Axel Farden Unleashes New Single ‘Say My Name’

For a track born from a TikTok challenge, Axel Farden’s “Say My Name” lands with unexpected depth and craftsmanship. The Jakarta-raised artist has spent the past few years proving that he can take seemingly simple ideas and stretch them into rich, genre-blending songs—and his latest is no exception. The single, the lead from his forthcoming LP Alive, is a stunning display of melodic subtlety and emotional precision.

Where some artists might lean into the viral nature of their source material, Farden instead mines the challenge’s musical DNA to create something entirely new. The result is a shimmering, R&B-tinged track that feels equal parts contemporary and timeless. His approach to songwriting is intuitive and refined, giving “Say My Name” the emotional weight of a love letter with the sleekness of a radio-ready hit.

There’s a palpable vulnerability in his vocal performance, which drifts between tender falsetto and grounded soul with ease. He channels the introspective cool of The Weeknd and the crisp vocal acrobatics of artists like Khalid, but never loses his own distinct identity. Farden sings like someone who’s lived every word, and that authenticity bleeds through the track’s every note.

The song speaks to longing in its lyrics—the type that lingers in silence and half-finished texts. Farden’s strength lies in evoking big emotions through small, specific moments. The production, stripped back but full of nuance, gives the lyrics space to resonate. Every element—from the sparse percussion to the echoing synths—serves the story.

If “Say My Name” is any indication, Alive will be more than just a collection of songs—it’ll be a statement. Farden isn’t chasing trends; he’s carving out a lane that feels fresh and emotionally grounded. It’s pop, it’s R&B, it’s soul—but most of all, it’s Axel Farden, fully in his element.