Alexander James Rodriguez is nothing if not busy. A professional actor and recording artist, Alexander is also balancing his many hobbies and school work. Being this non-stop, it’s no wonder he has so many projects on the way. From action and romance roles and his latest part in the horror movie The Skulleton to achieving 300,000 streams on Spotify and 1,000,000 views on YouTube for his song “Mister Fahrenheit,” this 15-year-old creative is one to watch.
We caught up with Alexander for an inside look at his forthcoming roles in Replica and Love’s Second Act. and how he balances it all.
Showstopper Magazine Online: Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you find your passion for acting and music?
Hi guys! My name is Alexander James Rodriguez. I have been an actor since I was 6 years old, and part of SAG-AFTRA since I was 7. During the first lockdown in 2020, when productions in Hollywood shut down, I started writing music and since then I have recorded 14 original songs and three cover songs. Acting and performing in general are second nature to me, I just feel happiest working on a film or performing live on stage. Aside from acting and singing, I have a brand called BritWorld. It’s been trademarked and suchlike. We sell high-quality hoodies, T-shirts, beanies, and scarves for kids and adults. I hope to expand into stores one day.
SMO: You’ve started really working on your music in the last couple of years. What has the process been like for you?
Yes, absolutely. I have always sung, and I have had guitar lessons for years, but it wasn’t until March of 2020 that I went into a vocal booth and recorded my first three songs, “My Crew,” “Your Smile,” and “Up To You.” I didn’t have much input in the writing process of those. I was 12 at the time.
My first real writing and studio contribution was for a song called “Doesn’t Matter To Me” that we released in February 2021. From that song, came “California,” a song all about things you can do in Cali. It was written to celebrate the re-opening of the State after the lengthy pandemic. I was able to perform it to California State Senators, and it made its way to Governor Gavin Newsom. Everything about the song is based on my personal experiences living in Los Angeles.
After that, I was super active in the studio, from lyrics and melodies to choosing the drum kicks and guitars used in all my songs. Now I am so involved in the writing process and mix. I have taught myself how to use music software like Pro Tools and Logic. I create beats myself and develop the ones I think have a better chance of succeeding out there. I love the whole process of songwriting, coming up with different melodies, and pushing myself vocally. I’m part of the process even down to the final mix.
SMO: How would you describe your sound?
At the moment I am creating songs that are dance-pop around 124bpm. Synthesizer-led with killer beat drops. I have a new song called Euphoria coming out February 3, 2023 that is very dance. The song was written by Stephen ‘Bud’da’ Anderson (Aaliyah, Ice Cube), myself, and my mom, it was mixed by Ken Lewis (Usher, BTS, Ariana Grande), and mastered by AJM Mastering in Madrid. I am definitely a pop artist!
SMO: Who or what are your music inspirations? Your acting inspirations?
For music, I mostly listen to The Weeknd and can name nearly all ’80s songs. I listen to anything that has a good beat and great lyrics. I hope to sign to a major label this year and combine music and acting.
For acting, I respect the work of many greats from Sir Anthony Hopkins to Robert De Nero, and I enjoy performances from Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell, Tom Cruise, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Like most actors, I hope to make worthy films audiences can relate to, and one day collect an Academy Award and Golden Globe for my work. With any success, I want to be a voice for other child actors trying to succeed in this space.
SMO: You have two movies coming out soon. Can you talk about those roles and what it was like to bring those characters to life?
Last year I filmed Replica with Mickey Rourke. I play the younger version of the lead character. He is a lost teen placed in a juvenile delinquent facility. He isn’t tough at all, but in order to survive day one, he goes all-out to prove nobody can mess with him. It’s a very different role for me. I learned fight choreography and how to throw a punch without making contact. The hair and makeup team had to create a gaunt-looking teen with black rings around my eyes and make me look undernourished with slightly greasy hair. I had to be meek and nervous yet tough at the same time. It was a whole vibe.
The other movie coming out this year is Love’s Second Act. A romantic comedy about two people who find each other again in a small-town movie theater where they both first fell in love. I play the younger lead character, Nick. It was a nice and breezy role, hanging out in a cool movie theatre.
SMO: You were also recently cast in the horror film The Skulleton. What can you tell us about that project and your role?
I am super excited about this role. I play an annoying teenager who gets up to no good around town, in and out of trouble with his best friend. I can’t say too much, but “what goes around comes around” is the best way to describe my role. I love working on films that I can be the polar opposite of myself. Both Replica and The Skulleton are those types of roles.
SMO: What is it like to work on all of these creative projects while being a full-time honors student? What is your secret to making it all happen?
I have the most rigorous school schedule and desperately try and fit it all in. Homework is not my friend. I have around 3 hours a day after school, so my vocal lessons, audition coaching, and work is squeezed in at the weekends and between homework assignments. When I book a gig, I take my schoolwork to set and am allocated enough time to do it. Once, I booked a motion capture video game and sat doing homework with my suit and sensors on my knuckles. During my time on stage at The Mark Taper in Los Angeles, I was between scenes doing school work—jumping up for my cue, doing the scene then backstage finishing off an essay or math. I left the stage door with my PJs on ready for bed as I had regular school the next morning. Somehow we just make it work. I think anything is possible if you put your mind to it. It’s not always ideal though!
Is there anything else you would like people to know about yourself or your music and acting?
Most people don’t know I am a strong competing swimmer and equestrian. I ride horses, surf, snowboard, skateboard, and can fix a Rubik’s Cube. I love playing Clue and Chess with anyone willing. This year I hope to book more movie and TV roles this year and sign to a major record label. I want to do a tour this summer, too.
Meanwhile, I am back in the recording studio next week for a new song called “Miss You.” It’s not quite finished yet and I have the bridge to add, but it’s a fun one. That won’t come out until March. And of course, I am continuing 10th grade at Notre Dame High School. This year I will be taking my AP History exam so wish me luck!
If anyone wants to follow my journey I stay active on Instagram(@iamajrodriguez), and my music can be heard anywhere you listen to music.
—
Alexander’s new single, “Euphoria,” is out on February 3, 2023.
