An ill-fated foray on national television led Axle Whitehead to rediscover his first love – making music, writes Nathan Heron.

Not everyone can say they’re an ARIAs-bad-boy, but ex-Idol-cum-TV-host Axle Whitehead managed to secure that title when he exposed himself on stage and simulated a sex act on an ARIA trophy two years ago.

“Please go there. Let’s talk about balls and everything!” Axle says. “I’m only human. I thought it would all be a bit of fun. I didn’t kill anyone.”

No he didn’t. But he almost killed his career, with the controversy ultimately leading to his departure from Video Hits.

Yet his absence from our screens allowed for an awakening of sorts and, eventually, a rediscovery of his musical identity.

Now with the release of a new single, ‘I Don’t Do Surprises’, and a debut album due in September, audiences can also rediscover Axle, The Musician.
“On the album, lyrically, it brings up topics of failure and redemption, past relationships and making the same mistake twice. It’s very universal,” Axle tells AXN.

With its smooth harmonies and infectious falsetto-driven chorus, ‘I Don’t Do Surprises’, a song about infidelity, is a sample of the creative freedom Axle enjoyed while collaborating with American producer and songwriter Robert Conley, who has worked with Celine Dion and Darren Hayes.

“We’d hang out, drink wine, roll joints and just write away,” he says. “If you’re having a good time when you’re writing a record, that translates onto the record.”

As host of Video Hits, Axle interviewed the best in the business. And it would seem that getting inside the heads of musical greats such as Alicia Keys has done wonders for his eclectic debut album. 

“I’d ask them about influences, their production and how they would get a sound, how they work with other people, what they draw from other musicians, what instruments they play. It was great to pick their brains and to apply it to my own musical career.”

There’s no doubt this budding star knows his stuff. But the big question is: what should we expect come ARIA time?

“I’ve got a few little surprises up my sleeve. Hopefully I’ll get an invitation back!” AXN

‘I Don’t Do Surprises’ is out now through Village Roadshow.

Losing Sleep will be out in September.