James Reid explores international collabs

After winning the Pinoy Big Brother (Teen Clash) reality competition in 2010, James Reid has embarked on a showbiz career that allows him to explore acting both on TV and in the movies.

He has done a number of memorable films and drama series the past decade. His last acting stint on the big screen was in director Joyce Bernal’s romantic-comedy, Miss Granny (2018), opposite Sarah Geronimo.

Lately, however, James has obviously decided to focus on his music. In 2017, he released his debut studio album, Palm Dreams, under his Careless label. That was followed by Lovescene, released in October last year, also under Careless.

James does not deny that he missed acting, though. “I do miss acting, sometimes,” James told the media when he was introduced in Johnny Walker’s Walk Beyond project. “But for now, I’m having a lot of fun creating this kind of collaboration and bringing new aspects in music and skating.”

“These whole collaboration came to be because of Johnny Walker,” added James. “I had an idea and they came in to bring together different sub-cultures. I hope people understand how important this kind of collaboration is,” he continued.

“Giving a platform to two different sub-cultures and highlighting two different unique aspects of Filipino culture, like the Skatebomb Girls. They are very under represented. Honestly, it was an honor to create such a fun project with Johnny Walker and Vice.”

In the new music video, So Fire, James and the Skatebomb Girls exhibited the combination of street-style, music and the fun vibe.

He was originally tapped to contribute a song, but since he loved the challenge, he was egged on to put on his skates and learn the choreography.

“Originally, it was supposed to be the blend of Pinoy pop music and roller skating,” James admitted. “I think during all the brainstorming sessions that I had with the team, they did joke about seeing me on roller skates.”

“The joke became the actual plan. Just collaborating with the Skatebomb Girls to roller skate was really cool.”

James proved to be a fast learner. He mastered all the moves in just two weeks and that impressed the Skatebomb Girls.

James Reid

“James learned more moves than most of us in the Skatebomb Girls did in a year,” disclosed Steffi.

James penned So Fire for the music video. “I wanted to create something that’s not different from what the Skatebomb Girls usually skate to,” he said. “To give the song a disco twist, I think that was perfect.”

“With the music that I love making, So Fire was such a fun, upbeat track that shows off the talent of the Skatebomb Girls, their outfits, their self-expression. It was always kind of perfect,” he added.

“I always imagined the next music that I would be doing would have something to do with roller skating. We were just planning everything on the spot. It wasn’t even in the original plan to have the girls sing. That was added the last minute.”

“They were very spontaneous. That was how I’m really planning to create. Johnny Walker really gave us the space to really go crazy. This kind of collaboration helped us think out of the box, experiment and take creative risks. No crazy choreography, not even skating stunts, just a lot of fun.”

He describes his style at present as a little bit “eclectic and adventurous,” but has a lot of inputs from his team. “It’s not just me alone. It takes a whole group, a whole team, a lot of minds to really help me with my look.”

James’ association with the Skatebomb Girls started when they were put together by Johnny Walker. Subsequently, he was convinced to put on his skates and learn the moves.

“Roller skating might not be for everyone, just like any other sport,” James said. “But what really got me into it was the community that surrounded it. It’s really fun. It’s so carefree and very expressive.”

“There’s no real goal than to have fun. That was what I got from Steffi and the Skatebomb Girls. It was just a good time,” he shared.

James was just planning to incorporate roller skating into his next music video, but Johnny Walker beat him into it.

In the coming months, he will have musical collaborations with artists from Singapore, South Korea and other Southeast Asian countries.

“I definitely want to explore international collaborations,” James said. “I’m very excited.”