Maki recalls failed ‘application’ to James Reid’s talent agency

Singer-songwriter Maki revealed that he once tried to apply as an artist under James Reid’s talent agency Careless, but never received a response.

During the press conference for their collaborative single “Luck” on Wednesday, Aug. 5, in Quezon City, Maki shared that he previously reached out to Careless Music. He is now signed under Tarsier Records and Star Music.

“Nag-chat ako sa Careless dati — way before. I was trying to sell myself. ‘Hi, I am an artist, I want to be an artist sa Careless.’ Tapos hindi ako nireplyan,” Maki laughingly recalled.

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Maki said he later told Reid about the experience, prompting a surprised reaction from the actor-singer.

“I told James that. He said, ‘What?! Sayang!’ But it was a fun moment for us,” Maki added.

Despite the missed opportunity, Maki said he has always admired Reid not only as an artist but also for his personality.

“Si James kasi, I’ve always known him na actor siya but also, he’s a funny guy. His humor really fits the song and ‘yung music video,” he said. “Para sa akin, ‘yung quirky side namin, doon namin naipakita.”

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Reid, meanwhile, praised Maki’s artistry and said he immediately connected with “Luck” when he first heard the track. Maki pitched the song to Reid during their Canada tour last year.

“It sounds so international. The song sounded like it would transcend borders, and it felt so fresh. I was like, ‘Maki, is this really you?’ It sounds so different,” Reid said. “I was so jealous, I wish I wrote it. Thankful to be in it.”

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“Luck” is a love song featuring both Tagalog and English lyrics, with Maki and Reid singing about taking a chance on someone they hope will give them an opportunity. The music video shows the two artists dancing and chasing each other inside a pink-and-green office setting.

The track follows Maki’s “Habangbuhay Pansamantala,” released in May, which features SB19 member Justin in its music video. Maki released his debut album “Kolorcoaster” in 2025, which includes the songs “Dilaw,” “Namumula” and “Kahel na Langit.”

Reid, meanwhile, recently released the deluxe edition of his album “jgh” and dropped singles including “Richest Man Alive” and “Traffic.”

The singer-actor co-founded Careless Music in 2019. The company previously gained attention after actress Liza Soberano signed with the agency in 2022 before parting ways from it two years later.

Reid recently made headlines after revealing that he lost around P150 million from a business venture that “went horribly wrong.” He previously said his former Careless business partner Jeffrey Oh owed him money and had other unsettled liabilities. /ra