Western Sydney R&B artist Sahxl's recent single, My Mind, is an honest and revealing look at the ways the end of a relationship can impact someone. Produced by Jofromoyo, the song talks about the battle of trying to let go of someone, while retaining the memories of that person. Sahxl's vocals on My Mind are as smooth as ever, and Sahxl's not afraid to get deep with his lyrics on this one.
Sahxl's been writing music from the age of 12 (he's now 18), using it as a way to process what was going on around him. He would channel pent-up energy into his music, using it as an outlet for what was going on in the world around him.
Speaking about his connection with an ever-growing fanbase, he explains, "I’m not trying to be a role model. I’m trying to be a real model. I get people telling me that the music I'm making is helping them or influencing them in a way that's uplifting them. That's the energy that keeps me going."
We spoke to Sahxl about the meaning behind the track, being honest with his audience in his lyrics sa the importance of community. Check out My Mind below and read on to learn more about Sahxl!
Cool Accidents: Firstly, I wanted to congratulate you on My Mind! Australian R&B has never been in a better place, at least from my view. What do you think makes a perfect R&B track?
Sahxl: I would say emotions and melodies are the two main things that I would look for when I'm listening to R&B. But honestly, I believe there is no such thing as a perfect track or a perfect song. I feel songs resonate with people when they're unpredictable and different. That's why, for me, R&B is hands down my favourite genre. It's melodically driven but it also has those intimate and personal lyrics that come from an emotional place.
My Mind speaks about the battles of a relationship – do you ever feel vulnerable putting out music that talks about such personal experiences, or does it help you process it?
My music is a personal journal or diary to me. It’s the only place where I can vent all my emotions and express how I'm feeling freely. It helps me process things in a way and at times works as an escape outlet.
I wouldn’t say I feel vulnerable when putting out songs like My Mind because I always want my audience to hear the real me, whether I’m vulnerable, happy, angry or sad. Instead of hiding behind my emotions, I use music to express them and share them with the world.
When it comes to moving on from a relationship, what advice would you give people who have been through a break-up and want to emerge out the other side feeling better than ever?
Everyone deals with break-ups in their own way. It can get messy and out of control pretty fast, but I would say just try to be as mature as possible. Things don’t always work out and a lot of the time it's for the better. If you truly love someone then you should never hold them back or keep them in a situation where you're not only hurting yourself, but your significant other as well.
I would say that the best way to move on is to learn and grow from it. Obviously, you shared something special at some stage in the relationship, and that will forever stay in your heart, whether you like it or not. However, you've just gotta let each other be free and go in separate directions if it’s not working.
Are there any Australian artists that you’re inspired by, or would love to collaborate with?
I'm always inspired by what’s going on around me, but right now I've been really focused on myself and my team. I don’t know if I’m looking to collaborate just right now but if the right opportunity came along, I would consider it.
The Kid LAROI’s obviously become a superstar, and he’s previously nominated you as the one to watch from Australia. Will we be seeing you in any capacity when he tours Australia next year?
Laroi’s a sk! I haven’t heard anything yet, but you'll be the first people to find out if I hear anything!
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Finally, you’ve mentioned how important it is for you to not just make music, but also build a community. Where does this drive to bring those around you up come from?
It started with 506. I just wanted to have a platform where my boys and I could express our art freely and I wanted to use my voice to help other creatives around me be able to do the same.
I always say to myself, change the world or be changed by the world. I don’t wanna see the potential of the youth around me being wasted. I want us to be able to express ourselves freely and inspire not only today’s generation, but tomorrow's as well. I really believe together we can change the world.
