America observes the fascinating marriage of Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson weekly on the MTV reality show, "The Newlyweds." But, prior to the constantly-rolling cameras on the infamous duo, Nick was one-quarter of the multi-platinum selling group 98 Degrees. However, Nick isn't the only post-98 Degrees cohort to rekindle fame -- Jeff Timmons is poised to release his first solo album, "Whisper That Way," to a starving and massive fanbase. "In 98 Degrees, sometimes we had hit songs handed to us, and we liked the songs and could relate to them, but we didn't write them, and they didn't mean exactly that much to us personally," says the 31-year old singer. "These songs mean a lot to me personally."

     Songwriting isn't the only responsibility that Jeff took upon himself when constructing the album -- recorded in his home studio, the thirteen tracks were also produced by Timmons and promoted through his own company, Rising Phoenix Media. "The main reason that I did this record on my own was so that I could do the music that I liked to do, and that's pretty much what I did on this one," he explains. And music isn't the only thing on Jeff's "To-Do" list -- he is also tackling acting, fatherhood, and an upcoming tour with legendary singer-songwriter Jim Brickman.

     Although the album is entitled "Whisper That Way," we expect there will be a buzz that's loud and clear -- from the fun, infectious numbers to the emotional ballads, Jeff proves he's no one-trick pony. Join girlything.com in this exclusive interview, where we find out why he's a proud Papa, the status of 98 Degrees, and why a stint like "The Newlyweds" is not in his cards...

gt.com: this will be your first album as a solo artist -- are you worried about the transition you'll need to make from being known as a member of 98 Degrees to an individual, as Jeff Timmons?

JEFF: No, I think it can only help. It's definitely helping me get in the door with radio and things like that, so I don't think it's a problem. I think the toughest transition is getting people to actually listen to the music and see the difference between me with 98 Degrees and being a solo artist -- having people get used to the sound that I give off by myself as opposed to the group sound.

gt.com: in 98 Degrees, sales skyrocketed with each album release. are you worried about the solo record achieving the same amount of success?

JEFF: Definitely not! Of course, everybody would love to sell a lot of records, do really well on the charts, be very popular, and have their song all over the radio, but if that was just my goal I would have went with a major record label as opposed to doing it on my own.

gt.com: on that note, the album features an impressive twelve songs written by yourself. since writing can be a deeply personal task, what have you learned about yourself through this process?

JEFF: A lot -- that's a great question! You really figure out where you make mistakes and the things you do right and the things you do wrong through your writing. The album is about good times in my life and bad times, and not necessarily bad times caused by people other than myself. I'm responsible for a lot of things in my life that have gone wrong as well as right, but you just learn by your mistakes, and hopefully you can change the way you act so that it doesn't happen again.

gt.com: absolutely! so, when you completed writing a song, did you test the waters and ask friends, family, or producers what they think? or, was it pretty much set in stone and ready to record by the time you hit the studio?

JEFF: I would just record the songs first out of the small studio I have in my house, and then I'd talk with people afterward, after it was already done. But I've never changed anything after hearing somebody else's opinion...maybe I should. ::laughs:: I kinda just left it the way it was. If I was feeling something when I wrote it and when I sang it in the studio, then that's probably the way it should be!

gt.com: good point. tell us more about your new album, "Whisper That Way." how would you describe the sound of the record?

JEFF: I would say that the sound is kind of like "old 98 Degrees," maybe the first two albums and Christmas album type of vibe. A lot of harmonic things going on there. The album is really true to my life -- every song in there I have written and produced myself, and it's about things in my life.

gt.com: speaking of 98 Degrees...will you and the guys be reuniting for another album release, or has the group parted indefinitely?

JEFF: I think we're kind of on an "indefinite hiatus" right now. I mean, with what's going on with Nick [Lachey] and his show with Jessica [Simpson], I don't think he'll have much time to record an album with us. And of course I have this solo record that I'm trying to work on and get out there, so I think it's going to be a little bit until we get back together. But, we are definitely not broken up!

gt.com: phew! we're relieved to hear that! you mentioned Nick's show, The Newlyweds, which he has gained a lot of recognition from -- what did you think when you watched the episodes?

JEFF: I've only watched it one time and it was just sort of weird, because I know those people, and to see them on TV not doing a record or something like that but just as themselves, is very strange for me to see that.

gt.com: understandably -- but if MTV offered you a reality show, is it safe to assume you'd take them up on it?

JEFF: Absolutely not! It'd be too crazy to have a reality show about me, and I'd lose any chance I'd have left! ::laughs::

gt.com: haha, we'd watch! okay, you are tackling the fictional acting industry -- tell us more about your first role on the big screen in the upcoming feature film, "Newport Heights."

JEFF: I play a kid that is much younger than myself, so it might be a stretch! It's about a kid that is coming into his own. He grows up in Orange County and his dad is in the entertainment business, so he's trying to figure out what kind of person he wants to be. Whether he wants to be a skater and slacker and just hang around with his friends and not do so much, or if he wants to actually do something with his life and go to school and become something. Acting is something I'd like to try it out! If it works out for me, great, and if it doesn't, it was worth a shot!

gt.com: we're sure you'll do great! now, through your career as a musician, what has been the one move you've regretted?

JEFF: I don't have any regrets. I mean, there are a lot of mistakes that I have made, but I wouldn't be where I'm at right now as far as my spirit and my mentality and emotionally without those mistakes. I think mistakes add to growth and the more you grow, the more well-rounded you become as a person. While I've made a lot of mistakes, and there are a lot of things I think I should regret, I don't regret anything. I'm very blessed and fortunate to have music as a career, and have people actually liking the music out there...you know, I don't have any regrets, none at all.

gt.com: what a wonderful attitude -- something else we know you don't regret is working with renowned musical genius Jim Brickman. how has his music influenced your own?

JEFF: I wrote most of my songs before meeting Jim, but I think it's less about the music that has influenced me and more about the way he is as an artist. He's a very hardworker, a really nice guy, and doesn't rely on big labels and public relations people. He takes his projects into his own hands, and does a really good job in promoting his own stuff. I learned a lot from that!

gt.com: definitely a good mentor to have --  now, besides Jim, who else would you say has a career that you look to as an inspiration for your own?

JEFF: My father. Even though he is not in the music business, he's always been an inspiration to me as a businessman and as a person. He's always embedded himself into his career and gone to new levels and new heights, he's created great relationships through his work, and he's always bettered himself. It's just impressive to me to see him doing so well for himself like that. I model myself after that.

gt.com: aww...another family connection to your career is your children. your song "Baby J" being an ode to your son, how difficult would you say it is to juggle a music career and fatherhood?

JEFF: It's very difficult! The toughest thing about the music business is being away from my family and friends, especially my kids. It's tough, but you have to make time. The most important thing in your life is your family, and if you don't have kids, someday you will and you will understand what I'm talking about. You definitely have to find a way to make time for your kids. I don't like to have them on the road too much, because that's no way for a child to experience life. On the road and traveling to a lot of different spots may be good for a short amount of time, but for an extended period of time, I won't do that.

gt.com: definitely -- so, reality talent shows are now in abundance and a popular outlet for new musicians. what's your take on the whole American Idol phenomenon?

JEFF: I think it's funny! I think people are starting to catch on to it, knowing that they are kind of being force-fed as far as these artists go -- every winner or runner-up comes out with a record, and I don't think the public is as receptive to those artists as they once were. I think the show is a phenomenon, and it is great, exciting, and entertaining. And, I say, if you have to go on American Idol to get your foot in the door, go right ahead, it is fine by me! It looks like people are starting to wean off of it a little bit, because they are getting tired of the artists being similar or marketed the same way.

gt.com:  if you hadn't been in 98 Degrees, do you think you would have tried out for American Idol?

JEFF: Heck no! I'd be too nervous and shy to get up there and do that! I don't think I could have done it -- those people are really gutsy up there. I needed to surround myself with other singers and other entertainers; that's why I started with being in a group rather than doing the solo route in the beginning.

gt.com: aww...scared of Simon Cowell?

JEFF: Oh, yeah! He would of torn me to shreds! I wouldn't even dream of letting that guy hear me sing!

gt.com: haha, we think you would have done just fine! which song on this album, when you finished it, you knew you struck gold with?

JEFF: There are a couple on the album. Obviously, I like all of the songs about my children, but I think the best radio song on there is "Better Days." "Whisper That Way" is a pretty good radio song too, and it's doing pretty well. I just charted it on the adult contemporary charts this week! So, you know, hopefully there will be a couple of them, but I would say "Better Days" is the best radio song as far as striking gold. I also have a personal favorite, a song called "Rainbow" on there. It's a little more R&B kind of vibe song.

gt.com: all amazing songs, we agree. finally, what do you want fans to know about the new release and your plans for the future?

JEFF: Look out for the album, it's going to come out the 24th of August. Check me out on tour in the future, I will be out with Jim Brickman and I should be doing a tour on my own next summer. So keep looking for that!

gt.com: we're there! thanks for the interview, Jeff. you deserve every bit of success we know will be coming your way!

Jeff may be without his 98 Degrees
counterparts, but he is still as hot as ever --
check out his website at www.jefftimmons.com!