Surf's up -- in the music scene, that is. Since the early '90s, Phoenix Stone, (a self-proclaimed surf-a-holic), has been splashing waves in the entertainment industry. If it's not on the previous television show in which he made his acting debut, Welcome Freshman, it was as one of the first members of, get this -- the Backstreet Boys. In the pre-Brian Littrell days, Phoenix was a young and musically-gifted teenager, roaring up to become the next big thing. But, he dropped it -- for reasons more personal than platinum albums. "I had a lot of fun with the group, but it didn't really work out for me -- I was young, and I knew I wanted to be a musician and write my own music. Being with the group, although I had such a great time with them, I didn't feel like I could grow as a performer."

     You read correctly -- a new name in pop that not only writes his own music, but plays the instruments, as well. Viewing a recent performance at Orlando's House of Blues, we were privileged to watch as this rising act switched from bouncy dance-beats to keyboard-playing ballads in four minutes flat. "I produced all of the songs but three [on my album], and I play most of the instruments," Phoenix explains, while on vacation in the Los Angeles area. "I truly believe that this distinguishes me from other solo pop acts."

     Now, when Phoenix isn't hitting the waves, he's attending celebrity galas and providing his presence in the cinematics. Just recently, he completed his cameo in the upcoming flick by Orlando's "Big Poppa" Lou Pearlman, entitled Longshot. "It was great being on the set. I perform my song, 'I'll Still Be Loving You,' which is on my [forthcoming] album. The main character goes to an outdoor concert, which happens to be where I'm performing." The movie is set to be released this spring. Here, gt magazine gets to know the grandmaster of a new pop sound. Be prepared to be dazzled by Phoenix Stone!

the funniest thing I did as a child was...Phoenix reminisces, "I would stand in front of the mirror with a hairbrush, pretend I was a star, and sing." Looks like he was predicting his future!

the strangest thing in my bedroom is...With his trademark laugh, he gives us more insight into his obsession: "I have this thing with surf wax in it, because I use my surfboard. That's not really common!"

something I wish I knew in high school is..."Status doesn't mean anything," he shares. "There's the whole class structure -- you know, popular, unpopular. And, that really doesn't matter after high school. People are a lot more friendly out of social circles."

the tastiest dish I can cook up is..."Nothing -- I'm not a good cook," Phoenix explains. "Nobody's going to want to eat my cooking. I can survive on the food I can make, but I don't want to!"

people would be shocked to learn that...He was ready to brag on this one! "I have a yellow Lab dog -- his name is Tough. He's the coolest dog ever," he emphasizes.

if I were president, I would..."Try to make it so everyone is treated equally and there are no barriers between races." In all seriousness, he continues, "I'd try to make it one nation." We've got our ballots in!

the thing that scares me the most about fame is...For the lighthearted Phoenix, this answer came from his unheard-of serious side: "I think it's not being able to live up to my potential. I'm always striving to be better, and everything I do, I want it to be better than the time before. I just want to be the best I can be, and it scares me that I may not achieve that."

a wise man once said...Phoenix used this question as an opportunity to share his tips on conquering your dreams: "If you believe in what you do and work harder than anyone else, anything is possible."

movie theaters or rentals? Phoenix wouldn't be a picky date -- in comparison of the two, he decided that both are acceptable.

early bird or night hawk? Laughing, he steadily admits that he's a fan of P.M. In choosing between sunrise or moonlight, Phoenix also responded with a nighttime preference: "I would definitely like to watch the moonlight."

new kids on the block or menudo? A fan of both groups way back then, Phoenix had a difficult time choosing. After much thought, he chose the former Boston-based boy band, New Kids on the Block.

in the studio or live performance? We'd have to agree with his answer for live performance -- Phoenix puts on the best shows! Want to catch him live in action? "I have a tour coming up with Elite Model Search," he explains. "The Spice Girls and Maxwell have done this tour before. I'm actually the musical headliner. A twenty-five city tour! I'm really excited about that!" Keep checking Phoenix's official site for the dates!

britney spears or christina aguilera? Although Phoenix has opened for Ms. Spears, ("Hers was my favorite show to perform -- some pretty big arenas!"), he couldn't grasp his hold on one pop princess. "I like both," he tells us from his room in Los Angeles.

orlando or los angeles? Phoenix is known to frequent both cities, so choosing between the two was a challenging task. But, in the end, he sided with the popular California city.

i read my horoscope daily. His future is with the stars, (Hollywood, we mean), but Phoenix denies checking with them when it comes to the Zodiac.

i can remember the name of my first girlfriend. A romantic at heart, he admits that her name is still etched in his memory.

i'm told that I worry too much. This one is of truth: "I like everything to go right and run smoothly, especially in my career."

i think that blondes have more fun. Being a blonde-haired hottie himself, we half-expected his answer to be with the golden group. But, he surprised us by responding with: "False...I think anyone can have more fun!"

my favorite movie is a 'chick flick.' Keeping in high spirits, he lets out a laugh. "I can get into all kinds of movies." Okay, Phoenix -- you don't have to admit it!

i believe in love at first sight. "True -- definitely!" He admits, emphasizing 'definitely,' and once again proving he's all for amour.

i tune in daily to MTV. Phoenix shares that we predicted this one correct -- and, hey, we bet very soon we'll be tuning in to see him on the famous music television station!

   Phoenix is well-rounded when it comes to the music he adores. He explains, "I'm really inspired by songs. I can see how a song, in any different type of genre than I have, can be dressed up differently." He continues to cite Aretha Franklin as one of his inspirations, "She's got so much soul -- when I listen to her CD, the way she sings with such emotion, it inspires me to be very truthful with what I sing and have it come from the heart."

    This single songster, who is under the wing of music mogul Lou Pearlman's management company, shares the attributions of his ideal female: "I like a girl who likes to have a good time and has a sense of adventure and spontaneity. For example, if I decide I want to go off and do something spur of the moment, she would be willing to go with me." With his venturesome attitude and sweet smile, most any girl would be willing to take a plunge off a mountain with him, (a bungee-cord attached, of course).

    Plunging in high altitude, kind of like his first single, "Nothing Good About Goodbye," which has been one of the top three records that radio stations chose to play around the country. Phoenix also admits that he frequents his domain: "I'm very active on my website! I have a section that fans can send in questions, and I respond. Whenever I'm on the road, I'll try to answer some. Check out the pictures on the site -- a lot of the time, I'll put pictures of me with fans, so it could be you!" With that prize, we can't decide what would be better -- to be on his site or to be with him in the picture!

    Fans are gearing up for his first album, which will hit the shelves in March, but until then, they'll be watching his rise to the top. And, you never know -- one day, you could be relaxing in the sand, and to your shock, Phoenix will be surfing the waves. There's your excuse to go into the water.

Check out Phoenix's biography, track
listings, and more at music.yahoo.com!