gt.com: you have an interesting story on how you came together -- could you share that with our readers?

DARON: We met in high school, and we was all in the same chorus class. We always talked about the other students in the chorus class, because we felt like we were better then them. We were like the best tenor section in the state of Georgia! We always felt like we was better than them, so we used to clown the other kids. Our teacher got mad at us one day and said, "If you all don't sing at the coronation, I'm going to fail you all." So, that's kinda how the group came together because we had to come together to sing at the coronation. After that, we got offers to sing at talent shows and that's how we formed.

gt.com: you released your debut album in 1996, so you're no newbies to the music business -- what has been the biggest struggle for the group in the last five years?

DARON: Our biggest struggle I'd have to say was financially in the beginning of our careers. We expected a lot from the industry financially, and we expected it a little too early. A lot of us went out and spent a lot of money that we got on our first advance. We started spending a lot of money not realizing your records wouldn't always be high. That was one of our biggest struggles. And, that was at the beginning of our careers. We didn't realize when you get money, it's going to eventually stop, so you need to invest it.

gt.com: most musicians call planes their second homes. considering the tragic events of September 11th, is it difficult for you to fly?

DARON: On September 11th as a whole thing, I think the whole country is just traumatized. Personally, I'm still traumatized. I won't fly now. We've been on tour with Janet [Jackson] since July, and her tour was based around a tour bus. But, we had opportunities to do shows outside of the tour, like college shows, but we would've had to fly to do those and fly back to the tour. We canceled a lot of those things, and I haven't been back to the airport since that happened.

gt.com: you worked with P.Diddy when he redid the tribute "Missing You" for Notorious B.I.G. how was that experience?

DARON: It was cool -- we wanted to be a part of it, because we knew B.I.G. We loved him. Just losing him as a labelmate and friend was something. We wanted to be a part of it just to show that we was sorry for what happened. It was kinda awkward, because you're doing a video, performing and entertaining, but you just lost someone that you truly loved. At the same time, I think it was necessary.

gt.com: How has his support influenced you and your career?

DARON: I can say that when Puff first met us, we was singing in a parking lot of a club called 112 -- that's where the name came from. We actually auditioned for him in the parking lot! Puff's influences has always been hip hop. I'm a student of old school R&B. I mean, that's what we grew up on -- lyrics, melody, chord changes, just real music. Not to say that hip hop isn't real music, but it's a lot of sampling. It's more based on base lines and beats versus actually playing music. I think once we incorporate the aspect of hip hop in our music, that's really where Puff's influence lies.

gt.com: you were the envy of every man on the planet when you opened for Janet Jackson on her "All for You" tour. tell me about the moment you heard you had the opening slot.

DARON: When we first heard about it, it was so on and off. We heard, "You guys might be opening for Janet, you might not." When we heard about the possibility, we were excited! We were kinda on pins and needles hoping that it would happen, and when it finally did happen, we were happy about it. Being on tour with her just because she's Janet Jackson -- it was an opportunity to open up the avenue for this group. Janet's fan base is way bigger than ours, ya know? Nobody on Earth is going to say, "I haven't heard of Janet Jackson," even if they don't like her music. Just being in the same sentence with her on a promotional aspect, it helps us a lot -- a part of being able to sell yourself is people knowing about you.

gt.com: how did her fans react to 112?

DARON: We rocked every night -- we got a standing ovation on every night in every city. We'd get off the stage, and they'd be up on their seats ready for Janet!

gt.com: being on tour with an icon like Janet, was there ever time to chill with her before a show or on off days?

DARON: Not really like that. Janet took out the time to meet us, because with us being on the tour, it would've been kinda rude for her not to come out! ::laughs:: But, that was really it. We met her that one day, it was cool. She told us how much she always loved our music and respected our talent, you know, and that was the reason she wanted us to be on the tour! She even recognized a lot of our older songs. To us, that was a lot coming from someone like her! She has a long career, and for her to say that about our music, it makes me think we might be going in the same direction.

gt.com: we hear you play amazing on the keys -- of the piano, that is. have you or do you plan to incorporate that into your songs?

DARON: The way I incorporate it into the music is that I produce a lot of our songs. A lot of people don't know that, because we're on Bad Boy and Puffy's label -- whose most well known for his contributions in producing -- but I'm the producer when it comes to 112. I've produced a majority of our music, and sometimes at the shows, I'll come out and play some music.

gt.com: you've worked with many top names in the industry. but if given the opportunity, who would be first on your duet wish list?

DARON: Personally, I'd want to work with the Dixie Chicks! Yeah, I think talent wise, they're one of the most talented female groups out there, because they play instruments and sing. I saw them on T.V. once, and they're the s***.

gt.com: what's your take on the pop phenomenon?

DARON: Can you be more specific?

gt.com: boy bands, teenage girl soloists...

DARON: Well, you know, from what I've seen, a lot of the people that have succeeded when it comes to the pop phenomenon, I think they're very talented. They seem to be very polished, and they seem to work hard. I think if that is working for them, they should continue to do it. Personally, I'm not really fans of any of them, but I like *N SYNC, because I think they're talented and they can really sing. And, I like the way the perform and the way they do their thing. I like Britney Spears, too, because she can dance real good!

gt.com: what's next for 112?

DARON: Basically, we're planning a small college tour, because our last day on the Janet show was a few days ago in Philly, so we're through with that. We're going to continue to perform at colleges. After that, we'll probably go in to record our next album.

gt.com: what would you like to say to your fans?

DARON: Thank y'all for supporting us through all these albums -- that's all you can say to your fans! Keep up the support, we love you all!

gt.com: we're sure the feeling is mutual! thanks, daron!