My Music: Justin Timberlake

The singer prefers not to discuss his private life

Justin Timberlake - the man formerly known as Britney Spears's boyfriend - is branching out with a solo career.

Following his split from the pop megastar, he is taking time out from his own act 'NSync to release his own material.

He found time in his schedule to talk about his musical tastes and more.

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Which current artists do you most admire and why?

At the moment I'm loving the new Coldplay album.

I like a lot of hip-hop, soul, rap. A real mixture.

Which songs by do you wish you had written?

Stevie Wonder's Sir Duke.

Which song brings tears to your eyes?

Michael Jackson's She's Out Of My Life.

What do you think of your young fans and how important are they to you?

I think I'm lucky in that I have fans of all ages - they're all important to me.

But it's usually the young ones that are the craziest and the loudest at our shows!

What is your advice to youngsters who dream of making it in the music business?

I think it's important to follow your dreams and obviously most importantly to believe in yourself.

Timberlake is a fan of Coldplay

I guess when it comes to the music business it's a bit different as it's such a tough industry but I have no regrets and would say just always listen to advice from others and work as hard as you can.

If you organised a dream music festival which artists would be in your line-up?

Coldplay, Radiohead, Neptunes, Stevie Wonder, Al Green and Michael Jackson in his 1980s phase.

Which music websites do you visit regularly?

I don't have time to surf the web!

How does it feel being a solo performer after all those years with 'NSync - what are your hopes for your solo career?

It's kind of scary being on stage without them but I'm getting used to that - no-one to look round at if you forget your moves!

As for the solo project, I'm just pleased with my album so I feel I have achieved a lot already.

I hope other people get enjoyment from it so that I can carry on making the music that I love.

What are your future plans with 'NSync?

Hopefully we'll be back in the studio early next year to record the new album.

What do you think about Lance Bass going into space?

I thinks it's amazing - such an incredible experience for him and a great challenge.

Timberlake focuses on his music being appreciated

I'm so excited for him.

How do you feel about going head-to-head with Nick Carter?

I wasn't even aware that I was!

He's cool, we both do such different stuff I can't believe we're in direct competition.

What inspired the Like I Love You video?

Just a guy, chilling out, hanging with his friends, I wanted to keep it real and focus on the dancing and club vibe.

What are your hopes for the anti-drink driving campaign you're fronting?

I really hope it makes a difference.

I feel that if we can change one person's views or save at least one life then it will have been a success.

How do you feel about all the tabloid reports about your love life?

It's real hard having your private life written about and speculated on by total strangers but as I've grown up I've learnt to not let it bother me and to concentrate on my music.

People will write and believe what they like but as long as they appreciate me musically, that's all that counts.

Timberlake's single, Like I Love You, is released in the UK on Monday.