Chit Chatting with James Maslow

Written by: Jill Sheets

James Maslow

Picture credit: Mackel Vaughn

Recently we had the chance to interview singer/songwriter/ actor James Maslow. Continue to read on and learn about James, his music and about his show.

R: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

J: I was born in NYC, but grew up in La Jolla, CA. I love to surf and be active in my free time. Whenever I’m at the beach I feel at home.

R: At what age did you start to sing and act?

J: I began singing seriously when I joined the San Diego Children’s choir at age 6… Might have even been 5!

R: You also write music and play the piano and the guitar. How long have you been playing? What was your first song about?

J: I have been dabbling for about 5 years on both, but I’m still working to get better. I write mostly on piano these days. My first song was about my first serious girlfriend and how we broke up…it’s sad to me lyric-wise, but fun to play and sing.

R: What inspires you to write a song? What is your song writing process? Do you start with the words?

J: All kinds of things inspire me to write. Often it’s out of frustration or sadness when I write ballads and more positive emotions when I write up-tempos – I find those harder to create, though. I usually figure out the hook’s melody and then go from there, adding lyrics along the way.

R: Tell us about the show “Big Time Rush.” Where and when can people see it?

J: Big Time Rush is an upbeat and energetic show about four friends who move from Minnesota to California to become a band. You get to see myself and my three friends make fools of ourselves and perform original songs. Check it out on Nickelodeon Fridays at 8:30pm, usually.

R: Tell us about your character James Diamond. Do you and your character have anything in common? In what ways are you different?

J: My character James Diamond is fun to play since he is always so full of energy and optimistic. I try to be humble in real life, so it’s fun to break out of that shell with Diamond, as he is quite the seeker of attention. I’d like to think that, like James, I have a pretty good sense of style, but unlike him I don’t care nearly as much about my hair! In fact, I almost never wear any hair products in real life.

R: Tell us about the rest of the cast. How well do you all get along? How would you describe each cast member?

J: The cast is great. Honestly, if the other three boys and I weren’t friends, it would be near impossible to make this show as we spend 6-7 days a week together. Kendall is very laid back, Logan in hilarious and Carlos is goofy. It’s a good combination.

R: Your character is one member of a band called “Big Time Rush.” Are there plans on making an album?

J: We are indeed going to release an album very soon. We have already recorded one and have even started on the second one already!

R: Have you come up with a name for the album and release date?

J: Neither are official but I will tell you when they are!

R: Are there any plans on touring?

J: We have already begun to play live and will be doing so more often this season, in between filming. Hopefully after we finish season two we will do a full tour! Keep asking for it, and it will happen!

R: How would you describe the bands music?

J: The band is very rock/pop, although we have four very different voices singing, we definitely put a unique twist on all of our sings. I think it’s cool that we can bring something original to the table in that regard.

R: Tell us about the single “Halfway There.” Where can people buy the single?

J: Halfway There is my favorite song that we currently have released. Go on iTunes and buy it if you haven’t already!

R: Tell us about the audition process like for “Big Time Rush.” How did you find out about getting the role?

J: The audition process took two full years. During that time I had four screen tests and even shot a pilot with a different cast! When I finally got the role I was at breakfast in San Diego with my best friend and I stood up screaming YES! FINALLY! I was so stoked.

R: How do you prepare for a role?

J: I do as much research as I can and try and live in that character’s life for as long as I can before I film. Diamond has been a cool experience for me as I had a lot to do with creating him and really bringing him to life. I find that as I grow as a person, Diamond grows as a character.

R: You were also on an episode of “iCarly.” What was that like? How was it working with the cast of the show?

J: I was on the 2nd season premiere of iCarly, playing Shane, which was one of the best experiences of my life. The cast was hilarious and everyone there treated me like family. It felt so cool to be able to wake up and go to set every day for a job! I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to work on that show, and still remain friends with most of the cast.

R: What is the best advice you have ever gotten and by who?

J: My manager once told me that success comes when preparation meets opportunity. That means that opportunities are often rare, so when one does come around you best be prepared for it. It reminds me that no matter how good you may be, you can always become better with practice and should strive to reach your biggest potential.

R: What advice would you give someone who wanted to become an actor and singer?

J: Just keep singing and or acting. If you practice and it feels like practice, maybe this isn’t for you. But if you love it every day and do it every day, you’ll become better and before you know it an opportunity will come your way. If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

James Maslow

Picture credit: Mackel Vaughn

R: If you could be in a movie with anyone in the world, who would it be?

J: There are so many actors that I admire and would love to work with, but off the top of my head I’m going to say Leonardo Dicaprio. To this day, he still studies and devotes himself to every role. It was be an honor to work with someone of his stature.

R: We read that you have a crush on Harry Potter’s Emma Watson. Have you been able to meet her yet?

J: (laughs) No, I haven’t met her yet but I would love to.

R: Are you single? What do you like for in a girlfriend?

J: Yes, right now I’m single. It’s hard to find the time to date these days! I look for a girl who is comfortable with everything from going to the beach to walking a red carpet. My life seems to incorporate both quite a bit so it takes a pretty down-to-earth girl to keep up I think.

R: What would your perfect date be?

J: Honestly, just dinner and something private like sailing with just us or renting a movie.

R: What do you do in your spare time?

J: I like to climb, go to the beach, play football with buddies and watch movies. Oh, and I’m a big fan of food so dinners are always fair game.

R: Tell us about climbing Mt. Whitney.

J: I went in June of ‘09 and there was so much snow that we had to blaze our own trail from 12,600 ft and up. It was the hardest physical thing I had ever done, but felt so amazing when I finally reached the top. It encouraged me to challenge myself even further, so my next goal is to climb Summit Rainier. Even though it’s not quite as tall, it’s a more difficult climb due to ice and other weather conditions.

R: Who has been your biggest influence?

J: My dad has always been so encouraging and such a good role model, I’m going to say him. I owe so much to him. One of my biggest dreams is to give him his retirement. Hopefully soon!

R: What are your future goals?

J: I plan on devoting myself to the show and music of BTR for as long as it goes, and then after I hope to do film and pursue my own music career.

R: What are five things people may not know about you?

J: I enjoy cooking but I hate cleaning up. I avoid doing my laundry at all costs. I have a problem accepting anything I didn’t work for. I can’t stand traffic and my road rage often comes out in sarcastic remarks like “Hey! Thank you so much for being such an awesome driver, big guy!” And I used to sail every summer, and hope to buy a catamaran some day!

R: Do you have any charities that are close to your heart? If so, tell us about them.

J: I’ve participated in several but am still looking for a special one to donate more of my time to.

R: What bands and singers can be found on your iPod or mp3 player? What is your favorite song by each one?

J: On my iPod, everyone from Donny Hathaway and Brian McKnight to John Mayer, and Jack Johnson. I have too many favorites to choose!

R: Are you on any social networking sites? If so, which ones and what are their addresses? Do you have an official website? If so, what is the address?

J: I’m on Facebook and MySpace under my full name, but Twitter @JamesMaslow is the best way to communicate with me since I can do it right from my phone.

R: What is it like to be able to communicate with your fans? What is the nicest thing a fan has said or done for you?

J: Communicating with fans is actually very cool since all of my fans rock! Seriously, if I ever need a pick-me-up I just look at some of the tweets I get and I feel better. Everyone is so supportive and sweet, it’s amazing! To the fans that have given me bracelets, know that I wear one every time I record or perform – I think its good luck!

R: Other than this one, what is the strangest question you have ever been asked?

J: A fan wanted to know what type of ice cream I would be… I said vanilla which seems boring but when you think about it, it’s actually quite delicious and versatile.

R: Is there anything else you would like to add or say to your fans?

J: Honestly, I just want to thank all of my fans for allowing me to do what I love. It’s because of their support that I get to sing and act for a living and I’ll never forget that! Thanks!

R: James, thank you for the interview. Have a great day.

Tags: actor, Big TIme Rush, james maslow, nickelodeon, singer, songwriter