What strikes us the most about axe.shay is not necessarily his heightened musicianship and compositional skills, but the fact that he feels the need to still write records that carry a meaningful lyrical message. Someone with his curriculum could easily just focus on virtuoso instrumental material, especially given his involvement in the advertising, television, and film industry. ‘My Location’ reveals shay’s holistic approach towards his artistic craft, indulging in philosophical imagery that directly resonates with our dystopian reality.
This is all layered on top of a fierce and uplifting rock production, one that’s deeply eclectic, highly informed by Western and Indian classical influences. Axe’s guitar prowess is on full display, as well as his precise, malleable vocals. Hailing from Goa, axe.shay is the great-grandson of legendary Thumri artist Naina Devi and a graduate of the University of Southern California, all elements that contribute to the project’s cross-cultural character.
Expanding the nuanced lyrical and conceptual ethos behind the record, axe.shay explains: “‘My Location’ is about the tension between who you are and who you’re allowed to be. The idea of ‘location’ goes beyond the physical; it’s about being pinned down psychologically, emotionally, even creatively. When everything about you feels mapped out… your tendencies, your choices, your voice, you start to question what freedom actually means.”
Recommended! Discover ‘My Location’ now: