“I never really… wanted to be a star”: Interview with Alexz Johnson — AXS.com
Here is another interview Alexz did while she was at CMJ. She was really busy those few days! This was conducted by axs.com:
Currently on tour in support of her new album Let Em Eat Cake, singer-songwriter Alexz Johnson stopped in New York City for the CMJ Music Marathon. On Wednesday October 22 she performed at the Big Picture Media Showcase at the Living Room in Brooklyn (check out photos and a recap of her set here). AXS caught up with Alexz earlier that day for an exclusive interview, where she discussed the album, the tour with Jared & The Mill, and what’s really important to her as a musician.
AXS: For the record, could you state your name and a random fact about yourself?
Alexz Johnson: My name is Alexz Johnson and I can’t whistle.
AXS: Has that negatively impacted your life at all?
Alexz: Not at all.
AXS: We’re at CMJ right now; how has your day been so far?
Alexz: Crazy hectic. We’re on tour right now so we came in from Maine this morning.
AXS: You are Brooklyn-based, and you’ll be performing in Brooklyn tonight- how long have you been living in Brooklyn?
Alexz: Three years.
AXS: What drew you to Brooklyn?
Alexz: I’m Canadian, and I’ve done music for a long time and I just wanted to be where the artists were… it’s kind of a hub for music.
AXS: What’s your favorite New York venue to perform at?
Alexz: So far, Webster Hall.
AXS: You just released an album, Let Em Eat Cake; how do you feel having it out so far?
Alexz: It’s the most exciting thing! It’s the most passionate thing I’ve done all year; it’s something I really believe in. It’s been a long time in the making. I did it through David Kahne- he produced it- and I’ll be touring it probably for the next two years.
AXS: That’s definitely exciting. Was there a lot of anticipation building up to the release knowing that it’s been so long in the making?
Alexz: Yeah, it’s wild. I feel like I wanted it to be something that could build. I turned down a major label deal on the completion of this record.
AXS: Why?
Alexz: I’ve been down that road twice, and it got me nowhere. Doors closed and I got it taken away from me. I funded this album and I paid for it already, so I have it. I’d rather just put it out myself and tour it and build an authentic audience by touring it for the next couple years.
AXS: Do you feel like you’ve been successful so far, in the week that it’s been out?
Alexz: A little bit- it’s been good so far. You know, I think Maine- New England- it’s kind of a tough market over there for me. But I’m looking forward to playing New York and LA and going down across [the US]- it’s gonna be a good two months. We’re on the road till December 6.
AXS: Relating to the album title, what is your favorite kind of cake?
Alexz: Angel food [with] whipped cream only.
AXS: In the three years you’ve lived in Brooklyn, what do you feel you’ve learned about yourself and the music industry?
Alexz: I’ve learned that I never really, in the first place, wanted to be a star. I learned that I really want to make real music. I find that I’ve closed a lot of doors on purpose in my career. I really want to connect with people, and be authentic and real with myself.
AXS: What do you think is the key to connecting with people?
Alexz: Just being real and not selling out.
AXS: Are there any artists that you look up to, not just in terms of their music but as people who have gone down the career path the right way?
Alexz: I think David Gray is really amazing. Bruce Springsteen, artists like that; Ryan Adams.
AXS: Are there any other Brooklyn-based artists that people should check out?
Alexz: Phosphorescent. They’re amazing- I love that band. “Cocaine cowboy music” is what I call it. Check out “Song for Zula”- it’s amazing.
AXS: You are on this tour until December; anything else planned before the holidays that people should keep their eyes out for?
Alexz: I have a recording video of “Let Em Eat Cake” from the studio coming out soon and I have a video coming out after this tour, but really just look up my tour dates and come see my show, because this band is insane. I have a full band with me and we’re on tour with Jared & the Mill- they’re amazing too- it’s rockabilly.
AXS: What’s been the highlight of the tour?
Alexz: Just playing my new music live is really amazing! And check out the record and my website. I hope people enjoy it- just come out to a show. After the New Year, I want to tour South America and Europe again. I want to spend the next few years really just touring.
AXS: So you’ll be spreading your music by touring. Are there any cities, either in the US or Canada or abroad, that have always shown you a lot of love?
Alexz: Yeah, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego; New York always shows me love; Boston, Austin. There’s different places where I get to see fans, which is good.
AXS: Halloween is coming up very soon; what are you going to dress up as?
Alexz: I don’t think I’ll go as anything! I might be a singer-songwriter. I have to think about it. I’m still trying to get this tour off the ground. It’s been a lot of work, so I haven’t had a second to think about [Halloween].
AXS: What is something you wish you knew when you started touring?
Alexz: To speak up for myself and learn how to be a boss!
AXS: And that, I think, connects with your philosophy of releasing your music independently.
Alexz: I’m doing it my way.
AXS: How do you respond to haters or anyone who doubts you as a musician?
Alexz: I don’t care. There’s nothing I can do about it. Not everyone’s gonna like me. 50% of the people are gonna like me and 50% aren’t. It’s all good.
AXS: Thank you so much!
Alexz: You’re welcome!
