Jeff Timmons: Living The Dream

Let’s hop right into this new single, “That Girl,” which is a huge departure from the sound that your fans both know and love you for — That being said, what prompted your decision to take on this more experimental approach with your music?

I’ve always had a catalog of tempo songs that I’ve written and produced on my own. I’m obviously influenced by R&B and vocal arrangements, and that influence was apparent in 98 Degrees, but as a soloist my style is a bit different than the group as a whole. I’ve always wanted to hear a song of mine in the clubs.

In having said that, “That Girl” is a collaborative work between yourself and producers Traxstarz — How did this particular connection actually come about?

Jason Dauman, who has a dance label distributed through Universal –Dauman Music — has been approaching me for some time about a tempo collaboration. Manny Mijares submitted “That Girl,” and I fell in love with the vibe of the song. Fortunately, the co-writers Manny, Anthony Meyer and Molly Alberty, were open to me writing on it, and I came up with the hook. It’s been one of the most enjoyable collaborations I’ve ever done.

Tell me about the track itself — What’s it all about? And, how did it even come to fruition? 

The track is about a “bad girl.” You know, the type of girl we all love that has that edge that could get us into trouble. Lord knows I’ve been around enough of those! The team had an amazing concept, and we added a little extra touch.

Are you typically a fan of EDM? And, as an extension to this question, are you planning a full length solo effort centered around this type of material?

I love dance music. 98 Degrees were known as balladeers, but I always wanted a song with tempo. We were able to evoke emotions from our love songs with touching lyrical content, but I wanted to see people party to our music. I will have a balanced album of EDM, mids, and of course, ballads.

From a musical perspective, the last time the masses heard from you was on 2013’s 98 Degrees reunion record, 2.0, the collective’s first studio LP in thirteen long years — Although a solid project, the album didn’t seem to fare as well commercially as initially expected, why do you think that is?

Good question. I think the album is solid as well, but it was put together quickly to support the tour, as opposed to the tour supporting the album.  We didn’t have the opportunity to promote the album. We recorded it and immediately went on the road for ‘The Package Tour.’

Personally, were you happy in the overall end result of 2.0? 

Absolutely not! I would’ve liked a more prepared and promoted project.

In addition to your stint with the group, you also have/had this Men of the Strip revue — What are you future plans and/or goals for/with this venture?

I’ve accomplished what I set out to do with Men of the Strip. My goal was to get it on national and international television, and get the brand up and running. In the end, the movie was seen by nearly 100 million people. Now, the guys are steadily touring on their own, and soon to have a Vegas residency.

It’s been reported that you are currently writing your first book as well — Is there anything you can reveal and/or divulge about your upcoming tome at this time?

I’ve put the book idea on the back burner. There are still chapters to be written.

Outside of entertainment, do you have any other additional/outside aspirations? 

My ultimate goal in my life is to be a successful family man. My desire to become a better father and husband is always in the front of my mind. I know it may seem corny, but nothing is as important as that.

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to? What then has been the ultimate key to your longstanding success?

First of all, thank you for the compliment. I’ve been fortunate to be approaching 20 years in the entertainment business. Like anything else, I think there are a few keys to having longevity; working as hard as you can, having faith in yourself, staying humble and leaving the rest up to GOD; energy, the universe, or whatever your beliefs are, all has a lot to do with it.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the overall state of Pop-ular music? And, even more specifically, where exactly do you “fit in” when it comes to today’s current/trending sound-scape? 

I am VERY happy with the state of POP-ular music. I think now, more than ever, with social media, the doors and avenues to promote your own musical interpretations are available. I have a different philosophy than most folks that are afraid to adapt to change.

How have you, both personally and professionally, changed and/or evolved since your whole inception into music?

More ways than I can talk about. My mind has become more open, and throughout the highs and lows, I’ve become stronger, been humbled and appreciate each day that I’m blessed with.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment, at least thus far anyway? 

I’ve been lucky to have quite a few. Sometimes I feel like Forrest Gump or Walter Mitty. Performing at Michael Jackson’s 35th Anniversary Special was pretty cool. Producing my first TV show for E! is (also) up there.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?  

I’ll still be creating in front, behind, wherever…I’ll be around producing some sort of creative content.  Sometimes, I tell myself I’m going to leave the business and pursue a career outside of entertainment, but it’s not in my DNA.

As for the immediate, what’s next for you, “Mr. Las Vegas?” 

It’s funny you ask, because I’m leaving Las Vegas and returning to Southern California. I have some exciting opportunities there. I LOVE Vegas though! The city has been great to me.

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention? 

I just want people to stay in touch with me via social media, or my website: www.jefftimmons.com

Any “parting” words for our readers? 

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about our fans. Thank you so much for so many years of support, and allowing me to create, entertain and live my dream. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

…Oh, and the song is available on iTunes now…Thanks again, Todd.

– @JeffTimmons