Joe Jonas is striking out on his own. - Victor Chavez/WireImage.comThe Jonas Brothers have spent the past few years dominating the teen music scene. But after selling millions of albums and winning the hearts of fans worldwide, 22-year-old Joe Jonas is ready to break out on his own.
Jonas is set to release his solo debut album, FastLife, on Oct. 11. And before he starts his gig opening for Britney Spears on the European leg of her Femme Fatale tour later this fall, the singer will be teaming up with R&B superstar Jay Sean to co-headline a 19-city tour, kicking off Sept. 6.
Jonas talked to Parade.com about performing without his brothers, and why he's not afraid to open up about love and heartache on his new album.
On venturing out on his own. "It's been really awesome to see how many people have supported me on this solo project. I've been doing a lot of traveling and recording over the past year, trying to do everything I can to get in the studio and work with new producers and writers and try to see what I can come up with. I've been really lucky to find some incredible people to work with and I'm really happy with the album."
His fans haven't let him down. "It has been really surprising. The fans have been loving the new music. It's cool to see that the fans who have been with us since the beginning are the ones who are supporting me now. Even new ones are coming around who may have not listened to the Jonas Brothers before. It's a really exciting time for me."
See Photos of Nick, Joe, and Kevin Through the Years
On touring with Britney Spears. "It is a dream come true. She's the perfect headliner. I've always been a huge fan of her music. I can't wait to go over to Europe. It's going to be the greatest experience."
On performing without his brothers. "There are times when I miss them onstage, and I wish they could be with me and be able to experience the things I'm experiencing, but it's good for them to have this time to themselves too and kind of relax. I'm really loving this experience. To be able to get on stage on my own and travel and perform is great."
The Jonas Brothers are taking a break. - Angela Weiss/Getty Images North America
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On Nick and Kevin's reaction to his new album. "They are loving it. They've been really supportive. They have their favorite songs already and it's been really great to see what songs they are leaning towards and what they like."
On how his new sound compares to the Jonas Brothers. "It's a little more hip hop and dance. I've been inspired by Kanye West and Kid Cudi, who are trying new things with pop music and dance and hip hop. I've been able to work with some producers who have worked with people like them and I'm very happy with the outcome."
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Joe performs his solo tunes in Las Vegas. - Denise Truscello/WireImage.com On sharing songs about past relationships with the world. "Part of me is nervous about that. There are some songs that I definitely go, 'Ok, I hope people don't read into it too much.' It's a very honest state of mind to go into when you're writing a record because you want to be completely honest. A lot of the songs are fun and just about having a good time, but there are songs in there that are deep and I get more into my personal life. I want to do my best to be as honest as possible."
On his experience as a celebrity mentor in the Acuvue 1-DAY Contest, where he worked with Brittany B. of Atwater, Calif., to help her further her dream of supporting the Special Olympics. "It was really fun to spend the day with Brittany and encourage her to raise money and awareness. It's cool to see young people out there wanting to live out their dreams -- and it's not about music or acting -- she wants to give back and that's incredible. Spending time with her and seeing what a believer she is has inspired me."
On his personal mentors. "My dad has always been my biggest supporter. Musician wise, I would say Bono has always been a big one for me. He's such an incredible inspiriaton in terms of giving back and he's an amazing musician, too."
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