Moving on from Australian Idol, Video Hits and that ARIAs incident, Axle Whitehead is hitting his straps with his new album Losing Sleep and quirky live gigs, including an upcoming performance at Sydney’s Summer Gay Day. Adam Bub sat down with the Aussie singer-songwriter.

He may sing the words ‘I don’t do surprises’ in his Australian top 10 hit single of the same name, but Melbourne-born, Sydney-based singer-songwriter Axle Whitehead still manages to intrigue the general public with his unpredictable, even shape-shifting, persona.

He’s gone from frontman of a jazz/hip-hop outfit in Melbourne, to a blue-eyed crooner competing on the first Australian Idol television series in 2003, to a sophisticated TV host and interviewer of bands like the Black Eyed Peas for music program Video Hits, to a musician whose debut album channels pop, rock, jazz, funk, electronica and even world-music rhythms. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

“It’s going to take 20 years to develop my sound and learn different styles of music, but that’s my crusade and what I want to do,” the 27-year-old tells AXN. “It keeps it fresh for the audience, and people can grow with you and learn about music as well.”

No wonder he lists Otis Redding, Johnny Cash and Mozart amongst his current favourite artists. But Whitehead’s album has a predominantly pop/rock feel, while lyrically examining themes of love, loss and emancipation.

“Some of the writing started while I was still at Video Hits, but after I got fired and broke up with my girlfriend, I found lyrically there was this theme of failure and redemption, ” he explains. “It’s very challenging to look inside yourself and think ‘what is it that I’m doing wrong?’ But it is very healthy to have that reflection.”

Having recently revisited the Idol set to perform, he reflects on his big break on the show with fondness, but doesn’t hold back from criticising the karaoke-style format. “Any reality TV show does need a rest. If I was programming it I’d pull it off air for a few years and then bring it back,” he says. It’s also a relief that he didn’t have to sing the finalists’ “touch-the-sky-key-change-power-ballad”, as he dubs it. “I’d rather cut my own hand off,” he laughs. “But I suppose you’ve got to do it.”

Never afraid of a challenge, Whitehead is currently taking acting lessons, and hopes to get into film and television. “I’d like to play a real bad-ass, like the Marlborough Man on the horse rolling cigarettes, or a fucked-up serial killer. It’d be good just to immerse yourself and just get filthy and dirty and raw,” he muses.

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. The queer outdoor fiesta will present dance, pop, rock, house and electronica artists on two stages, with acts like dance group Dirty Laundry, London DJ Paul Heron, and many more.

“I just love being outdoors and playing music. I have a lot of gay buddies and if you know it’s going to be a gay party then you know it’s going to be an awesome party,” he 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? He quips: “Boys and girls”. Is that an admission? He coyly responds: “No comment”. It seems the surprises keep on coming.

Axle Whitehead performs at Summer Gay Day, Saturday, November 29, 2pm-10pm, Kippax Lake, Moore Park. Second release tickets $89+bf available from moshtix.com.au. For more information, visit summergayday.com.au

 A special Summer Gay Day accommodation package is available at the Chifley Hotel, Potts Point, from only $179. The deal includes an overnight stay for two in an ‘Executive Harbour View’ room; a sumptuous buffet breakfast in the Cursa Restaurant; and a complimentary bottle of wine.

Simply state the code ‘Summer Gay Day’ for this deal to apply. Call (02) 9358 2755 or email reservations/ This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it