Sit Down Sunday Alexz Interview
We have a new interview from Alexz! 🙂 It’s a pretty long interview and always fun to read these.
Welcome to Sit Down Sunday! Sit Down Sunday is a biweekly post including my interviews with skaters, actors, actresses, directors, writers, rock stars, and your mom.
This weeks interview is with Alexz Johnson, singer, songwriter, actress and all around cute chick.
How did you get your start in acting and singing?
When I was about 12 or so, I walked into a little acting agency telling them I wanted to sing. They got me a few auditions and after some commercials, I landed a role in So Weird.. I got to write some songs for the show and developed a real passion for songwriting and searched for my own sound as an artist the years prior before landing Jude in Instant Star.
Is anyone else in your family musically inclined?
My brother Brendan is a songwriter and music producer and we’ve written many songs together. Bren and I contributed to the Instant Star contracts and aside from the show we wrote and recorded an album with Greg Wells under Epic Sony in 2009 titled “Weight” as well as recently releasing our indie debut “Voodoo”.
How did you hear about the role for Instant Star. Did you audition for a specific role and if so, who and why?
My friend Belinda Metz, who I met while shooting So Weird contacted me about Epitome Pictures searching for a lead for their new show. I immediately put myself on tape singing and reading out the scenes, and got the part!
What was your favorite role to play and why?
Jude, for sure. She was going through so many real struggles, and I loved portraying her story as an artist in this business.
For you, what is the hardest part about the audition process?
Having to “prove yourself” is tough for me. I’d rather not have to audition at all!
Out of all the places you’ve filmed, which was most enjoyable?
New Orleans was amazing… But, shooting where I live is cool as well because it’s my backyard. 🙂
How does it feel to release your first album?
Good.. something felt released in a way.. and after waiting so long for an album that didn’t get released under Epic, “Voodoo” felt like a long time coming.
What keeps you motivated when you get frustrated or stressed out?
The music, always. And having a good support system is important. Some days it can take a village.. lol.
Is it true that you recorded a song for the opening credits of Degrassi Season 11? If so, how did that opportunity come about?
Yes, a few songs of mine have been featured on Degrassi. “A Little Bit”, “Boogie Love” and recently “Look At Those Eyes”..
Do you have any vices? Any hidden talents?
I’m pretty good at free-styling lyrics, (If you ask me, lol) A vice… hmm… I bite my nails which isn’t good, but I play guitar so I figure it doesn’t really matter?
What inspired you when you were growing up? Who were your favorite bands and actors/actresses?
Growing up, I loved Les Miserables (and I still haven’t seen it on broadway yet!) Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand inspired me vocally. I also loved listening to my Dad’s old Roy Orbison and Temptations albums..
When did you first start writing songs?
I’d say I truly started writing around 15 with Brendan..
Who do you think has been your biggest influence in your life in general, and how have they influenced you the most?
I would have to say my Mom and my older siblings… on the music end, it would have to be my brother Brendan. I always just seemed to understand where his head was musically and we meshed in that way.
What do you in your down time?
I love running, yoga… watching movies and making food!
What was it like to be the Final Destination franchise? Are horror movies something you usually watch or were you freaked out by the idea?
I actually have a secret love for good horror movies…. not the gorey one’s, but the clever one’s… like The Shinning, and A Fire In The Sky.
What has the atmosphere been like on most of the sets you’ve worked at? Has it been a chill, have fun atmosphere or was it really serious and extremely focused?
I’ve been really lucky to have worked on some awesome sets…. very chill, a lot of good humor and professionalism.
It goes without saying that you have a huge fan base. What is one thing a fan has said to you that has stood out the most that you’ll remember for a long time?
That my music has get them through some of their toughest times… that always hits me.
Is there a motto you live by or a favorite quote?Let go and let God.
What is your favorite cover song to perform live?
Hmm… I got to perform Young American by David Bowie in NY once and that was amazing.
What are some things that you want to accomplish within the next year?I want to finish my next record and potentially tour it. I also would love to write music with other artists.
If you could share the stage with any band, who would they be and why?
My goodness…. so many… Coldplay. Because they’re Coldplay.
What has been your favorite memory thus far since you got started in acting/singing?
Listening to Brendan and my “Weight” demo’s with my family in Maui after signing our contract with Capitol.
Any advice for those wishing to break into the music industry, or just advice for life in general?Do it because you love it.. 🙂
Make sure to check out Alexz’s Youtube Channel, Twitter, and Facebook Fanpage.
