Though they’ve still got lots of touring ahead this summer, the Backstreet Boys are getting to work on their follow-up to 2007′s “Unbreakable” as singers Howie Dorough and A.J. McLean finish up their respective solo CDs.

So far, the group–which also includes Brian Littrell and Nick Carter–has recorded one as-yet-untitled song written by Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic fame. But the Backstreet Boys plan to forge relationships with other writers as well during the recording process.
“We’re definitely talking about putting the Max Martin relationship back together again,” Dorough said to LiveDaily about the producer/songwriter who penned “I Want It That Way.” “I’ve actually done some writing, as well as A.J. has with Ryan Tedder. He’s really, really great. I foresee us possibly working with him. He has the same management. We’re just going to go out there and really explore. There’s a lot of new writers who have come to the table since the last album. We’re going to do what we can to make it once again the best record. We’re going to do a lot of writing ourselves but as well reach out to great producers to help us.”

As for solo material, Dorough, whose mother is Puerto Rican, is working on a Latin-English-themed album.

“I’m kind of exploring my roots in that direction,” he said. “I’m doing something that’s a mixture of English and Spanish–Spanglish–some Latin rhythms. I’ve grown up listening to Jon Secada, whom I’ve had a chance to do some writing with, and just watching the careers of Enrique [Iglesias] and Ricky [Martin] and people I think have done a good job of crossing over. I’m going to do something in that vein as well.”

Dorough is confident that fans will enjoy his solo material when it comes out sometime in 2009.

“Together as a group we have a strong, strong, humongous fan base,” Dorough said. “We’re blessed, as well, as we each have our niche markets and our own personal fans. We have individual fans outside of the group. I really notice that, for me, being part Spanish, I’ve always had a calling, a really big appreciation from all of the Latin fans.”

The Backstreet Boys will be touring North North America through early September.

Source: Live Daily