Alexz Johnson Say Max Tour at Jammin' Java Concert Music Photographer Max Schneider

Let's take a journey back to 2008. Pre-teen Kylie would come home from school and watch hours of pre-stored-up DVR'd episodes of the N's show "Instant Star". Why did I love this show so much? It was the perfect combination of real life, not too risque, it had a quirky best friend and it had a touch of glamour as Jude tried to make it as a professional musician. (not to mention Tommie was quite attractive).

Anywho, there was a part of me that wanted to be Jude Harrison. Hey, she was a redhead, and I relate to anyone with red hair automatically. More than that, though- the show portrayed her in the highs and the lows, the victories and the vulnerabilities, and as an artist I could relate to that.

Alexz Johnson played Jude. As a part of the show, she got to write the songs that her character sang. I was in love with her voice and her music-- I related to it. Alexz was signed and then dropped from Epic, but is now a poster child for new-age digital music. She funded her latest album and tour from crowd-funding. She has a loyal following of fans, paired with immense talent, and voila! She's doing the indie artist thing without anyone dictating what she can or can't say or write. Go Alexz!

Here are some photos of Alexz playing at Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA. She had a pared down set with her two friends Breezy Baldwin and Megan Cox. The raw emotion and musical talent onstage was amazing! Enjoy these images.

Photogrpahically yours,
Kylie