Lance Bass rose to fame as the bass singer in the iconic vocal group, *NSYNC. The group sold over 70 million albums and broke countless world records. Beyond *NSYNC, Bass has an extensive and illustrious career as a television and radio host. He has appeared in films like “Zoolander,” acted in Broadway’s “Hairspray,” and is the host of one of iHeartMedia’s most popular podcasts, “Frosted Tips with Lance Bass.” “Trick or Treat on Scary Street” is Bass’s new children’s book coming out on July 23.
Bass’s influence extends beyond the entertainment industry. He is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, wildlife conservation, and animal rights, using his platform to raise awareness. His work as co-chair on the executive board at the Environmental Media Association, an organization that unifies voices for our planet through entertainment, storytelling, and education, further demonstrates his commitment to environmental causes. In a new venture, he has partnered with Tessa Adams and JT Swierczek to develop everle, a social media app, now in beta, that prioritizes mental health.
The year 2023 marked a significant moment for *NSYNC as the group reunited to release the single “Better Place” for the film “Trolls Band Together.” The group also released a song called “Paradise” on Justin Timberlake’s current album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” and reunited at the 2023 VMA’s.
Born in Mississippi, Bass currently resides in LA with his husband, Michael Turchin, and their two children. We caught up with Bass to learn more.
You’re visiting the Hamptons. What does your perfect day look like? Any favorite places to visit when you’re in town?
A perfect day in the Hamptons is all about relaxing and spending some quality time with your loved ones. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in the Hamptons and I absolutely love it there. I’ve had some of the best food at Bobby Van’s and Almond. Exploring the local shops, enjoying the beautiful scenery, eating great meals and ending the day with some homemade ice cream from the Candy Kitchen is the best type of day in my book. Can’t wait to take my kids there!
We love your podcast “Frosted Tips With Lance Bass.” What is one of your most memorable moments with a guest?
Thank you! It’s always fun having any of the *NSYNC guys on the show. We usually end up taking a trip down memory lane together, which leads to some great conversations. The guests I’ve interviewed on “Frosted Tips” are always so fun. Swapping stories, reliving moments with them, and seeing how it was from their perspective versus mine is always really interesting.
You’re an investor and partner in everle, a social media platform prioritizing members’ data privacy and mental health. Can you tell us about the concept of no number chasing and no followers on the platform?
Absolutely! everle is all about shifting the focus from the numbers game to genuine connections. On traditional platforms, there’s so much pressure to gain followers and likes, which can really take a toll on your mental health. With everle, we wanted to create a space where people can share and interact without that stress. It’s about building a community based on authenticity rather than competition.
The goal is to create a safe, authentic community online. Can you talk about prioritizing mental health on social media?
Prioritizing mental health is key on everle. We’re all aware of how social media can negatively impact mental well-being, so we’ve designed everle to counteract that. We’ve created a space for people to gather around their interests, create communities, and build genuine connections. On our platform, the focus is on connecting with the people and things that matter most. All while maintaining full data privacy and fostering an environment rooted in prioritizing our members’ mental health.
everle is also a female-founded tech company. Why is it important to you to support female founders within the tech space?
Supporting female founders is incredibly important to me. The tech industry has long been male-dominated, and it’s crucial to bring diverse perspectives to the table. Female founders bring unique insights and innovations that can drive the industry forward. I’m proud to be part of a company that champions gender equality and empowers women in tech.
everle is in beta at the moment. How can those interested join the platform?
Joining everle is super easy. If you’re interested, head over to our website and sign up for the beta. We’re gradually rolling out access to ensure we create the best experience possible, so keep an eye out for your invite!
Can you tell us about some of the philanthropic endeavors you’re involved in that are closest to your heart?
I’m involved in several philanthropic efforts, but some of the ones closest to my heart include my work with the Environmental Media Association, as well as various LGBTQ+ organizations like the Trevor Project — I’m also passionate about animal rights and support several shelters and wildlife conservation projects. I’ve recently been really involved with the Thirst Project as well, which is an organization that is working on achieving universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Giving back is incredibly fulfilling and a big part of who I am.
If you had to pick one “pinch-me” moment during your career with *NSYNC, what would it be?
One “pinch-me” moment would have to be performing at the Super Bowl halftime show. It was such an iconic event, and being on that stage with my bandmates and my favorite band of all time, Aerosmith, in front of millions of viewers worldwide was absolutely surreal. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Describe the experience of making new music with *NSYNC again.
Getting back in the studio with the guys felt like coming home. We’ve all grown so much as individuals and as artists, and it was amazing to bring those experiences together to create new music. The chemistry was still there, and it felt like no time had passed at all.
Tell us about “Trick or Treat on Scary Street.” What inspired you to create a children’s book?
“Trick or Treat on Scary Street” was inspired by my love for Halloween and my desire to create something fun for kids. I wanted to capture the excitement and magic of Halloween night, while also delivering a message about friendship and bravery. It’s been awesome to see my kids enjoying the book and getting into the Halloween spirit, as early as July! It’s never too soon to get into the Halloween spirit in our house.
