BEX has been turning harassment, industry cynicism and the pressure to look perfect into hard-hitting punk that’s hit the Radio 1 playlist!

Starting as a bedroom project in 2020, Bex developed an obsession with the bass during lockdown, posting rock covers online and building her own tones on a custom pedalboard. In May 2022 she released her furious, bass-heavy debut single Tiptoe about a man who followed her into her dressing room at a gig. Her debut EP SCUM was released on Scruff of the Neck in October 2023, accompanied by support sets for WARGASM, shows at 2000Trees and Y Not, and a sold-out run at London’s Black Heart.

Since then BEX has released a run of Radio 1 playlist singles, and she’s bringing BEXMAS to The Dome on Thursday 10th December. We caught up with BEX to find out more about what drives her:

Tell us about your early years. Was Academy  of Contemporary Music an important step in your development?

I started playing guitar in secondary school, this was my first real step into finding my love for music. The guitar took me to weekend rock school and eventually to ACM where I moved out of my family home at 16 and was surrounded by music. It was a massive step for me personally and musically. Living alone at 16 was everyone's dream and I had it. I went to every class, I joined every band, I learnt as much as I possibly could, I surrounded myself with what I loved. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t made that move.

Your first recorded music came out during lockdown. How formative was lockdown for you and your songwriting?

I really enjoyed lockdown, it gave me all the time in the world to do exactly what I wanted to do. I set up my clothing business Scallywags, I taught myself bass and I wrote my first ever ‘BEX’ songs. Without lockdown this would have all happened a lot slower. I am a very motivated person and the idea of staying in bed all day freaks me out so lockdown really was the perfect time for me to put all my ducks in a line. 

How did your connection with Sam Matlock and Wargasm come about? 

I met Sam on instagram just before I released my first song. He saw my Gojira bass cover and reached out, we quickly got in a session and worked on music together. He has been such a vital part of my journey and I have learned so much through him. 

In 2024 Distorted Sound Magazine listed you as one of ‘Five Influential Women Leading Rock Music’. Did that feel thrilling or was it a lot of pressure and responsibility to bear?

Of course it feels amazing, it is always a boost to see that a reputable mag believes in me. I constantly feel like I am not good enough but hey, that's just being a musician. 

We’ve seen you in the crowd at multiple festivals and gigs that you weren’t even playing at. Is watching great bands perform still just a pure thrill or are you checking out the competition with a notebook?

If I can get a ticket I will go. Not only does it motivate me and keep me inspired, it reminds me of how far I still am from my goals. I love live music. I recently posted online that after I hear a band live I struggle to listen to them recorded again because it just never sounds as good. I live for live music. It also doesn't hurt to get a couple new stage craft ideas. 

Who are your musical heroes and how have they influenced you?

My first ever musical hero was Brad from The Vamps. His energy on stage to a 13 year old was the most awesome thing I had ever seen. As I got more into guitar my influence shifted to Ed Sheeran and my dreams of being a singer songwriter appeared. My time at ACM introduced me to rock and heavy music and that is when I found Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless, my first female music hero and I knew that is what I wanted to do. 

You’re on record as being a big fan of Vivienne Westwood. Is this purely a style thing or is it also admiration for a woman who bossed it first around the early punk scene and then the mainstream fashion world?

This is from all aspects. The clothes she created were just incredible, so inventive, unique and flattering. She was also an icon, her power was unmatched. She lived an awesome life and was never afraid to speak up and stand for what she believed in. 

You’ve toured with many bands from Wargasm to Nova Twins, Witch Fever, Saint Agnes and Alt Blk Era to name but a few. Who was the most fun to tour with?

It is so hard to choose favourites because all were fun in their own rights! WARGASM was brilliant because we already had a friendship so every night was such a laugh and Nova Twins was incredible because I have idolised them for years so to then get to hang out and share the stage was game changing. 

Straight up: what have you got against guitars? Why basses only? 

Haha, I actually have nothing against guitars, I just wanted to try something that hasn't been done before. I wanted to limit myself to see what I could create. Also Josh refused to play guitar and I really wanted to play bass. 

Is on-stage Bex the same as at-home Bex or are you one of those performers who transform into someone else on stage?

Definitely not, I’m not at home screaming in the fridge and stage diving into the microwave. It isn’t intentional but I do transform into a whole new person on stage. My confidence appears out of nowhere and I am crazy. At home and in day to day life I am pretty quiet and I love getting in bed early to read my book. 

We’ve had plenty of singles and the fantastic ‘Scum’ EP. Can we look forward to an album soon?

Up next is my second EP that will be followed by an ALBUM!!!

Where and who will Bex be in five years time?

There is no way to predict that. I would like to say touring the world and headlining arenas but I guess we will just see.