Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean reveals meaning behind solo EP ‘Hi, My Name Is Alex’

AJ McLean is stepping out from behind his Backstreet Boys persona and reintroducing himself to the world, this time, as Alex.

After more than three decades in pop music, McLean is ready to show fans the man behind the boy band. His upcoming solo EP, Hi, My Name Is Alex, out November 27, marks a bold step into personal storytelling, one shaped by sobriety, self-reflection, and growth. It’s a project about identity, honesty, and healing.

Let’s take a closer look at what this new era means for the pop icon.

What inspired “Hi, My Name Is Alex”?

McLean says the title isn’t just a name; it’s an introduction to his true self.

For years, AJ McLean was known for his edgy image and powerhouse vocals as part of the Backstreet Boys. But behind the stage lights, “AJ” became a character, one that didn’t always reflect who Alexander James McLean really was. “AJ is a character in a band… It doesn’t define me as who I am. I want the world to get to know Alex,” he explained during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show.

The project, which he describes as a “four-year journey,” comes from a place of self-discovery. It’s McLean’s way of reclaiming his identity after decades in the spotlight.

The story behind the title

The title symbolizes a reintroduction and a goodbye to the past version of himself.

McLean revealed that the “Alex” in the title refers to his birth name, Alexander James McLean. While “AJ” will always be part of him, “Alex” represents the version he’s come to embrace after years of therapy and recovery.

The EP will be followed by a full-length album titled Hi, My Name Is Alexander James, expected in early 2026. Each project, he said, reflects a different stage of his evolution, from survival to self-acceptance.

A journey of recovery and growth

McLean credits his four-year sobriety for giving him the clarity and confidence to create this project.

The 46-year-old has been open about his struggles with addiction and his road to recovery. In interviews, he’s spoken candidly about how his healing process inspired this new music. “I finally realized that I can love myself today, which I do. I can look at myself in the mirror,” McLean shared.

He explained that his new songs dive into mental health, vulnerability, and growth, the topics he once avoided. For him, Hi, My Name Is Alex isn’t just an EP; it’s a personal milestone.

What fans can expect from the sound?

The EP blends heartfelt pop with soulful, modern R&B, far from the boy-band formula.

While the Backstreet Boys are known for their polished harmonies and pop hits, McLean’s solo sound is more introspective. Early previews suggest a mix of stripped-down production, emotional lyrics, and raw vocals. “I wanted every song to sound like a conversation, like me talking to myself,” he explained.

Though the music feels different, fans will still find McLean’s signature vocal style at its core. The goal isn’t to reinvent pop, but to express honesty through it.

Balancing solo work and band life

McLean clarified that his solo project doesn’t mean he’s leaving the Backstreet Boys.

In his recent interviews, he’s emphasized that Hi, My Name Is Alex is a personal endeavor rather than a departure from the group. McLean described it as a chance to explore who he is beyond the stage persona fans have known for decades, while still honoring his roots with the band.

He expressed deep respect for his bandmates and said the Backstreet Boys remain united and active. He shared that this solo chapter simply reflects his own growth and the next step in his artistic journey, not the end of one.

The making of the EP

McLean’s solo project has been years in the making and reflects his personal evolution.

He’s shared that Hi, My Name Is Alex took shape over several years as he worked through major life changes, including achieving long-term sobriety and focusing on mental health. McLean described the creative process as therapeutic, helping him understand who he truly is beyond the stage persona that fans have known for decades.

While specific production details remain private, he’s said the project represents emotional honesty and simplicity. Each track connects to a chapter in his growth, from self-reflection to self-acceptance. For McLean, the goal wasn’t perfection; it was truth.

A message of hope for fans

McLean hopes his honesty encourages others to face their own challenges.

Throughout his journey, he’s spoken openly about his recovery, his struggles with addiction, and learning to love himself again. Fans have praised his transparency online, seeing it as a sign of strength and resilience.

The themes of healing and self-compassion run through his recent interviews, suggesting that the EP will mirror those same emotions in musical form.

What’s next for AJ McLean

The EP is just the start of a new era, and McLean isn’t slowing down.

Along with Hi, My Name Is Alex, McLean has confirmed plans for a follow-up full-length album titled Hi, My Name Is Alexander James, slated for early 2026. He’s described the album as a continuation of his story, taking the themes of identity and growth even further.

While he hasn’t announced any official tour dates or side projects, McLean remains active with the Backstreet Boys. He’s made it clear that his solo work is about personal exploration, not separation from the group that shaped his career.

Why this era matters

For McLean, this isn’t a comeback; it’s a continuation.

He’s not chasing nostalgia or trying to rewrite his past. Instead, he’s embracing who he’s become. “Everything I’ve done, the highs, the lows, brought me to this point,” he said. “Now I finally get to introduce you to Alex.”

Fans who grew up with the Backstreet Boys will likely find this next chapter deeply personal, a reminder that even pop icons evolve, heal, and start over.

TL;DR

• AJ McLean’s new solo EP, Hi, My Name Is Alex, releases November 27, 2025.
• The project marks a personal reintroduction, focusing on his true self: Alex.
• It was inspired by his sobriety, therapy, and self-growth over the past four years.
• The EP blends heartfelt pop and R&B with deeply introspective lyrics.
• A full album, Hi, My Name Is Alexander James, follows in early 2026.
• McLean remains committed to the Backstreet Boys while launching this solo journey.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.