{"id":344,"date":"2009-07-19T23:31:21","date_gmt":"2009-07-20T03:31:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.alexz.net\/?p=344"},"modified":"2017-10-10T17:03:09","modified_gmt":"2017-10-10T22:03:09","slug":"cloe-auger-interviews-alexz-johnson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.alexz.net\/?p=344","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Alexz Johnson"},"content":{"rendered":"

This interview was originally conducted and published here<\/a>. Re-credit if you use it to that author and website:<\/p>\n

—————————————————————————<\/p>\n

This interview was yours, as much as it was mine…
\nThanks to Alexz for answering all the questions, even if there was a lot.
\nThe wait was long, and she apologizes for that. She has just finished the vocals for her album.
\nI would like to know what you think about this interview, and I hope you’ll like it !<\/p>\n

1) Music :<\/strong><\/p>\n

For you, what is the music? What do you think it represents for people?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI feel my music represents who I am, how I feel and what I experience. That’s why music is forever growing and changing. For me, it’s a connection between people’s journey’s and life experiences.<\/p>\n

Do you consider yourself as a creative artist?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI do. Creating a new sound and expression has always been the best part of writing for me.<\/p>\n

When did you know that you were born to do this? What makes you say \u201cMusic is my life\u201d?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI knew I wanted to share music with people around the age of 14.. I was singing at a young age, but when I started writing melodies and lyrics, I found this way to communicate in a really powerful way. It seemed to move people and that was the best feeling in the world.<\/p>\n

What are your favorite songs right now? (Top 5)<\/strong><\/em>
\nColdplay – Strawberry Swing
\nGlasvegas – Daddy’s Gone
\nRegina Spektor – Laughing With
\nThe National – Slow Show
\nSantogold – L.E.S. Artistes<\/p>\n

You said you like Coldplay. What do you like in their music ? What is your favorite song on their album ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI find Coldplay an epic band. They’re songs are rhythmically powerful, they’re never trendy and they have their own cohesive sound. I like a lot of their songs, right now I really like Strawberry Swing and Warning Sign.<\/p>\n

2) Solo Album :<\/strong><\/p>\n

What is the title of your album and why?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI won’t know until the spirit moves me.<\/p>\n

What does this album represent for you?<\/strong><\/em>
\nHope that people are still able to receive healing and truth in the worst of times.<\/p>\n

Out of all the songs on your album, which one is your favorite? The one that is the closest to your heart ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nThat’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.<\/p>\n

Can you explain the meaning of the songs leaked on your Myspace ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI’m not sure which songs leaked, there was no intent.<\/p>\n

Are any of the songs on your album from a personal experience, or self-inspired ? If so, which ones? If not, are they results from observation of other people ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nAll my songs are personally inspired by my, or close loved ones experiences.<\/p>\n

Since you write so many songs, how do you decide which ones will make the record ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nThat’s always tough – it becomes a corporate decision at the end of the day. My job is to deliver songs I love, so no matter what is picked I’m a happy camper.<\/p>\n

How long does it take to work on one song ? (writing, recording, producing, mixing… the whole process)<\/strong><\/em>
\nEach song has it’s own birth… I swear some songs are written in a minute, like “A Little Bit”, others are cooked and simmered and stewed… It can take months so finalize certain songs.<\/p>\n

Any interesting stories to tell about recording the album?<\/strong><\/em>
\nThere’s tons, but most of them wouldn’t be interesting for readers…
\nTears, collaboration, battles, emotions, love, life… all of the above..<\/p>\n

If your music could inspire any emotion to your listeners, what would you want them to feel ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nEvery song has it’s own feeling.. I’d hope it would bring back positive memories, or bring pain to the surface, or just have a kick-ass beat that makes people happy to listen.<\/p>\n

When is the album coming out ? Why is the release taking so long ? What about your struggles to release it ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI was signed with Capitol – they got sold. I was signed to Epic last year, they changed head of artist and repertoire. My album will be out by Fall.<\/p>\n

Do you think it was worth the wait ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nThat’s up to my fans. I hope so. As so much has been out of my control, it’s been a really long wait. It’s painful. I’m grateful to those who hang on and believe in my music.<\/p>\n

3)Career :<\/strong><\/p>\n

Did you ever think you would be where you are right now 8 years ago ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nNot at all. Life’s such a journey that way.<\/p>\n

Which of the characters you played is the more like you : Jude (if so, in which season), Imra, Dominique, Laurie or Lia ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nJude! The music ties us in.<\/p>\n

Why do you like to make thriller and horror movies (Final Destination, Devil’s Diary, Stranger With My Face….) ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI like challenging myself with edgy darker roles if I can.<\/p>\n

What are your plans for afterwards ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nAfter the album’s finished? I want to go on tour!<\/p>\n

You have fans in many countries : the USA, Germany, Australia, Latin America, Poland, Italy, France… Is there a place in the world you really want to go ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI want to visit them all!!<\/p>\n

Would you like to go on tour in France, or to make a concert ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI would love to do a tour in Europe. A lot of my musical influences have been from the UK and I feel like my music would be well received over there.<\/p>\n

If you get the chance to tour, would you prefer people sitting around just relaxing to the music or a full blown “The Music” performance?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI like full-blown! It depends on the song I’m performing though. I’ve never really thought of the music I write as being folky, or acoustic based, but playing my songs stripped down would be just as cool for me.<\/p>\n

If you were ever given the chance to reprise your role as Annie Thelen in So Weird, would you ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nThat was then, this is now. lol<\/p>\n

You were lately in a Smallville episode. What do you think of Imra’s character ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI think she’s a comic book character. A super-hero! I think there’s a bit of super-hero in all of us. It was fun being on Smallville.<\/p>\n

We know your musical influences. What are your cinematic influences, as you shoot a lot too ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nHmm…
\nMovies:
\nJules and Jim
\nThe Outsiders
\nCasablanca – Ingrid Bergman!
\nAnnie Hall – Diane Keaton!
\nMoonstruck – Cher!
\nI’m also a fan of classic Winona Ryder, Juliette Binoche, Daniel Day-Lewis<\/p>\n

What is the most memorable moment of your career so far?<\/strong><\/em>
\nThere’s been a few…
\nReading for “Freaky Friday” and acting scenes with Annette Bening who would have possibly played my Mom if I landed the role
\nDoing my first showcase with my brother Bren in NY
\nPerforming with David Foster
\nStrings at Capitol Records Studios w\/Paul Buckmaster
\nSteve Lillywhite seeing me live and commenting on my music!<\/p>\n

4)Instant Star :<\/strong><\/p>\n

If there had been a season 5, what would you like to have seen for each of the characters ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nHmmm…
\nG Major closing down and Jamie taking over the space with his indie label!
\nSadie getting married?
\nTommy producing for Jamie!
\nJude continuing to make music, performing and co-producing
\nKarma doing a feature film\/musical! lol<\/p>\n

What is your best memory on the set ? And the funniest moment ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nThere’s so many…
\nI was always laughing. Kris is so funny he could make my tummy hurt. Some of the best memories were being on stage with SME. Filming concerts on location were always a blast.<\/p>\n

Are you still in contact with your partners of Instant Star ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI try to keep in touch!<\/p>\n

What is you favorite song in the show ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nThat’s tough – a tie between Skin and Where Does It Hurt (Which I didn’t co-write)<\/p>\n

Did you keep Jude’s star ring ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI’ve still got it!<\/p>\n

What do you like in Jude ? What don’t you like ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nThere’s not much I dislike about Jude… at times she could be a little more patient! She’s eager and wants to be heard but I respect her drive and belief in her music.<\/p>\n

Which character or scene did you hate the most ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI haven’t hated any characters I’ve played. Which scene did I dislike filming the most? I’d probably have to say filming all night shoots or filming summer scenes on a FREEZING cold day in Toronto! Even then, it’s still fun..<\/p>\n

If you could change anything in the TV-show, what would it be ? (story, music, characters…)<\/strong><\/em>
\nI wouldn’t change anything. I think it all worked out pretty well.<\/p>\n

What was it like to do the final performance scene of Instant Star?<\/strong><\/em>
\nBitter-sweet, sad.. You don’t realize until after the fact…<\/p>\n

5)Stranger With My Face :<\/strong><\/p>\n

What can you tell us about Stranger With My Face ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nIt was a pretty complex shoot. I really liked the script and was up for a challenge!<\/p>\n

How was it to play twin sisters ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nIt was emotionally demanding at times. I would have to jump back and forth between characters that we’re completely bipolar opposites. Lia is damaged and dangerous. Luckily, they had a great stand-in who I was able to act with and bounce ideas off of while shooting.<\/p>\n

What was the most challenging part in filming Stranger With My Face ? Is there a scene which was funnier or more difficult to shoot ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nA lot of the scenes in Stranger were intense. There’s a scene at the cliffs that was challenging, and a lot of the one on one scenes with “myself” were as well.<\/p>\n

Did you read the book before auditioning for the leading role of the film, or before shooting ? If you read it, what did you think about it ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI heard the script was based on a book. I looked for it but had no luck finding it. I haven’t read it yet, but would like too!<\/p>\n

Are Laurie and Lia very different from each other ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nCompletely different – Laurie’s a matriarch and has a strong heart, Lia’s pretty sick and dysfunctional<\/p>\n

In the movie, you filmed with Andrew Francis, who was your partner in Devil’s Diary. How was it to be on set with him again ?<\/strong><\/em>
\nI’m a HUGE fan of Andrew Francis. He’s awesome to work with and makes my eyes water he’s so funny. Andrew’s going to be hugely successful..<\/p>\n

And, to conclude : what did you think about this interview ? What was your favorite question ? \ud83d\ude42<\/strong><\/em>
\nLol… Ummm… I liked the questions about why I make music and what I love about creating.. I also love how detailed they were \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

—————————————————————————————————————-<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This interview was originally conducted and published here. Re-credit if you use it to that author and website: ————————————————————————— This interview was yours, as much as it was mine… Thanks to Alexz for answering all the questions, even if there was a lot. The wait was long, and she apologizes for that. She has just […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[2,13],"tags":[50,300,302,585],"class_list":["post-344","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-alexz-johnson","category-news","tag-album","tag-instant-star","tag-interview","tag-stranger-with-my-face"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p3Pf1c-5y","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.alexz.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.alexz.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.alexz.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.alexz.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.alexz.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=344"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.alexz.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6561,"href":"http:\/\/www.alexz.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344\/revisions\/6561"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.alexz.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=344"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.alexz.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=344"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.alexz.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=344"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}