You’ve got to be living under a rock to not know who Howie D is. When the Backstreet Boys began topping the charts and touring the world, Howie was quickly dubbed “the sweet one” in the band. 15 years later and he’s still that same ol’ sincere, down-to-earth Backstreet Boy, only this time, he’s got a solo album to boot.

Howie spent about five years prepping for his debut, “Back to Me,” which finally drops November 15. He tells andPOP his intention was to explore his Latin roots.

“I’m a huge fan of David Guetta and Tiao Cruz. When I hear their songs I just want to get up and dance and hang out with my guys,” he says when asked what inspired him to come out with a dance album. “I have a lot of positive things going on in my life and it’s easy to make feel-good music.”

This Backstreet boy-turned-man should feel good knowing his fist single,”100,” is getting a ton of radio play. This includes a healthy amount of love from Canada, which might have something to do with the single’s producers, Toronto duo the Kuya Brothers.

For the music video, Howie D hooked up with another Canuck, this time director Randall Thorne — better known as RT! — to deliver three and a half minutes of nonstop gorgeous women and killer dance sequences. Sadly, Howie spends the majority of the video sitting on a chair.

“I was left on the cutting room floor,” Howie jokes about his lack of dancing in the video. “I think the girl [in the beginning] is more interesting to look at than me!”

100 is a song about always giving it your all and Howie is a great example of just that. The singer has been everywhere promoting himself and his forthcoming album. He toured Japan before stopping in Toronto last month for an AMFAR benefit to raise money for AIDS research. The following day, he presented at the Canadian Country Music Awards.

Howie tells andPOP that what truly inspires him to give his all in the music business are his wife and son.

“This new chapter in my life has made me more of a complete person,” he says.

Once the album is officially released there’s still no stopping Howie D. He says he has other goals to fulfill, including one day winning a Grammy and getting into acting.

“The biggest goal of mine is to be able to just balance everything! I want everyone to feel like they’re getting 100 per cent of me, even though they may only be getting bits and pieces of me here and there. I do like to please people but at the same time I’m learning how to make sure I’m pleased with myself too.”

Lucky fans will get 100 per cent of Howie once they win a 15-minute Skype session with their favourite Backstreet Boy. He’s giving away 5 sessions to fans who purchase V.I.P. packs on his website (www.howied.com). The prize packs also include a CD, poster, t-shirt and concert tickets. Howie believes it is important to continue connecting with fans.

“I just want my fans to feel like I’m approachable and they can still talk to me,” he says.

And who doesn’t have “talking to a Backstreet Boy” on their bucket list? If you didn’t have 100 reasons to love Howie D before, now you do.

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Recently Joe Jonas has been letting everyone know how much he likes electronic music. He cites it as one of his main inspirations for Fast Life. So we had to test just how much he REALLY likes electro.

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Joe Jonas talks about his past relationships and writing songs about breakups.

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Joe Jonas talks about his amazingly loyal and awesome fans, and he also talks about going out solo without his fans.

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Gwen Stefani says her solo career is over, reports Entertainment Weekly.

After two successful solo albums, 2004′s ‘L.A.M.B’ and 2006′s ‘The Sweet Escape,’ Stefani says she is done being a solo singer.

“That was a moment in time,” Stefani says. “It went on a little longer than we all thought it would, because it was inspired and you have to go with wherever you’re at in that time in your life … [But] everything works out how it should.”

Stefani now claims that she is focusing all her time on a new ‘No Doubt’ album, which fans are eagerly anticipating. It’s been nearly 10 years since the band released an album, and two years since they reunited for a summer tour.

The band is responsible for such hits as ‘It’s My Life,’ ‘Hella Good,’ and ‘Hey Baby.’

With nine kids onboard between the band and a totally changed music scene, I’m sure we can expect a totally different sound from the band. I’m very, very excited for this reunion, they’ve been a favourite of mine for as long as I can remember.

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Aerosmith is heading back in the studio to begin working on their long-delayed new album, reports Billboard.

Not that frontman Steven Tyler is done with ‘American Idol’ for the season, he has plenty of time to work on his own stuff. The singer and his four bandmates plan to reunite next month with producer Jack Douglas, guitarist Joe Perry says.

“Whole band has plans to go into the studio with Jack Douglas second week of July to work on new Aero CD,” Perry tweeted.

The album will be recorded in a Massachusetts studio the band built six years ago. This will be the band’s newest materiel since 2001′s ‘Just Push Play.’

The band has delayed recording due to several reasons, like health problems rising among the members or Tyler’s pushing desire to go solo.

It’s about time – I doubt their new stuff will be as good as the classics, but I’m sure they’ll be back with some fresh stuff!

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‘Glee’ star Matthew Morrison has confirmed that “someone’s dying pretty soon” on the hit show, reports Billboard.

Morrison, who plays teacher Will Schuester, doesn’t believe his character will bite the dust, though. “I’m working today,” he told Billboard.com from the Fox show’s set, “so I don’t think it’s gonna be me.”

The May 17 episode, which is titled ‘Funeral,’ will definitely see the lost of a character though. Be sure to grab some kleenex.

Speaking of Morrison, his self-titled debut album drops on tomorrow, May 10, and features the single ‘Summer Rain.’ The album will also feature duets with Sting on a gospelized take of his “Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot,” Elton John on a pairing of “Mona Lisas and Madhatters” and “Rocket Man,” and recurring ‘Glee’ guest Gwyneth Paltrow on “Over the Rainbow.” A 22-city solo tour will kick off June 18 in Minneapolis.

“This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, actually, and ‘Glee’ has set me up to be in a position where I can make it a great album and do it right and do it on my own terms,” says Morrison, a seasoned Broadway actor who was also part of the boy band LMNT a decade ago. “I’m one of those people that really wants to do it all. I have a big appetite for life, and I want to do everything I possibly can.”

Hmmm, maybe Morrison is being coy and his character actually is dying? I mean, he’s going to be busy promoting this album and touring, so wouldn’t it be convenient if he left the show now to pursue the solo career? Just a thought.

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‘Genesis’ Drummer and vocalist Phil Collins is retiring from the music industry due to medical issues, E Online reports.

Collins says years of drumming has resulted in a variety of health issues, including hearing loss, a dislocated vertebrae and nerve damage in his hands. Collins has won seven Grammy wins, an Oscar, 13 hit singles and more than 150 million albums sold as a solo artist.

This isn’t Collins’ first attempt to exit the music industry, as he has faced much criticism over his music throughout the past years. In 2009, Collins hinted at his approaching retirement on the Genesis website, after he dislocated a vertebrae in his neck that prevented him from playing the drums or piano. He moved to Switzerland to do just that, and now lives in a remote town in the country with his two sons.

“I was going to stop drumming anyway,” Collins said. “I had stopped. I don’t miss it.”

I was never a fan or listener of Genesis, so this news doesn’t really affect me. But being 60 years old and all, I think it’s a good time to retire. I’m sure he’s built up a nice little nest egg to live on, so really, I don’t feel too bad for the guy. It’s time to relax, buddy, you’ve earned it.

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Canadian Idol is certainly a great place to start a career. You get national television exposure and an automatic record deal if you win. Brian Melo was talented and lucky enough to win Canadian Idol, which provided him a great starting point. But what happens after Idol when you want to venture on your own? Brian is experiencing that first hand and is told us all about it.

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Drizzy fans rejoice!

Toronto’s own rapper sensation Drake is headlining his first American solo tour, reports canada.com.

“The Away From Home Tour,” which runs from April 6 through May 8, will hit 25 cities. It follows Drake’s participation in the “Young Money Presents: America’s Most Wanted Music Festival,” which Lil Wayne headlined.

Drake’s tour will feature performances from synth pop New York band Francis & The Lights as well as Canadian rapper K-OS. It will hit a number of large cities as well as over 15 colleges and universities as part of the “Campus Concious Tour.”

Drake, with the help of Reverb (a non-profit organization that promotes environmentally-friendly actions) is going green for his tour. He will use bio-diesel fuel and biodegradable and recyclable products on the tour bus and backstage at shows.

The rapper will also have an “Eco-Village” with tents which will host environmental and other socially concious groups educating people on technology, student carbon-offset programs and eco-friendly consumerism. This part of the tour is produced by Pretty Polly Productions with the help of Reverb.

Catch Drake here:

Apr. 6: Charleston, IL (Eastern Illinois University)
Apr. 7: Columbus, OH (private location)
Apr. 9: State College, PA (Penn State University)
Apr. 10: Boston, MA (private location)
Apr. 11: Lock Haven, PA (private location)
Apr. 14: East Lansing, MI (Michigan State University)
Apr. 15: Rochester Hills, MI (Oakland University)
Apr. 16: Morgantown, WV (West Virginia University)
Apr. 21: Orlando, FL (University Central Florida)
Apr. 22: Greenville, SC (Furman University)
Apr. 23: TBA
Apr. 24: New Orleans, LA (New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival)
Apr. 26: New Orleans, LA (University of Missouri – Kansas City)
Apr. 27: Lexington, KY (University of Kentucky)
Apr. 29: Lowell, MA (University Mass Lowell)
Apr. 30: Syracuse, NY (private location)
May 1: Boston, MA (private location)
May 4: East Rutherford, NJ (Bamboozle Festival)
May 5: Towson, MD (Holy Cross)
May 6: Cheney, PA (Towson University)
May 7: Ithaca, NY (private location)
May 8: Plymouth, NH (private location)

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Jersey Shore‘s Snooki and Vinny were at Solo in Manhattan Saturday to celebrate the Jewish holiday Purim when the club’s overhead glass atrium shattered unexpectedly, reports E! News.

“It’s okay Vin and I are still alive,” Tweeted Snooki. “Omg roof just collapsed at the Purim event! We thought the DJ was beatin’ the beat hardcore but nope, the roof couldn’t handle Snooki and Vin.”

Vinny also took to his Twitter in the midst of all the excitement. “Roof just collapsed at Purim event,” he wrote. “I think me and @sn00ki felt the wrath for not being Jewish.”

A few guests suffered minor injuries, but no one was seriously hurt.

“The roof may have fallen and no one got hurt, but the party still goes on!,” Snookie continued. “I’m glad everyone’s OK. Thank you to the owners of Solo Restaurant for taking care of everybody and letting us keep the Purim party poppin’!”

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It’s Joey McIntyre from New Kids on the Block. Must we say more? This guy is a pop star god. Even though he has been out of the limelight for a few years, he still has people chasing him (which we witnessed personally). Joey spoke to us about his new solo effort along with giving us a glimpse into the good old days.

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Iyaz has a new single! Mr. Replay Iyaz (Time Is Money/Beluga Heights/Warner Bros Records) has a new smash song called “Solo”. Enjoy the track and learn all of the lyrics! Official video coming soon

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Joe Jonas has hinted that he may be breaking away from the Jonas Brothers to pursue some solo projects, reports Perez Hilton. He said he has been writing some new music, but did not reveal if it is for the band or another project.

He has said he’s interested in doing more movies. “I’m looking forward to doing more acting. I know everybody says this, but I want to be able to do everything. I won’t be satisfied until I’m ready to do every kind of role – from a villain to a comedian.”

Meanwhile, Joe’s bandmate and brother, Nick, has been enjoying success with his side project Nick Jonas and the Administration.

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Former Blink-182 vocalist and guitarist Mark Hoppus is going solo and said “the future is wide open” to a possible Blink-182 reunion with drummer Travis Barker and the rest of the band, to MTV News.

“Travis has played on a bunch of [my] tracks, and he’s working on his own album as well,” Hoppus told MTV News. “We totally support each other in whatever we’re doing. He’s like a brother to me.”

According to Hoppus, him and Barker have been collaborating, “I see him in our studio every week, and we’ll be in the room of the studio he’s working in, listening to stuff he’s recorded, or he’ll come into the room where I’m working and check out my songs.” said Hoppus to MTV News.

Fans can expect to hear a song Hoppus co-wrote in the movie “Fired Up,” coming out in February. Hoppus also produced the New Found Glory record “Not Without A Fight” which hits stores in March.

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Kelly Rowland has officially been appointed 2008 Ambassador for the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

The foundation empowers young people who are working to eliminate HIV and AIDS in their communities.

“I am honoured to work with The Staying Alive Foundation in its mission to transform attitudes to HIV and AIDS around the world,” the Destiny’s Child alum commented in a press release. “The Foundation continues to recognize and reward young people whose relentless mission is to encourage, educate and empower their peers in the fight against HIV and AIDS. I am excited to be a part of this remarkable initiative and look forward to supporting Staying Alive in all its efforts to change the prevailing culture of ignorance which fosters and perpetuates this disease.”

Rowland will kick off her first solo tour and new role simultaneously, when she visits Africa in June. There she will visit tour some of the grassroots projects supported by the Foundation.

Her new album, ‘Ms Kelly Deluxe’, will be released May 12.

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Weezer fans are getting the ultimate Christmas present this year: a collection of home recordings by Rivers Cuomo.

The record, entitled “Alone – The Home Recordings Of Rivers Cuomo,” should not be seen as a solo album, but rather a kind of musical scrapbook. According to Cuomo, who posted on his Myspace page, “This is a CD of my favorite home demos from ’92 to ’07 featuring a lot of never heard before songs, a few covers, a few songs from my unfinished rock musical ‘Songs From The Black Hole’ and my original demo for ‘Buddy Holly.’”

Geffen records will release the album on December 11. Cuomo said he may put out more demo collections in the future.

To hear a sample of the song “Blast Off,” the Windows Media file is here, and the Real Player file is here.

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Earlier this week, we brought you all the information from our interview with Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, and so far, thousands of people have read it and learned more about his upcoming album.

Now we bring you some of the video of the interview, conducted at a Hilary Duff charity event earlier this week.

PLEASE do not link directly to the video! Link to this article. Thank You

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Nick Carter surprised his fans last year when his debut solo album was full of rock music. For his next album, Carter will use the styles that made the Backstreet Boys icons.

“What I had done on the last album, I had gone out and did rock music,” Carter tells andPOP, in Toronto for a charity event hosted by Hilary Duff. “It was rock-pop with a little bit of a rock edge.”

“Now what I want to do is kind of go back to my roots. My up-tempo is going to be pop-rock, with dance music, so I can probably dance to it again. The mid-tempo is going to be kind of Backstreet sounding. Low-tempo is going to be R&B, slow, kind of reminiscent of the Backstreet Boys.”

While Carter is changing his sound a little for his upcoming second solo album, his rock influences will still be evident, with the help from Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee.

“I’ve got a lot of respect from people like Tommy,” Carter says. “Tommy is probably going to be playing some drums on the record with me.”

He also plans to work with producers Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins, and Teddy Riley, and artists like Snow, and maybe even Elton John.

“It’s going to be packed with a lot of celebrities that I’m going to be reaching out to this time around. This one’s going to be hot. I’m out for blood this time around.”

Carter will begin recording in the next two weeks.

As for the status on the Backstreet Boys, Carter remains mum.

“We’re on hiatus for right now.”

Want to see a video of the interview? Check back to andPOP later this week.

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When Velvet Empire split up earlier this year, there was almost no mention of it anywhere. The logical reason behind that could be that there were no rifts between members, like in the Spice Girls, and there were no record label problems, like with Backstreet Boys; it was just a matter of opportunities.

“It wasn?t even really a break-up,” former Velvet Empire member Janelle Belgrave explains to andPOP. “Our contracts ended and then we decided we’d just explore. We got our feet wet. We decided, ‘maybe it’s time for us to go our separate ways and do our own projects’.”

One of those projects is already in motion. Belgrave, speaking to andPOP from a recording studio, is currently in the beginning stages of putting together a solo album.

She started recording about three months ago. “It’s been really good. Just starting to get a go. It’s been really fun so far. A lot of work, but we’re going.”

Belgrave is working with several local producers, and a few different writers.

“I’ve been trying to work with a lot of other songwriters to try to get them to teach me because I’m not a songwriter myself. I like to think I am because I have songs written, but I’m still learning and I’m learning more and more from songwriters everyday.”

The sound she is experimenting with has more of an urban feel to it than when she was in the pop quintet.

“I like more of those old school type songs so we’re going to try to incorporate that into the album and see where that takes us. I think that because I’ve been so influenced by artists like Janet [Jackson], it will be more urban.”

When she was named one of the five winners of Popstars in 2002, the show’s second season, the group was given the luxury of having a record deal in place. This time around, it will be a lot different.

“It’s kind of like I’m doing my demo right now and trying to shop around songs to try to get a deal,” she said. “I did go along through the whole process with Popstars. You meet a lot of people. And I was so grateful to meet people in the urban department and even in the rock department and pop [at Universal Music]. I was able to meet a lot of people and get to talk to them but nothing is etched in stone. We’re just in the middle of talks.”

She hopes to have an album ready for next year.

In the meantime, Belgrave is preparing for her first feature performance as a solo artist. She most recently performed solo this summer at Toronto’s Mabuhay Festival, a celebration of Philippine heritage.

“It kind of got me back up and running because after you get off tour and you’re idle for a bit, you want to get on stage and start performing again. Doing it alone was something that I had to prepare myself for vocally.”

Belgrave works out, dances, and sings everyday in preparation of the concert, which will take place October 18 at Ontario Place’s Atlantis Pavillions. Ryan Hamilton, another former Velvet Empire member, and Jeigh Madjus, who almost made the top 5, will both be special guests. Tickets are on sale and cost $25.

So might Velvet Empire ever regroup?

“You never know,” she says with a laugh. “If times change and also the way that music is directed as well, the boy-girl group may come back in, but until that time? you never know.”

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