 No one has steered the gauntlet of controversy and criticism more deftly than Axle Whitehead. And with a smash hit single and a diverse debut album, the road ahead is looking much smoother for the former Melbourne country boy. He opens up to Adam Bub about music, girls and, err, boys.
It’s fair to say that Axle Whitehead has previously been plagued by scandal. After shaking off the Idol tag, he caused a media frenzy when he (heaven forbid!) caressed an ARIA with his nudie bits at the 2006 ARIA Awards. But the dapper 27-year-old singer-songwriter remains remarkably unfazed about past hiccups, having since gained ground with his Top 10 hit single ‘I Don’t Do Surprises’ from his eclectic debut album, Losing Sleep. He now displays an infectious optimism and affability when talking about the present and the future, beaming about a recent gig where he re-arranged the words of Katy Perry’s I Kissed a Girl to “I kissed a boy”.“It’s great for crowds to go ‘I know this song’ but you re-arrange it and do it your own way,” he tells MCV. Whitehead’s no stranger to doing things his own way. A country boy at heart, Whitehead grew up on a farm three hours west of Melbourne, and found inspiration for his new album on a return visit home. “There’s one song called ‘Way Home’ which is about going home and connecting with animals,” he explains. Studying jazz at the Victorian College of the Arts, Whitehead made a name for himself around Melbourne with his jazz/hip-hop group, the Axle Whitehead Band. On the off-chance, Whitehead auditioned for Australian Idol in 2003, and while only making the Top 40, his soulful voice and smouldering demeanour resonated with the judges and home viewers alike. By 2005, Whitehead was interviewing artists like The Black Eyed Peas on Channel Ten’s Video Hits. Getting the boot from that show encouraged Whitehead to express himself through music again, and he’s since bounced back stronger than ever. His debut album mixes pop, rock, jazz, funk, electronica, country and even world music, but is anchored by both universal and personal themes of love, loss and redemption in relationships and life.
“Some of the writing started while I was still at Video Hits and after I got fired and broke up with my girlfriend. I found lyrically there was this theme of failure and redemption in relationships,” he explains. “I think that it’s very healthy to have that reflection.” Always open to a challenge, Whitehead is honing his acting skills, developing his music style and working the camera as the face of Aussie menswear label Marcs. It’s a far cry from his days on Idol, though he reflects fondly on returning to the Idol set to perform recently. And how does he rate this year’s hopefuls? “This year there’s a guy, Wes Carr – he’s a really good muso and writer,” Whitehead says. “I think he’s even a contender to take the cake. But is it good to win the competition, or is it good to come third, you know?” It’s this kind of bracing attitude that you can expect from Whitehead in his live performances, such as his upcoming show at Sydney’s second annual Summer Gay Day later this month. The unique outdoor queer fiesta will bring together dance, pop, rock, house and electronica artists on two stages, with acts including Melbourne dance outfit Dirty Laundry, London DJ Paul Heron, and many more. “I can’t wait – I just love being outdoors and playing music. I have a lot of gay buddies and if you know that it’s going to be a gay party then it’s going to be an awesome party,” Whitehead beams. “I was getting some tips from a friend and he said, ‘If you’re going to do some gay clubs make sure you’re nice and toned’. So I don’t know if I’ll be flashing any bits and pieces… but I’m just hyped to be involved and have a good perve as well.” On who, exactly? Without hesitation, he quips: “Boys and girls”. Is that an admission? He coyly responds: “No comment”. Whatever that means, Whitehead’s certainly up for more gay gigs.
“I’ve missed Mardi Gras every year. So next year I really want to be involved in some way or another and have some fun,” he says. Now based in Sydney, he’s also missing home, and makes it down to Melbourne to do gigs, and, bless him, visit his folks on their farm. “Any excuse to get back to Melbourne, I duck down,” he says.
Axle Whitehead performs at Sydney’s Summer Gay Day on Saturday, November 29, 2-10pm, Kippax Lake, Moore Park. Second release tickets $89+bf, available from moshtix.com.au. www.summergayday.com.au
COMPETITION
WIN TIX, ACCOMODATION! You could win two night’s accommodation at the Chifley Hotel, Potts Point, Sydney, and two tickets to Summer Gay Day valued at over $500. Email
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and say in 50 words or less what you most look forward to seeing at this year’s Summer Gay Day – www.summergayday.com.au
Email entries must be received by Monday, November 24 at 6pm. The winner will be advised by email and phone (include phone number) by Tuesday, November 25 before 6pm.
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