Walmart Soundcheck

They've still got the right stuff. Soundcheck heads to Burbank for a performance with one of the biggest boy bands ever: NKOTB. Watching Donnie, Jon, Jordan, Joey and Danny take to the stage, it's hard to believe that it's been almost fifteen years since the guys thrilled audiences all over the world, but it's evident that they're ready to take over the world one more time. With their seamless harmonies, heartthrob looks and perfect pop moves, NKOTB are back - and better than ever. The guys have an invigorating new urban sound, and a smash hit ( 'Summertime') that has them back on the charts - the video has over 2 Million streams on Youtube. Check out our exciting session with NKOTB - and go pick up a copy of their new disc, 'The Block' online and in Wal-Mart stores nationwide.

-The Crew at Wal-Mart Soundcheck

On New Music, New Collaborations, and New Edition:
We asked NKOTB about some of the musical highlights from 'The Block.' Says Joe: "It was good to be back in the studio with Teddy Riley. Our first time around - that whole sound - that new Jack Swing was coming out and we were huge fans of it. To be back with him in the studio was cool. He wrote and produced the song, 'Grown Man' and we love it." Adds Donny: "We have a song with New Edition, which is like a childhood dream for us. To us, New Edition really was the blueprint and the inspiration for us. Growing up in Boston, they were right down the street and they were stars. They were superstars. Some of us went to the same schools as them so they really taught us to believe that you can really do something besides hang out on the streets, that you can accomplish something great."

On The Evolution of the Fan:
With it's A-list production and star wattage (The Pussycat Dolls are just one of the acts NKOTB teams up with on the new record), 'The Block' is bringing a whole new level of appreciation. We asked Joe about the changing face of the NKOTB fan: "Our first single was a hit record and we're grateful for that. That's exciting, and that means there are a lot of young fans who are calling the radio stations and want to hear that song. I guess we're making current music that feels right." Explains Donny: "The five year-old, six year-old, seven year-old fans - they're twenty-five year old women now. They have careers, they have lives, they're hip, they have incredible life experience of their own but they're still coming back. Now the fans don't stand outside and scream and yell; they have rooms inside the hotel that they've booked with their friends! It's humbling, it's flattering, but it also does give you pause about the impact we've had on some people."

On Creative Vs. Corporate:
'The Block' reflects a new attitude from a group that has some experience under their belts. But this time around, the guys are doing it their way. Explains Donny: "We put a team together who all believe what we believe, which is that this is the core of what it is. It's not about the marketing, the people, this and that - all that goes into it and it all counts and we appreciate every aspect of the business, but the last time around it was about the corporate machine. This time, the creativity is driving us. The list of songwriters and producers and the energy and camaraderie we have with them is amazing."