Somebody tell DJ Tanner, because actor, singer and New Kids on the Block-er Joey McIntyre is coming to town,
However this time, Joey’s flying solo, with phase one of his new tour promoting his semi-autobiographical album Freedom.
“I haven’t done a full length solo album in 15 years actually,” the entertainer says ahead of his one night only show on April 4 at White Oak Music Hall. “I wanted to do it, and I guess if I’m going to do it, I wanted to be as honest as possible. There is a little bit of a chip on my shoulder of the energy around it. I’ve spoken candidly about the gilded cage, which is a rather dramatic term because it sounds very privileged. But I hope people can relate but I have been part of this group for 40 years. Like literally 40 years.”
McIntyre, who has successfully performed solo on stage for years in addition to his boy band duties, attempts to explain what it means to be creative as an ensemble. “So what I come to find is it’s a family business,” he says. “It’s as if someone is in a very successful family business. And it’s not easy. You are compromising constantly, you’re grateful for all the gifts and what you get from it. And I also want to carve my own path and have my own autonomy. That’s been my challenge over the years to balance that, to stand up for myself. And that doesn’t mean anyone else is wrong, but that was the engine behind the album. There are moments where I do say, ‘I’ll show them!’ A lot of it, they’re just ghosts, right? That felt risky at times.”
However isolating it could feel to break from the band for this specific creative venture, McIntyre came to realize something deeper about his ‘family,’ saying: “But what I’ve discovered, and what is cool to experience is that I’m saying that out loud. I’m saying that to the friends. I’m saying that next to Donnie Wahlberg as he hosts a listening party! It’s really kinda sweet and freeing because its easy to go, ‘I can’t say this, I’m gonna be controversial about it.’ Instead, I’m saying: this is me.”
While the singer has made some of his biggest strides outside of New Kids (including standout roles on-and-off Broadway in Wicked, Waitress and Tick, Tick Boom!), there’s something special about building a night of entertainment his way without compromises.
“I somewhat pride myself on being about to get up and give a good show no matter what the set up or stage. But for this, I just wanted to get more specific and that’s why I’m playing like these club settings. I’m bringing my own stage, I’m bringing my own lighting. Which is semi-ambitious for a tour of this size. But I really have a vision of how I want this album to be heard and the album has a through line that sort of manifested itself. But I have been talking about how it has a protagonist and there is a journey through song 1 to 10. I’m glad I’m indulging and doing what is right for the idea.”
While his love of theater is on full display, he wants to make it clear to his fans that this night of Freedom will not be a cabaret like experience. “As a solo artist, I’m normally in a set up that is more like a cabaret, where it’s 300-500 seated venue. This is, the capacity is bigger, but… unless you’re playing stadiums, even arenas there is a way to be intimate in those settings as well somehow. I think the New Kids have always done a really good job at making it feel intimate somehow.”
“The best kept secret is going out in the audience. So many acts don’t do that, but we’ve always done that since the get go. It’s like this little easy trick. I like to think that any time I get on stage it is an intimate experience. Cause I think some performers, that’s just not really their strong suit. There’s a wall up. You feel like you are just watching someone, as opposed to experiencing the same thing with the performer. That’s what, as an audience member, turns me on.”
Zeroing in on the title again, McIntyre is reflective about what this moment means for him, both being able to tour independently, while also gearing up for a massive Las Vegas Residency with the New Kids on the Block in June.
“That’s the thing I’ve been talking about it,” he says. “Can Freedom be having both? Instead of just one or the other. And I do agree, and just by asking that question, it shows the willingness. And just in that moment, you are free and not held in by these stories. Vegas is something we’re really excited about. It was still on the table, and we’ve talked about going there for a really long time. Now we’re building that show with all the bells and whistles of Vegas, which is incredible. It’s gonna be really special.”
Fans of all types should be prepared for a memorable night at White Oak Music Hall – and McIntyre even has some suggestions for how to get the most from the experience. “I don’t want the fans to think they have a job,” he says, “but wear comfortable shoes. Leave the heels at home! A little bit of sequins, your favorite jeans, some comfortable shoes, your favorite leather jacket: but keep it simple. I think there’s an energy that’s different. I want them on their toes.”
Freedom: Phase One is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, April 4 at White Oak Music Hall, 2915 North Main. For more information, call 713-237-0370 or visit whiteoakmusichall.com. $28-35
