Meet Rex James IV: at just 16 years old, he’s already making waves as an actor, model, varsity football standout—and now, a rising voice in country music. Born in La Jolla and raised across San Diego and L.A. County, Rex has seamlessly blended his athletic discipline and on‑screen charisma into a rapidly evolving music career. Fresh off landing the lead role of Daniel in the highly anticipated 2025 film Mi Loca Quinceañera and releasing two compelling singles—his duet “Finally” with Izabellah Rae Diez and his heartfelt Valentine’s Day ballad “All That I Am”—he’s just getting started.

In this exclusive Artistrack interview, we dive into Rex’s journey from the gridiron to the recording booth. He opens up about finding his sound amid country and blues influences, the creative spark ignited by singing “Finally” alongside Izabellah, and the emotional backstory behind his latest release. You’ll hear how balancing Division I football, modeling, acting, and family life has shaped his work ethic—and why music has become his most cherished outlet.

Stay tuned as Rex shares stories from the Nashville studio sessions, reveals his ultimate dream collaboration (hint: it involves Zach Bryan!), and teases what’s next on the horizon. Whether you’re a fan of authentic storytelling in country music or simply curious about the life of a multi‑talented teen artist, this conversation promises inspiration, ambition, and plenty of heart.

Let’s dive into our conversation with Rex James IV:

Where are you from?

I was born in La Jolla, then grew up in San Diego and LA County. Right now, I’m kind of between Riverside County and LA, but I’m based in LA.

How long have you been making music?

Making music is a new venture for me, and I’ve been really blessed to dive into it over the past year, starting in 2024

How many songs /albums have you released to date?

So far, I’ve released a couple of tracks. My duet “Finally” came out on 10/18/24, and it’s available on all streaming platforms. It was written by Drew Lang, Izabellah Rae Diez, and Tess Monepere. My first single, All That I Am, dropped on 2/14/25, released by Drew Right Music.

Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?

My most recent release is a song called “All That I Am.” It’s inspired by the feelings of love I lost and then got back. Writing it with Drew Lane was an emotional journey, and I’m really proud of how it turned out.

How did you first get into music, and what inspired you to pursue a career in it?

I first got into music thanks to the amazing Izabellah Rae Diez. We did a duet “Finally” together and not long after that, I co-wrote a song about her called “All That I Am.” That really sparked something in me and made me realize I wanted to keep making music.

What do you think of the present music industry?

I really love the country music scene right now. Some of my personal favorite artists are Luke Combs, Zach Bryan, and Morgan Wallen. They’ve all got such unique sounds, and it’s awesome to see where country music is heading.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences and how have they impacted your music?

Some of my biggest musical influences are Zach Bryan, Stone Temple Pilots, Creed, and Staind. Each of them has shaped the way I approach music. Zach Bryan’s raw storytelling really inspires me to be real with my lyrics, while the grunge and rock vibe from Stone Temple Pilots, Creed, and Staind pushes me to experiment with different sounds and energy in my music.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a musician and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in music has been balancing it with everything else I’m deeply involved in. Between being a Division 1 athlete, maintaining strong relationships with my family, and pursuing acting and modeling, I’m constantly stretched thin. There are days when it feels like I don’t have enough hours to give each passion the attention it deserves.

But I’ve learned that time management and discipline are everything. I’ve become super intentional with how I spend my time, carving out focused windows for each commitment. It’s not always perfect, but giving my best in the time I have, staying organized, and staying connected to why I love doing all these things helps me keep going. Music especially has become a space for me to recharge and express everything I carry—it’s a release and a passion that fuels the rest.

How has your music evolved over the course of your career, and where do you see it going in the future?

I think my music is still kinda finding its sound, but it’s definitely leaning more in a country direction right now. Lately, I’ve been really getting into that mix of country and rock—like that gritty, high-energy vibe—so that’s the lane I see myself heading into. I’m still experimenting, but I feel like that’s where I can really be myself.

Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?

So far, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with Izabellah Rae Diez. She’s an amazing artist, and it was a great experience working together.

Can you describe your creative process and what goes into making a song or album?

Making a song isn’t easy at all, honestly. The part that comes the most naturally for me is just writing how I’m feeling—getting those emotions out in lyrics. That’s the easiest part. But everything else, like getting the sound right or making sure it all flows, can take a lot of time and tweaking. It’s a process for sure, but it’s always worth it in the end.

Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?

Dead or alive, my dream collaboration would definitely be with Zach Bryan. I’m a huge fan of his music, especially his duet “Spotless” with The Lumineers. That track just hit different for me, and I’d love to work with him one day.

What was the first album you bought?

I never really bought an album—Spotify’s always been my go-to. But if I had to pick, it would definitely be something like Michael Jackson’s Thriller. I grew up listening to his music, and he’s such an inspiration!

What’s your favorite song at the moment?

Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?

If I had to sell everything, I’d definitely keep a Michael Jackson album in the drawer. His music’s just timeless—you can’t replace that.

What is your favourite saying?

Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

What other hobbies or interests do you have?

Outside of music, I’m really into football—it’s a big part of my life. I also just love taking long walks and hanging out with my best friends. It’s the little things like that that help me chill and reset.

Can you tell us about any recent studio experiences or collaborations you’ve had that you’re especially excited about?

Yeah, actually—I recently had the chance to go out to Nashville and record two songs with Kelly James Productions and Drew Lang, which was such a cool experience. I’m super excited about how they turned out and can’t wait to share more music soon! Grateful for all the support and encouragement received from talented people in the industry, my family and manager, Candy Diez. Couldn’t do this without you all! Thank you!

Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?

Honestly, I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s definitely going to be something a little unexpected. I’m excited for people to hear it—it’s going to surprise some folks.

What’s in the pipeline after this project?

After this project, I plan to keep creating and see where it takes me. I’ve got a lot of ideas I want to explore, especially when it comes to playing around with the guitar. I’m excited to see how that’ll shape my sound.

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music. 

 

 

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