Alexander James Rodriguez has dropped another major hit, earning himself a nomination for a coveted Hollywood Music in Media Award, joining the ranks of some of Billboard’s biggest names.
The British teen recently unveiled his latest single “Cherry Bomb” alongside a vibrant, high-energy music video bursting with color—and we can’t stop tapping our feet to it here in the UK.
Written by Alexander James Rodriguez himself, the infectious track marks the 14-year-old’s tenth studio single as an independent artist. With choreography by fellow Brit Marvin Brown (High School Musical), the video radiates playful energy that perfectly matches Alexander’s cheeky charm. Using his acting background and natural charisma, the rising star shares the screen with dancers Isidora Villagra, Jedd Berina, Kaileia Dixon, and McKenzie Cole, along with teen model Ava Rose, who plays his “cherry bomb.”
We caught up with Alexander to talk about the new release, his creative process, and what’s next for the young hitmaker.
So, what's up Alexander? You have been busy since we last spoke. Congrats on your Hollywood Music in Media nomination. Tell us about that!
Wow guys yes, I have been on a mega rollercoaster ride since we last chatted. Tapping into my Brit-pop DNA, I released my single ‘Freedom’ in August which is a Wham! cover song, that was so much fun to record. I loved channeling my inner George Michael, and then promptly dropped my original single, ‘Cherry Bomb’ last month.
The song has just been nominated for Music Video (Independent) at this year’s Hollywood Music in Media Awards, which is super exciting.
At age 14, we hear you are the youngest nominee this year. Tell us everything!
Yes, I just heard that too! There are so many amazing artists nominated within their respective categories this year including Beyonce, Van Morrison, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Kid Cudi, the list is endless. I have been nominated for Music Video (Independent) for my song ‘Cherry Bomb’ – I have some stiff competition, but I am so happy to be within the mix of such a fantastic show line-up!
We love the music video. What’s the story behind it?
We filmed the music video for ‘Cherry Bomb’ at a 1950’s classic American diner in Downtown Los Angeles. It had a plain easy to work with backdrop that we thought, with a pop of colour and some fun dance moves we could transform it into a “High School Musical” vibing video.
The first thing we had to do was find our “cherry bomb.” It was a funny because we were at an event where I was promoting ‘Bella Loquita’, and at an elevator saw this girl (Ava Rose) complaining about her heels, and my mum nudged me and said – that’s her. That’s your cherry bomb. We didn’t approach her at the event, but when we were close to organizing the music video for ‘Cherry Bomb’, I dropped into her Instagram and simply asked!
From there we added British choreographer Marvin Brown (D23: High School Musical) for the ‘Cherry Bomb’ dance routine we wanted to slot in, and dancers Isidora Villagra, Jedd Berina, Kaileia Dixon and Mckenzie Cole.
In order for the diner to look colorful, aside from our outfits, we searched for really bright food. We had 72 cupcakes, 24 muffins, 2 full sized cakes, fresh cherries, strawberries, lemons, real daisies, coloring pens, and cherry blossom to give the diner the vibrancy you see.
We wrote up the storyboard and filming shot list, and the rest as they say – is history!
Watch CHERRY BOMB below:
We have been following your acting and music career for a while, but at just 14 years old how do you fit everything in with school and acting?
To be honest, I don’t know – we just make it work! I have homework and afterschool activities like auditions, swim, photoshoots and then at the weekends I am in the studio or doing live performances. It really is a daily juggle!
Who are your musical icons?
Gosh – I’d say, Harry Styles, George Michael, and Liam Payne but I love so many artists. It’s hard to pick a handful.
What’s your favourite hobby when you are free from school?
I try and spend my time outside – so I surf, skateboard, skim board a lot. Inside, I mess around with Lego, various Rubik cubes. I read anything mythological and draw dragons and different characters.
What’s coming up next for you?
I am releasing another Christmas single this year, on November 19th and then gearing up for my January 14th release of ‘Alright’. I am in the studio writing new songs and I hope that next year I drop an EP or album.
How can our readers find you online?
People can find me on all music digital platforms.
Music videos can be found on YouTube I Instagram I Facebook I Website
