Jeff Timmons, Grammy-nominated founding member of 98 Degrees, chatted about the new docu-series “Boyband Confidential,” which was produced by Joey Fatone of NSYNC.
‘Boyband Confidential’ docu-series
On being a part of this docu-series, Timmons remarked, “I liked this project because it delves into some other things that people don’t traditionally talk about. These include some of the ups and downs, and behind the scenes that haven’t really been covered a whole lot, especially mental health.
On the importance of mental health in this digital age, Timmons said, “Well, I think that the importance has always been around. I just think that the focus is definitely there now where it wasn’t before. It was a little taboo to talk about mental health before.”
“If you’ve got a heart problem, you can get on medication, if you are out of shape, you can lose weight, but if you are not feeling good mentally, people are afraid to talk about that,” he noted.
“I think, in this day and age, with social media and the ability to get information, there’s a lot more focus on mental health, and obviously that’s very important,” he added.
Working with Nick Lachey and producer Joey Fatone
On working with Nick Lachey and producer Joey Fatone on this project, Timmons stated, “It was great. We’ve known each other for quite some time and have worked with each other at different levels and different projects throughout the years.”
“When I found out that this one had a different premise — it was really trying to enlighten people or give people some insight into some of the things what these guys have gone through that weren’t so rosy — I was going to find the time to do this,” he elaborated.
“I felt the importance to make time to go and sit down with these guys and talk about what my journey and my story was,” Timmons noted.
Timmons on Ashley Parker Angel
Timmons had positive words about Ashley Parker Angel, the former O-Town band member, who is also featured in this docu-series and who is branching out in the health and nutrition industry with High Level Science.
“Ashley is great. I know he has been into fitness for quite some time. Whenever I’ve run into him, we’ve talked about his philosophy and physical health, and I know he is into that. Ashley is in great shape and he is always keeping up with his physicality, staying in the gym, and looking great,” Timmons elaborated.
“I’m glad that Ashley has been able to articulate some of his knowledge to other people, and hopefully that will be of help and service to others as well,” he added.
Timmons on the need for the resurgence or TRL
Most recently, Timmons acknowledged that there is a need for a resurgence of TRL, or something along those lines, which will resonate well with the pop music fans.
“I’ve been talking about doing something like this for a few years now,” he admitted. “I’ve got some interest from some networks and streamers and it looks like we’re going to do it.”
“I just want to really gain the public’s excitement for it, and to see if they really want it. It seems as if this has gotten such a positive response from people and that they really cared about it,” he elaborated.
“The weird thing is that there is nothing out there like that now,” he added.
Greatest lessons that the music and entertainment industry has taught him
On the greatest lesson that the music business has taught him, Timmons said, “I think it always changes, right? There is always new lesson to be learned. It’s an ever-evolving answer, and we just need to adapt because the industry is ever-changing.”
“Thanks to technology, the industry has changed, especially the way people get their music, the way people share it and the way they consume it. So, you’ve got to stay on your feet and try to cut through all the noise by constantly making people aware of your music,” he elaborated.
“At this stage in my career, I make music and art for myself but also the fans, and if the fans are there and they accept it, then that’s great,” he acknowledged.
Timmons on the importance of music in his life
Regarding the significance of music in his life, Timmons shared, “Music has afforded me so many different opportunities in my life. I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without music in it. I just can’t picture it.”
“Music has taken me all over the world, and it introduced me to so many amazing people and to so many great experiences. It has also taught me humility,” Timmons acknowledged.
“I’m always humbled, appreciative and grateful whenever the fans tell me that they’ve had a positive experience with my music. I really never have and never will take that for granted,” he added.
Timmons on appearing on Maurice Benard’s ‘State of Mind’ podcast
Timmons opened up about appearing on Emmy winner Maurice Benard’s “State of Mind” podcast on mental health. “It was amazing. I’m a fan of Maurice Benard,” Timmons said.
“I was made aware of Maurice through my wife Amanda, who is a huge fan of ‘General Hospital’ and has been watching it for a long time. I used to watch ‘The Young and the Restless’ with my mom,” Timmons recalled.
“I found myself wrapped up in Maurice’s storyline on ‘General Hospital,’ especially his character Sonny Corinthos and his acting,” he said.
“When I found out that Maurice does a podcast on mental health, I thought it was a great opportunity to share how I feel about this subject and the importance of it, and the impact that it makes talking about it,” Timmons elaborated.
“Looking back, I learned so much more about myself personally than I thought I would, and I also learned a lot about Maurice. His podcast is just so relatable,” he reflected.
“Plus, my wife got to meet Maurice, who is one of her favorite character actors out there, so that was an added plus, and a great experience overall,” Timmons added.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Timmons revealed, “Freedom.”
“I’m so fortunate to be a part of some really, really cool and different things. Not all music related and not all entertainment related. There’s a lot of businesses I’ve been able to be involved with over the years,” he said.
“98 Degrees is taking a break from touring this year because of our schedules. We are focused on perhaps going overseas and taking a break from the U.S. to work on some other endeavors,” he elaborated.
“Through that process, I’ve just been very fortunate to cultivate some other really great businesses outside of entertainment,” he noted. “These allow me to be creative in different ways with different types of momentum.”
Best thing about being his age
On the best thing about being his age (at this stage of his life), Timmons said, “There are no pressure. I have a great wife, Amanda, a great family, great kids and friends. Also, I have had an incredible career.”
“Now, everything else is just icing on the cake. I’m not worrying about anything else. I don’t have to be something I don’t want to be or do something I don’t want to do,” he noted.
“I have the ability to be with my family, and I can travel the world. I’m not worried about financial situations or having to be relevant. I am just going with the flow,” he said.
“It’s really just enjoying each and every day that I am here at this point,” he added.
Timmons on Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys
Timmons had favorable words about Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys, who also lives in Las Vegas, and has had a residency at The Sphere (with the Backstreet Boys).
“I love Nick Carte, he’s awesome. He’s out here in Las Vegas now,” Timmons. “Nick was a tremendous success here at The Sphere. He has moved out here now and has really entrenched himself and embedded himself in the Las Vegas community, which I really love.”
“Vegas is a tremendous community with a lot more to offer than just the Strip. The Strip is incredible, but there ares so many amenities and community-based things that you can get involved with that are really great,” Timmons noted.
“The Backstreet Boys residency show at The Sphere is absolutely phenomenal. It’s a lot of fun. To be in that environment with that type of technology with those guys, we are fortunate to come up here and celebrate their hits with them. They’ve had so many great productions,” Timmons elaborated.
“The Backstreet Boys residency at The Sphere is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I highly recommend to anybody that visits Las Vegas,” he added.
Timmons on his personal favorite 98 Degrees song
When asked about his personal favorite 98 Degrees song, Timmons responded, “That’s a really great question, but it’s really tough. We’ve had so many… I love all the hits because they give us the opportunity to do what we love for a living, and people embraced those songs, so it’s hard to pick a favorite there.”
“My favorite goes back and forth depending on the time,” he said. “I like a lot of the obscure songs in the early album that perhaps not many people know, unless they are big fans.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Timmons said, “To me, success is just getting better every day on your own, no matter what it is.”
“It’s creating a new idea. It’s walking into a room and leaving it better than when you walked in. It’s putting a smile on someone’s face. It’s creating something that somebody else enjoys,” he elaborated.
“It’s giving another person an opportunity. It doesn’t necessarily have to mean something that is publicly acknowledged or embraced. It’s just perfecting your life to be one percent better each day,” Timmons explained.
Message for the 98 Degrees fans
For his fans and supporters, Timmons expressed, “We always appreciate the fans. Thanks for letting us live our dreams and for continuing to support myself, 98 Degrees, and just art in general.”
“I know that people can get art anywhere, especially with all this access they have to everything. So, to anybody that supports anybody’s art, outside of 98 Degrees or my own projects, kudos and a much appreciation and gratitude your way,” Timmons said, effusively.
To learn more about Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees, follow him on Instagram and TikTok.
