AJ McLeanis officially making his mark in the country music world!
The singer-songwriter, who will be releasing his first official country radio single Thursday and debuting his first country-influenced solo album entitledLong Roadthis spring, opened up to PEOPLE about the inspiration behind the song, the decision to go country, and the incredible journey he’s had to get to where he is now.
“‘Boy and a Man’ is that growing up story about finding that one true love even when you’re super young and never wanting to let that person go and really just hanging out for the long haul,” he added. “I wish that I would’ve met [my wife] Rochelle back when we were kids, but that’s not what destiny had set out. It’s a beautiful love song. It has such a great message.”
The famedBackstreet Boysmember, who just released atenth studio albumtitledDNAand announced anupcoming world tourwith bandmatesNick Carter,Brian Littrell,Kevin RichardsonandHowie Dorough, explained why he decided to explore a solo project — acountrysolo project!
“I think each of us has always wanted to try and step out of the group and spread our wings,” he said. “We’ve always supported each other and let each other go and not stifled each other. Each of us has taken a stab once or twice, but as far as going in the direction I’m going, it started back with Florida Georgia Line. Doing “God, Your Mama, and Me” really introduced us into the world of country and that was the kick starter for me to get that inspiration. I’ve been a fan of all types of music my entire life.”
He added, “The reason why I gravitated more towards country — country music tells stories. It’s so raw and real. I just want to tell my story. I want to be able to tell people about me, my family, my beautiful wife and children and just feel the music. I want to make songs that everyone can relate to.”
Tyler Shields
McLean, who released singles “Back Porch Bottle Service” and"Night Visions"last year, said his career has really come full circle and explained how his album titleLong Roadreally embraces that message.
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“Long Roadis basically that whole journey to getting to this moment,” McLean said. “It really has been a long road, but it’s been a really great journey. This is just the beginning. Once the album is out, that’s when everything officially starts. It’s been a long recording process, and going through songs and remixing and re-singing songs and letting songs go, but to be honest, once the album is out that’s when the official journey starts. It’s been a long road, but here we are.”
Long Roadwill debut in Spring 2019.
source: people.com
