September Soldier Of The Month: Meet Emma
Like a lot of fans, Emma, better known to a lot of Backstreet Boys fans as French Backstreet Team, has been able to mix her passion of being a Backstreet Boys fan and her career as a journalist. On top of having the opportunity to interview them for their documentary, Emma has used her own free time to help promote the boys around France and online through her "team," all while keeping the Backstreet pride alive!
Fan Club Username: Emm@ FBT (http://backstreetboys.com/
Location: Paris, France
Twitter: @FBTeam
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hi! I’m Emma from the French Backstreet Team. I’m 33 years old (34 soon). I've been married since June 2012. Bsb fan since april 1996. I was born in Paris, live in Paris and I love Paris. I work in PR and as a video reporter. Basically, I’m working with journalists and organising events like press conferences. I can also teach Public Relations in a business school. In addition, you can see me on a red carpet for a movie premiere / fashion week screaming Brad Pitt's name to record him or sometimes doing some artists interviews. I like to sing. I did several TV shows about 15 years ago. I was in a lot of contests, too, and sang during public events. I stopped dreaming about making singing my profession, but I continue to sing for pleasure on Youtube or Instagram (@emmaemthemusic). I dream of also singing a song with BSB. I had the idea to create a French fan club. It began with "French-Millennium." I was chief editor of this free monthly newspaper from 1998 to 2000. Then the Internet changed everything. After beginning on MySpace, I finally created a Facebook page in 2010. The goal? To keep the French fans updated on BSB news and also share with them my experience and next projects for the Backstreet Boys.
Some of the projects I've done to help promote the Backstreet Boys in France since 2005:
* Video Clip "France still need you." DVD gave to the Backstreet Boys during a Soundcheck. September 2005
* Promoted "Never Gone" album. December 2005
* Promoted Welcome Home album - Brian Littrell. April 2006
* Promoted Unbreakable album. Distribution of leaflets on the street. October-November 2007
* Promoted the french concert of AJ McLean. Distribution of leaflets on the street. April 2008
* Created Customed T-Shirt for fans for the solo AJ McLean show. June 2008
* Promoted "This Is Us" album with a video on Youtube. September 2009
* Launched the first BSB french Flashmob. June 2010
* Fans Action: photos « FRANCE ♥ BSB ». January 2011
* Launch the first french Lipdub for the 20th anniversary. April 2013
* Fans Action: pictures of french fans « IAWLT" album. November 2013
* Fans Action: "Thank you" pancarts during the "IAWLT » show in Paris. March 2014
* Fans Action: "Thank you" video after the concert "IAWLT" of Paris. March 2014
* Fans Action: "All American" video for Nick's solo album . December 2015
What is your favorite BSB memory?
I have plenty! For real. I have been a fan for 20 years. The first time I saw them was during a show in June 1996 in Paris. I was soooo shaking and my dad (who went with me because I was only 13) didn’t understand why I was shaking and screaming. He doesn't understand it now either. Or maybe the first time Nick talked to me during a TV show in 1999. I gave him a video tape (I was singing on it), and he said,T thats for me?" and I told him yes. Then he gave me a "flying kiss." That moment maked me happy during several years (I was only 16). The first time I took a pic with them was on my 25th birthday at the airport in London. It was the first time I had really met them closely with not with a lot of fans around. It was unreal to be able to talk to them like "normal" people. What a great birthday present! I can add the numerous time I was able to ask them questions during meet and greets. The Skype-moment with Nick… incredible. When I was chosen to play volleyball with them during the 2014 cruise (I was in Brian's team and we won 4 games against Nick, ha!). When Kev came back on the 2011 Cruise! The craziest memory? When I interviewed them in London for the movie! Oh my God ... I am used to interviewing artists (Leonardo Di Caprio, Trey Songz and much more), but BSB ... I was shaking so much. My French accent was horrible. But I succeeded to ask them my 4 questions. Yes, they were very surprised to see me there as a professional.
And the best memory ever is when they recognize me. AJ and Nick knows my name.
What is your favorite BSB song and why?
I don’t have one specific favorite song. On each album, I have my favorite song: "Just to be Close," "10,000 Promises," "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely," "Climbing the Walls," "Any Other Way," "Downpour," "Shattered" and Try. It can change during some moments because it reminds me some memories.
What is your favorite BSB video and why?
Same for the songs: "Everybody," "Get Down," "Larger Than Life," "The Call" and "In A World Like This."
How has BSB impacted your life?
SO MUCH. Thanks to them:
* I can speak English much better than before. I was so bad at school
* I have more confidence in myself, especially to sing in front of lots people and to help me for my job.
*I have met a lots of new friends (French or worldwide). In school, I didn't have a lot of friends. You know, my both parents are deaf, and it was difficult for me to "open myself" to people (you know, kids can be cruel). Thanks to BSB, I have met people who had the same passion as I do. French friends, UK friends, German, Switzerland, US, even Japan! It’s so crazy how five singers can bring people together!
*I can travel (a lot). Visiting other countries is just magical. When you can add it with your passion, it’s even better than magic! USA, Europe, Canada soon. Thank you guys!
What is your favorite thing about being a BSB fan?
Like I said, traveling and meeting some nice people all over the world!
Compiled by Karah-Leigh Hancock / @Princess_Karah