The 13 Strangest Acts You Will See At NXNE 2010
06/15/10 4:41pm
by Adam Kovac (CHARTattack)

Music festivals can be full of some pretty strange things. The Flaming Lips covering a full Pink Floyd album, for instance? Yeah, pretty weird. Guys running around naked while wearing wizard gear and then getting Tasered by the cops? That’s pretty strange, too.

The North By Northeast Music Festival hits Toronto from Wednesday (June 16) to Sunday (June 20) at venues throughout the city. There are some pretty wacky bands playing stages throughout the T. dot, and here are just some of them:

Alexz Johnson
Her music is pretty straightforward sorta dance-y pop, so what makes her weird? Well, she’s a girl trying to become a pop star, but she already plays a pop star on TV (Instant Star). It’s kinda like Hannah Montana, but with a wholesome Canadian twist, and no washed up country star creeping everybody out or any alleged vagina pics showing up on Perez Hilton’s scummy website.

Source

Amazon has preorders up for Instant Star: Season 4 (2pcs) and Devil’s Diary on DVD up now.

Instant Star: Season 4 (2pcs) is expected out July 27th and is on sale for only $17.49.

Devil’s Diary is expected out August 24th and is on sale for only $13.49.

Make sure to preorder now!

Ryan of jitZul interviewed Alexz about how the rough patches Alexz has hit and how she has “finally come out on top with her debut album, Voodoo”

After the turmoil of the last few years, how does it feel to finally be releasing an album for your fans?

It feels like everything that happened was meant to be. Someone above is pulling the strings and I wouldn’t change any of the experiences because it’s only added to the music. It feels awesome finally getting our sound out there.

In terms of sound, how would you describe your new album, “Voodoo”? Does it have the “eclectic” feel of the songs you were creating with Epic Records or does it tread down a new path?

With “Voodoo” we wanted to make an album where each song was its own entity. Kind of like scenes to a film. We wanted each song to take you to a different place completely, yet as a whole, still maintain cohesiveness. Every album will be different. The Epic album was very world-sound inspired and rhythm driven. “Voodoo” has qualities of that, but we also went back to our more simplistic approach to some of the tracks. Eclectic pop.

Choosing which song to make a single can sometimes be very easy and other times be very difficult, what process lead to you choosing “Trip Around the World” as your single for this album?

It was the reaction from people’s first listen that pushed “Trip Around The World” to the top as a single. And also, the wonderful input from fans. A single doesn’t necessarily mean the best song; it means the most listener friendly. It’s something I’ll never quite grasp – how to truly pick the right first single. I’m too close to the music, I think but, I do trust that “Trip” is an invite to come listen to the full album.

As a Canadian artist one of the greatest challenges is penetrating the border to expand beyond the Canadian markets, what sorts of things are you doing to ensure your album is noticed in other countries?

Patience, I guess. I have a great team around me and we’re looking into new, innovative ways of getting the music out there. Because it’s an indie project at the moment, it will take time to build a solid foundation so we can hopefully propel into other territories.

Amidst the insanity of your music career have you been able to also continue to pursue acting? Can your fans look forward to seeing you on screen anytime soon?

In all honesty, it’s been tough to balance both careers. I’ve had to make decisions that are best for the music at times, when the music business isn’t the most secure platform. I wouldn’t want to be tied into another TV show for 5 years because it would take me away from pursuing my music but a great film, possibly one that would tie in the music in a soundtrack would be awesome. I’m a bit selective because I’m so passionate about music.

If you were able to start over, what things would you do differently?

I’m not sure I would do anything differently. I trust I’m where I’m supposed to be, you kind of just have too.

Let’s take things all the way back to the beginning, could you describe how your career got started and how the opportunity to be on Instant Star arose?

I put myself on tape for the role of “Jude” and landed the part.

Given your own affinity for both music and acting the role of Jude Harrison was perfect. How do you feel being on Instant Star helped expand your own musical aspirations?

Music was always my passion. I almost didn’t take the role on Instant Star because I wanted room to do music. The show helped sculpt Brendan and my writing abilities. By writing for the show, we knew the kind of different music we wanted to create for ourselves.

Moving forward a bit, near the end of Instant Star, your character, Jude was dropped from her label, do you feel that this helped prepare you for when this also happened to you?

You’re never prepared for something like that. It’s an awful thing to go through, but you also get a fire in your belly that gets stronger… if you love it that much.

Due to the problems with Epic you essentially have a nearly complete album that will go unreleased. Is there any hope of these songs ever seeing the light of day?

There is. Possibly re-recorded and produced. There are some songs on that album that are incredibly close to my heart and it would be awesome to release them someday… when the timing is right.

While being associated with major labels is often very beneficial from a business sense it can also be harmful to the creative process. Do you feel that ultimately your difficulty with the labels will allow you to be a better artist?

I have loved the creative freedom we’ve had on “Voodoo” and the cover, and the music video, and the whole process in general. Our expectations are also not as high – just getting it out to the fans feels so good. When you’re signed with a major, it can be a stressful time because so much is expected and there’s fear-based decisions being made around money, and sadly, music. Doing what we love because we love it makes the whole process a lot more fun.

In your opinion, what is the most common mistake made by aspiring artists? Do you have any suggestions on how to avoid it?

Hmm… Everyone can make mistakes and I’m not one to judge. I would just keep your integrity at all times, play ball the best you can, but at some point, you have to be doing it for the right reasons. Or why do it at all?

Source


Boomerang Latin America has just put up their site for Instant Star, which they have recently obtained (Lat AM Scores Instant Star).

The Instant Star Boomerang site contains 3 wallpapers, 2 of which are not of Alexz, but rather Latin America’s own Jude Harrison? We are unsure of who the girl and the Jamie are, so if you find out, please let us know!

I’ve added the two new photos that were on the site to the gallery, so make sure to check those out!

Not sure what’s keeping Echo Bridge updated on Alexz! She isn’t signed to Capitol Records any longer, nor is the show on Teen Nick/The N any longer. Still, congrats Latin America fans!

All four seasons of Instant Star, the Canadian teen drama about a songwriter dealing with overnight success, have been licensed to a pan-regional Latin American broadcaster, Echo Bridge Entertainment has confirmed.

Some 52 half-hours of the show will be dubbed into Spanish and will air on Boomerang, a teen channel owned and operated by Turner Broadcasting System Latin America. The show makes its debut in March this year.

“We anticipate that the universal appeal of the series along, with high quality production values and intelligent character-driven storylines, to be a huge success with our teenage audience,” said Vicki Zambrano, channel director of Boomerang Latin America.

The series stars Gemini-winner Alexz Johnson, who later signed a recording deal with Capitol Records after the success of the series soundtracks in the US and its airing on MTV’s Teen Nick.

Echo Bridge has previously licensed Instant Star to Poland’s Canal+ Cyfrowy, France’s Canal J, Spain’s Antena 3, Israel’s Noga Communications and MTV Networks Spain. CTV in Canada originally commissioned the series from Epitome Pictures.

Source

We had a wonderful opportunity to interview Stephen Stohn, the executive producer of Instant Star and Degrassi and more recently Alexz’s manager. We get “overly personal” with Stephen Stohn. From kicking stress, to the exact time and day he knew he was going to do “whatever it took to create music and entertainment for fans around the world“, and more.

Make sure to read our interview by clicking the link below!

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My Season 3 DVD arrived, here’s a scan of the artwork. There’s only one dual-sided disc with 6 episodes on one side and 7 on the other. There aren’t any bonus features, not behind the scenes, deleted scenes, bloopers, minis, etc. Still, it was only $11.99, and less than $15 now, so make sure you do buy a copy at your local Best Buy!

Please credit us if you post on your own site, it’s untagged!

Today’s songs are all from Instant Star. Instead of just choosing one, we chose a few from Alexz’s time on the show. I didn’t want to dedicate more than one day to Instant Star, even though most of the songs we have from Alexz are from the show.

The first song is called “24 Hours”, I don’t think it needs much of an introduction. It was used as Instant Star’s first single and made Alexz a bit more known throughout the US and Canada, which is why it’s the first flashback song.

Next is a little song that became an instant sensation on Youtube, used for several fan made videos for Jommy lovers and haters, and even used for other fan made videos of other series pairings. Alexz took the stage in Instant Star, supposed to be performing a song called “Your Eyes”, but instead plays another song. A song about her father cheating on her mother. The song touched so many fans in so many ways, so much emotion is drawn from inside when you listen to it. Well, that song is “Skin”.

This next song is called “I Don’t Know If I Should Stay”, a beautiful ballad with strong lead vocals and a beautiful piano in the background. The song is slow for about 2 minutes and then bam! It’s like a new song starts.

In the fourth and final season of Instant Star Jude sort of gifts this song to Tommy Quincy. This is a different version from the one that The N had posted in 2008. This popped up on Myspace last year and is called “I Still Love You”.

Sorry I posted this kinda late, tomorrow’s will be up earlier in the day!

I added 9 photos from Instant Star to the gallery. One is a new, exclusive HQ still from season 4. Six are untagged HQ stills from season 3. Then two are from a 2005 promo shoot for Instant Star. Look below for links! Make sure to credit if you take the untagged stills!

Jude Harrison (Alexz Johnson, Final Destination 3) spent last season fighting for survival and proving she’s worth the hype—now she’s welcoming superstardom with open arms. Her sophomore album is topping the charts and she’s reveling in everything fame has to offer. But the rewards of Jude’s success are offset with fresh pitfalls and dangers. A tabloid scandal, stalker fans, and controversy with Sadie (Laura Vandervoort, TV’s Smallville), her older sister, are just some of the major downsides to being one of the most recognizable faces in music.

Preorder the 3rd season for only $13.99 now on DVD Empire and get FREE shipping!

The Instant Star Season 3 DVD release is January 19th, but you can preorder it now! Also watch this promo video for the first season here, features a new introduction to the show! Alexz sounds GREAT!

You guys chose it and here it is, PERFECT! I bought this song and encoded into a very low sample rate so you guys could get a taste of the song, so enjoy and make sure to buy the Greatest Hits on Amazon or iTunes!

Also, a physical copy is also available on Amazon, but I’m not sure if it’s the actual album. Let me know if you buy it and if it is!

The 14 track CD is now on iTunes! Including 5 all new songs (2 remixes and 3 new songs!) GET IT HERE NOW!

Also, we will be posting only one song in it’s full entirety later today; the catch? It’ll be very LQ! You can tell us which song you want by tweeting @alexzworldcom or posting a comment in this thread! You can choose from: Liar Liar, Temporary Insanity, Perfect, and I Will Be the Flame!

Also, we have a new weekly project coming up, involving you, the fan! Stay tuned for more info! + The forum will be returning soon

Some of the amazing crew members of Instant Star are up for awards from the Directors Guild of Canada!

PRODUCTION DESIGN – TELEVISION SERIES
John Dondertman for Flashpoint – Eps. 109 – “Planets Aligned”
Benno Tutter for The Border – Eps. 113 – “Blowback”
Stephen Stanley for Instant Star – Eps. 413 – “London Calling”
Lindsey Hermer-Bell for Murdoch Mysteries – Eps. 206 – “Shades of Grey”

And…

SOUND EDITING – TELEVISION SERIES

Flashpoint – Eps. 201 – “Eagle Two”- David McCallum (Supervising Sound Editor), Janice Ierulli (Dialogue Editor), Mark Shnuriwsky (Sound Effects Editor), Barry Gilmore (ADR Editor), Gren-Erich Zwicker (Assistant Sound Editor), Matt Hussey (Assistant Sound Editor)

The Curse of Degrassi (Halloween Special) – Danielle McBride (Dialogue Editor), Dan Sexton (Sound Effects Editor), John Loranger (1st Assistant Sound Editor)

The Border – Eps. 113 – “Blowback” – Allan Fung (Supervising Sound Editor), Alastair Gray (Dialogue and ADR Editor), Mark Shnuriwsky (Sound Editor), Richard Harkness (Sound Effects Editor), Dale Lennon (1st Assistant Sound Editor), James Robb (1st Assistant Sound Editor)

Instant Star – Eps. 413 – “London Calling” – Danielle McBride (Sound Editor), Dan Sexton (Sound Editor), John Loranger (1st Assistant Sound Editor)

Both the IS Greatest Hits and IS4 soundtrack have U.S. street dates the first week of September..
34 minutes ago from web

Source: @stephenstohn

So September 1st guys!

French fan Chloe of the-breakdown’s blog interviewed Alexz!

Out of all the songs on your album, which one is your favorite? The one that is the closest to your heart ?
That’s a tough question….. LA Made Me has been my journey so far. Voodoo hits my soul.. Hurricane Girl is who I am… I don’t know. They all reflect different times in my life.

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