Not every pop star releases a song tied to a date of national grief, but James Maslow isn’t most pop stars. The singer and actor — yes, the same James Maslow from Nickelodeon’s “Big Time Rush,” has released “On My Mind,” a single and video filmed entirely in Israel. The James Maslow Oct. 7 video isn’t a typical music drop; it’s timed to mark two years since the Oct. 7 attacks and meant to keep Israel, and the people who love it, in the world’s conversation.
Maslow calls the project “a celebration of life, of community, of Israel and of the Jewish people.” And while the track sounds upbeat, its timing and purpose run much deeper.
A bridge through song and story
The video follows a weeklong shoot across Israel — beaches, markets, city streets — with Israeli artists Shahar Saul and Maya Dadon, who sing and rap in Hebrew. The result is joyful but grounded, showing a side of Israel rarely seen in international headlines.
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“It’s a song about someone or somewhere that you miss,” Maslow said on Instagram. “I hope it serves as a bridge.” For him, that bridge connects cultures and generations, proof that pop can still carry purpose.
For fans who grew up watching “Big Time Rush,” seeing Maslow walk Jerusalem’s alleys instead of studio backlots is a full-circle moment. The same performer who once sang about teenage crushes is now writing about belonging and memory.
A song for every generation
The James Maslow Oct. 7 video lands between Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the painful anniversary that follows — a season of reflection for Jews of all ages. Maslow said he wanted to offer something “uplifting and meaningful,” a reason to smile and sing even as the headlines stay heavy.
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Whether you’re a parent remembering where you were on Oct. 7 or a fan rediscovering Maslow’s voice on Spotify, “On My Mind” meets you in the same place — somewhere between loss and light.
From Israel to Washington
Maslow plans to be in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 7 to help ensure the date isn’t forgotten. “Our nation’s capital should never forget what happened — or the spirit that endures,” he said in a release.
He isn’t just promoting a single; he’s showing how art can heal. That’s a message that crosses generations — and one worth listening to again.
