As the massive popularity of such acts as The Jackson 5, New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, *NSYNC, and Backstreet Boys has shown, people can’t resist the simple pleasure of five talented, upbeat guys singing and dancing in unison. Enter Midnight Red, a new group of exciting young performers from across the country who are carrying on that legacy by bringing stellar harmonies and electrifying dance moves to the pop landscape. The group hits the road in July as an opening act for the New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys co-headlining tour and will release a digital EP on July 12th. The EP features Midnight Red’s debut single, “One Club At A Time,” plus two remixes, and a cover of NKOTB’s “Step By Step” produced by acclaimed hitmaker RedOne (JLo, U2, Lady Gaga, Pitbull). In addition, “One Club At A Time” has been selected as one of three National Dance Day Songs in conjunction with So You Think You Can Dance’s National Dance Day, which takes place across the country on July 30th. Midnight Red is: Joey Diggs Jr., 21, from Los Angeles, CA, who says his father, a singer who is best known as the voice behind Coca-Cola’s “Always” campaign jingle, taught him everything he knows. “I’m ready to show the world what it means to chase a dream and work hard to make that dream become reality,” he says. Thomas Augusto, 19, from Arlington, TX, was called the “little entertainer” by his family as a kid because “my parents could never shut me up,” he says. A fan of Beyonce, Radiohead, and No Doubt, Thomas has spent years dreaming about being on a huge stage doing what he loves to do. “There were always pyrotechnics in my daydreams,” he says. The baby of the group, Anthony Ladao, 18, from Seattle, WA, has been singing since the age of 12 and dancing since the age of 6. Seeing Usher perform at the MTV Video Music Awards first sparked his interest in dance and “from there it became my passion,” he says. Colton Rudloff, 22, from Buffalo, NY, was selected as Midnight Red’s fifth member after being discovered through videos he had posted on YouTube. A huge fan of American Idol, Colton credits the show for exposing him to many different genres of music. “I lean toward artists who have a passion for pure singing,” he says. “There’s no need for all the smoke and mirrors if you have a great voice.” Finally, Eric Secharia, 19, from Burbank, CA, describes himself as a “hipster” whom you’ll never catch not smiling. Eric, who has been singing since age 6, and dancing since age 12, plays guitar and ukulele, and cites Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson as his main musical influences. “They are two people who truly stood out as performers that mastered their craft and used it to change the world,” he says. Midnight Red formed in 2009 through the efforts of veteran A&R executive, and Kings of LA label founder, Pete Farmer and super producer RedOne, who brought the group to Interscope Records. What’s up for the group in 2011? “World domination,” jokes Thomas. “No biggie.” www.midnightred.com