ALL ABOUT AXEL

At 21, he is Singapore’s youngest rapper to top the local hip-hop/rap chart. CATCH had an exclusive interview with Axel Brizzy to find out his inspirations, his views on the local rap/music industry and his struggles

Written by: Ho Mei Xin | Photos by: Ho Mei Xin | Performance photos by: Eng Chin An

Meet Axel Teoh, 21, who goes by the name Axel Brizzy. Born and raised in Singapore, he is currently a student pursuing a Diploma in Music and Audio Technology at Singapore Polytechnic.

Axel is not your average 21-year-old, he is ready to showcase his versatility and style to the world through his music.

NEW RAPPING KID ON THE BLOCK
Axel explained that he did his own research on hip-hop or rap as no one at home listens to such music. As he got more into the culture, he realised that he could use music as a platform to express himself in many different ways.

Axel’s biggest inspiration is Childish Gambino as not only does he make good music, but he acts as well. He feels the artiste excels in everything he does. “He’s definitely someone I aspire to be,” he says.

Axel put himself fully into making music when he was around 17. He grew as he learnt from people around him - that is how he grew to be the artiste he is today.

VIEWS ON LOCAL MUSIC SCENE
“The local music scene is definitely growing. It’s good to see this as compared to years back, especially when I just started,” Axel said. His mother advised him to take music as a hobby, to not aspire for much as it is not possible to succeed in music in Singapore.

In spite of what his mother said, Axel did not blame her for thinking that way.

Currently, there are local artistes signed to major labels and the industry is growing rapidly. He feels it is only going to get better over the years.

 “It is a blessing to even have people supporting and listening to my music,” he says.
 

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
After his debut, he noticed that he had changed a lot. He also noted that he is not the awkward individual he was back in secondary school anymore.

“I used to have stage fright and social anxiety. I was awkward when I performed, I couldn’t even look at girls in the eyes,” Axel admits.

Music really pushed him from being an introvert to existing well in an extroverted world.

“People label me as ‘honest’. I’m really honest in the music I produce,” he says.

The direct messages sent to Axel on his Instagram by followers who would compliment his work or tell him that his music has changed or influenced them brings him great satisfaction.


ADVICE TO ASPIRING MUSICIANS
“No matter who you are, take up any opportunity that may come your way, you’ll never know if you would get accepted. A lot of people would take note of other people’s achievements, you see your friends or rivals get something better or faster than you and you would feel bitter or mad. Just focus on yourself and what’s yours. If it’s meant to be yours, it’s meant to be yours and no one can take that away from you,” Axel says.


Head over to his personal social media platforms (@axelbrizzy) to show him some support!