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.