Jonas Brothers: expanding horizons- The Boston Globe

Young band breaks out on 'Montana' tour

They hail from New Jersey, but right about now we're guessing that the Jonas Brothers's favorite state is Montana. The curly-topped siblings have front-row seats to the hottest tour of the year as the opening act on the "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Tour," which has parents across the country selling family heirlooms for tickets.

The boys got major exposure on the hit Disney Channel series, and riding the Mouse train is paying off for Kevin, 20, Joe, 18, and Nick, 15. Their Disney Channel original movie, "Camp Rock," premieres next summer, and their rock-stars-as-undercover-spies series, "J.O.N.A.S.," will follow in the fall, depending on the status of the writer's strike.

We chatted with Nick by phone from Cincinnati last week.

Q: What's the best perk of being on the hottest tour of the year?

A: There's the obvious boost in record sales, that always helps (laughs). It's a sold-out arena tour, which is most people's dream when they think of being in a band, and the fact that we're living the dream is amazing for us.

Q: The sound on your records is vintage power-pop and classic rock that predates your birth. Where do you draw your inspiration from?

A: I think we have a lot of different influences. Big ones are Johnny Cash, Prince, Stevie Wonder, the Animals, the Rascals, the Steve Miller Band, and the Beatles, obviously.

Q: In terms of longevity, teen pop bands don't have the best track record. What's your long-term plan?

A: I think we definitely are going to expand our horizons, not only do music but possibly produce for other artists. We're definitely going to write for other artists, and also acting's a big thing in our future. I think the really important thing is that you write your own songs and play your own instruments. That will really help us in the future, and we're very confident about that.

Q: With all of this quick success, what do you do to stay grounded?

A: It's important to remember that we're family before we're a band. Also, our parents are amazing. And we live by a rule, which is live like you're at the bottom even if you're at the top. Which just basically means live your life knowing that just because you have amazing opportunities doesn't make you better than anybody else.