Biography
The brief run of boy band NLT, whose name stood for Not Like Them, is recalled chiefly for the later activities of its members rather than anything achieved while the act existed. R&B producer Chris Stokes assembled the lineup after reserving a Los Angeles dance studio to rehearse another group, B2K. The studio proprietors’ son, Vahe “V” Sevani, possessed musical goals of his own; Stokes indicated any demo would receive consideration only if Sevani joined a collective. Sevani therefore searched for additional singers, beginning with Justin Joseph “JJ” Thorne, who had previously joined him on an instructional dance video and had appeared, by coincidence, in a B2K clip. Dallas performer Kevin McHale was next located through an agent, who likewise recommended theater actor Travis Garland.
Stokes placed the completed quartet on his TUG Entertainment roster and recruited longtime associate Marques Houston, together with Troy “Treezah” Johnson, Timbaland, and the Underdogs, to shape tracks for an album. Not Like Them was slated for summer 2007 release behind the single “That Girl.” Although further singles followed, the project was ultimately scrapped, and NLT disbanded in 2009.
Kevin McHale became the first former member to reappear, cast later that year as a disabled choral student on the television series Glee. Through the program he made his official recorded debut, performing numerous songs on its soundtrack series. Travis Garland simultaneously continued developing R&B-influenced material with support from Perez Hilton, who arranged a prominent 2010 appearance on American Idol.
Stokes placed the completed quartet on his TUG Entertainment roster and recruited longtime associate Marques Houston, together with Troy “Treezah” Johnson, Timbaland, and the Underdogs, to shape tracks for an album. Not Like Them was slated for summer 2007 release behind the single “That Girl.” Although further singles followed, the project was ultimately scrapped, and NLT disbanded in 2009.
Kevin McHale became the first former member to reappear, cast later that year as a disabled choral student on the television series Glee. Through the program he made his official recorded debut, performing numerous songs on its soundtrack series. Travis Garland simultaneously continued developing R&B-influenced material with support from Perez Hilton, who arranged a prominent 2010 appearance on American Idol.
Singles
