Brand new interview with Alexz from Cardinal Playlists.<\/p>\n
\nSource<\/a><\/p>\n
Canada\u2019s Alexz Johnson<\/a> has tasted fame since she was a child when she starred on Disney\u2019s So Weird. The road to fortune, though, is paved with speed bumps enough for all of us. Even though Alexz has followed every success with another success- there have been some small road blocks that have kept her from truly pursuing her true passion\u2026 music.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s where you and I come in.<\/p>\n
Alexz has launched a campaign to fund an American tour during 2012 to promote her new release the Skipping Stone EP. She has been asking for donations in exchange for exclusive content, vinyl, and other great perks. You can find information about the tour, you can donate, and you can buy her album all on her HERE<\/a><\/p>\n
The Skipping Stone EP itself is a blend of pop rock that will keep you on your toes. Each song is catchier and more exciting than the last, and Alexz\u2019s vocal delivery is incredible as it bounces from powerful hooks to intimate confessions. The record is actually really easy to picture in a live setting and sounds like it would be an awesome experience.<\/p>\n
My favorite song is \u201cGive Me Fire\u201d (below) because it\u2019s so fiery in itself; fast paced, up beat, and edgy. Each song is worth a listen though and you\u2019ll probably find yourself, like me, humming the melodies of your favorites for days on end.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve recently had a chance to interview Alexz about old music, tour, childhood, and super heroes. Read our full conversation below:<\/p>\n
CP) What was your childhood like growing up on Disney\u2019s So Weird? Was it stressful or exciting, and do you ever wish that you could go back to relive those days?<\/p>\n
AJ: Working full time as a kid is always a unique experience.. So Weird was a lot of responsibility so young, and I\u2019m thankful that I learnt those work ethic skills. I\u2019ve been able to put them to good use on the music front!<\/p>\n
CP) From the video on your kick starter page I learned that you sang your first national anthem at a hockey game when you were only eleven years young, and that you were really nervous. How did you land such a big honor at such an early age, and how are your nerves now compared to back then? Are you any better at walking on the ice nowadays? Do you still follow hockey?<\/p>\n
AJ: The local paper in Vancouver was holding a contest to select a singer to perform the anthem at a Grizzlies basketball game. I didn\u2019t end up winning, but I was asked the same day if I would perform for the next Canucks game. I was so nervous. I can skate, but I can\u2019t stop myself and I\u2019m a Canucks fan all the way!<\/p>\n
CP) At what point in your life did you realize that music was a passion of yours? What artists inspired you, even as a kid, to want to sing and play- and especially to do it in front of people?<\/p>\n
AJ: Singing was always a passion for me since I was little, but it was when I started writing music around 14 that I realized how much I loved it, and in the end, would suffer for it.. lol. As a kid, I was inspired by a few different sounds and styles. My Dad would play the classic 50\u2032s records like The Temptations, Roy Orbison and Elvis. My older brothers would play an assortment of Bruce Springsteen, The Police, Greenday and Offspring. It was a real mix. I was obsessed with the Les Miserables soundtrack..<\/p>\n
CP) How have those early influences effected your writing style? And what artists are out now that you\u2019re into?<\/p>\n
AJ: The music I grew up listening to definitely had a hand at steering the way I write. I love classic melodies. Artist that inspire me are Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan, Rickie Lee Jones to name a few. Right now, I\u2019m listening to The Civil Wars, Gotye, Ray Lamontagne, Lori McKenna..<\/p>\n
CP) You\u2019re streaming your Skipping Stone EP on your website now. What was the recording process for that like? Were there any specific pieces of equipment that you were excited about getting to record with? For example, in your kick starter video I saw that during your run with Sony you recorded with an orchestra- that had to feel pretty epic.<\/p>\n
AJ: The string session for the \u201cWeight\u201d album while with Epic was incredible..<\/p>\n
The Skipping Stone EP I did independently. I wrote and recorded it between Toronto and Nashville and Give Me Fire was written and recorded in LA. It really sort of created itself in a way. I was lucky enough to have made some connections on the mixing and mastering end to recruit help, and everyone came through. It was a really special experience. This EP is an expression of that for me.<\/p>\n
CP) What are some of the lyrical themes on the record? What inspires you to write the way that you do? And what have you done to promote the album aside from gear up for this tour?<\/p>\n
AJ: The lyrical themes are all around love, really. The songs were written during a very vulnerable time, a very in love time and all the fears and feelings that come with it. How these songs lyrically and structurally come to life often feels like it\u2019s not in my control. I try to be as honest as I\u2019d want someone to be with me. I listen to hear if anything feels like magic over the melody. On the promotion end, I\u2019m trying to reach out to as many blogs as I know of. I don\u2019t have a pr team in place yet, but hopefully with help from the Kickstarter campaign and being able to tour that can become a possibility!<\/p>\n
CP) How is this EP different from your previous releases, what ways have you progressed and where do you hope to go stylistically with future recordings?<\/p>\n
AJ:I feel this EP is different because it\u2019s not as production based as my previous albums. I wanted something raw, minimal and more stripped down. As a writer, I often channel my experience through my songs, so there will be growing and changing \u2013 yet I still hope to keep the familiarity that brings people back to listen!<\/p>\n
CP) If you could collaborate with any artist, alive or dead (if they were dead they wouldn\u2019t sing like a zombie grumbles, they would come back with their vocal cords intact), who would it be? Why? What would the song be about?<\/p>\n
AJ:Tough one\u2026<\/p>\n
Sting, Bono, Elvis, Roy, Johnny Cash..<\/p>\n
I can\u2019t even fathom what we\u2019d sing.. I\u2019d sing whatever they wanted me to sing.<\/p>\n
CP) Since you\u2019re turning your focus to music in a serious way, what does the future of your acting career look like?<\/p>\n
AJ: Acting is always a possibility and a joy for me. I can\u2019t tell the future, but I\u2019m definitely open for great roles should they fall on my lap.<\/p>\n
CP) Your campaign with Kickstarter has been one heck of a success. What are you doing to give back to those who\u2019ve donated and where are you planning to tour? When will the official dates be announced and who are your supporting acts?<\/p>\n
AJ: I\u2019m giving back signed hardcopies, vinyl, video of me on stage, t-shirts, Skype calls, house concerts! I have all the details at www.kickstarter.com\/projects\/525963075\/alexz-johnson-tour-2012<\/a><\/p>\n