James Reid has always managed to reinvent himself. He has never lost that effortless magnetism, whether under the burning stage lights, in front of a camera, or behind the scenes as a creative force. Photos from his recent Instagram posts gave a glimpse of what this new chapter looks like: a cosy bedroom bathed in tones of warm hues, a guitar propped in a corner, and a half-written notebook on his bed. The intimate and symbolic scene sets the tone for jgh - short for just got home - Reid's latest EP. While its interpretation is anyone's guess, the title is perhaps a reflection of Reid's deeper journey: a return to himself, his roots, and his most authentic artistic expression.
This past year has been a whirlwind for this Filipino-Australian artiste. Between his wave-making EP release and the highly publicised return to acting in 2025 were complications related to his independent record label Careless Music, involving the now-dismissed business partner Jeffrey Oh. Still, Reid is not distracted and has managed personal growth and professional evolution with a calmness that stems from knowing who he is. In this exclusive interview with Men's Folio, Reid reflects on the highs and challenges of 2024, his creative process, and the balancing act of rediscovering his artistic identity while preparing for his next big chapter.
"This year has been an absolute rollercoaster. Probably the most polarising year I've had yet. But it's mostly positive," Reid admits, which is telling from an artiste who has spent a decade navigating the shifting tides of entertainment and personal growth.
In 2024, Reid has been many things, juggling from musician to entrepreneur and everything in between. His schedule has been unrelenting, but he embraces it with characteristic charm. "I've been rocking all my hats," he laughs.
Esta historia es de la edición December/January 2025 de MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December/January 2025 de MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
For Your Ears Only
Colde (the stage name of Kim Hee-soo) made his long-awaited English debut earlier this year with YIN.
High Standing
What does it mean to be a five-star hotel? We find out during our stay at the Shangri-La Singapore.
A Class Of Its Own
The rumours are true. Emirates' new premium economy class feels more like business than it does economy.
Take A Closer Look
Cathay Pacific's new Aria Suite, the Hong Kong-based airline's first business class equipped with sliding doors, is a minimalist seat that boasts very subtle touch points.
A Salute to the East
Royal Salute unveils the Asia-exclusive 24 Year Old Cognac Cask Finish, which is all the richer from finishing in first-fill French cognac casks.
Unapologetic Touch
After its debut foray into jewellery earlier this year, Loro Piana returns with more pieces that engage in textural play for its Fall/Winter 2024 costume jewellery collection.
The Pearl Provocateur
Mikimoto christens a first-of-its-kind collaboration that reframes its 131-year history of cultured pearls with Chrome Heart's iconic gothic gildings and irreverent cool.
Quatre Out For It
Boucheron celebrates 20 years of its iconic Quatre collection - an allegory for harmony, resilience and the unfettered embrace of innovation.
A Take on Destro
The Panerai Luminor Destro Otto Giorni PAM01655 is deeply set in military precision, with its eyes resting on modern sophistication.
A Second Look
After an initial reportage on the Patek Philippe Cubitus in the previous issue, we take another look at the manufacture's first model in 25 years.
