Chasez sadly out of sync now
The audience count isn't what it used to be for former boy-band superstar
(6/6/04) JANE STEVENSON Toronto Sun

IN THE post-NSYNC music world, there's really only one member left standing. And it's not JC Chasez, who played to barely 500 fans at The Guvernment last night in support of his solo effort, Schizophrenic.

Consider that Chasez's NSYNC bandmate Justin Timberlake played two shows at the Air Canada Centre with Christina Aguilera last summer, plus he was part of the SARS-stock lineup in front of half a million people at Downsview Park . (Granted the SARS-stock crowd did throw water bottles at Justin.)

However, Chasez's return to Toronto last night after NSYNC's last appearance at SkyDome three years ago must have seemed like a major comedown for the one-time pop superstar. (How could it not as he went from a crowd of 50,000 to a group one-one hundreth that size?)

He must have one very healthy ego.

Chasez, who just returned from opening for Britney Spears overseas -- in her early days she opened for NSYNC -- certainly seemed undaunted by the small turnout.

He sang, danced and generally sweated up a storm alongside his five-piece band and four scantily clad female dancers, whose oufits were straight out of the Victoria's Secret catalogue. (There were also two fully clothed male dancers but nobody seemed to notice them.)

Opening with the atrocious, New Wave-inspired All Day Long (I Dream About Sex) -- which saw one of his dancers quickly strip down to her black lace skivvies -- it was clear this wasn't going to be an NSYNC show.

He said as much about half-way through his hour-and-15-minute performance.

"I know I haven't been up here in a while," he said. "It's a whole new thing now. I'm up here doing the new record, Schizophrenic. It's a different kind of record, a different kind of show."

Better bets, songwise, were such slick R&B-pop songs like the Michael Jackson-meets-Jamiroquai-flavoured number, She Got Me, and If You Were My Girl, which wouldn't have been out of place on an NSYNC set list.

But Chasez was clearly determind to shake off his old image.

During One Night Stand -- which saw him don a black fedora with a red feather and black velvet coat -- he spanked the barely covered backside of one of his female dancers while another simulated fellatio on him later during the song.

"As you can see it's a very eclectic record," he said afterwards.

The only other song to match that in terms of risque business was Some Girls (Dance With Women), which saw two of his female dancers faking a makeout session on stage before the tune even began.

Still, Chasez had some nice PG moments, too, during such pretty pop ballads as Build My World and Dear Goodbye and the lively Blowin' Me Up (With Her Love) from the Drumline soundtrack. For this he wore a red school band jacket while his dancers dressed like cheerleaders.

Chasez '80s influences also seemed more apparent in concert during the synth-heavy Come To Me (Eurythmics) and the reggae number Everything You Want (The Police).

Heck, he even covered Prince's Let's Go Crazy.

JC CHASEZ

THE GUVERNMENT

'Shrink-wrapped!'

Sun Rating: 2 out of 5

JC Chasez wants to synchronize your life
The ex-member of Nsync has released his first solo album and says he doesn’t want to compete with his friend Justin Timberlake, the ex-boyfriend of Britney Spears.
(6/6/04)Alexandra Bretón El Universal Mexico
(thanks charlidos, and to seekasylum for the translation!)

Looking for vindication as an artist and trying to emulate the success of Justin Timberlake, one of his best friends, Joshua Scott Chases, better known as JC Chasez, previously a member of Nsync, released his first solo album entitiled ‘Schizophrenic’.

With 17 tracks, six written by him with the remaining co-written by him, Chasez explores sexuality and sensuality with songs like "ADIDAS", "Shake it" and "Some Girls (Dance with Women)", which is the first single and is one of the most listened to songs on the radio and is at number 17 on the U.S. charts. .

A tired and evidently full JC Chasez commented that the idea to make his own album happened about a year ago.

"I wanted an album with good songs. I didn’t concentrate on anything specific; it was a labor of love, everything came out naturally and I wanted to make something that I could be proud of to sort of meet my expectations, to create a product that represents me."

During the project, Chases says he learned a lot about himself. "It teaches you about your abilities, about what you can do."

In regards to genres, Schizophrenic mixes sounds from new wave, techno, latin rhythms, soul, R&B and reggae, s Chasez said that was looking to experiment, not to get immersed in one specific genere, but rather to try a little bit of everything

On the album, you’ll find a lot of big name producers Rockwilder, Riprock N Alex G y Basement Jaxx, and the influences of Michael Jackson, Prince and Stevie Wonder.

The writing process for Chasez was hard, involving total seclusion "I didn’t answer calls, I was looking to find a sound that was about fun and music, nothing complicated or pretentious.

"Sometimes I was with my friends, but what I wrote always had a lot to do with me with the truth in what I saw"

Without Competition

When you’re next to Justin Timblerake and compared every minute, you’re going to be under pressure, especially to achieve even a little bit of the success Timberlake had with his solo album, ‘Justified,’ but JC views this pressure more professionally.

"It’s exactly what I need to relieve the pressure, it’s what I want. I finally made what I needed to."

In regards to competitions with his band mates from Nsync, Chasez says you won’t find that kind of rivalry.

"Music isn’t something competitive, it’s something that you make from the heart and it’s not good or bad, it just is."

JC is opening for the princess of pop, Britney Spears on her tour.

Although he’s by himself on stage and you won’t find fear, only ease. "The only part that scares me is to be on stage and not meet your expectations, which is why you always have to give it your all."

ESP3 JC interview
(6/6/04) Sarah ESP3 Magazine UK (thanks charlidos!)

Previously of *Nsync fame, JC Chasez is making a name for himself as a solo artist and has just released his first solo album ‘Schizophrenic‘. Especially for all you ESP readers, we've got a transcript of a recent interview with him! Happy reading!

Brief history of how he got started, joined *Nsync, etc…
*Nsync got together when Chris (Kirkpatrick) made a call to Justin (Timberlake) and Justin made a call to me. The three of us moved to Florida when we decided to do the group, bumped into Joey (Fatone) but we still needed a guy to sing bass because we wanted to sing acappela and we wanted to sound phat, so we called up Lance (Bass) who was a friend of Justin’s in Mississippi and there you have *Nsync.

When you were younger did you always know that you wanted to be involved in music?
When I was a kid I ended up on a kids TV show from the age of 13 onwards. It was called the Mickey Mouse Club and that’s where I met Justin and became friends with him.

What kind of music were you listening to when you were a kid?
I was pretty fortunate because all my friends came from so many different backgrounds so I listened to a bit of everything. I was very cultured as far as music was concerned and I would kinda bounce around between my friends and learn from all the music that was being played. I didn’t have any favourites, I listened to everything.

It’s been quite a while since *Nsync stopped and your album coming out. Why is that?
It was two years ago that the last *Nsync tour finished and after that I basically took a year off. I had to do that for myself and for my sanity. I’d been doing the same thing every day for the past eight, nine years and there were certain things I wanted to do for me personally. I wanted to spend time with my family and see my friends again, you know people I hadn’t seen for nine years! Obviously the band were my best friends as well but I had other best friends that had been totally neglected because I was always on the road. So I took time to settle back into my life and get back to being me.

Was that a weird experience at all?
Not at all. My friends were totally understanding to my situation. A good friend will be there for you no matter what. I just wanted to get back to hanging out and having a laugh.

When did you decide, OK I’ve had a rest now, I want to get back into it?
One of my friends is a producer and he approached me about doing a song for a movie soundtrack. I wasn’t even gonna sing it I was just gonna write it. It turned out to be the song Blowin’ Me Up (With Her Love) and I sang the demo vocal. The movie people asked if I’d mind if they kept it with me on it and I said OK. Then they came back to me and said they wanted to make it the single for the film and that meant I’d have to do a video. I was like, “uh, hold on a second”, but by that point I couldn’t see why I wouldn’t make a video. So I did the video and after that I ran around for three or four months promoting the movie because of the song. I was always asked when an album was coming out and someone said to me I should do an album because I have all this music in me and I have something to offer, so I said OK let’s do it.

Were you nervous at all about what people would say?
Not at all. It was just a mater of filling my days with going to the studio. I like being creative and some days I’d come out with something great and some days I’d come out with nothing but in my mind a day in the studio is always a great way to spend a day.

Why the title, ‘Schizophrenic’?
The title is referring to the different personalities that come out in the record. It just seems like when I’m just hanging around people they see me as one way and then when you hear the record all these different styles come through that seem completely different to me. I don’t know really how to explain it. The music styles are very different from each other on the record and it just makes for a whole different personality.

How involved were you with the whole process of making the album?
I pretty much ran this thing from top to bottom. When I decided to make a record and told my record company they were like “Fantastic! We’re gonna send you this guy and that guy…” and I was like “listen this is my record and this is what I need to do this for myself” and they totally understood. I’m thankful they were so co-operative. They left me alone for three months and I basically called all my friends and was like, “Let’s make a record!”

It’s a very saucy CD, you talk about sex a lot!
There were a lot more songs recorded than that but it seems that when the record company heard it all they were drawn to all that stuff. It’s pretty funny how that works, but yeah it has its moments. There are also some great love songs in there.

How has it being going in the states? Over there in *Nsync you didn’t really touch on that side of your nature i.e. the sexy stuff…
It’s just different. When you’re dealing with *Nsync you’re dealing with one sound because it has five opinions on it, and when you’re dealing with JC record it’s just my opinion.

Has the response been good in the US?
Yeah, all the reviews have been great and everyone who hears it say they love it.

In the states *Nsync were massive but over here you weren’t as big, so is it different for you coming over to the UK? Do you feel like you’re starting again as a completely new artist?
Yeah, at the end of the day I’m just trying to make it work like everywhere else. I put my work clothes on and go to work everyday! I’m just having fun!

Is there anyone else you’d like to work with at the moment?
The thing about the Basement Jaxx record was that it was organic, it wasn’t planned - it just sort of happened. That’s how I like to keep things. I don’t like to plan my collaborations. If I meet someone while I’m out, or hanging around and we get along then we can cut a record but I think it’s kinda tough to sit there and be creative with a total stranger. For me I like to be comfortable with the people I have around. I can’t work with somebody if we don’t get along.

Is there anyone around at the moment that you’re listening to?
I like this kid Damien Rice, he’s pretty cool. That’s probably the last record I’ve really latched onto.

How’s it gonna be going on tour with Britney? You know her anyway, don’t you?
It’s gonna be great! When the opportunity came up it was like everything has come full circle because she used to open for us in the States. She’s the biggest pop star in the world so in my mind it’s the biggest tour in the world and what better arena to get my music out there. I’m excited about that. I know I have a great show planned. I warmed myself up by doing some club shows so I’ve got my thing together. I’m gonna give you as much as I can in the amount of time I’m given.

When you tour do you ever get to see the cities you’re playing in, or are you just in the hotel and the venue?
Sometimes you do. It depends on the schedule. Mostly when you have a day off you sleep! But sometimes you get the opportunity to be a tourist.

Have you had much of a chance to look around London?
Indeed I have. I did the total tourist thing, London Eye, Tate Modern, it was fun.

Are you going to have a chance to do that when you’re on tour with Britney?
I hope so it would be nice. I’ll go eat where people tell me it’s great and I’ll do the whole tourist thing wherever I am.

Have you ever been to Scotland?
Yes, I have but I can’t remember where. It was years ago when I was a kid.

Because you’re going up to Glasgow would you ever be tempted to wear a kilt on stage?
(Laughs) No! I don’t want to offend any of them. They don’t want to look at my chicken legs, dude!

Would you be tempted to eat haggis?
No! I’m a pretty tolerant fella for food and I eat a lot of things but just the description of it puts me off! They told me what black pudding was the other day and I can’t quite bring myself to eat it! Give me a steak!

How about Manchester?
All I hear about is the soccer team Manchester United – that’s all people talk about. Manchester’s not really a city it’s a soccer team! They’re like the New York Yankees in the States. The best money can buy I guess.

Would you like to see a football match?
Oh yeah! I was actually trying to see one while I’m here but I haven’t got time.

Have people heard of David Beckham over in the States?
Oh yeah! He’s actually pretty well known over there. His celebrity has just grown and grown, I wouldn’t be surprised if they put him in a movie. There’s a buzz about him.

Good Social scene in Manchester…
Just take me to a pub!

Have you ever been in a pub?
Oh yeah, dude. I do like pubs. One of first experiences in London was me sneaking into a pub, but I probably shouldn’t tell you that!

You’re going to Birmingham as well. It’s well known for its curries.
Really, there! Wow! I’ll have to try a curry. A red and yellow chicken curry, I’ll have to get one of those.

Do you get curries in the States?
You do but it’s not as popular. I was lucky because growing up I lived next door to an Indian family and we often had dinner over their house and it was all good stuff.

Have you seen Justin recently?
No, but I spoke to him last night! He just arrived in LA and he’s exhausted because he’s just been shooting a movie.

When his album first came out did you think, “Oh God, wish I’d got mine out first”?
No because at that time in my life I was relaxing and hanging out with my friends so I was proud of him.

Do you think *Nsync will ever reform?
We even spoke about that last night. We’re gonna kick around ideas in the summertime, at least start brainstorming. We’re going to do stuff at a charity event together called Challenge For The Children in the summer.

What’s your love life like at the moment?
Love life is great! I’m a single guy and I date. Whenever I meet someone nice we hang out. Life is good!

You’ve said in the past that you wouldn’t go out with anyone who was a celebrity, does that still stand?
I’ve dated a couple of actresses before and I found it very difficult. It’s not my cup of tea.

What do you think of the world of celebrity right now? Reality TV is making everyone famous.
It is what it is. I don’t spend a whole lot of time thinking about it. At the end of the day it’s a little bit strange that people are more famous for their images and not their talents. I find that odd. People are more consumed with who is hanging out with who than who is singing what.

What do you think of Pop Idol?
I’ve never actually seen a whole lot of it. I will say that I gotta respect the guy Simon Cowell for being honest. A lot of people say he’s cruel and hurts people’s feelings but the people know they can’t sing and have no business being up there and this guy, Simon, has to sit there for eight hours listening to people who can’t sing - I would get impatient as well. If you know you can’t sing, don’t come, don’t waste his time. Some of them have their friends and family with them and they know this person can’t sing and it’s just a shame that they can’t tell them the truth.

When you see your friends like Justin and Britney in the papers being giving a bad time, how does that make you feel? You must’ve been a victim of tabloid stuff as well.
There’s a lot of stupid stuff. A lot of people (writers) form opinions when they haven’t met someone or before they even listen to a record because they’ve already got it in their minds what they want to say. That’s pretty selfish. And pretty stupid, actually. That just shows their ignorance because they’re pre-judging someone and that’s probably the dirtiest word in the book. But at the end of day it’s just music that I do and people are gonna like or not. It’s all matter of opinion.

You’re not into the celeb party scene either are you?
I go out with my friends but I don’t need to get caught up in the mix. I’m totally comfortable hanging out with my buddies.

What’s a good JC night out?
Sometimes it’s not always a night out, sometimes it’s a day out. I’m a Florida kid right, so I love the sunshine. I gotta a little ski boat so when I go water skiing that’s a good day for me. Go water skiing during the day, have a barbeque in the evening and maybe watch a little football and hit a bar later on. That’s the perfect day off.

What are your goals and ambitions this year – what would you like to achieve?
I want people to hear this record. I’m really proud of it and I took a lot of time and effort and put my heat into it. I just want to get a fair shake, so my goal is to get it into everybody’s ears and let them make their choice.

Joey generating Broadway buzz
(6/6/04) Orlando Sentinel

News of Orlando 'N Sync-er Joey Fatone's upcoming debut in Little Shop of Horrors is already generating Broadway buzz. The New York Times reported that the producers of the musical about a soul-singing, man-eating plant have fond memories of what Fatone did for Rent when he starred in that show in 2002 -- and promptly boosted box-office sales by 20% percent. In fact, one Rent producer credited Fatone with single-handedly extending the show's run by a year.

Hotshots! Your guide to the month's hitmakers : JC Chasez
(6/5/04) Charlie Spinks, Marie-Claire Giddings and Ani Neumann TVHits CDUK
(thanks charlidos, and to interlock for the transcription!)

And how cool it was that JC Chasez popped in! He was so nice and stopped to talk to fans waiting for just a glimpse of him! He definitely ain't a diva and was quite happy to hang around the caff, despite his mega-stardom

He's going solo, getting saucy and linking up with Justin's ex!

Long time no see, fella! What the heck have you been up to?
Hey, it's only been a million years! I've been putting *everything* into my new album, Schizophrenic – it's my whole life right now!

Did it take ages to record?
Just under a year. But since then I've been slowly building my own roots. Even before I released my debut single, I wanted to create an underground buzz, so I've been playing in clubs!

That’s a bit different to doing arena tours with *NSYNC! Was it weird playing to smaller audiences?
I love it 'cos clubs are hot boxes. Some people gross out when they get all sweaty, but it's *totally* necessary to jump around and have a great time! They're the nights I really remember.

Bet you're looking forward to touring with Britney.
Britney's a great girl and I'm so excited! The show will probably change a bit 'cos it's a bigger stage, but it's going to be great for me to play to a whole new audience. I can't wait to find out what people who haven’t seen me will think of me!

Will there be any special rituals before you go on stage?
I'll try and give everyone I'm working with a huge hug, 'cos we're all in the same boat and I wanna let them know I'm grateful.

Do you have any strange dressing room requests?
A *lot* of water and dried fruit! At first, I asked for the same stuff we had with *NSYNC 'cos it made things easier. But I didn’t need most of it, so I'm eliminating things as I go along!

Do you think it'll be strange without the other boys on stage with you?
A bit. But I've done the solo thing gradually, so I've slid into these shoes pretty comfortably! We're all just enjoying life – I'm doing my thing and they're doing theirs.

There have been rumours about the band recording together again.
We're not in the studio right now, but we're gonna kick around some ideas in the summer. Then, when the right collection of songs comes together, we'll cut a record!

How abut with Paris Hilton? We've heard that the two of you are working together.
I'm not recording with Paris, but I've talked to her about ideas for her record. Her first song's going to surprise a lot of people – lets just say she's a rock 'n' roll girl!

Do you reckon people will be surprised by your new album particularly the risque lyrics?
I think so, but they shouldn't be, 'cos it's not an *NSYNC record. They're my own opinions and I had to express them – even if my mom doesn’t always agree with what I have to say!

JC's debut solo album Schizophrenic is out now.

Full Name : Joshua Scott Chasez
Date of Birth : 8 August, 1976
Chart history : After a stint on US TV show The Mickey Mouse Club, JC shot to fame with fellow Mouseketeer Justin Timberlake in *NSYNC. Despite releasing 11 singles over here, the boys havn't had a UK number one – Girlfriend (Featuring Nelly) only reached number two. But the group are massive in the States and their album No Strings Attached was the first in US chart history to sell more than two million copies in its first week of sales. JC's debut solo single, Some Girls(Dance With Women)/Blowing Me Up (With Her Love), stormed into the UK singles chart last month.

Justin will not star in 'Rent'
(6/5/04) Detroit Free Press

Denied: Via his publicists, that singer Justin Timberlake will star in the upcoming movie "Rent." Several years ago, Timberlake had signed on to star in "Rent," which was then to be directed by Spike Lee. That project did not materialize, and he has had no discussions or involvement with the new production team nor director Chris Columbus.