On the heels of a brand new EP and European tour, multi-talented singer-songwriter and actress Alexz Johnson, makes her debut on Season Three of WIGS series, BLUE, starring Julia Stiles. BLUE has more than 43 million views on HULU & multiple platforms, making it one of the most popular digital scripted series. On February 18th, Alexz released her newest EP, HEART. With a unique soulful folk-pop sound and passionate songwriting style, its no wonder Alexz Johnson has been called a modern day Stevie Nicks with the power of Bruce Springsteen and vocal soul of Adele She has released three studio albums under her name and tours consistently in North America and Europe. Check out our interview with Alexz as she discusses these upcoming projects.
Interview: Christian Gabriel | Photos: Jessica Earnshaw
You’ve joined the cast of WIGS for it’s upcoming third season. What can you tell us about your character?
Satya is pretty mysterious. There’s a lot going on in that head of hers. That’s one of the main things that drew me to the character, aside from the music aspect. She’s also a survivor which I like about her.
After working in both traditional television series and films, what attracted you to working on an online series?
The writing. I also think Rodrigo Garcia and John Avnet are doing cool things over there at WIGS. Online series are the new TV series, to me.
You’ve often played characters where you are able to incorporate your musical talents. Do you seek out roles that involve music performance?
They sort of seek me out.. I’ve been lucky so far.
Tell us about your latest EP “HEART” and the process of creating this new material.
It’s been quite the process. The songs on the HEART EP are sort of an album sampler from the upcoming LP. The album has taken some time to completion, so I decided to release the songs I felt were ready. Especially the fact that this album was Pledge funded.. it felt like the right thing to do. I’ve been collaborating with David Kahne as producer – I’m so excited to share the rest of the songs.
You’ve been compared to everyone from Stevie Nicks to Bruce Springsteen to Adele. Who are some of your musical inspirations?
I’m flattered! All three of them! Plus, Rickie Lee Jones, Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush, to name a few. Right now, I’m really into Phosphorescent.
What are some of your favorite aspects of touring to perform your music? Do you like being on the road?
I like living out of a suitcase, to be honest. Maybe it’s because I’m so used to it…
Playing live is a whole different, vulnerable, cool thing than any character I’ve ever portrayed in acting. It makes you humble and it’s my favourite thing in the world, emoting on a stage.
What are your career ambitions/goals for the future? Any passion projects?
Get this album out and tour, tour tour. I’d love to direct when I get some time. I love writing songs, acting… who knows. I feel blessed to be able to continue following my dreams everyday.
For more information, please visit: alexzjohnson.com