Nicky Byrne felt "burning embarrassment" as a member of Westlife.
Nicky Byrne with Westlife
The 38-year-old singer admits it was "frustrating" never to be given lead vocals in any of the group's songs, but he is still grateful for the opportunities and experiences he had alongside Markus Feehily, Shane Filan and Kian Egan.
He said: "In my heart there was burning embarrassment and frustration that you're buried.
"But when you enter a band like Westlife, you effectively win the lottery and count your lucky stars. On tour is where I came alive."
Nicky is looking forward to representing Ireland at the upcoming Eurovision song contest, an opportunity he knows wouldn't have come his way while still a member of the 'Flying Without Wings' group.
He said: "When Westlife were around, our label would never have considered Eurovision."
And the singer is excited about forging a solo career.
He said "I'm master of my own destiny now."
One of the tracks on his upcoming album was written for his wife, childhood sweetheart Georgina Ahern.
Nicky - who has three children with his spouse - told Britain's HELLO! magazine: "There is a song called 'Kissing In Car Parks', which is about being caught kissing at the school gates.
"Georgina got in trouble for doing just that."
Tagged in Westlife Mark Feehily Nicky Byrne