Name: James Maslow

Nickname: Jamers, J.D.

Best Known For: Playing James Diamond on Nickelodeon’s “Big Time Rush“

Home Town: San Diego, CA

AC: Big Time Rush opened the “Kids’ Choice Awards” earlier this year. What was that experience like for you?

James Maslow: It was crazy! We filmed [the opening] the night before, even though the rest of the show was live, so we didn’t really connect it at the time. We were just sitting there and all of a sudden we’re up there, just us and Kevin James and it was really, really cool. We were all very appreciative to have the opportunity to do that.

AC: You even introduced Rihanna! Was there anyone else you were excited to meet that night?

James: I really wanted to meet Rihanna, but ironically enough we didn’t get to because of crazy scheduling. I did get to meet Shaun White and he’s a cool kid. Jackie Chan was very nice and George Lopez was awesome.

AC: That’s so cool! How did you score the role of James Diamond on “Big Time Rush?”

James: Initially it was like any other audition—I might’ve even had two others that day—so I didn’t think a whole lot about it. I knew it was a project where we’d have a record deal with Sony and a TV show on Nickelodeon. I wanted to be a part of that. I grew up singing and I’d just worked on “iCarly,” so I knew Nickelodeon was an awesome place to work. Two years later and after many more call-backs, four screen tests and four national searches, we shot the pilot. The past nine months have been a blast.

AC: It seems like such a long process, and as an actor you probably experience a lot of rejection. How do you deal with it all?

James: In this industry especially, when you go out for auditions, meetings or jobs, you have to go in with a positive attitude. If you don’t get the job, it’s most likely not because you weren’t good; a lot of times it comes down to things like your height or other people. You can’t let it affect you personally. But you should also realize that each experience allows you to meet someone new, and that could help you along in that process, even if it doesn’t seem like it.

The greatest advice I ever got was from a manager who told me, “Success comes when separation meets opportunity.” I need to take every single day and just train—try to be the best that I can be. If I walk into an audition as prepared as possible, my chances of getting [the role] are so much better.

AC: And now you’ve got your dream job! What’s the coolest thing about being a part of “Big Time Rush?”

James: You’re so lucky and blessed if you get just one gig in this industry. “iCarly” was the most exciting thing in the world when I guest-starred for a week. Now, not only do I get to do a show every week as a lead, but now we’re recording an album! I get to sing and dance, and perform live for the show, which is just unbelievable. I really couldn’t ask for anything better. And I’ve got to say—the free food is a huge perk, too.

AC: Free food is nice. Speaking of singing and dancing, did you train in either growing up?

James: Absolutely. My first experience with singing was when I was unknowingly (and unwillingly) signed up for the San Diego Children’s Choir when I was 5 years old. My mom literally dropped me off at a church for rehearsal. I hated it for the first two weeks and then I was like, “Dude!” After that, I fell in love with it.

I also worked for the San Diego Opera when I was about 9 or 10, and did La Bohéme. In the eighth grade, I decided to go to a performing arts school. From then on, I spent most days singing, dancing and acting.

AC: Do you ever watch shows like “American Idol” or “So You Think You Can Dance?” Which one would you want to be on if you had the chance?

James: I watch “American Idol” sometimes—I’m not as big a follower as I probably should be—but I think it’s a great show. We actually just worked with Jordin Sparks, who’s amazing and one of the most talented vocalists I’ve ever heard. We did a song with her that I can’t wait for people to hear. It’s amazing.

AC: Your character on the show thinks that your group is the coolest thing since sliced bread. Did you ever think you’d be a part of a boy band?

James: Although I’m not denying the fact that we’re four boys in a band, we do like to think of ourselves as more of a music group than a boy band. Compared to the stereotypical boy bands from back in the day, like N’SYNC or the Backstreet Boys, all four of us have different tastes and styles and we bring them all to the table. There’s definitely choreography involved, but when we do live performances, it’s more like rocking out. We’ll do back flips or stunts—it’s more of a different vibe. Plus, we all play instruments. Justin Timberlake is currently one of my idols. He’s one of the best performers of all time. And he’s obviously successful today, because he worked so hard when he was in N’SYNC.

AC: Wait, you guys tumble during your performances? How’d you learn to do that?

James: I’m sure your readers can do far better back tucks than I can—mine probably look so sloppy compared to theirs—but Logan [Henderson] was a gymnast when he was younger. He does that stuff pretty easily. Mind you, he’s, like, 30 pounds lighter than me, so he’s got a little bit of an advantage.

Honestly, about eight months ago I got frustrated that I couldn’t do it. I’ve done martial arts and free running my whole life, but I’d never tried to do a back flip other than on a trampoline. So a buddy took me to his gymnastics center and basically taught me the technique. Now I’m working on other flips that I’ll be using during performances in the future.

AC: Are you sure you’re not just preparing for a cheerleading role?

James: If I found one, and it was the right role, I’d definitely do it. I’m sure I could look to the girls who read your magazine for some tips. If you have any right now, throw ’em my way. I know what those guys and girls do isn’t easy—you see them flipping through the air and it’s so impressive.

AC: “Big Time Rush” had the largest audience debut in Nickelodeon history. Why do you think people are so crazy about the show?

James: That was a surprise to us all. We just wanted to make a show that everybody liked. I think it’s because our show’s different. Nickelodeon has never done a show with an all 18-and-older cast. I’m 19, the other boys are 19 and 20, and that definitely brings maturity as well as lots of physical comedy to the show.

The show’s shot more like a movie, too,  and I think people like it for that reason. Audiences get to see a different type of guy: funny and silly. Another cool thing is that we want to help people forget about their bad days or what’s going on in their lives. For those 30 minutes we want them to enjoy all the positive things about being a kid.

AC: What’s it like knowing that so many girls are crushing on you?

James: It’s definitely a huge compliment. I guess I don’t think about it all that much when we’re working. But what can I say? It’s awesome! Actually, it’s kind of making me blush…

AC: Is it difficult being a public figure?

James: A couple of months ago people wouldn’t say anything to me at all; at best I’d get a double-take or people would think I was somebody else. Now, they appreciate what we’re doing. But I’m still pretty new to this, so it’s definitely weird. When people come up and ask for an autograph, the least I can do is say, “Of course,” and take pictures with them. It’s so cool to be able to make somebody’s day or make a kid smile. To me, it’s a pleasure being a good role model and setting a good example for kids.

AC: How do you set a good example?

James: I was raised to have manners. I don’t see a lot of kids these days (in my generation) opening doors, bringing flowers to people or just being polite. It’s these simple things that make all the difference in the world. If kids can take that from me, it means I’ve helped a little bit.

AC: Do you have any advice for those experiencing peer pressure?

James: You don’t have to worry about what other people think or say about you, because they’re probably just as insecure as you are.

AC: What else do you have coming up?

James: Besides “BTR,” we’re trying to get in some live performances and finish the album. Personally, I’m hoping to do a movie with James Earl Jones called, Master’s Tree. It shoots in Memphis and it’ll be a totally different character than I play on “BTR.”

AC: Any way your fans can reach out to you?

James: I’m on Twitter pretty often talking to fans. I guess a lot of people don’t do that, because the comments I get back are like, “I can’t believe you responded!” So, I’m on Twitter @JamesMaslow, if you want to get in touch with me and I’ll try to get back as often as I can.

**Photos by Mackel Vaughn; styling by Derek Despain; makeup by Miguel Andrisani; hair by Alyssa Ybarra

Be Sociable, Share!

•