Music video offers glimpse of James Reid’s acting comeback

James Reid —BROOKLYN INDUSTRIES PR

While James Reid had to put acting on the back burner to focus on music, the offers to do television shows and films never really stopped coming.

“I have always gotten offers. But I had to turn down a lot of them because of music. I really wanted to see it through. And I feel like it’s going to happen soon,” he told the Inquirer in a one-on-one interview.

The past few years saw James dabbling with genres outside R&B and collaborating with different producers in hopes of creating a piece of work that will best capture his essence as an artist. And his gut tells him that his new single, “Hurt Me Too” (Sony Music Philippines)—and the upcoming album it’s going to be part of—might just be it.

“I feel like I’m almost there with my music. ‘Hurt Me Too’ is a good sign … I wanted to come up with something that reflects who I really am. I have been trying to find that ever since I left acting,” he said of the song, which draws inspiration from “old wounds” and past relationships.

“That’s why I went to Los Angeles to experiment with different genres and writing styles. I tried dance, electronic, slow R&B and synth-pop. I worked with different artists,” he said. “But now, I think I’m going in a new direction. I feel like I’m myself now more than ever.”

Real emotions

Now satisfied with the progress he has made with his music, the 31-year-old actor is ready to dip his toes back into acting. The music video for “Hurt Me Too” offers a glimpse of what’s to come.

Directed by Elena Virata, the video shows James looking restless and vulnerable in a dimly lit house. He wanders into one of the rooms where he sees a mirror. With his reflection staring right back at him, he loses it and lets out all the emotions that have been simmering inside.

“It was funny. On the first take, I was already getting very teary eyed. I was like, ‘Wooh! Exhale!,’ because I was already feeling so much. I told myself, ‘Okay, you need to slow down. It’s going to be a long day of shooting but it’s like that when the emotions are very real to you,” he said.

Once he steps outside, however, he has to appear like he has it all together—as depicted in the scenes where he stands before a flurry of camera flashes and reporters asking, “How are you feeling?”

Fulfilling

That used to be his life, and it still is, to a certain extent. But outside the love team structure, the spotlight is no longer as intense. His naturally introverted self prefers things that way.

“I super love it … Being in a love team is one of the most intense things anyone in the world can do. And I can’t begin to explain how crazy it can be: the attention, the spotlight, the lack of privacy,” he said. “I don’t think I can live my whole life like that.”

In no way does that diminish all the good things that come with fame. His fans immediately come to mind. “It’s definitely an amazing feeling being able to touch so many people and bring so much happiness in their lives. A simple hello and a photo can make their day. It’s an incredible feeling,” he said.

Filming the video was an emotional process but being able to reconnect with his acting side made the experience fulfilling overall. “I know the fans love to see me act. They miss it,” he said.

And how could they not? “Miss Granny,” his last acting project, was six years ago. The long wait could very well end soon.

“I plan to do a few acting projects for both film and … actually, that’s all I’m going to say for now! But yes, I have been planning to go back to acting,” he said.

After all, acting helped paved the way for James’ music career. “If I hadn’t gone through those things, I wouldn’t have been able to experience what it’s like performing onstage. That’s how I learned to love music and performing,” he said.

Hollywood?

Asked if he has ever entertained thoughts of giving Hollywood a shot—like Liza Soberano whose career he oversees through his own company, Careless—James said no, at least for now.

“I’m not sure about Hollywood. Not everyone can just say I’m going there and make it. You have to be a certain type of talent and I think Liza is that kind of talent. I believe that. I’m super proud of her, of what she has done and is doing right now. She’s really out there chasing her dreams,” he said. “I’m not sure my road will take me there,” he added.

Besides, he pointed out he already “has a lot on my plate.” Apart from his music and planned acting comeback, James’ responsibilities as a talent manager continue. It’s a tough job, he admitted, but one that’s instructive as well.

“I have an amazing team that helps me promote the artists the way they want. I want to make finding themselves a fun experience because that’s what I’m also doing. Everyone’s growing at his or her own pace. It’s really great. They make some amazing music, and I couldn’t be more grateful for having a team I can trust.” INQ