Saxl Rose
Antonio Hancock, known professionally as Saxl Rose, is a multi-instrumentalist, producer recording artist and international touring musician based out of Havre de Grace, Maryland. He has recorded and performed with countless mainstream artists & bands including Wiz Khalifa, Chris Brown, Paramore, Bobby Valentino, The Used, Neck Deep & more. While he is well known for his viral videos and online content, he is no stranger to the big stage or the studio.
Saxl began playing the saxophone at the young age of 5, crediting his dad, Wayne Hancock of Turner Station, who is also a touring musician, as one of his main influences and inspirations. His mom was also a local DJ in his town, so Saxl was brought up with a wide variety of influences and musical tastes. By the time Saxl graduated high school, he was already well known in his local community for performing and winning various musical awards. He even attended Berklee College of Music for a saxophone program leading up to his senior year.
Since then, Saxl would go on to create what would be known as his signature unique online videos, that would garner him his newfound rise. These saxophone-led videos grabbing the attention of many high-profile celebrities, musical acts, and music press.
“I’ve never been the type of artist or musician to focus on one genre or one style. I’ve learned doing that only boxes you in, which is something that goes everything I believe. I was raised to respect and appreciate all styles of music, genres, and people. I never wanted to be known as a “jazz” saxophone player or a “rock” sax player, or a “smooth jazz” sax player. I just want to be known as me, Saxl Rose. Someone who can be placed in any studio, any show, and any situation, with any instrument, and known that I am going to come up with something that will get stuck in your head”.
Saxl has performed across the US and was even featured on NBC’s Last Call W/ Carson Daly for a live performance. He was also featured on WBAL, Yahoo News and MSN for his “cow concert” viral video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEmVrHVz8Oc) (https://www.wbaltv.com/article/saxl-rose-serenads-cows-havre-de-grace/29131138).
He has taken part in several tours, both national and international, including a UK arena tour w/ Neck Deep, which finished with a massive show at Wembley Stadium.
“I’ve played many incredible shows and tours over the past couple years, but my favorite still has to be getting to perform with Paramore in my home state of Maryland. As if it wasn’t good enough for them to recognize my videos online and show me so much love leading up to the show. But to top it off with jamming to “Ain’t It Fun” with them in front of thousands and thousands of screaming fans was something I’ll never forget”.
Currently, Saxl is working on his debut solo project and stays extremely active on social media.
GEAR
VIRT2004B | Virtuoso Tenor Saxophone