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”.

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

Besides singing and guitar, do you play any other musical instruments?
I fiddle around on the piano a bit, I want to be playing piano on stage sometime. I saw Annie Lennox play to “No More I Love Yous” and from then on I knew I had to accompany myself to “Golden” someday.

What do you think makes you unique from the other artists out there?
In my opinion, I think it’s the sound that makes an artist unique. Not how great the voice is, or how well you play… it’s capturing a unique sound that hasn’t been tapped into before. I’d hope people would find my music to be a fresh sound.

What would you say your biggest accomplishment to date is?
I have a hard time looking at the past, I’m always looking forward to creating more.

Your album Voodoo just came out recently, how was recording it?
It was a blast… also very focused and at times emotional. It took a lot out of Brendan and I to start from scratch again, but we knew we had to get the music out there.

Do you have a favorite song off the album?
That’s tough, “Look At Those Eyes”, “Voodoo”, “Gonna Get It…

You played musician Jude Harrison on the TV show Instant Star. Does Voodoo differ from the songs performed on Instant Star?
I believe they do, very much so.

Overall what have your fans reactions been to Voodoo?
They seem to be happy with the music, which is awesome!

What can your fans expect from you in the coming months?
Shows, possibly a tour.

Anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks so much for your support, it means the world to me.

Questions From Fans

Do you have any plans to tour soon?
Yes! That’s the intention.

Will you be acting in any more movies or TV shows?
Nothing is set as of now, my focus is the album.

Which movie/TV show did you like being on best?
Instant Star.

Do you have a hidden talent?
I take pride in my yoga skills!

Do you keep in touch with any of the Instant Star cast?
I’ve seen a few of them and we try to stay in touch!

If Instant Star got a 5th season, what do you think would have happened with Jude and Tommy?
Love conquers all – or it should!

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.