The singer who turned up the volume

It’s hard not to hang on his every word, partly because you can’t take your eyes off him. As superficial as that sounds, it’s also useful. Over the past two years, everything the Big Time Rush frontman has said has been in support of Israel and, with a fan base mostly under 25, that’s important.

Once known to Nickelodeon fans, James, born and raised in San Diego, is now recognised for his outspoken activism on social media, where his posts reach millions. In a climate in which silence is safer, he’s chosen to speak.

“I’m on a world tour right now,” he says from Los Angeles. “I’m home today, but about to be in a different time zone almost every day for months.”

Wherever he is, Maslow follows news about Israel. When we speak, he’s frustrated by the people who once shouted for a ceasefire. “Funny how they’re silent now there actually is one,” he says. “It just proves what I believed from the start – most didn’t know what they were talking about. They were simply echoing the popular narrative.”

James Maslow performing with the band at Wembley

He pauses, then explains why he’s invested. “I’ve been to Israel multiple times and studied Judaica history since Hebrew school. From history, from the Bible, and from experience, I could see the lies spreading online and thought, ‘This just isn’t true.’ I was in a unique position to be a voice of reason. And, yes, it was scary. Yes, I got backlash. But it’s a lot scarier not to stand up.”

In the past year, Maslow has found himself drawn into the political sphere. He’s met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, attended vigils at the White House, and spoken at college campuses across America.

“I never imagined being involved in politics,” he admits. “But if my voice can reach people – especially young people – then maybe I have a responsibility to use it. I’m not trying to
be a politician, but I do want to be part of the conversation.”

If 20 is in your rearview mirror then it’s unlikely you’ll know about Big Time Rush – Nickelodeon’s answer to Beatlemania. They are the boyband born from a hit TV show that ran for four seasons with a breakout single – Boyfriend, featuring Snoop Dogg – that went platinum. And, as with Westlife, every fan had her favourite.

“Those fans followed us into adulthood and, to my surprise, through my activism,” says James. “We’ve played maybe a hundred shows since October 7, all sold out. Even if some disagree or don’t understand what’s happening, they’ve still come. I like to think it’s because we create unity.”

Big Time Rush headlined at Wembley Arena this month which was a huge moment for the band and the reviews reflected that. Critics and fans alike praised the high-energy, polished show, packed with dazzling lights, huge sing-alongs and the verdict was overwhelmingly nostalgic and joyful, with many calling it an unforgettable night that tapped straight into childhood memories. Ahead of the shows James watched the UK’s wave of protests from afar. Did coming here worry him?

“Of course, I thought about it,” he admits. “London’s had a lot of unrest. But we’ve had no trouble so far in other places we’ve played and my message is about finding a path forward. People are tired of the shouting. They’re starting to say, enough of this – let’s focus on peace, not noise. Hopefully this message will reach London and everywhere else.”

In November 2023, James flew to Israel. “I didn’t go to make a documentary,” he says. “I went to see what the hell was actually going on. I didn’t want to fight this battle without seeing it with my own eyes.”

He ended up filming Bearing Witness, a 45-minute documentary capturing encounters with survivors and soldiers. “I went to Jenin and to the Nova site – before it became a monument. The cars were still there. The smells were still there. We filmed everything we could in five days, barely slept,
and turned it into something that really matters.

For those who watch it on YouTube, it’s been eye-opening.” What shocked him most wasn’t what he saw but how quickly the world forgot. “I don’t think anyone could have imagined that, after the atrocities, the world would turn its back so fast on Israel and Jews. The only way I can make sense of it is: tell a lie enough times, and it becomes the truth. Social media made that possible.”

Aged 35, James straddles two eras. “I went to high school without social media,” he laughs. “But by the time Big Time Rush hit, Instagram and Twitter were everywhere. I resisted it at first, but now I post every day. It’s a marketing tool and a community builder.”

He has seen its darker side. “TikTok has been one of the most antisemitic platforms. What I didn’t expect was how ready Hamas and Iran were with their misinformation campaign. It was sophisticated, well-planned and the world has devoured it.”

Being so prominent online has made him the apple of many Jewish mothers’ eyes – at least those hoping for a keeper for their daughters. Sadly for them, he’s already spoken for, and fiancée Caitlin isn’t Jewish, but she’s been to Israel and seen what he’s fighting for. “I took her three years ago. We went from the north to the border of Gaza with Grisha Yakubovich, a former IDF officer who oversaw civilian coordination. We spoke to Palestinians who said, ‘We love Israel. We make 20 times more here than in Gaza. They treat us with respect.’ It was humbling.”

James admits his bandmates would prefer he kept his own counsel. “They’d probably prefer I didn’t say anything,” he says softly. “But I can’t fault them for being scared. This topic shouldn’t even be political, yet it’s become the most politicised issue in the world.”

He knows fame amplifies his voice but also his risks. “It’s a double-edged sword. Without fame, I could speak freely with little backlash. But with fame, I can reach millions, so I try to use that responsibly. I’ve had death threats, sure, but they’re from a tiny, loud minority. The upside is that a lot of new people now know me – not just as the guy from Big Time Rush, but as someone who stands up for what’s right.”

He smiles. “Do I want to be political? Not really. But if my voice can make people think – or just talk – that’s worth something. Because yelling doesn’t help anyone. Conversation might.”

Around Rosh Hashanah, James released On My Mind, a heartfelt track about his support for Israel, his stand against antisemitism and his love for the Jewish community with the lyrics “I face the changes knowing one thing will stay the same – you’re always on my mind”.

Hopefully his followers spread his words.

Follow@JamesMaslow and see his film Bearing Witness – https://youtu.be/jgaxr6YQ_AU?si=nbAWOdyq17LjuE9B

Big Time Rush will be performing in America through February, Latin America in March and Dubai on 26 March http://bigtimerushofficial.com