Jeff Timmons, the founding member of 98 Degrees, talks to Suite101 about his newest projects, such as his Vegas show "Wired," and his new album and book.
On Friday, June 1, 2012, Suite101 had the pleasure to catch up with
Jeff Timmons, the founding member of the acclaimed vocal group 98 Degrees, who is recording as a solo artist. A Grammy-nominated vocalist, Jeff opens up about his latest musical endeavors, his Las Vegas show “Wired,” upcoming album and book, marriage, as well as his charity, Camp Kesem.
The Details About “Wired”
On June 29, 2012, Jeff will debut his new Las Vegas show entitled “Wired” at Station Casino’s Green Valley Ranch Hotel and Resort. It is sponsored by Buzz Buddy and it will feature Jeff with a live band and many surprise guest artists. This eclectic show will consist of a blend of dance, hip-hop and Top 40 music, as well as several reminiscent 98 Degrees songs.
“It’s my second residency that I’ve had here in Vegas,” Jeff says. “I am super excited about it, since it’s a little bit different than some of the things I’ve done previously. I will be performing with an amazing live band and it will consist of up-tempo songs in the mix, ranging from old-school R & B and pop from different eras, as well day some modern day Chris Brown and Rihanna material. We have two incredible vocalists that will be on stage with me.”
Jeff Talks About his Chippendales Experience
In the summer of 2011, he was also a part of the “Chippendales” show in Las Vegas, which he dubs as “one of the best experiences” of his career so far. “The show was very well put together and I had a lot of fun. I only emceed it and did not do any Chippendales dancing in there, and it sold out the entire time I was here. The crowd was great and I’m definitely going to miss this gig,” he acknowledges.
In February of 2012, he also performed overseas in such countries as the Philippines (in Manila), Indonesia and Singapore. “It was incredible since it has been some time since I’ve been there. We played with some other boy bands [A1 and Blue] that were popular overseas and we had a nice sold-our run since we were playing for stadiums of people there, where sometimes there were 10,000-12,000 people a night. It was nice being in that atmosphere and the energy was great!” he exclaims.
He reveals that the ballad “Whisper That Way,” which he co-wrote and co-produced, is his favorite song from his first solo album that came out in 2004.
New Book and Album
In addition to being a producer, singer, songwriter and artist, Jeff will soon be adding published book author to his list of accomplishments.
“I am working on a new book that I’ve been working on for quite some time,” the Ohio native says. “I have a new management company [that is called “Primary Violator”] that is just fantastic, and they manage some really great artists, and they found out that I am working on the book and they are pushing me to get it done. I am working on that, so it should be coming out soon.”
“I am also working on a new CD which is different from my first solo record and my 98 Degrees material,” he adds. “It has a lot of tempos on there, as well as R&B, pop, and some elements of hip-hop. It is really creative and I am definitely very pleased and proud of the work that we are putting together.”
He notes that in the future he would love to collaborate with such artists as Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Beyonce, Rihanna, and American Idol alumna Jordin Sparks.
Camp Kesem
Particularly impressive about Jeff is that he takes time from his busy schedule to help out causes that are dear to his heart. One of the charities that he is actively involved in is
Camp Kesem, a college student run summer camp for children with a parent who has or had cancer. “We’ve had a lot of success with the camp and we are still trying to grow. My father is on the board of it, and it really means a lot to him. We are happy that we’ve been able to exponentially draw awareness to the charity, in an effort to help some more kids. It’s been really cool and one the best things I’ve done in the last few years,” he states.
Personal Life
“I’ve been married to Amanda for over a year and a half now," Jeff says. "I love being married and I have a great support system here and it has completely changed my life! There is something to be said about having a good woman behind you and giving you that kind of support that I might have not had in my career. Marriage has rejuvenated me!”
“Eating is the main factor in staying in good physical shape,” he admits. “There is always the exercise, and I do a lot of exercising and weightlifting and a combination of other activities. I’ve always lifted weights since I played football in college, so it’s been part of my lifestyle. I lost about thirty-seven pounds to get in shape just to be in Chippendales. I try not to eat too much, and I avoid sugars.”
Jeff concludes, “I have the best fans in the world! They are responsible for my career and there is not a day that goes by that I do not appreciate them. I hope they follow me on
Twitter, and I always value their support and I hope they continue to spread the word about my music. I treat them with great respect and high regard.”
To learn more about Jeff Timmons and his latest projects, check out his
official website.
