Thanks to Brenda, the Station Manager at CiTR for sending us the source audio of Alexz’s interview and acoustic performance of Voodoo, both of which you stream below. You can download CiTR’s entire podcast of their June 30th show here.

Please make sure to request Trip Around the World on CiTR by calling (604)-822-CITR now!

Please credit Alexz World if you repost the audio we extracted from the full podcast in the streams above (you can download the full podcast here).

I contacted a couple producers that Alexz worked with in the past to see what they had to say about Alexz, all of whom said very nice things. The writer of the song, “Everything (Feels Like New)”, Sandy Howell said that although she never actually met Alexz that her co-writer had nothing but positive comments. Below is what Sandy had to say:

“I was out of town when she recorded my song,” begins Sandy, “but my co-writer [Michael Benghiat] was at the session and was very impressed by how professional, enthusiastic and creative she was.”

“Everything (Feels Like New)” was featured in an early Disney Channel Original Movie called The Other Me, where a young boy creates another version of himself a whole lot of mess breaks out.

“He said she would do a great take then tell the producer she had another idea to try, and another and so on. She was a young teenager at the time, and I was impressed also by her vocals. I’m happy to have had her sing a song of mine!”

Sandy closes with a comment to Alexz saying: “Congrats on your new project Alexz! I wish you all the best with it.”

Thanks so much Sandy for taking the time to write such beautiful words about our girl!

The CP24 crew in Toronto interviews Alexz Johnson about her debut album “Voodoo” on April 8, 2010.

(Photo courtesy of Stephen Stohn)

Alexz appeared this morning on the CP24 Breakfast morning show to talk about her debut album.

Thanks to Natascha for getting us the Alexz’s interview from this morning with 680 News Toronto! She got it from the station and asked if we could play it exclusively for you guys! So here it is…

Added full audio interview from the 680 News Toronto site!

Alexz discusses more about what had happened with Epic records and that she’ll soon obtain those rights back for the songs recorded with them in about 3 years!

eTalk asked Alexz some questions while on set of the Trip Around the World music video! Watch the video below:

Alexz has been added to SLFA’s booking agency, which will allow more tours to be booked!

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


Watch the video here.

At the age of 18, British Columbia born Alexz Johnson landed the role of a lifetime playing music competition winner Jude Harrison in the award winning drama series Instant Star.  For four seasons Alexz was able to combine her own musical talent with her passion for acting starring in the hit show that made her a star in Canada and throughout the U.S.  The show ended in 2008 and during her hiatus from filming, Alexz has had the chance to re-invent herself and work with songwriters from around the world.

On March 30th, Alexz will release her debut album, entitled Voodoo, with Orange Lounge Recordings new imprint, inDiscover. The concept of the album is reminiscent of something out of old Hollywood.  The tracks, which were all written by Alexz and her brother Brendan, are listed as scenes and the album’s art direction is based on old ‘50s style films.  Christopher Turner, Sympatico’s Fashionist, had the chance to sit down with Alexz at a recent Toronto photo shoot and ask about her evolving style, her upcoming music video, her love of vintage and more…here’s what she had to say:

Christopher: Tell me a little bit about your personal style… how would you describe it?
Alexz: My sense of style, well I always try to go by the rule that you wear the clothes and that the clothes don’t wear you!  I don’t feel like I’m super trendy, I just go with classic styles, but I also really love French New Wave. But, comfort is the most important thing on stage.

Christopher: Is there a difference in what you wear onstage as opposed to offstage?
Alexz: Definitely.  I am very ‘less is more’.  I try not to go overboard on stage because I want it to be more about the music.

Christopher: I know you have a show tomorrow night here in Toronto.  Tell me about your on-stage style.
Alexz: It changes all the time! Usually it’s black pants, a black jacket, maybe a sheer tank top.  Sometimes there’s a hat.  Maybe a great jacket with shoulder pads, or a men’s suit that’s really fitted.  I like structure but I don’t want the audience to focus on what I’m wearing… I want it to be about the music.  I’m not trying to be a fashion designer, but I do like to have fun with fashion!

Christopher: What is your one must-have fashion item?
Alexz: It’s all about the jacket!

Christopher: Let’s talk about the cover of your upcoming album Voodoo!  I heard you may have had a little to do with the styling and the concept…
Alexz: I did!  What was so cool about this entire process was I got to be so hands on creatively.  I just had this idea – old cinema covers.  Each song on the record really represents a different theme from a movie, and I wanted to capture that on the cover.

Christopher: I also heard you shot the video for your first single in January.  What kind of style can we expect to see you rockin’ in it?
Alexz: We shot Trip Around the World in New Orleans.  It was a blast.  There are lots of hats and lots of the 1960s!

Christopher: Do you work with a stylist yourself or do you try to stick to your own personal style?
Alexz: I’ve worked with some great stylist!  But I also know what I like and I know what I don’t like.

Christopher: What’s the most stylin’ music video you’ve ever seen?
Alexz: The Kooks – Ooh La

Christopher: Who are a few of your favourite designers?
Alexz: It’s heartbreaking about Alexander McQueen.  He was revolutionary.  I also love Stella McCartney.

Christopher: You have one day out shopping and an unlimited budget – what would you buy?
Alexz: I find some of my best pieces in vintage stores so I would definitely go vintage shopping.  But I would also want to hit Holt Renfrew and find some great jackets!

Christopher: If you weren’t singing…
Alexz: I’d probably have been a doctor, or focused on humanitarian work! I get really passionate about anything I do, and I like to connect with people.

Christopher: I hear you like to do your own makeup
Alexz: Yeah I’m kinda funny that way.  I’ve been working in film with makeup artist since I was 12 and I really know what works for me, but I do like to have fun with make-up.

Christopher: What are some of your favourite products?
Alexz: I love Smashbox and Kiehl’s, Aveda hair products and Nars eye shadows. Laura Mercier has amazing concealers. Mac lipsticks…

Christopher: Favourite item in your makeup bag is?
Alexz: It’s a tinted lip and cheek stain called “benetint” from Benefit Cosmetics.

Christopher: I love your jewelry. Are you a big accessory girl?
Alexz: I’m not actually a big accessory person.  But the jewelry I do wear, they were all gifts and are really special to me.

Christopher: You’ve just flown in from L.A.  Any L.A. red carpet experiences you want to share?
Alexz: I was at this event on Friday and I got to wear this beautiful dress designed by Julia Clancey (www.juliaclancey.com) from London.  She’s an amazing designer. There were all these dresses and I got to pick out this dress to wear to a pre-Oscar party.  It was beautiful.

Christopher: Speaking of the Oscars.  Who were your picks for “Best Dressed” on this year’s red carpet?
Alexz: Helen Mirren was incredible and Sandra Bullock looked beautiful. Jeff Bridges looked awesome!

Christopher: What about past red carpets?  Does anything stick out in your mind?
Alexz: Sharon Stone when she wore that white dress shirt!

Voodoo is available on-line now and in stores on Tuesday March 30, 2010!

Source

The Hook interviewer, Sway, tries to go on a date with Alexz in Toronto, across from Orange Lounge. The problem? Alexz is in Vancouver… Epic fail.

I was stood up, disregarded as if I were one of last years models of highly sought after, yet disposable hipster fashion accessories. I was forgotten about just as though I was some trivial errand such as turning your clock forward in the spring. I waited and waited, slumped and shun. I was left alone shamefully with my wasabi, hoping for the chime of that doorbell to stroke my ego back into perfection. But she never came. And as I sat there in that deserted restaurant I knew it: Alexz Johnson was probably somewhere along the Pacific Ocean doubtlessly doing something she remembered she had to do–something important.

Source

It appears clips will air throughout the week between 5-6pm PT when Virgin Radio 95.3 plays Alexz’s “Trip Around the World” for this week’s Best of BC. This post will contain all recorded clips we receive!

Added February 9th:

Added February 10th:

If you record something we didn’t have a chance to, please send it to us here. You will get a full credit!

Also, if you want the embed code for your own site, just send me an email here. Please credit!

No worries, Joseph! Alexz is super lucky to have such loyal fans like you! Just a reminder….our afternoon hosts, Kiah and Tara Jean, will start airing clips from their interview with Alexz this afternoon between 5-6pm!

Make sure to tune in at 5pm PT, 7pm CT, or 8pm ET! Listen to Virgin Radio 95.3 Vancouver here, wherever you are in the world!

I just got off the phone with Kiah and Tara at Virgin Radio 95.3 Vancouver, who said that the interview has been delayed until tomorrow at 5:30 PT when they do their Best of BC bit! Sorry guys!

Edit: Here’s some more info from Virgin Radio 95.3!

Thanks for the e-mail request! I’m happy to tell you that we’re spotlighting Alexz all this week, and the next time the song will play will be tomorrow (Tuesday) between 12 and 1pm, and then between 5-6pm we’ll start airing some of our interview with her.

Thanks for listening to Virgin Radio!

Have a great day!

Kevin Lim

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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We had a once in a lifetime opportunity to ask Alexz questions about her upcoming album, Voodoo (in stores March 30th!). Huge thanks to Stephen Stohn for helping us get the interview!

The title was brought to life when we wrote the last song for the album – “Voodoo”. To me, it captures the essence of the album.

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Upcoming singer/songwriter, Alexz Johnson took the time to answer a few questions we had for her concerning her upcoming album, life, and much more! Alexz also answered your fan submitted questionss, which we will post in the next couple days with our full interview!

Alexz has been working vigorously these past several months on her debut album, “Voodoo” which is expected to drop in March 2010. The efforts of “Voodoo” have been in the works for years, reviving classics like “Taker” and introducing several new songs. “The title was brought to life when [we] wrote the last song for the album – ‘Voodoo’. To me, it captures the essence of the album.” [Alexz and her brother, Brendan Johnson] wrote the 11 track album together.

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