Big Time Rush has moved from being the most popular Nickelodeon live-action program to a chart-topping band, now filling arenas across North America. The group’s name fits their trajectory: big-time ambition, big-time energy. Recent Toronto appearances at the Air Canada Centre with tour partner One Direction showcased their continued ascent.
During their time in the city, the interview team had the chance to sit down with Carlos Pena Jr. to discuss what it is like to perform in Toronto, how the band writes its music, and how Pena sees himself in relation to the characters fans know from the show.
About the ACC show, Pena described it as crazy and incredibly fun, with a massive crowd that highlighted the warmth of Toronto’s reception. The energy was fantastic, especially for a first-time Toronto appearance, he recalled.
On living in Toronto, he shared his impression of the city: it feels quaint and very clean, a refreshing vibe that complemented the excitement of the night.
When asked how Toronto compared to other crowds, Pena emphasized the sheer, electrifying energy. Fans appeared genuinely thrilled, and that excitement translated into a memorable atmosphere for the band to perform in.
Reflecting on the tour overall, Pena called it a tremendous experience. He noted the luck of playing in numerous venues across different cities and described the journey from a television show to real-life stardom as a cool, transformative ride.
About collaborating with One Direction, Pena praised the other group as great people with a strong fan base. He expressed hope that the pairing would create synergistic moments and new opportunities for both acts.
Energy management between travel and performances comes down to balance. Pena underscored the importance of sleep but relied mainly on adrenaline and the responsibility of delivering a strong show each night, recognizing the strain and reward of a busy touring schedule.
When asked about their favorite aspect of being in Big Time Rush, Pena pointed to performing live as the top experience, while also appreciating acting and the overall show. The touring life, he added, has been amazing so far.
Discussing Elevate, the band’s latest album, Pena explained that the group moved beyond the show’s influence to pursue a more independent voice. He revealed that he personally wrote a significant portion of the material and that eight of the twelve tracks on Elevate were co-written by the band, marking a shift toward music born from their own minds rather than solely for the TV show.
The creative process during writing sessions involved carrying a touring notebook and jotting ideas whenever inspiration struck. Pena described those sessions as enjoyable and collaborative, turning ideas into songs that reflected the band’s evolving sound.
With a summer tour announced, the group signaled continued engagement with Canada. Pena indicated a strong commitment to spending substantial time in Canada, with plans for a robust 60-day run and potential additions to their setlist, including more new material to share with fans.
In discussing his on-screen persona, Pena explained that while the character on the show may seem weird or funny, he himself leans more toward the role of the group’s steady anchor. He likes keeping things organized, punctual, and cohesive, ensuring the team stays on track.
Fans note a parallel between the band members and their on-screen counterparts. Pena pointed to Logan as an example: the actor cast as a nerdy, quirky character on the show is, in real life, loud and energetic, much like the other guys on the team.
During the Toronto visit, Toronto Maple Leaf jerseys were a fitting nod to the city. Pena shared nostalgia for hockey, a sport he played in his youth, alongside other interests like soccer and snowboarding, which has been a recurring theme on tours that include winter sports stops in places like Utah.
Among Elevate’s tracks, Pena highlighted a personal favorite titled No Idea. When asked about a live performance staple, he echoed the same song, noting that it invites a moment where stage energy can take over, even as the band thrives on dynamic, high-energy choreography. The schedule sees the crew pushing themselves on stage with quick, coordinated movements that keep the show moving and the audience engaged.
This interview offers a window into how Big Time Rush has grown from a TV-friendly act into a concert-driven brand, expanding their musical range, and planning extended tours in Canada. The band’s trajectory underscores a broader trend in pop where acting and music increasingly blend to build lasting, multi-city fan communities.