Tom Derickx easily shrugs off the typecast that burdens retired athletes breaking into new territory. True conviction sets him apart, making this football player turned model cum-electronic guitarist and singer the bona fide package.

Hailing from Perth, Australia, Derickx was drafted to a Melbourne AFL club team immediately following high school graduation. Though he’d found one passion in music during his school years (and met the other half of his forthcoming electro duo), another called him away. Both Derickx’s footy skills and classic style were quickly recognized while on the field. He signed with the Sydney Swans football team in 2013 and soon after with IMG.

As a model, Derickx has worked with various photographers including Trevor King, Richard Sawyer, Pat Suprisi and Pierre Toussant. Most notably, the Aussie star paired with Tiffany & Co. for the luxury men’s publication, Oliver Grand, and was featured in GQ Australia.

Following his 2016 season, Derickx opted to hang up his cleats. “I mean, I love playing football,” Derickx told RUSSH Magazine. “But my body was falling apart.” After making a move back to Australia’s east coast, he reconnected with long-time friend, Palassi Kallis. The two quickly relit their friendship, and soon found themselves spending night after night in a home studio churning out music. What started as a pair of friends playing at music production turned into their first track, “My Friends”, and the birth of KAYEX.

The indie electronic-esque song featuring a body bobbing beat and Derickx’s crooning voice has received attention from MTV Australia and Triple J Unearthed, the celebrated music project that has launched the careers of thousands of Australian musicians including the acclaimed DJ, Flume. The track will appear on the pair’s upcoming EP.

But even with the spotlight bringing more attention to Derickx’s personal accomplishments, he hasn’t lost sight of those around him. Derickx has advocated for ovarian cancer awareness and routinely works with Beyond Blue, a support organization for anxiety, depression and related mental disorders. Now as one-half of KAYEX, Derickx hopes to imbibe their music with messages that catalyze important conversation surrounding issues beyond the band.