You’ve been in singing competitions when you were little, and according to Wikipedia, you were known as the “West Coast Celine,” so it’s obvious you were interested in singing since you were young. Were you also interested in acting at the time, or were you mainly focused on being a singer?
I was really solely focused on singing when I was young. I stumbled into acting when I was about 11. I walked into an acting agency and told them I wanted to sing. They set up auditions for me with singing roles involved and the rest is history!

How was it like working on So Weird? That’s one of my all-time favorite shows.
It was so much fun. I was living a completely different life from friends my age, working full-time and being schooled on set. You tend to gravitate to other kids in the same industry as you because it’s such a different world.

What exactly happened with Epic Records? I remember being so disappointed when you were dropped.
The head of the label who signed me ended up shifting to a different company. It led a lot of artists on Epic astray at the time because when a new head takes over, the acts that are still under the roster aren’t their personal signings, so it becomes a bit of a messy situation.

Will the songs you recorded during your time with Epic ever see the light of day?
Absolutely.

You’ve been in a handful of horror movies, i.e. Final Destination 3 and Devil’s Diary (which was amazing). Is that something you want to pursue more? Or are you looking for more dramatic roles?
I will always love darker roles.

Your music with Instant Star is quite different than your own music, even the songs you wrote for the first soundtrack were much darker and personal. Which style do you like more, and feel more comfortable singing?
When I wrote songs for Instant Star, I was writing songs for Jude. So, naturally I prefer singing songs that reflect my journey and feelings.

My favorite song off Voodoo is “Look At Those Eyes.” It’s such a beautiful song. What was the inspiration behind it?
That song completely reflects where I was at that time in my life. My inspiration was knowing that when dealing with pain, there’s always someone who can help you through.

What are your favourite songs you ever recorded, and why?
Good question. I loved recording a song I wrote called “Shout”. It was so fun for me because I feel like that song came from my soul.

How was it like working with…
Toby Gad: Just wrote with him last week! A lovely man, great family and super talented.
Demo Castellan: In the studio with him tomorrow! Wicked talented, and one of the most brilliant producers I’ve met in awhile.
Greg Wells: Genius, dear friend, on the same page musically, always.
Rob Wells: Lovely, talented and a sweetheart.
Amanda Ghost: Driven.

What was the reason behind remixing Voodoo? What sound/genre are you going for with these remixes?
The reason was to get Voodoo to more people. The songs on Voodoo were produced the exact way we wanted them - indie, different, simple. To get them further known, I feel it’s time to bring in masterminds who know radio better than Bren[dan James Johnson] and I [to] get the songs heard, because, personally, I don’t listen to radio much, so I wouldn’t know!

Stranger With My Face is one of the best movies I have ever seen. You’ve called the role “emotionally and physically demanding.” How so?
Having to play two different people was tough, but so much fun! I knew what I was in for when taking the role. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

Will you be releasing a second single from the Voodoo album?
Yup.

Any news on a second studio album, aside from Voodoo Reloaded?
I’m already writing songs for my second album.

Are you going to continue with acting? If so, any TV Shows or Movies coming up?
At this point, I can only go by auditions I get, and a lot of auditions I get I turn down because I think the writing is crap. I’m hopeful for an amazing role that I believe in! Send good vibes!

Do you miss working on Instant Star?
I miss my Epitome Family.

How do you feel about the support your fans have given you?
Amazing. I love my fans so much.

Did you record a song called “It Isn’t Like You”? If so, is it gonna be released?
The song was leaked, unfortunately. It’s actually called “Shianne”. It may be released someday. I write so often it’s hard to say where certain songs will find their home.

If you could cover any song, what would it be and why?
That’s a tough question. I’m interested in covering a Skeeter Davis song called “The End Of The World”.

Mary doesn’t like nobody
She a real sad case
See Mary’s like her lucky charms
Ya Mary doesn’t know her place

The girl can’t sleep
That Mary she can be real weak
She’s got a heart of gold
But Mary thinks she’s getting old

See Mary doesn’t know somebody
Loves her more than life itself
She doesn’t know somebody
Keeps a picture of her on their shelf

Mary doesn’t know somebody
See’s her eyes and begins to melt
Mary we’ll wait
It’s not too late

She doesn’t know what she’s missing
All the boys she’d be kissing
But she’s deep in her head
C’mon Mary get your ass out of bed

I know I’ve read it in a story
But Mary never seems to bore me
She doesn’t want to belong
Her mission is to prove you wrong

Chorus

Mary will come back someday
She’ll find a way
There will come a day, I know
Mary will know what to do
She’s breaking through

What is the meaning of Voodoo as a whole?
The meaning of the album is to resonate with listeners and take them on a journey throughout each song. I wanted each song to take you to a different place, yet keeping the album as a whole cohesive-like scenes to a movie.

Where did you get the idea to set up the album like a soundtrack for a film?
The album was airing a very cinematic sound and I wanted to give the feeling of a film.. I didn’t want the album to take itself too seriously so I thought re-creating a “Voodoo-esque” scenario would be fun and give a feeling of what the listener was in for..

Can Brendan sing and is he willing to sing on your next album?
He can, and has offered back-ground vocals to tracks when needed.

Also, will you play guitar when you perform?
Yes! At times, I will for sure.

Are you ever afraid of becoming too popular or feel like your music is too underrated?
I don’t focus on fears like that.

What did you learn from your role on Instant Star?
I learn new things everyday!

Anything that helped your career or increased your creativity?
Probably having the opportunity to work with so many talented songwriters and musicians.

What are you planning to do with the next album?
Not in that headspace yet, but I know it will be completely different than Voodoo.

If you could meet anyone from the past, who would it be and why?
Albert Einstein, so I could just hang out with him and pick his brain for a while.

Which parts of the states would you like to tour?
All of it!

When did you start playing guitar?
When I was about 16.

What was the best part about releasing your album?
Getting our sound out there.

Who inspires you the most?
Lots of things inspire me… sometimes strangers even inspire me.

1. If you had to choose a favorite song to play live which one would it be? And why? Which song from Voodoo is closest to your heart and the most personal to share?
They’re all pretty close to my heart. but I’d say “Voodoo” and “LA Made Me” are my favourite one’s to perform..

2. Speaking of the album Voodoo you mention several characters in your lyrics. Who is Mr. Jones, and Steven? Are they just a name in a song, or is there more detail about them?
They’re characters that are re-enacting things from my life and feelings I’ve had..

3. Do you have some tour dates already? Setlist must be hard to choose, since you only have released 1 album, what covers would you like to add for a perfect setlist (or Instant Star songs)?
I would add songs from my Epic album. Those would be so fun to perform live. We’re working on a set list now.. I have some dates coming up for some shows this summer, will keep you posted on the website!

4. Did you know about all the fans making youtube videos/channels in honor of you? If yes, what do you think or feel while watching the videos using your songs, because you’ve been inspiring all your fans with your music. (BTW my friends fell in love with my videos daning to Trip Around the World and decided to buy the album http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GKHwwofF88 )
Yes! I’ve seen them and love them! I can’t believe how talented my fans are!! I really enjoy listening and watching you guys interpret the songs in your own way.

5. In new Orleans what were some of your favorite places to visit? And since you choose the title Voodoo, are you into palm readings and such?
I loved shooting in NO. Jackson square was beautiful, and even going outside of the quarter to the university area was beautiful… my favourite part was probably the massive southern trees.. They were so beautiful.

6. Your Orange Sessions and Rivoli performances were acoustic, are you planning to continue with this kind of performance while touring or they going to be more percussive and upbeat?
Definitely more percussive.

7. Sometime in the past you talked about releasing an EP after your first album release with songs that will not fit in the album. Is this still up, or you have any other plans for the songs?
I think that was something I said taken out of context. But, I’m always into trying new things.. There is always more music to be made!

8. Your clothing is really beauiful and unique, where do you shop at mostly? Did you pick out your own clothes for the Voodoo photoshoot? You seem to be a big hat person, which fans have thought that is really cool.
I pull from all over.. I have a strong vision of what I like to wear and the vibe I want to put off. It really isn’t about the clothes in the end… subtlety is most important to me.

9. What do you think about artist’s that are played on the radio right now, any favorites? And if so, what draws you to their music?
To be honest, nothing on the radio is really pulling me in as of late… Some new likes of mine would be The Avett Brothers, Jamie Cullum..

10. How do you see yourself in 3 years as an artist and as a person? And any plans for acting or music as of right now?
I hope to keep finding happiness and passion in what I do.. that’s all I could really ask for. I want to be making quality work and hopefully inspire someone in some way. I’m still pursuing acting and I’m open to anything integral that would keep me still able to push my music.

11. I bet you are probably asked this a lot but what advice would you give to someone who wanted to be in the music business?
Do it! If you’re passionate about music, just start playing. Play, mess up - never take it too seriously. Music is supposed to be fun… it’s the business part that kills a lot of musicians.. Remember to follow your heart. We’re here for a blink and the most important thing is to be doing what makes us happy.

12. What is one thing that has always interested you, and made you want to know more about it? Also what instruments would you like to learn and play in a future album?
I’ve always been interested in production of music..
I’d like to play piano on future albums, but for now, I’m focused on perfecting my guitar skills ;)

13. You know you have a lot of fans around the world, do you know there is a big fan base on Latin America? Do you have any plans for tour dates ,interviews, or visits in the future on any country in Latin America?
I have every intention to visit Latin America!! I love my fans and look forward to meeting them all someday…

14. In your opinion, what is the best piece of music you’ve ever created? From So Weird times to current album.
That’s tough… Voodoo offers something so different than my earlier stuff, but in my opinion, I have a strong connection to some of the material off of the Epic album. Like Weight, and Running With The Devil.. The song Voodoo pulls my strings in the same way..

Hey you there–

I wanted to give you an update on what’s been happening.

It’s been really tough getting Trip played on the radio, and I’m not going to pretend I know exactly what makes a song radio-friendly. The thing is, if I wrote music thinking that radio play was the most important thing I wouldn’t be writing it from a place of truth… And the truth is, my favourite albums aren’t even played on the radio these days.

Yet, to get on a big tour, and to get the music out there, it seems to be an important stepping stone to get on radio. Especially since music is my passion, I know I can be a little stubborn when it comes to staying true to your vision and sound, and I know I’ll always be that way… but I also know the industry changes so fast and to keep connected and engaged sometimes you have to bite the bullet, in a way. (By the way, those aren’t my words, they’re people in my life I trust to help steer me when my vision gets blurry. I never saw the day I would have a twitter account… ) But, I do get it.

To me, it’s always been solely about the music. And, it can still be solely about the music - it’s just finding a way that works to share it with as many people as possible.

That being said - the album is finished and represents everything Brendan and I wanted it to. The idea of doing a radio remix of Trip was mentioned–and maybe some other tracks as well–and I actually like the idea.

I like it because Trip and maybe others will have potential to get broad airplay, and if people can get a feel for it, and if they enjoy it (the clever ones, fingers crossed ;)), then hopefully they’ll be drawn to the album.

Our goal was to make a cohesive album where every song brought you into the next… Trip feels like a sneak preview to me.

I’m really excited for a couple of cool shows coming up this summer. I feel like it’s baby steps, and important ones to make.

I want so badly to be playing all over the world for you guys. It is my intention to do so.. I’m going to bat and I’m playing ball for you. Well, with you!

While Trip’s getting a make-over, I’m already looking forward to a second single. Actually, I’m already looking forward to the next 10 albums. Growing in general is a pretty awesome thing and something I’m thankful for everyday!

Thanks for your support during this wonderful, musical journey. The highest highs and the painful lows, it’s all meant to be.

x
Alexz