At Celeb Secrets, we are all about supporting up-and-coming artists and discovering the next big thing and we cannot wait to introduce you to this new talent!
Meet Alexander James Rodriguez, the 13-year-old British actor and singer-songwriter who is being labeled as the new Brit-pop invader to hit Hollywood.
The young artist is best known for his voiceover work, in particular as the voice of “Cardamon” on the animated series Bee and Puppycat, which is headed to Netflix. Now, the budding star is hitting the music scene and making waves across the Internet.
We caught up with Alexander to discuss his latest single “California,” who and what influences his sound, and what he has coming next. Alexander James Rodriguez will surely be one of your new favorites so check out our interview below!
Don’t forget to let us know what you think of “California” by leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets. You can also connect with Alexander by giving him a follow on Instagram at @iamajrodriguez.
Celeb Secrets: Thank you for chatting with us today and congratulations on your new single “California!” Can you tell us what inspired the song and what you hope people take away from it?
Alexander James Rodriguez: “Hi guys, thank you for having me! My new song ‘California,’ started off as a really high energy, high hat Blink-182 type beat. At first, we couldn’t figure out what kind of melody would sit over the beat we were given. After a lot of back and forth, and nearly dropping the beat altogether, I found computer software that could slow down music. Once I had a slower BPM, I was able to work on the first melody, which happened to be the bridge – I didn’t know that at the time. From there I realized I wanted this beat to be everything I loved to do in California, from surfing and skateboarding – and so the first verse was born. The hook is super simple – ‘It’s California’ that was actually the last to get done on the song, along with all the ooohs and woahs!
I would love it if people heard the song and really embraced it as their ‘California anthem.’ It’s been a hot minute since the State of California had a song that really celebrated the state. I’d love for people to tap their toes and feel compelled to visit California, or if they live here already, get outside and explore. Like a staycation – there is so much to see and do in California, and have I mentioned the great weather?!”
CS: The video looks super fun! What was your favorite part about filming it?
AJR: “Thank you, originally, we wanted to road trip from Venice Beach all the way up the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco, but with all the COVID restrictions, we decided it was best to film my performance shots in and around Los Angeles. We filmed on Venice Beach, the Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills sign, Rodeo Drive, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I loved filming the car sequence in Beverly Hills, meeting the friendliest Beverly Hills policeman, who was super nice, but I think my ultimate favorite part was sitting on the edge of the lifeguard beach hut on Venice Beach and feeling the breeze – I felt so alive!”
CS: How would you say your sound is influenced by your British heritage? Who are some artists that inspire you?
AJR: “I am definitely trying to stay close to my British roots of Brit-pop rather than R&B for example. I’m all about the POP. In the car there is always 80’s pop music playing, from the Spice Girls, Wham or Robbie Williams vibes to Elton John and Phil Collins whilst driving.
Artists that inspire me are all the 80’s and 90’s music, plus 1D, Take That, Harry Styles, Dua Lipa and recently I was compared to George Michael, which is, may I say a huge compliment. I love George Michael. He was an incredible talent.”
CS: You also voice “Cardamon” on the animated series Bee and Puppycat. What has that experience been like? Do you have a favorite episode that you’ve recorded?
AJR: “Yes so I booked the voice over for Cardmon back in 2013. I was 6, nearly 7 years old. I have been the purple haird landlord ever since – even through my voice changing. Now the show is headed to Netflix which is really exciting – and I am able to still voice the character which is almost unheard of as I am now 13.
My favorite scene is when I break down in floods of tears, then I had to turn on rage. There are so many comments on YouTube surrounding that scene, but nobody needs to be concerned. The moment I heard “cut” we were all laughing on the sound stage. It was just acting.”
CS: What else can fans expect from you in 2021?
AJR: “I have more music on the way. My granddad helped me write the lyrics on my Spanish-English hybrid song, Bella Loquita which will be releasing at the end of June, so that’s very exciting – he is 85. I have a movie role I am filming for in August, and Bit-pop vibe merchandise on the way too – so basically, new music, more voice overs, a film role and merch.”
CS: Lastly, we are Celeb Secrets — can you share a secret talent of yours that fans may be surprised to discover?
AJR: “Hmmm… I am a Junior Olympic timed swimmer for freestyle. I am part of a swim team and my best swim stroke is butterfly. I can fix a Rubik’s cube in under 1 minute and everyday I visit my horse at the stables. Rain or shine I get my Wellington boots on and clean up after Rosie. Not sure if that is a talent – but it happens!”
