Art
SOURCE
The Huffington Post | By Leigh Blickley
98 Degrees is back and ready to share some new music with their loyal fans.
It's no secret that the group is hitting the road this spring with Boyz II Men and New Kids on the Block for "The Package Tour," which kicks off in Connecticut on May 28and wraps up in Indianapolis on August 4.
Not to mention, the '90s boy band is releasing new music for the first time in more than 10 years -- "2.0" drops on May 7 and is 98 Degrees' first album since 2000's "Revelation." Their first single, "Microphone," is available on iTunes on April 2.
Member Jeff Timmons chatted with HuffPost Celebrity about the excitement surrounding the tour and what Justin Jeffre, Nick Lachey and Drew Lachey are most looking forward to this time around.
HuffPost Celebrity: When you look back on the “old days,” what do you remember most?
Jeff Timmons: Working hard, having fun and living the dream.
Jeff Timmons: Working hard, having fun and living the dream.
Tell us about the difference between your old touring days and touring now (as parents, husbands, etc.)
I think we know what to expect now. It'll be great to share such a wonderful ride with loved ones other than just the four guys.
I think we know what to expect now. It'll be great to share such a wonderful ride with loved ones other than just the four guys.
What are you guys most excited about for the summer tour with NKOTB and Boyz II Men?
Getting back in front of all of our loyal fans, and touring with two legendary bands.
Getting back in front of all of our loyal fans, and touring with two legendary bands.
What do you think of the new crop of boy bands, like One Direction and The Wanted?
Young, talented guys that have great formulaic pop tunes.
Young, talented guys that have great formulaic pop tunes.
Do you still get 98 Degrees' fan mail?
Yes, only now it comes electronically instead of on paper in envelopes. Technology!
Yes, only now it comes electronically instead of on paper in envelopes. Technology!
Make sure to tune into an interview with the whole band in a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" on April 2nd at 5 pm EST. Fans can go here to join in no the fun:http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/
Check out the cover art for 98 Degrees' album "2.0":
Listen To Nick Lachey On The Roz & Mocha Show!!
Go HERE to listen to the Interview
Just ahead of a BIG summer tour with NKOTB & Boyz II Men called The “Package” tour hitting Toronto in June & July – plus a new baby boy born last September named Camden- PLUS a brand new CD out this may with 98 Degrees called “2.0″ there is LOTS to talk to the awesome Nick Lackey about! SO, we were so excited when Nick Lachey was a special guest this morning on KiSS 92.5 with Roz & Mocha, check it out here
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