At the age of 18, British Columbia born Alexz Johnson landed the role of a lifetime playing music competition winner Jude Harrison in the award winning drama series Instant Star. For four seasons Alexz was able to combine her own musical talent with her passion for acting starring in the hit show that made her a star in Canada and throughout the U.S. The show ended in 2008 and during her hiatus from filming, Alexz has had the chance to re-invent herself and work with songwriters from around the world.
On March 30th, Alexz will release her debut album, entitled Voodoo, with Orange Lounge Recordings new imprint, inDiscover. The concept of the album is reminiscent of something out of old Hollywood. The tracks, which were all written by Alexz and her brother Brendan, are listed as scenes and the album’s art direction is based on old ‘50s style films. Christopher Turner, Sympatico’s Fashionist, had the chance to sit down with Alexz at a recent Toronto photo shoot and ask about her evolving style, her upcoming music video, her love of vintage and more…here’s what she had to say:
Christopher: Tell me a little bit about your personal style… how would you describe it?
Alexz: My sense of style, well I always try to go by the rule that you wear the clothes and that the clothes don’t wear you! I don’t feel like I’m super trendy, I just go with classic styles, but I also really love French New Wave. But, comfort is the most important thing on stage.
Christopher: Is there a difference in what you wear onstage as opposed to offstage?
Alexz: Definitely. I am very ‘less is more’. I try not to go overboard on stage because I want it to be more about the music.
Christopher: I know you have a show tomorrow night here in Toronto. Tell me about your on-stage style.
Alexz: It changes all the time! Usually it’s black pants, a black jacket, maybe a sheer tank top. Sometimes there’s a hat. Maybe a great jacket with shoulder pads, or a men’s suit that’s really fitted. I like structure but I don’t want the audience to focus on what I’m wearing… I want it to be about the music. I’m not trying to be a fashion designer, but I do like to have fun with fashion!
Christopher: What is your one must-have fashion item?
Alexz: It’s all about the jacket!
Christopher: Let’s talk about the cover of your upcoming album Voodoo! I heard you may have had a little to do with the styling and the concept…
Alexz: I did! What was so cool about this entire process was I got to be so hands on creatively. I just had this idea - old cinema covers. Each song on the record really represents a different theme from a movie, and I wanted to capture that on the cover.
Christopher: I also heard you shot the video for your first single in January. What kind of style can we expect to see you rockin’ in it?
Alexz: We shot Trip Around the World in New Orleans. It was a blast. There are lots of hats and lots of the 1960s!
