*NSYNC Sticks To Formula On Next Album
"It's basically another step above what the last album was," says Joey Fatone amid gulps of a Jack Daniels and Coke. "We're taking it another notch and bringing some edge to it. Electronically, musically, vocally -- everything -- just taking it another level."
The group has polished off six songs in an Orlando, Fla. recording studio, including "Dirty Pop," "Game Over," "Gone," and "Celebrity," and are recording a few more in Los Angeles during GRAMMY week. In total, the plan is to nail down around 20 tracks from which to choose from for the final track listing.
Additionally, the boys have done a lot more of the writing this time around, according to Lance Bass. "We've written and produced all of it so far," reports Bass, somewhat unsurely. "I don't know if we want to write the whole thing."
So what's it all sound like? "We're into club mixes more and it's a little more urban with the ballads," describes Bass. "But other than that, we stayed with the same formula as No Strings Attached because it did so good. I think we finally found what we're good at."
'NSync will kick off a massive stadium tour in support of the as-yet-untitled album May 12 in Miami, on which many of the group's new tracks will be debuted. "We're gonna do a bunch of new ones, whichever ones stand out the most," says Fatone.
One word describes how this tour will differ from the group's No Strings Attached tour: Bigger. As if that's possible. "A lot bigger," says Fatone. "A lot of different special effects and gags. We're taking it above and beyond. It's pretty exciting. We've seen the drawing for the stage. Its pretty impressive."
'NSync's follow-up to the record-shattering No Strings Attached is due in June on Jive Records. Meanwhile, the group is vying for three GRAMMY Awards at the 43rd Annual ceremony in Los Angeles on Wednesday -Feb. 21.
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*NSYNC To Take It Slow At The Grammy Awards
From Allstar: *NSYNC took a few moments out of its busy partying schedule at Clive Davis' Pre-GRAMMY party at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Tuesday (Feb. 20) to fill allstar in on the juicy details of the boys' third album.
From Launch: 'N Sync will perform its Richard Marx-penned ballad, "This I Promise You" at the Grammy Awards Wednesday - February 21. The quintet rehearsed several different versions of the track from their album No Strings Attached during its sound check on Sunday (February 18) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Singer JC Chasez told LAUNCH that the pressure's off for the members of 'N Sync because they don't have to host Wednesday's ceremony like they did at the Billboard Awards in December. (Wednesday the pressure will be on comedian Jon Stewart, who will be hosting). "Well, (for) the Grammys I don't think I can relax, but I would think that it would be a bit more relaxing because we don't have the pressure of hosting," he said. "Now we get to kind of sit back and just let everything unfold." 'N Sync is nominated for record of the year and best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal for "Bye Bye Bye," and best pop vocal album for No Strings Attached. The 43rd annual Grammy Awards take place Wednesday (February 21) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles from 8-11 p.m. ET, and CBS will air the event live. 'N Sync's third Jive Records album is expected to be released as early as June.
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*NSYNC's rider exposed
From Worldpop.com 'N Sync's 10-page rider detailing all their backstage demands for their US tour last year has been uncovered by thesmokinggun website. http://www.thesmokinggun.com/
The document reveals that the boys have five very sweet sets of teeth and states that their dressing room should convey a relaxing 'ambience'.
The long list of catering must haves include, 36 bottles of Aqua Fina bottled water, one vegetable tray, a fresh pot of tea with lemon and honey, juice drinks in four flavours (apple, orange, grape and cranberry) and, in conflict with 'N Sync's healthy lifestyle, one large bowl of assorted candy bars, two boxes of Pop Tarts, one box of Chocolate Pop Tarts, one box of Captain Crunch and one box of Oreo Cookie Cereal. The website cruelly jokes that the Chocolate Pop Tarts are no doubt set aside for 'big-boned' Joey Fatone!
The boys also request a dozen large clean bath towels, a thought which will have their fans getting in a right lather, two full length mirrors and one iron and ironing board.
Contact with the outside world is crucial to Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass, Chris Kirkpatrick and JC Chasez and the band state that they require at least one phoneline. Woe betide anyone who tampers with the wires - if the phoneline becomes unusable a $3,000 fine must be paid in cash to 'N Sync!
The room itself must of course be a comfortable environment fitting for chart topping pop stars and the rider states that 'furniture and settings for 'N Sync's Quiet Dressing Room' should consist of two six-foot couches, two easy chairs, a large coffee table, two floor lamps, five cushioned folding chairs and, to protect their tired tootsies a carpeted or rugged floor. It insists that 'Ambience is very important.'
Further paragraphs instruct arrangements for 'a police escort with at least two vehicles' and makes it clear that if any missiles are are lobbed at boys during their performance they're totally within their rights to walk off in a hissy fit!
The website, who a few weeks ago revealed details of, among others, Christina Aguilera's rider had been inundated with requests from 'N Sync fans to get their hands on the boy band's precious document.
'N Sync meanwhile performed an impressive set at last night's Grammy's and Justin Timberlake, who dates Britney Spears, had the chance to show off his new cropped bonce. For full details of the Grammy's winners check out worldpop's in depth news feature.