Carrie: So what have you been up to since NKOTB called it quits in 1994?
Joe: I got back into acting. I did a movie called The Fantasticks[which hasn't been released yet]. I did an off-Broadway show and I did some summer stock plays in Massachusetts. I also did some big-band music because I always wanted to do that and I went out and partied 'cause I didn't really get to do that when we were on the road.
Carrie: What made you decide to get back into mainstream music and record an album?
Joe: I was talking to [former NKOTB bandmates] Donnie [Wahlberg] and Danny [Wood] last year and they were like, "You should do something." So Donnie just gave me this rap record, and I just started singing the song over it that I just had in my head. Then we went into the studio a week later and we had a great song.
Carrie: And from there you just continued to write more songs?
Joe: Yeah, and it's cool. I really like it. There's nothing like conveying your own feelings. I mean I've always liked to write and I've had that kind of creative streak. I guess I just never opened up, you know.
Carrie: How many songs do you have for an album now?
Joe: I have 11. Now it's just a question of finding the right label who really believes in it.
Carrie: So what have you learned from your New Kids on the Block days that you are bringing to your career now?
Joe: I don't really have an answer because a lot of that stuff back then was just instinct. But I guess the biggest thing I learned is to just stay the same, stand your ground and just watch everybody react.
Carrie: Is there anything that you are doing on this album that you wanted to do when you were with the group?
Joe: Overall, I let go a lot more on this record. I was able to do some things that I would normally hold back on because I was afraid of the other guys.
Carrie: You mentioned working with Donnie and Danny. How about the other guys? Do you still keep in touch with them?
Joe: I haven't talked to Jordan [Knight] much, but he's doing something [music-related], too. And Jon [Knight] is working on real estate.
Carrie: Is it going to be hard for you to get motivated to work again? I mean, at 18 you accomplished what most people just dream about.
Joe: I can't wait! I mean I just want to be back performing on stage, doing music that you can get down to and feel and share. I think I have something to share and this is what I am supposed to do. So in times when I don't want to do it, I say, "Well, let me do it for those people that I know I am going to reach and I know are going to get it."
Carrie: That sounds great, Joe! We can't wait for your new album.