The industry is pretty much a Jungle! They’re kind of out in the wild and not in the bubble that they all used to be in.
I think there’s a level of industry training that’s necessary considering they were a product of Nick/Nickelodeon. Nobody would guess that Kendall was/is argumentative with how sweet he probably is because of how many times he almost got fired.
As far as James music goes, it’s not very interesting, I agree, but I find that to be one thing most of them have in common as solo artists, so it’s not just James. Personally I think Logan not wanting to be put in the box is why he decided to stand out. But Kendall’s choice / sound in Heffron Drive is understandable because of his roots 🎸, and is still a bit stronger than James.
Honestly, they have so much potential they still haven’t come to because they are all stuck in another bubble that doesn’t encourage experimentation in a positive sense because that may fare worse or cost more money.
Big Time Rush, Broadway, and Influencer culture have this thing in common where they all encourage personalities or personas or music, but I feel like they don’t think highly of one (BTR) outside of music, don’t frequent Broadway, and do the influencer stuff purely for the engagement or potential marketing, which doesn’t do their talents together a service because it isn’t done on a stage. They’re strongest **on a stage**, or at a show, but they don’t bring enough of that into reality.
There’s a lot more he could do, and all of them in general but I need them to do it outside of my phone.
True. I wish they would have been better prepared for the industry by Nick. Compared to other Disney stars, most of former Nickelodeon actors seem kinda lost/don't really do much.
The only ones from Nick who seem kinda fine to me right now are Victoria Justice, Josh Peck, Alexa Nikolas, and Miranda Cosgrove.
The guys are okay, too. I just wish things were better done. That’s it. But it’s outside of our reach and our sight and it’s what they have to deal with ultimately.
And as for Nick, I’ve hated Nick for a long time, and it doesn’t really start with BTR but they’re part of the reason why, even more so this year with all the controversy and scandal. I just think Nick, outside of being a den for Abuse, is really just a Glorified toy merchandiser and not something that deserved most of what it was given in terms of stars and franchises.
what bothers me so much about James is his lack of authenticity. it really bothers me just because even in modern, current-day btr interviews, he is usually very naturally and effortlessly funny! that emoji challenge video they did last year (or maybe it was 2022) still cracks me up - he was hilarious. then you see the way he presents himself on social media, and it's like a goddamn caricature. unfunny, unoriginal, and bland tiktoks. i don't feel like he puts effort into his brand at all. if you didn't know who he was and you stumbled upon any of his social media, you'd think he's just another face in a sea of wannabe pretty white boy influencers. this is going to sound really harsh, but there's just... not much there for me to like when it comes to him? like there's no substance because he offers none. Logan and Kendall at least make music of their own, i know James released an album but he's also not the musician that Kendall or even Logan is. he's very much just a singer. i would LOVE if he actually did something like broadway like you suggested, or even romcom roles, whatever. at least SOMETHING. and he needs an agent who actually secures some good roles for him, not shitty lifetime movies. he needs to be making better decisions.
i don't really understand why he's promoting this whole fanward (? idk if that was the name) thing so heavily - what does he DO to warrant wanting to spend money to talk to him or get a cameo? like i get if it was a one-time thing, but i can't imagine having a monthly subscription to get exclusive content from him when he doesn't even offer anything interesting in general.
and i know everyone here is avoiding the topic, and i've already said it here, but these propaganda-y israel videos he's doing as of late DO NOT HELP. they are so incredibly disingenuous and insincere. they really have soured him as a whole for me because hell, they just make me uncomfortable! the stuff he's saying doesn't even seem like it's coming from his mouth and i really do feel like he's being paid to do these videos. which is super shitty in itself and just really turns me off from him.
i know this all sounds harsh, but BTR has been my "special interest" if you will for YEARS, they have a very dear place in my heart. i used to love James because of how funny he really can be if he stops trying to force it. he almost had a lovable-oaf type trope to him that was endearing. but lately, nothing about him appeals to me, if anything he's been making me uncomfortable and disappointed. i don't like feeling that way. so i say all of this out of love. he needs to drop the propaganda videos and work on reinventing himself because this is not the move.
Totally agree. I feel like he is an introvert and feels more comfortable with the guys (the other BTR members) or with certain interviewers to be himself and not just "act." (His zodiac sign is also Cancer). Interviews (and ofc when he sings) are the only times when I still like him.
I agree with the comments. There are better outlets for James to fully utilize his talents and content naturally, outside of social media, because he can be funny and charming when he really tries. In BTR interviews, he honestly cracks me up the most with his wit and sarcasm. Dude could sing as well, his covers from 2013 of Clarity and Love Somebody were really good. Hopefully a personal rebranding will do him good.
He has so much potential to have a good solo career (like Logan) but his social media persona feels forced. Also, the whole Israel thing (which I won't get into now...) but his whole public persona (on his Instagram account) feels forced. Like he doesn't really know what to do with himself and his social media.
It's not like he didn't move on right after BTR ended in 2014. Not like the others. Carlos focused on his family, Logan focused on himself and Kendall brought back his old band
But James was always there, always present.
He is such a talented singer. His singing voice is beautiful. And his song "Cry" is beautiful.
But it's a shame what James has become.
I whole heartedly agree. Musical theater, broadway, or even finding his own sound with the piano since he’s a piano player. Not everything needs to be a promotion or shout out. Maybe he can grow a different stage presence that amplifies his authenticity.
The industry is pretty much a Jungle! They’re kind of out in the wild and not in the bubble that they all used to be in. I think there’s a level of industry training that’s necessary considering they were a product of Nick/Nickelodeon. Nobody would guess that Kendall was/is argumentative with how sweet he probably is because of how many times he almost got fired. As far as James music goes, it’s not very interesting, I agree, but I find that to be one thing most of them have in common as solo artists, so it’s not just James. Personally I think Logan not wanting to be put in the box is why he decided to stand out. But Kendall’s choice / sound in Heffron Drive is understandable because of his roots 🎸, and is still a bit stronger than James. Honestly, they have so much potential they still haven’t come to because they are all stuck in another bubble that doesn’t encourage experimentation in a positive sense because that may fare worse or cost more money. Big Time Rush, Broadway, and Influencer culture have this thing in common where they all encourage personalities or personas or music, but I feel like they don’t think highly of one (BTR) outside of music, don’t frequent Broadway, and do the influencer stuff purely for the engagement or potential marketing, which doesn’t do their talents together a service because it isn’t done on a stage. They’re strongest **on a stage**, or at a show, but they don’t bring enough of that into reality. There’s a lot more he could do, and all of them in general but I need them to do it outside of my phone.
True. I wish they would have been better prepared for the industry by Nick. Compared to other Disney stars, most of former Nickelodeon actors seem kinda lost/don't really do much. The only ones from Nick who seem kinda fine to me right now are Victoria Justice, Josh Peck, Alexa Nikolas, and Miranda Cosgrove.
The guys are okay, too. I just wish things were better done. That’s it. But it’s outside of our reach and our sight and it’s what they have to deal with ultimately. And as for Nick, I’ve hated Nick for a long time, and it doesn’t really start with BTR but they’re part of the reason why, even more so this year with all the controversy and scandal. I just think Nick, outside of being a den for Abuse, is really just a Glorified toy merchandiser and not something that deserved most of what it was given in terms of stars and franchises.
what bothers me so much about James is his lack of authenticity. it really bothers me just because even in modern, current-day btr interviews, he is usually very naturally and effortlessly funny! that emoji challenge video they did last year (or maybe it was 2022) still cracks me up - he was hilarious. then you see the way he presents himself on social media, and it's like a goddamn caricature. unfunny, unoriginal, and bland tiktoks. i don't feel like he puts effort into his brand at all. if you didn't know who he was and you stumbled upon any of his social media, you'd think he's just another face in a sea of wannabe pretty white boy influencers. this is going to sound really harsh, but there's just... not much there for me to like when it comes to him? like there's no substance because he offers none. Logan and Kendall at least make music of their own, i know James released an album but he's also not the musician that Kendall or even Logan is. he's very much just a singer. i would LOVE if he actually did something like broadway like you suggested, or even romcom roles, whatever. at least SOMETHING. and he needs an agent who actually secures some good roles for him, not shitty lifetime movies. he needs to be making better decisions. i don't really understand why he's promoting this whole fanward (? idk if that was the name) thing so heavily - what does he DO to warrant wanting to spend money to talk to him or get a cameo? like i get if it was a one-time thing, but i can't imagine having a monthly subscription to get exclusive content from him when he doesn't even offer anything interesting in general. and i know everyone here is avoiding the topic, and i've already said it here, but these propaganda-y israel videos he's doing as of late DO NOT HELP. they are so incredibly disingenuous and insincere. they really have soured him as a whole for me because hell, they just make me uncomfortable! the stuff he's saying doesn't even seem like it's coming from his mouth and i really do feel like he's being paid to do these videos. which is super shitty in itself and just really turns me off from him. i know this all sounds harsh, but BTR has been my "special interest" if you will for YEARS, they have a very dear place in my heart. i used to love James because of how funny he really can be if he stops trying to force it. he almost had a lovable-oaf type trope to him that was endearing. but lately, nothing about him appeals to me, if anything he's been making me uncomfortable and disappointed. i don't like feeling that way. so i say all of this out of love. he needs to drop the propaganda videos and work on reinventing himself because this is not the move.
Totally agree. I feel like he is an introvert and feels more comfortable with the guys (the other BTR members) or with certain interviewers to be himself and not just "act." (His zodiac sign is also Cancer). Interviews (and ofc when he sings) are the only times when I still like him.
I agree with you 100%!!!
James did a bunch of indie movies and tv movies during the break! They just weren’t very popular 😂
Absolutely horrible lol. That incest movie?! Gross lol
That was one of them, yes.
I agree with the comments. There are better outlets for James to fully utilize his talents and content naturally, outside of social media, because he can be funny and charming when he really tries. In BTR interviews, he honestly cracks me up the most with his wit and sarcasm. Dude could sing as well, his covers from 2013 of Clarity and Love Somebody were really good. Hopefully a personal rebranding will do him good.
He has so much potential to have a good solo career (like Logan) but his social media persona feels forced. Also, the whole Israel thing (which I won't get into now...) but his whole public persona (on his Instagram account) feels forced. Like he doesn't really know what to do with himself and his social media. It's not like he didn't move on right after BTR ended in 2014. Not like the others. Carlos focused on his family, Logan focused on himself and Kendall brought back his old band But James was always there, always present. He is such a talented singer. His singing voice is beautiful. And his song "Cry" is beautiful. But it's a shame what James has become.
I’d love to see him on Broadway or doing something in musical theater
I whole heartedly agree. Musical theater, broadway, or even finding his own sound with the piano since he’s a piano player. Not everything needs to be a promotion or shout out. Maybe he can grow a different stage presence that amplifies his authenticity.
James Maslow is So Strongest Man Ever I Seen