“It’s gonna be a shock to a lot of people,” Jesse McCartney enthuses, pausing to turn away from the phone and take a bite of the sandwich he has just ordered. “Sonically, it will sound like a 2007 record but with that ’80s bigness to it. People won’t even realize who is singing some of these songs!”
The singer/TV actor/inspirer of teenage screaming is talking about his upcoming third album, which he promises “doesn’t sound anything like ‘Beautiful Soul,’ ” the title song from his mega-successful 2004 debut disc.
Yes, Jesse McCartney is growing up.
McCartney, who turned 20 this month enters his 10th year as a professional performer at an interesting career crossroads, one that’s as old as a 1950s pompadour and familiar as a mop-top haircut.
Still young and beautiful enough to grace a tweener’s bedroom wall on a poster — and dating Katie Cassidy, daughter of teen pop royalty David Cassidy — the former star of ABC Family’s series “Summerland” is savvy enough to be aware of the changing tastes of his contemporaries, as well as his own.
And like the Frankies, Fabians and Justins before him, Jesse McCartney has to, as he puts it, “bridge the gap” between his loyal fan base while convincing the unfamiliar and the unimpressed that there’s more to him than blond good looks and a way with a pop hook. (Indeed, his last album, most of which McCartney co-wrote, betrayed a surprising Timberlake-ish funkiness and R&B proficiency.)
“There are very few people who have done this without [making somebody mad]. It has to be done for myself,” McCartney says.
Or as an equally cute guy named Ricky wrote almost 40 years ago, you can’t please everyone, so you’ve got to please yourself.
Q How is today’s Jesse McCartney different from the “Beautiful Soul” version?
A I’ve put so much into this new record, even more so than the second record. I’ve been around the world and back, traveling a lot, meeting cool people and not-so-cool people. You get a worldly vibe [from that,] which is really cool to have. That certainly has influenced the music a little. … I’ve been in the studio a little bit writing and talking about different things.
Q Different things like what?
A At my age, I have a lot to learn, certainly, about women especially … it’s really fun to actually talk about it in songs. I’ve been in and out of a relationship for 2 1/2 years with Katie, and we’ve had our ups and downs. I live a fairly social life, and that’s sometimes hard, but it’s going really well. I can’t complain. I’m really stoked about this new album.
Q What’s the response been from fans who have heard the new material?
A The thing is, my age group is what I wanted [to attract]. I realized that after the second album, a lot of the fans from the first album had come along, although I was able to get a new group of fans, who were around the same age as me. Some of the [first album’s fans] said, “Straight up, this is cool.” The ones my age are into a new sound.
Q You’re doing a lot of writing now, which is important for most artists, but maybe more so for someone like you who’s really trying to establish his credibility.
A After this record, I’ll get more of that [credibility], I really hope so. I just believe it. I think that [listeners] will hear the difference, hear the growth. It’s a whole other world from “Beautiful Soul.” I’m getting a lot of feedback from the male demographic in my age group, which never happened before. It wasn’t their thing. Getting that is really cool, when you have 20-year-old dudes saying, “That’s not bad. I’d jam to that.” That’s a pretty cool feeling.
Q Are you worried about alienating the earlier fans?
A Certainly, there’s a fine line. There’s never a time when everyone’s gonna be happy. Some people will be disappointed, and some will be stoked. I do what I love, because of this business. I gotta grow. I can’t be concerned about parents’ opinions. I’ve struggled with that. … People I work with put that bug in my ear [that there might be some concern). You can’t think that hard about, you know, are you gonna offend 9-, 10-year-olds. Because, maybe you will! It depends on how conservative the parents are. All I do know is that whatever happens on the record is how I feel. I’m not Bob Dylan. It’s not deep, heavy stuff. It’s certainly fun music that people can relate to with fun melodies.
Q So what does it sound like?
A I’m going for Prince chord changes, Michael [Jackson] melodies and the bigness of Madonna — fun ’80s stuff. That’s the best that I can put it.
Q Again, how do you make those big changes, making it sound so different from your biggest hit, and make it sound organic?
A It’s hard. People look at me and say, “Oh, he’s not who he is.” They don’t really know that. I know better than anybody! People are used to what they already know. I know better than anybody who I am. Like I said, I’m bridging a gap. People are a lot less open-minded than you’d think.
Q Is there anyone whose career you emulate, particularly someone like you who’s trying to bridge audiences and phases in your life?
A In some ways. As far as business moves, I think I’d say Mark Wahlberg. Will Smith did a great job, and Jennifer Lopez did an amazing job. She’s a serious chick, man. She’s a businesswoman. Those are the people I look up to, because what they’ve done is cool, and still fun.
Q Are you doing any acting?
A Last year I did “Keith,” a high-budget indie by Todd Kessler. These things take forever to come out. It’s about this kid, who’s 18 years old, and there’s this bitterness about him. He’s screwing around with this girl’s head. It’s kind of depressing, but you kind of have to see it to realize the reasons why he’s such [a jerk] to her.
Q And you play that guy, I assume.
A Yes. I’m the [jerk].
Q So when is the record coming out?
A I’m working leisurely on [it]. I don’t know when it’s gonna come out, when they’re pushing for it. … In the place where I am right now, you just gotta go for it all the way. I’m 20 years old. God’s blessed me financially the last couple of years, and I have a beautiful girlfriend. All careers have their dips, and go up and down and up and down. But I gotta go for it.
May 2nd, 2007 at 6:27 pm
wow do you think he still wants 14 year old fans??
May 2nd, 2007 at 7:32 pm
I don’t what kind of music he does! I’m still going to support him all the way!
May 2nd, 2007 at 10:16 pm
changing his style can be dangerous but I’m with him
May 2nd, 2007 at 11:24 pm
it doesnt really matter if he doesnt want 14 yr old fans just as long as he keeps making music and maybe some movies the girls will be happy, im also with him all the way…
May 3rd, 2007 at 12:53 am
Y dosent jesse want fans under 14? what did the fans under 14 do rong? there a some people who love him who r like 5 when i saw him at D.Y mall [n met him] there was kids who was about 7 even yunger than that.Iv just turned 13 dose this mean jesse dosent want me 2 suport him any more? plz plz plz plz HELP im so confused.JESSE PLZ TELL ME WHAT DID I DO RONG.iv suported u sooooooooooooooo much i wated ALL day 4 u at the arias i got squwashed rilly badly,my i pod nanno got taken out of my bag AND some of my monny.i love u heaps more than any 1 ever could [I SWARE 2 GOD] so y r u being like this.PLEASE DONT CHANGE HOW U R!!! im not being a mean bich or any thing but u shood be gratefull that u have fans who go through hell n back suporting u like me =(
May 3rd, 2007 at 1:10 am
JESSE PLEASE DONT CHANGE! WE ALL LOVE YOU THE WAY YOU ARE MY FRIEND IS REALY UP SET COZ SHE THINKS U DONT WANT HER SUPORT COZ SHE’S NOT OVER 14
I WE WANT THE SWEET JESSE BACK! WHO LOVE’S HIS FANS NO MATTER WHAT 
May 3rd, 2007 at 1:30 am
dont ever change
im still gana suport u but i dont want u 2 change coz ur beautiful the way u are.n i herd what u said in the in bed with jesse interview u dont need 2 go 2 the gym ur not fat, thin,ugly soft, or 2 white,or anything like that ur a sexy stud muffin.dont lisen 2 what people say coz remember u have the award 4 best hottie up on ur wall n not every 1 gets that award.i was so proud when u got it.keep it up n i will get u your own them park u did say u wanted 1.[any thing my baby wants my baby gets]
May 3rd, 2007 at 7:47 am
its not that he doesnt WANT you to support him anymore, jesses baby girl.
I just KNOW Jesse loves you for supporting him soooo much
he only THINKS that he will lose some of the younger fans because he’s changing his musicstyle in a more mature way (: to atract fans his own age but also for himself because he is growing up)
if YOU like the new style anyway then there is no problem. he would love to keep you as a fan.. he really didnt change….
(only his music did.)
so don’t WORRY!!
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:00 pm
hi jesse
i m from malta and i am a big fan of your’s.i love your songs and you are so beautiful.love you.i d like someday i meet you.
May 7th, 2007 at 11:31 am
im with him im almost 20 my self and deeper more grown up music is good i can’t wait
May 7th, 2007 at 11:33 am
it doesn’t mean he doesn’t want them it means hes not going 2 keep his music childish to please them and there parents
May 7th, 2007 at 11:43 am
I think its great that hes wanting to take a risk of losing some of his fans by changing his music.I mean he’s 20 now and he needs to have more mature music and lyrics.But either way it goes im behind him 100%.Just like Jesse said some will be happy some will be upset,but their comes a time in everybody’s life that u can’t please everybody,u have to please your self sometimes to.So Jesse whatever u do I will support u all the way through it.
May 7th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
hey… I can’t wait for the third album. I think on “Right Where You Want Me” he tried to not competely piss off the 9 and 10 year olds, but he’s 20 now. I can’t wait to hear how his sound changed and the lyrics behind the changes…. I’m stoked. Somewhere I read about it possibly coming out this fall, but I think this article killed that notion.. :[ sad…. now we have to wait longer for the new one
May 7th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
I’m sorry but this really is pissing me off. Okay he might not intentionally want to lose his younger fans, but seriously he worded this so badly. I mean I highly doubt that he means it this way but it seems like all he wants is older fans and like NEWSFLASH most of his fans are younger than him and by younger I mean WAY younger than him. My cousin who is 8 listens to his music and stuff and that pisses me off so much that he said this. I am 15 and I feel that he doesn’t even want me because I’m too young. So long story short if this isn’t what he meant he really needed to word this WAY better.
May 8th, 2007 at 2:47 am
Hey I’m turning 20 this year, born the same year as Jesse, and I love all his music! I do have rather odd music taste though, but I stoked for him to maybe get a bit mroe mainstream.
May 8th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Im 15 to krissy i still feel like he wants me has a fan. I mean yeah he has got older and hes gonna have older types of music.I like all his music . And its not really his choice if he loses his younger fans its what his younger fans choose to listen to. And plus it depends on whether the parents approve for the younger ones to listen to it.And NEWSFLASH I don’t think he meant it like this. Ur just overreacting.
May 9th, 2007 at 2:39 am
THANKS alyssa [coment 8] i still love jesse.but i was just a bit confused sometimes i jump 2 conclusion’s.i bet ill love jesse’s new style.i meen CUM ON jesse’s 20 now.its about time he makes his music more mature.coz he’s all grown up now.AAAWWWW. jesse’s cd right where u want me was a lot more grown up then beautiful soul.i all most fainted when i herd blow ur mine.
IM STILL GANA BE JESSE’S 1 FAN!
May 10th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
lol, jesse’s baby girl…..i thought that was weird too! well, not weird, different? i was just about laughing when i heard him sing it!!!
lol
May 10th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
OMG HE IS THE HOTTEST MAN ALIVE!! I DON”T JUST LOVE HIM FOR THIS REASON THOUGH. HIS MUSIC IS GREAT, AS WELL AS HIS CONCERTS, HE IS AMAZINGLY KIND…I MET HIM WITH VIP PASSES 3 TIMES!!!…, AND HE IS JUST SO…REAL. JESSE, I JUST CAN’T SAY HOW MUCH I ADORE YOU, BUT NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU CHANGE YOUR MUSIC AND STYLE, I WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT AND BE AMAZED BY YOU. KEEP ON ROCKIN’!
May 11th, 2007 at 12:50 am
Hey i love Jesse McCartney i have supported him no matter what he has done i know he is 20 but hello if it was not for all of his younger fans what stinking friends would he have i just turned 14 and i have spent over 300 or more dollars on his stuff and he can go one to more mature things……but i am going to support Jesse no matter wha
May 11th, 2007 at 12:53 am
this is still caitlin as i was saying…..why does he not want his younger fans i mean what did we do wrong jesse or somebody who email me at alannacane4987@aol.com and tell me please i am confused JESSE WHAT DID WE DO
May 11th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
caitlin jesse still wants u as a fanDONT WORRY.he just wants 2 bring the age of his fan base up. e.g his fan base is age’s 4 to about 18.but he probebly wantS 2 bring the age up.SO DONT WORRY IM SHORE HE STILL WANT U AS A FAN.(by the way we have the same name)
May 11th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
I think that he still loves his fans and their support but some teen fans are obsesed and I think that he might be a little creaoed out by that…at least I hope that that’s it.
May 11th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
“a little creaped out”. (sorry)
May 13th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
If Jesse wants to change, let him. I’m 15 and I understand that he wants to get more respect as an artist and get fans his own age. Lots of musicians change, I used to be a huge fan of Justin Timberlake when he was in Nsync and I still am even though he’s changed his music ALOT. He’s not singing Bye, Bye, Bye anymore he’s singing Sexyback, What Goes Around…, etc. But bascially it may be hard but just trust Jesse!
May 15th, 2007 at 4:25 am
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE SUCKS DICK.HE ROBBED JESSE AT THE 07 U.S KCA.AND HE SAYS FUCK THIS FUCK THAT IN HIS MUSIC VIDEOS.EEEEWWWWWW GET THAT FAG AWAY FROM ME.
May 18th, 2007 at 12:28 am
jesse girls love you dont wory i’m 18. when i firsr heard you new alblem i was stunned and loved it even more. i loved dady’s little girl and blow your mind and just so you know. and i know your changeing just like everyone eles with you new life we respect that, i respct that but the thing is your the only boy who’s cared for a girl like in your songs. as for me i’m still trying to find my beatiful soal out there… if it wasnt for you i woulnt be the crazy me lol love you and leave ya ur fan jay gurl
May 18th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Jesse
dont be a bitch
damn..im 14..and i better damn be your fan
im ur niumber 1 fan
and imma stay that way
no mattrer how you change
you will ALWAYSS be sexy
oh yess ur relationship with katie,…..just dump her…duhh and go with me!!!! anyways i cannot wait for ur songs and ur cd to come out i wonder how will it sound oh yes the girl who got her ipod stolen im sorry! but Jesse we teenagers is what made ur name got out were the only reason u exist so if u get rid of us there will be no JesseMcCartney ket..oh come to Nashville Tennessee and put more cursing n rap n stuff on ur album cant wait 2 c what its like!!!!!!!!!!!!
your BIGGESTTT fan-
Dominique
May 19th, 2007 at 2:26 am
thanks dominique. i just figured it out who it was.there was this big fat girl sitting near my bag yelling at me coz i asket her 2 move over coz she was to close to my feet (i did ask her very nicely).and i was about 2 fall over.and my bag was near her.it sucks coz i took that i pod every where.i never left my hand AND IT WAS 1 OF THOSE EXPENSIVE THIN ONE’S.
May 19th, 2007 at 2:31 am
May 23rd, 2007 at 8:53 pm
wow, you really disappoint me.
even though im 16, you dont have to be that low and just say you want to lose your fans.
what ever happened to “i love my fans!”
maybe you shouldve said
maybe the younger kids wont like it.
i just lost A TON of respect for you
May 24th, 2007 at 8:14 am
I Think Jesse is making a big mistake by saying that ,but he is 20 now and his music is more mature. And we can still be his fan. Even though he said that ,it don’t make any difference im still going to be one of his fans.And I really don’t give a crap what he said because he can’t make us change.
May 25th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
oh yes Jesse
i dont believe in you anymore
sorry babe!
ill just listen to your music watch u on tv and try to meet you so i can kiss you
got it
and -laughs- jesses baby girl./…your welcome..u shoulda made that fat girl pay for ur ipod
Jesse..do you like cereal..like Apple Jacks or Trix i love trix good dude u really need to come to Nashville Tennessee sometime but try to come to Chattanooga so i can go to it lmao love you hun -laughs- oh yes Ketih comes out July10-15th EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!
May 31st, 2007 at 9:54 pm
i have been thinking about how your 20 well ages does’nt matter right i mean sure fitten years olds are a little too young… but with out all the fans alltogeter you wounlnt be who you are jesse and they made you come this far why blow them off? they amire you for what you do and look up to you what the perfct guy would be. but im sure im nobosy to you though… im 18 soo thats a little yonger and i know what you mean. have a great day nite week year ok jess luv ya - jay gurl
August 7th, 2007 at 10:08 am
okay, i think what Jesse means is that he’s wanting more fans in the teenage era. Like 14-20’s. He’s probably wanting to repel some of the 5-12 year olds. i don’t think it’s b/c he doesn’t like them or doesn’t appreciate their support, it’s just his music is growing up with his age and, ya know, some parents of the younger kids might take offence to what his songs are about and he just doesn’t need that kinda stress. I’m 15, what do you mean (jay gurl) that i’m too young to like Jesse? Look at all the little 7 yr olds out there, at least i’m a teenager! All i know is that i will support Jesse always and i will always admire his work, talents, and sweet personality. ROCK ON JESS.
August 18th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
jesse is cool and rocks too. everbody should like his music becuse the music is one of a kind and orginal, his music is very different from other music. Also everybody should support him at least I will, cause Im one of his fans. I love everything about him If knew him I would say that he is shy really smart and maybe afraid to say what he wants to say and if he was born or looked diffently I would say he would have a personalty of mean and hurts the persons feelings even if the person tryed so hard to get to like that person when he already had a girlfriend that is a lesbo or bi.
August 21st, 2007 at 2:17 am
………..JESSE IS SO HOT….
August 21st, 2007 at 2:27 am
…jesse is one of a kind,his music,attitude..even if i dont see him in personal….!!hope that u come here in the PHILIPPINES…
WE’RE so excited to see you here…all of your fans here…especially me ofcourse…hehehe
im so happy that YOU come in my life..!!
hope that do more movies,albums,tours…..evrything…!!!l
LOVE YAHHH…;-)
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:06 am
woow he might be looking for a girl freind or somthing. his new album is so hot and will get like his age people lol. i am still gona like him though xxxxxxxxxx
August 23rd, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Sexy cam babes, free live chat
August 26th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
I’m only 13 but i don’t really care as long as it sounds good and it probably will but i love jesse and i always will don’t worry about losing me
September 7th, 2007 at 9:26 am
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September 12th, 2007 at 7:25 am
hi what ur name
September 17th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
i like you you are so hot and cute
September 17th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
i lke you and i think that you are so cute and so hot
September 17th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
i love you
September 21st, 2007 at 9:15 pm
think about how boring his music would be if every album was the same as beautiful soul ?!? i love the fact that hes changing it up. JESSES AMAZING AND I WILL ALWAYS LOVE HIM !
September 25th, 2007 at 3:48 am
he’s one of the hottest teen singers be4_and he’s still of them right now.! he’s also one of the most mouth watering teens b4_and now he’s turned 20_he will be more delisyoso_uhhhhmmmm yummy jesse!!!!!hehehehe
September 27th, 2007 at 8:01 am
his website is awsome he is soo hot he is mine man and i love his cd right where you want me. I cant beaive he is 20 years already. Hotttttttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!! sexy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Love Jesse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mccartney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:37 am
hey jesse
do u still want 18 fans like me to support ya
no mattter wht ill still be supporting U I LOVCE YA JESSE
November 2nd, 2007 at 8:12 pm
so does anyone really know if his movie “Keith” is ever going to come out this year? apart from the fact that it has THE jesse mccartney in it (lol) it sounds like it has a really good story line.
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:16 pm
i love you jessy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!u are such a great singer
November 15th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
hello im crazy bout u i think u r hot as
November 15th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
hello againg bye love uuuuuuuuuuuuuuu long time by
November 17th, 2007 at 4:34 am
Yeah, its great if he makes a new albumn maturly… i bet its gonna be great… though i love his album right where you want me to be…!! and i do hope he goes online just once??..?? here me please… damn it… anyway.. ive been waiting for him to come visit Philippines… Though we’re gonna go to new york.. hope ill see JeSSe There… crap, we need a visa..!!
November 17th, 2007 at 4:37 am
uh-huh-uh-huh-uh-huh-uh-huh-uh-huh…!!! olryt…!! i wonder why my classmatyes taunt me to court him..!! great… its too bad i get to court a guy… it doesnt look ryte…!! damn it..
November 24th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Jesse Plz don’t change love all your fans but me at the top. I love u the way you are and i am 13 but doesn’t matter wat age. i can act 20 for you its easy.
January 17th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
hey Jesse i really like you a lot why do you have to be so cruel! I mean every time i look at you, it makes me sad because i don’t get to touch you or even get to know you. Every day i come home from high school (im 17) and watch re- runs of you on summerland. and hey why does a 14 year old little Miley Cyrus get to lip lock with you and i cant. I have turned down 17 dates for you in the last two months and three were girls. I really do like you e-mail me back please!
January 17th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
OKAY I REALLY NEED TO STOP IM ADDICTED TO YOU! YOU KNOW WHEN YOU REALLY LIKE SOME ONE YOU CANT STOP THINKING ABOUT THEM WELL YEAH THAT SHOW I FEEL…… AND I KNOW YOU GET THIS A LOT BUT YOUR MESSING UP MY SOCIAL LIFE……… AND I DONT EVEN KNOW YOU PERSONALLY AND IM ONLY 3 YEARS YOUGER THAN YOU! GIVE ME A CHANCE
WUV YOU MUAH
January 18th, 2008 at 12:42 am
yea, im addicted to jesse too, n im only 11! i luv jesse’s songs very much, they r soo good, im gonna keep supportin 2 jessee no matter wat, im one of the biggest fans of him!!
February 8th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
you people are so stupid. if he does not want fans under 13 or14 who cares. there are plenty of better looking guys than Jesse. like Adam Livene from Marron5
HES HOT!!!!!!!
February 8th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
i dont think he means if your under 14 stop listen to him he dont want you to be a fan no more..
he probley just wants more older fans then what he has
so you guys gotta stop going on about it..not to be mean
or anything but come on off it.
he is 20 years old he wants more 14+ up fans thats all
no big deal you can still be a fan
dont worrie about it