Grammy-winning singer, dancer, and actor AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys shares his journey from addiction to recovery, the highlights of performing, and how getting sober has improved his music and changed his perspective.

On this episode, AJ talks to Matt about:

• How he got into dancing, acting, and singing from an early age, and his passion for performing
• What started his troubles with alcohol, how it progressed, and how he manages it now
• How getting sober enabled him reach his full potential as an artist
• How music helped him reconnect with his father
• Revisiting places for the first time sober and seeing the world from a new lens
• How new technology helps connect people, but also hold them accountable
• The habits he’s still trying kick
• And More

AJ’s new single, “Smoke”, is out now. You can listen HERE

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, MusiCares operates a Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Program that recognizes those issues unique to music professionals at any stage of their career, offering eligible individuals financial assistance and resources for psychotherapy, coaching, and psychiatric expenses, inpatient and outpatient treatment, detox and sober living costs.

About AJ McLean

You already know AJ McLean as 1/5 of the Backstreet Boys, one of the most successful groups in music history. With countless #1s, record-setting tours, numerous awards and worldwide sales in excess of 130 million, the Backstreet Boys have been recognized as the best-selling boy band in history.

A multiple award winning and Grammy-nominated performer, AJ has delivered the finest pop music one has to offer – tightly crafted songs, floor-shaking rhythms, and unmistakable harmonies – making him one of pop’s most influential performers.