ET Webpage Article
"From the beginning, it's been about being young, being hyper, having fun."
-- TJ Christofore
Ready for this summer's sizzlin' new pinups? Check out TAKE 5, the young, high-energy quintet from the heartthrob capitol of the world -- Orlando, Florida! They are brothers RYAN (19) and CLAY GOODELL (16), TILKY JONES (18), STEVIE SCULTHORPE (17) and TJ CHRISTOFORE (16). And their U.S. debut entitled, Against All Odds, is coming at you August 29th on Elektra Records.
Despite their forthcoming debut, Take 5 recently offered a sneak preview to some unsuspecting, lucky diners at a New York City restaurant! Among them were MICHAEL DOUGLAS and the then still CATHERINE ZETA-JONES! The group spotted the two lovebirds dining a few tables over and treated them to an a cappella serenade! Word has it that the famous Hollywood couple was highly delighted, and that they thanked the group while the entire restaurant applauded.
But rest assured, Take 5's hot, new hip-hop-flavored single, "Shake It Off," is poised to garner a much larger audience. In fact, it was rumored that following their tableside performance, the boys cracked open a fortune cookie that read, "New album, Against All Odds, destined to be a smash." Though the message was hardly from Confucius himself, that prediction just might come true. Especially when you consider the project's elite list of contributors. The likes of MISSY ELLIOTT, TIMBALAND, SHEKSPEARE and DELITE are just some of the stars who've lent Take 5 their production skills.
Blending crisp pop riffs with an R&B groove, Take 5's brand of danceable ditties and buttery ballads are certain to make waves, despite the seemingly saturated pop market. But what sets these guys apart from the rest? "First and foremost it's our ages," says Tilky, whose dark good looks no doubt garnered him the nickname, "Silk Tilk." "We really want to draw on our youth and our energy. I think that fans will relate to us because we're practically the same age as they are." TJ, who boasts a 1995 Star Search title agrees, adding, "from the beginning it's been about being young, being hyper, having fun."
Take 5 came together in late 1997, when Ryan, Clay and TJ left the MINNEAPOLIS BOYS CHOIR for the boy band MECCA of Orlando, Florida. While auditioning for a commercial down south, the trio met up with Florida natives Stevie and Tilky who were fellow veterans of television and theater. Banning together, Take 5 was soon spotted and signed by Trans Continental Records, the outfit responsible for dishing out big breaks to the BACKSTREET BOYS and 'N SYNC. But there's no rivalry among these bodacious babes. Though they have yet to taste the level of fame experienced by their fellow popsters, Stevie sees things in a liberal light. "I hope that a lot more groups come out -- it's not a competition, there's room for everybody. I'm just here to have a good time, and I hope it shows." Clearly, there are "no strings attached" here!
Back from making their overseas introductions, Take 5 returns home to sweep America's teen population off their feet. Against All Odds is already causing a stir, hailing Take 5 as this Summer's hot new band! But while the guys prepare to have their mugs adorn millions of bedroom walls, they're also prepared to "shake it off." A modest Ryan Goodell keeps it real, telling Superstars Magazine, "We're just five normal guys. We're teenagers doing what we want to do. We're pretty approachable guys." And well-grounded, too. With fame and fortune lurking on the horizon, the young men still plan to get their high school and college diplomas "No matter what." But for now, the homework will have to wait as Take 5 joins BRITNEY SPEARS on her sold out tour starting August 21! Don't miss out!
