The fact that BEX is still an unsigned artist, is a grave injustice. This young woman performs on the biggest festival stages in the UK, has insane social media numbers (if you care for such things) and gives such electrifying performances that people talk about them for months on end. Yet, there is still no major record label that would be willing to take her on. I truly wonder, all those music magazines that say they love indie music made by women, all those journalists that support women in music, all those record label executives that are willing to sign new female artists – where are you guys and gals? Why aren’t you on Team BEX yet? What is stopping you from signing, booking or promoting her? She has everything that the industry expects from a potential star: she is fearless, writes music that is popular, has a unique scenic image, is political/outspoken but in a rare way that is not offending or alienating to a wide range of listeners. What else is needed for her to be given a chance? With her truly meteoric rise, and dedicated fan base, BEX is following the footsteps of Delilah Bon, and is gonna be the hottest name on the British rock scene in a couple of years.
“politix” CD and cove
With the release of “politix”, her newest 5 track mixtape, BEX is once again proving that she is not only a force of nature (her gigs are like tornados, people lose shoes and pieces of clothing in the pit!), but also a serious, accomplished composer. “politix” contains one previously released single (“crybaby” which we reviewed in February this year), two demos (“Heavy Punk Song” and “Like It Like That”), and two full brand new songs (“politix” and “We’ll Never B Like U”).
“politix” mix tape comes in two versions: digital and physical. The digital version, available on all streaming platforms, is limited to just two previously unreleased songs. It looks more like a double sided single than anything else. The physical copy can only be ordered through BEX official store and contains a CD with all 5 tracks plus 20 page photo zine prepared by BEX and the members of her official fan club endearingly called The Scum Club”. The zine is filled with scans of hand made collages, fan arts, fashion designs, cartoons, patches, Polaroid pictures and lyrics tastefully put together in a typical, slightly chaotic, punk rock fashion.
One would think the title track would be the heaviest composition on offer. Despite a solid dose of loud guitars and shouty vocals, “politix” is very mellow and compared with the rest of the mix-tape, sounds almost pop. “We’ll Never B Like U” is much heavier, with a fantastically low and sluggish bass line that showcases BEX’s impressive handling of the instrument. It’s the demos however that steal all the spotlight. “Like It Like That” has this scarily authentic, 1980’s vibe, like something recorded in Olympia at some illegal gig in somebody’s basement. It’s less than two minutes long, high pitched and clunky, but absolutely brilliant. My favourite is “Heavy Punk Song”, it will probably be released under a different title and my fingers are crossed it really happens. The track stands at 2 minutes and 13 seconds, it’s very modern, swingy and funky, with a wild chorus and metal-core seasoning.
“politix” back cover and track list
Having the physical copy of the mix tape on our hands, we couldn’t let the opportunity to speak to BEX pass us by. We sat down with her to discuss the new tracks,her fashion statements, clothes and Big BEX!
Hello Bex, welcome back! We have just heard your new single “politix” and we just wanted to tell you that it is a musical equivalent of roundhouse kick to the face! What a riot for Pride month. What inspired this shouty, angry anthem?
BEX: “politix” came from a place of disgust at the system, the way society is ignoring the problems with the world. Acting like there isn’t a genocide happening, pretending the world isn’t screwed. politix is my track for giving up hope on the world and creating my own.
And who is this giant doll starring in your new video? Is this your own creation? Does the doll have any name?
BEX: BIG BEX is the mascot of our new world created with “politix”, she is our leader, our president. She is our safe space.
The mix tape comes with a self-published zine. Please tell us what can be found inside? Lyrics, soliloquies, political statements? Tips on how to lead a protest? We can’t wait!
BEX: The “politix” zine is full of feminist art, lyrics, fan art and so much more. It’s handmade by myself and my amazing Scum Club.
We have been reviewing your music on Vanadian Avenue for several years now and we came to the conclusion that your works transgress not just genres but various forms of humanities such as fashion, painting, visual and performing arts. Music affects your sense of style but your style also influences the way you present yourself on stage. Do you see yourself as a multidisciplinary artist?
“politix” zine front and back cover
BEX: I see art for art. I believe all art goes as one, there is no such thing as just a musician. Art is a form of self expression and in order to express yourself to the fullest you need to explore all avenues of ‘art’. All music releases come with some form of visuals, whether this be artwork, videos, visualisers, merch etc. It is down to the musician to create these in order to accurately represent their art. I am not a supporter of manufactured musicians or the teams that steal the artistic vision.
Do you remember the first time when you decided to experiment with clothes and to design your own outfits?
BEX: When I was 10, I got my first sewing machine. At first, I was just sewing pyjamas and pillowcases, but at age 16, I took my fashion into my own hands and pushed the limits of what I could wear and create.
Tell us about your creative process. What comes first: an idea for a piece or materials you come across?
BEX: No creative process is the same, art can’t be made in routine or a factory. When it comes to making a song, you can’t force it either. You can put yourself in a studio with other songwriters, musicians and producers, but you have to really be in the right headspace for anything to happen. When it comes to fashion, I like to imagine in my head what I am going to make and see how different it turns out from that!
And when it comes to getting your hands dirty you work with plenty of materials: fabric, metal, paint, colourful threads, vinyl clothing stickers, badges and labels. Is there something you haven’t tried yet but you want to incorporate in your work?
BEX: I would really love to get into screen printing, however the equipment is just so expensive and it can be really messy to do.
BEX picture by Nick Davarias
Is there an outfit you created that you are particularly proud of? Could you tell us a few words about pieces that are your favourites? Any pictures of them would be a bonus.
BEX: I am super proud of the dress I made for Download this year and I am also proud of the outfit I made the first year I played 2000trees.
It is hard not to compare you to punk legends turned fashion icons such as Vivienne Westwood or Jordan. But in your own words who inspires you. What labels or designers had an impact on your own creations?
BEX: Vivienne Westwood is my biggest inspiration in life, aside from my family.
You recently admitted that you filmed a video to your single “crybaby” at home with no budget at all, yet it is a very stylish video. Tell us about your makeup routine when you are filming. What product do you use, and how long does it take for you to be camera ready?
BEX: Oh, I am not a makeup artist! I use mainly snazzaroo facepaint and the same brushes I’ve had since I was in school. It doesn’t take very long, I spend around 5-10 mins doing makeup for stage or videos. Most days, I don’t even wear makeup.
We absolutely love the crocheted top with extra long sleeves you wear in “crybaby”. It looks like Westwood x Jun Takahashi. Western 70s punk rock meets the neon cyberpunk Harajuku style. Is it your own design?
BEX: Yes it is my own design. I just crochet rectangles and sewed them all together.
Every single time you play a bigger show or attend a red carpeted event; you create a special outfit. You must have amassed enough to have a catwalk fashion show. With all seriousness, have you thought of having your creations presented during London Fashion Week?
BEX: That would be really cool and exciting. After I wear the outfit once, I no longer see the appeal of it. I look at all the things wrong with it and never want to wear it again. So unfortunately, most of my looks have been reconstructed to create the new ones.
Bex online:
https://www.bexofficial.co.uk/products/politix-exclusive-cd
https://www.instagram.com/bex.b.e.x/
https://www.tiktok.com/@bex.b.e.x
https://www.facebook.com/bexbexmusic
https://soundcloud.com/bexbexmusic
https://www.patreon.com/BEXBEX
https://www.youtube.com/@BEXBEXMUSIC
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3uqAKGSytLJJuLy4BPlY38
Further reading:
https://www.kerrang.com/someone-threw-a-frog-at-me-and-i-fell-off-a-trampoline-20-questions-with-bex
Rita and Malicia Dabrowicz
Indieterria 