Nick Carter’s India Tour: ‘I’m Bringing the Best of Backstreet Boys and My Solo Music’

Backstreet Boys frontman Nick Carter is set to embark on an exciting new chapter with his Who I Am Tour in India. For the first time, the 45-year-old American singer-songwriter will be performing solo in Kolkata, Siliguri, Bengaluru, and Shillong, bringing a mix of his Backstreet Boys hits, his solo releases such as “Superman” and “Made for Us,” and a selection of classic 80s and 90s songs that shaped his musical journey.

Having already experienced India’s rich culture during the DNA World Tour, it looks like Carter can’t wait to return and connect with fans on a more personal level. He’s excited to explore the country’s traditions, dive into its amazing food scene, and maybe even collaborate with some Indian artists along the way.

In this exclusive interview, Carter opens up about what it means to perform solo, the stories behind his music, and what fans can expect from these one-of-a-kind shows. Take a look at what he had to say:

What excites you most about performing in India for the first time as a solo artist?

Nick Carter: I’m excited because this is the first time I’ll be in India as a solo artist. We have so many fans who barely get to see us perform over there. It’s very rare for us to visit that part of the world due to our busy schedules, but as a solo artist, it’s easier for me to manage my time. I’m really excited to be able to take some time to perform for them because they’ve been so patient. I’m also a big fan of the culture and the music culture in India. When we went there recently on the DNA tour, there was this amazing presentation at the hotel with music and dance. It was so warm and welcoming, and you could tell that music is such a big part of India’s culture. I’m just happy to come back and show them a little bit of who I am, while giving them a glimpse of what they love about the Backstreet Boys.

What can you tell us about the set list for these shows?

We have created a setlist that introduces people to my solo music while also performing Backstreet Boys music, which gives a really good balance and an entertaining show that people will feel happy about when they come. It also introduces some American music that maybe they know or don’t know. I am playing music that I grew up listening to, was a fan of, and that made me who I am as an artist—stuff that inspired me. So, it’s just a journey through music, and I’m bringing that to India, using Backstreet Boys music, my solo music, and covering American-inspired songs.

Your tracks “Superman” and “Made for Us” feel deeply personal. What inspired these songs, and how do they reflect where you are in life right now?

“Made For Us” is a dedication to the fans. It’s a celebration of the many years we’ve been in this industry and a way of never forgetting the fans. It’s a song about the love and the fantasy of a fan, but for me, it’s also a dedication. It’s me recognizing what they love so much about us and the dream they’ve had as fans, carrying that love for 32 years.

“Superman” is very personal because it reflects some of the things I’ve gone through in my life. I wrote that song with those experiences in mind, and it’s the beginning of me opening up even more for this next solo project. It’s about being able to tap into things I want to say but haven’t said before. Music has always been a safe space for me, and Superman was the start of that process for this next solo album.

How does performing solo differ from being on stage with the Backstreet Boys?

Performing solo for me is freedom because, as Backstreet Boys, we don’t play a lot of instruments. There’s a specific sound and direction we follow, with a lot of hits focused on dancing, performing, and putting on a show. My solo work is a little more musically inclined—I’m playing instruments and doing a bit of everything, whether it’s rock, pop, or R&B. I’m very eclectic when it comes to music, so it differs because of that. It’s also a personal story. We’re using music as the storyline of my life, from beginning to end, to introduce myself while telling a story people can relate to. That’s the difference—my solo shows are more personal. Solo, in itself, means more personal, so it’s a more intimate experience at my shows.

Your fans in India have been waiting for years to see you live. What can they expect from your shows?

They can expect a high-energy, jam-packed show with songs that they know, that I love, and that they love, with flavors of different genres and music from the history of this industry. It’s educational, it’s fun, it’s personal, and it’s just rocking.

Are you planning to explore India beyond the concerts? Is there anything specific you’re looking forward to?

I would love to go and see everything. I’m a big fan of Indian food—it’s probably in my top three in the world—and I definitely want to go out there and try some of the cuisine. I also want to venture off, embrace the culture, and learn more about it. That’s something I’m definitely going to do when I’m there.

After the “Who I Am Tour,” what’s next for you musically? Any new projects or collaborations in the works?

This new solo album that I’ve been working on is pretty much done. I have been trying to come up with a plan for when I launch this album, where I can collaborate with people and other artists in certain territories. India has been one of the places I’ve been thinking about. I’ve just been trying to find that person who would want to collaborate with me. I have the song already written, and I’d love to do a partnership with someone from India, and I plan to do that kind of thing all over the world. I think that’s something I really want to do because we, as a group, are a worldwide group. We’ve done songs in other languages before, and we’ve worked with international artists. I never want to forget that it is a very big world out there, and it’s not just about me; it’s about the whole world. There are great musicians, great artists, and great people all over the world, specifically in India, who maybe wouldn’t necessarily get an opportunity to shine like local artists in America and around the world.

We heard that you’re performing classics from the 80s and 90s. Which songs or artists from those eras have influenced you the most?

I was a big fan of the eighties because I was an eighties baby—I was born in 1980. I loved Tears for Fears, Simple Minds, and we also did a song from Corey Hart. I also mix in some rock music, like ZZ Top and other American rock, because that’s what I grew up listening to. It’s definitely a beautiful rainbow of different types of music, with the eighties making up the majority of what we do. Those are some of the artists I grew up listening to.

What would you like to say to your fans in India who’ve been waiting for this moment?

Just get ready because I’m coming, and it’s going to be an incredible show. If you don’t have your tickets yet, make sure you get them—you won’t want to miss this. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Tickets for Carter’s tour can be purchased here.