Voodoo (Alexz Johnson album)

Writing and development

The recording process began in mid-2009 when Johnson revealed on her website that she was dropped from Epic Records, and that the album she recorded and planned to release with them, was now shelved due to contractual complications. Some tracks were written as far back as 2005 with intent to be released through the album she planned with Capitol-EMI, but that deal shortly ended as the executives who signed Johnson to the label had been released from their contracts.

After several months of recording, Johnson announced that the album was almost complete and clips of several potential singles were posted on her official site shortly after. Johnson also worked with several musicians during the recording process. She teamed up with guitarist Tim Welch once again after previously working with him on several of the songs she had recorded for Instant Star. As of October, video treatments began being formed and Johnson had applied for the VideoFact grant, funded by MuchMusic, MuchMore and PromoFACT, and learned she was one of 272 other applicants to win in late 2009.

Shortly after, it was announced through AlexzJohnson.com that, due to overwhelming fan response, that "Trip Around The World" would be the first single from the record. While putting the final touches on the album, Johnson flew to New Orleans in January for the filming of the music video with music video director Michael Maxxis. After several days of filming, Johnson flew to Toronto and shot the album photoshoot with photographer Brendan Meadows and did several recorded performances and promotional radio interviews. Later, Johnson worked with Re:Form AVW, a Canadian design firm, to create the album artwork. It was then announced that the album was completely mastered and complete, and sent off to be manufactured February 22, 2010. The album cover was revealed through her official site several days later.

Release and artwork

The album was originally set to be released on March 30, in stores and online, but several problems have occurred in terms of the electronic shipments of the album. CD Baby accidentally sold several digital copies of the album weeks before the intended release date, and due to the accidental release, the electronic release date was pushed forward to March 9, but the physical release date stayed the same.

The album's art direction is based on old 50s-styled movies, which can be see in where the title is stylized in quotation marks on the cover, Johnson is listed as "starring" in the album, and Brendan and she are listed as "starring" on the back cover. Also, no time length is given for the tracks in the CD artwork. Instead, they are listed as scenes to further reiterate the theme of the album.

Critical reception

CD Baby called the album "a combination of sweet pop melodies and world beats."

Promotion

Through her Twitter, Johnson corresponded with her fans on several updates of the album. Alexz's manager, Stephen Stohn whom she met first through Instant Star, also made several updates through his Twitter account.

Johnson also did several radio interviews, including being Virgin 95.3's 'Best of BC' the week "Trip Around The World" was shipped out to Canadian radio stations. Several performances are also planned. Johnson was a part of Canadian Music Fest 2010, with an hour long set on March 10 at a Toronto night club, The Rivoli. Johnson also recorded several interviews and performances, including an acoustic set with Orange Lounge Sessions that was released around the same time as the physical release date of the album.

Singles

"Trip Around the World" was the first single from the album. It was released on February 2, 2010. The song was chosen by fans on her official website. The music video was posted on MuchMusic as well as Johnson's official website on February 18, 2010.

Track listing

All lyrics written by Alexz Johnson and Brendan James Johnson.