Alexz Johnson fans are rejoicing at the sounds of the singer’s new record, Still Alive – an eleven-track collection of heartfelt anthems over a decade in the making.
What was once set to be the singer’s debut solo record with Sony through Epic Records after the success of CTV show Instant Star, Still Alive – formerly known as Weight – was sadly & unjustly shelved and was supposed to be the album that defined Johnson as an artist. However, like a true warrior, the singer prevailed, and carved out a path for herself as an independent artist with two EPs and three successful albums under her belt. With Still Alive being her fourth, there really is no stopping her now!
“My career hasn’t been what I imagined it would be, but I also couldn’t have imagined how beautiful the mess of everything turned out to be. Still Alive is a reminder that you are doing it, every moment: You’re living the gift of this mess. It’s your mess, so why not own it?” Johnson shared.
We asked Alexz to break down each track from Still Alive in this exclusive track-by-track commentary to give listeners an inside look into the singer’s most anticipated release. Enjoy and don’t forget to grab a copy of the album here!
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“Saving the Train”
My brother and I wanted to write a sort of hymn type opening for this track, and let it grow from there. The intention of the song was to try and think outside of the typical verse, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge. We wanted the song to feel like a moving train…almost like a repetitive chant. We wrote this at a time where our family was struggling – my Dad had some heart problems and we all pulled in as siblings to help where we could to give back. “Giving it away” so to speak. The song is about giving yourself away for someone else.
“Chicago”
This was written as a freestyle on top of a beat that [my brother] Brendan created. It came to me pretty quick! I went back and wrote out the lyrics I sang. It was kind of surreal. I was thinking back on a relationship I had where he really dropped the ball and I wanted the song to have this, “too bad, I’m outta here” vibe, but still the honesty and vulnerability of being hurt with “but the damage is done.” Basically, this guy lost his shot, lol. The song is meant to be fun, almost like the vocalist is chatting to her cab driver on the way to the airport!
“Running With the Devil”
This song was also written in that same freestyle manner. Lyrics and melody on top of a partially produced landscape.. I had a glimpse of a friend’s life and choices and was inspired by him to write this song. I hope the lyrics are universal to everyone in those times of their lives where they feel they could be making better decisions but instead, they’re running with the devil.
“Living in Colour”
This was an experimental song that wasn’t written for a specific album. Bren and I had a blast creating this dream-pop-like world, almost like a movie as you listen; an all-nighter in Vegas, or club-hopping your way to the disco. I wanted to do something different that I’d never done before which was to speak the lyrics instead of sing them. Like the listener is in on a secret.
“Still Alive”
A pretty special song for me. I started writing this before hearing the news of my sister’s cancer diagnosis. The song started out being a song about loving someone from afar, across continents. It turned into a song I imagine her singing to me from heaven.
“Lost and Found”
A fun song we wrote years ago that became a family favourite – again, trying to do something different and creative. I wouldn’t even know how to explain this track – it just is what it is. It’s super pop! This track almost didn’t make the record and it was the last song recorded from Still Alive. All I know is Kate Bush was a major influence to me during the time a lot of these songs were written, and she still is.
“Shout”
This song underwent the most changes from the leaked Weight demos. My brother and I decided to re-attack the verses and try and give it a more fluid sound, as well as more cohesive between the versus and the chorus. We figured that the original one is already out there, so why not have fun and re-image the song? It seems to be getting positive feedback, which is a relief. I was most nervous about this track. it was also the toughest song to complete for this new record.
“Swallowed”
Completely inspired by the 70’s. Someone once told me this song reminded them of Christine McVie, it was the best complement ever. This is a magical song. I want it to take people someplace else. It’s light, airy and the message is basically about keeping true to who you are, and not changing for anyone. Not being swallowed by whatever it is you hope doesn’t overcome you.
“No Shame”
We had so much fun writing this song. We wrote this around the same time as the title track Still Alive. We wanted to write something uplifting, fun and I was inspired by Diana Ross and a lot of the early 60s dream girls vibe. Fans are loving this track, I’m so glad!
“Golden”
My brother and I wrote this years ago in London with Sacha Skarbek and Alex Reid. This song was written about (my now) husband. It’s a love song and we wanted it to be timeless. I find myself singing it to my little girl now.
“Weight”
This is one of my favourite tracks I’ve ever written. I feel I’ve explained this song for so long, being the title track to the original Weight album under Epic/Sony. But basically, Weight is a spiritual song. It’s (whatever you believe) is taking the weight off your shoulders. Whatever or whoever that may be for you, it’s personal. I wanted it to feel like a release too.
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