New Interview At OffToTheRaces Blog
This is a good retrospective type of interview of what Alexz has done this year.
Recently, Brooklyn based singer-songwriter Alexz Johnson talked to WSN about struggling with major labels, using crowdfunding platforms as a way for indie artists to gain control over their careers and what made her move from Canada to New York. In the past, she has gained attention for starring in TV shows such as “Instant Star”, “Smallville” and “So Weird”, as well as the movie “Final Destination 3”.
WSN: You’ve been in the music business for more than 10 years now and you’ve had quite a lot of struggles with major labels in the past. Can you shortly summarize what happened with Capitol and Epic and how you got to the point where you are now?
AJ: I was signed in 2005 to Capitol Records based on a couple of demos that my brother Brendan and I had written. We started the album process and were writing in the UK when positions shifted at the label and we never got to make the full album. I was then signed to Epic/Sony records in 2008. I had completed a full album entitled “Weight” with Greg Wells which never got a proper release due to similar shifts within the company. It’s a gamble when you sign with a major label.. I decided to take control over my music and go independent. I’ve since been putting out music on my own and Skipping Stone was the EP I recently released. I toured the material including songs from the Weight album this past summer.
WSN: Your most recent release was your “Skipping Stone EP” in April. What influences did you draw on when you wrote/produced the record?
AJ: Looking back, I was very much in love at the time I was writing these songs. I was also spending quite a bit of time in Nashville, which I think influenced the raw, stripped-down writing around the EP. Jimmy Robbins produced the tracks and we wrote a few of them together. It was a super organic process and I didn’t know I was going to be releasing the songs until a few months after they were written.
WSN: What was the overall process – from writing to releasing the record – like, since you produced it for comparatively little money?
AJ: I knew I wanted the songs to be super simple and showcase my voice as much as possible, so not a ton of production was needed. I reached out to friends in the industry and pulled some favors. James Lewis who I met in London, England when I was writing there did the mixing, and his friend Robin Schmidt mastered. Greg Wells mixed “Skipping Stone”. The photo at the back was taken by my friend Jessica Earnshaw, and the album artwork was created by her brother. I really tried to pull in as much talent as I had close to me to make the release happen.
WSN: What do you appreciate most about being an indie artist?
AJ: The freedom to create what I want. It’s so much more rewarding when you have control over your art and how it’s presented. It may take a little longer, but I’m in no rush. I try to enjoy the journey.
WSN: You funded your US tour through Kickstarter this year. How did you come across that platform?
AJ: I was watching other artists raise money for projects they believed in. I didn’t see a Kickstarter around funding a tour. I figured it would be a cool case study to see if I had the ability to raise funds for tour. I didn’t know what to expect at all.
WSN: Looking at the huge success Kickstarter has had over the last year with campaigns such as Nataly Dawn’s that made over $100,000 and, recently, Amanda Palmer’s that made almost $ 1.2 million, do you think Kickstarter will become even more important in the future? What are your thoughts on how it might change the major label/Indie label music business?
AJ: It’s already changing the music industry. There’s a new wave happening and it’s a great time to be an indie artist. Whether it’s Kickstarter, PledgeMusic or IndieGoGo, the whole idea around these platforms is the power in involving your particular fan base and allowing them to help you achieve your goals. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s direct artist to fan. I feel it’s why playing live and touring is so important. You develop a connection that can last so much longer than being packaged, polished and thrown on a billboard. To me, longevity is key – not the amount of listeners, but the loyalty of listeners.
WSN: How much work was it really to plan a tour from scratch by yourself?
AJ: A lot of work. I took it day by day like all overwhelming things in life.. I’d always ask if I had any questions. I learned so much in the process.. My band was incredible and helped me steer the ship as well.
WSN: What was the touring experience like for you? What was your favorite part about touring?
AJ: I adored it. I loved getting to engage and meet my fans every night. Playing live feels like the most authentic thing I know… I feel very much at peace when I’m in movement and creating.
WSN: Last year, you moved from Canada to New York to pursue more music options. What made you choose New York over other music centers like LA or Nashville?
AJ: I’ve always been so curious and pulled toward NY, especially the live scene. I wanted to jump into the water and meet as many musicians as I could. I want to get better and I feel like NY is a good place to surround yourself with talent.
WSN: You’re performing at the Rockwood CMJ showcase on October 17th. What are your thoughts on CMJ as a platform for lesser known artists to become recognized?
AJ: I’m not sure as this will be my first CMJ showcase. I’m curious to see if anything comes out of it.
WSN: You’ve been playing Rockwood a few times this year already. What do you think is special about the venue and what makes you always come back to it?
AJ: I think it’s a great venue. The vibe, the sound.. it’s intimate in a way. I’d love to play Bowery Ballroom sometime soon!
WSN: What are your plans for the future?
AJ: I’m in the process of writing and planning my next album. I have some material I’m really excited about and at this point I’m sort of auditioning producers to make sure I find the right sound I’m going for.. Also, I’d love to tour again in the new year!
