The five young men who make up 'N Sync
came from all over the U.S. to form a band
in Orlando, FL that then became an
overnight sensation in Germany. Confused?
You needn't be. JC, Joey, Justin, Lance
and Chris have come together, with a
self-titled debut RCA Records album. The
record, originally released on BMG Ariola
Munich, was produced by several top-name
producers, including dancemeister Denniz
Pop (Ace of Base, 3T, Robyn), and has
already sported two giant European
smashes in the anthe@c pop-soul of "I
Want You Back" and the dance-floor pulse
of "Tearing Up My Heart," each of which
has gone Gold throughout Europe, and are
starting to break through in the U.K.
Although their handsome mugs have been
plastered all over music magazines on the
Continent, 'N Sync are not just your
flash-in-the-pan teen idol act. Show
business veterans all, the group are
accomplished singers and dancers who
have studied under the same
choreographer who's worked with Prince
and Michael Jackson. Showing their
versatility, 'N Sync's repertoire includes the
simple pop bliss of Christopher Cross'
"Sailing."
The group's roots are based in the Orlando
meeting of Washington DC bom "JC"
Chasez, and Memphis, TN native Justin
Timberlake on the set of the Disney
Channel show, "Mickey Mouse Club." After
the show ended, JC and Justin found
themselves in Nashville at the same time
working with the same vocal coach and
writers, but on separate solo projects.
Justin was then called back to Orlando,
where he hooked up with Pittsburgh, PA
expatriate Chris Kirkpatrick. The trio then
met New Yorker Joey Fatone in a local
Orlando club. The four would go out
clubbing where their slick dance-floor
moves had everyone wanting to know what
group they were in.
Thus inspired, the quartet decided to form a
band and started looking for a bass voice.
Thru Justin's vocal coach in Tennessee,
the group hooked up with blonde-haired,
green- eyed, 18-year-old Clinton,
Mississippi crooner James Lance Bass AKA
Lance, who fit right in with his characteristic
basso profundo. The bandmates may have
come from all over, but JustiN, ChriS, JoeY,
LansteN (Lance's occasional nickname)
and JC discovered immediately they were
'N Sync.
James Lance "Lantsen" Bass: Describes
himself as "rather laid back and addicted to
harmony." He is the shyest member of the
band. Listens to everything "from Boyz R
Men to Offspring." Likes to play video
games. Earned his high school degree
through a tutorial program offered by the
University of Nebraska. Goals for the future
include "learning about music management,
starting a family, and driving a Toyota
4-Runner." Lives with his father and mother
in Orlando and is a freshman in college.
Joshua Scott "JC" Chasez: Served as one
of the hosts of the "Mickey Mouse Club" for
four years. Likes to play football and watch
his favorite team, the Washington Redskins.
Loves listening to "the jazzy and soulful
sound between Billie Holiday and Stevie
Wonder." Lives in Orlando with bandmates
Chris and Justin, and Justin's mom.
Joseph "Joey" Anthony Fatone Jr.:
Appeared in small roles in movies "Once
Upon A Time In America" and "Matinee" and
on TV series, "Sea Quest." Sang in an a
cappella group. "I feel most comfortable on
stage," he says, "Or in front of the camera.
No matter what I do, I go at it full-tilt and
can't be stopped." Favorite activity aside
from performing: flirting. Lives with his
parents and siblings in Orlando.
Christopher "Chris" Alan Kirkpatrick: The
oldest member of the group at 26, but the
biggest cut-up. Discovered his singing
ability when he joined the choir in college. A
big football fan whose favorite food is tacos.
His musical tastes vary from "Michael
Jackson to hard-techno music... The most
important thing is you get the groove."
Justin Randall Timberlake: At 17, he's the
youngest member of the group and still in
high school. His hobbies include playing
basketball, watching the Orlando Magic and
dancing. "I'm a real party animal," he says.
"When the others let me go to parties." His
greatest musical influence is singer Brian
McKnight. He lives with his mother and
fellow 'N Sync members JC and Chris in
Orlando, not far from the band's rehearsal
studio, an old warehouse. "It really exhausts
you when you jump around four times a
week for three to five hours in 90-degree
heat," he says.
