Smash Hits
Nothing makes Backstreet tough nut AJ quiver with fear. Or does it? Yep the dreaded Smash Hits Biscuit Tin does!
Who is the last person you saw naked?
The last person? Urgh!!! I was backstage at the Popcorn Explosion, a German TV show, and there was a bunch of girl dancers there. One of them was wearing a G-string. So of course I stopped and stared! Other than that I haven’t seen anyone.
Who was the last person to tell you off?
Probably our manager. It was one of our managers when I got my tattoo and they were all angry with me. I just thought ‘So what I’ve still got it, and I’m going to get another on.’ They were afraid it was gonna kinda affect our image, but we’re not about an image we’re about good music, so what I do to my body is what I do to my body. It’s forever so I have to be prepared - it’s not coming off now! I got one and Brian got one too.
Have you ever fancied anyone of your own sex?
Hell no! Hell no, noooo way! Nope, no-ho! Like, obviously I’ve never fancied one, but little baby boys are so cute, they’re always little, fat, chubbular guys. Then when they get to my age I don’t know what the hell happens to us, we all become kooky!
Can you answer this question without saying yes or no?
Can I answer this question with out saying yes or no? What question? (Confused). Without saying yes or not? (Finally getting it). Uh-huh.
Where do you go in your dreams?
La-La-Land. What happens there? Anything I want. Anything can happen there.
What’s the most exotic thing you can cook?
It’s a pasta dish. It’s like lasagna with beans and herbs and spices and potatoes. It’s a really cool Italian dish all mixed into one. My best friend’s mother taught me how to make it. She makes her’s too damn salty though, I let people put their own salt on.
What was the last thing that made you angry?
(Thinks for ages) I dunno? I don’t get angry that often. I blow things off. I just ignore it, I’m like ‘Oh to hell with it’ I don’t really care. I try not to let anything bother me. In this industry if I did I’d go nuts - well I am already nuts!
Were you bullied at school?
Nah. Everyone was afraid of me ‘cos I was such a freak. No-one would come near me, they were all like ‘What the hell’s wrong with him, he’s so weird? I didn’t fit in, I was in a class of my own! But no-one ever bothered me. How didn’t I fit in? I was just very different, I was an entertainer. High school in the States is all about basketball, football, girls, guys, fights, gangs, this and that. If you’re a singer or a dancer then you’re considered a freak. But just look at me now.
Why do men have nipples?
For girls to kiss!
If you were a footballer how much would you be worth?
I would be worth as much money...hang on...I’d be worth how well I played. If I played really good I’d be worth a lot of money, if I was bad I’d be worth five pounds.
What would you call your children?
Christian and, umm, I like the name Devante like Devante Swing from Jodeci. I like Devante for a boy and Christian for a boy or a girl.
Would you be a fan of yourself if you weren’t you?
Yeah, I think so. Our music covers lots of terrains. We’re not specifically one type of music. It I was a person who just like Rock ‘n’ Roll then no, but I’m one of those people who like to listen to everything. So yeah, definitely, I’d listen to out stuff.
Have you ever lied to get what you want?
Hmmmm, and it works. It always works, I’m really good at lying. I stopped about a year ago thought’ cos I was getting a little carried away. Things started getting back around to me and you’re not a really good liar it you get caught! But I was doing really good for about 10 years.
Why did you bother?
Why do I bother? Because I have to. I just have to. Why do I bother doing anything? Because I have to.
How many time have you been in love?
Kinda sorta once. I wasn’t sure at the time and by the time I thought I was sure she broke up with me, so I guess I’ll never know now. This was about a year and a half, two years ago.
What was the last thing you did before this interview?
I had to do a photoshoot! In fact I did the pictures for this feature. (Puts on a dodgy English accent) I took a pitch-ah!
Do you carry condoms around with you?
Yes I do. I think you’re better to be safe than sorry. I’ll sometimes carry them for a entire tour then I’ll get home and throw them away. Unfortunately, I don’t always got to use them!
Can you make me laugh in five words?
(Thinks and then pulls ridiculous face) Hi....There you go, one word! I can make anybody laugh. I don’t care how bummed out they are I can make anybody happy. It’s my hidden talent.
Have you ever stolen anything?
Yep, my mom’s jewelry. Before I had my ears pierced I stole some of her earrings and clipped them on my ears. I don’t need to do that anymore ‘cos I’ve got my own.
Why do famous people pretend not to have boyfriends and girlfriends when in reality they do?
Because they’re afraid of how the public’s gonna react. They’re afraid they’re gonna lose their fans, but I don’t think it’s true. I think fans should like you for who you are and fans have to realize if you have a girlfriend that’s your personal life. You’re only human - the fans have boyfriends so of course you’re gonna have girlfriends. I think it makes girls want you more too ‘cos they think ‘Well if he has a girlfriend, I want to be his girlfriend.’ They look at it as a challenge. Do we have girlfriends? We all date, I mean shoot! When we have time we all date. I’m not seeing anybody right now, I’m walking round single with my head between my legs. (huh?)
