JC Chasez is shifting gears for his first album in 20 years: He’s releasing a musical theater concept album inspired by Mary Shelly’s 1818 novel Frankenstein. Made in collaboration with Golden Globe-winning songwriter and composer Jimmy Harry, Playing With Fire will be out just in time for Halloween on Oct. 25.
Chasez and Harry’s project is a reimagined take on the monster classic, inspired by a theatrical adaptation of the story penned by playwright, and Harry’s late mother, Barbara Field. The concept is a conversation between a dying Frankenstein and his creation, which takes place at his wife’s grave. The songs will explore that conversation while the music will blend electronic pop and romantic era classical music. Along with co-writing the album, Chasez will sing on it alongside Cardamon Rozzi and Lily Elise.
Playing With Fire marks Chasez’s first album since 2004’s Schizophrenic. Though his musical output since ‘NSync disbanded has been minimal, he has still shown up as a featured artist or songwriter over the years. While appearing on songs by Basement Jaxx and Blues Traveler, he has appeared in the songwriting and production credits for tracks by Diplo, Liam Payne, Sugababes, Matthew Morrison, and more. He has joined various ‘NSync reunions over the years, including an appearance during Ariana Grande’s headlining set at Coachella and songs on the Trolls Band Together soundtrack as well as Justin Timberlake’s latest solo album.