The need for new younger artists to make themselves heard has never been stronger. One shouting louder than most is alternative punk BEX. Here she discusses her new single ‘Politix’ and her creative inspiration with Gary Trueman
You’ve been labelled punk but you clearly have a much wider reaching set of influences in your art, it’s not just music is it?
“I take a lot of inspiration from Vivienne Westwood and the whole punk movement, but my music doesn’t sound punk. I would say it’s more new wave, alternative rock with a Muse, Royal Blood, System Of A Down kind of vibe.”
Do you think it’s time we did away with labelling acts by using genres? Everyone is crossing over so much these days.
“I think it’s silly to put yourself in a box. You should never do that. If you really have to label yourself then that’s OK but also if you want to just create what you create and whatever happens just happens, then that’s the best way to go about it.”
Obviously you’re here at Download as a musician but you do lots of other creative things too. So when you are creating your music what comes first the music or the lyrics?
“The music. We always start with a bass riff, then drums. The lyrics are at the end. Unless something sparks when we’re doing bass.”
So does the form of the music inspire the subject for the lyric?
“Usually I’ll come with an idea, like ooh this crazy thing happened to me last week. I like to write the music and then see what story I have that goes with it.”
The single Politix which you released just ahead of playing Download has an obvious subject matter but would you like to take us through where it comes from and what the central idea is behind it?
“Politix is about creating a new world where politics doesn’t matter any more. Right now it’s in everything, what you where, how you look, what you talk about. So in this new world there are no problems any more. It’s a new world built on respect.”
Your videos are really striking as well. You seem to have a thing for fake blood too. Why is that?
“I don’t know. And food, there’s always a lot of food. I’m not sure why. Everything we do is DIY so we have to keep coming up with cheap fun ideas.”
Food isn’t that cheap any more though is it?
“It is pretty expensive. So no more food.”
So do you get to eat the set after you’ve finished filming it?
“Always.”
Are you one of those people who is always thinking creatively in different mediums be it music or videos or clothing?
“Yes, I see creativity in everything. I see things and look at how I would change them. It’s from the second I wake up until the second I fall asleep. And in my dreams.
You mentioned Vivienne Westwood as an inspiration. She was way ahead of her time wasn’t she?
“She was. She was a force to be reckoned with.”
And still is in a way with her legacy, through people like yourself.
“A hundred per cent, she created something new and unique. She created what the world needed at that time.”
Do you find creating your own clothes is quite liberating, that you can wear something personal to you that no one else has?
“Yes, I think everyone’s first impression of you is what they see and as much a people say don’t judge a book by the cover they do. You can’t control it, it’s a human instinct. So to be able to present myself in the exact way I want to because I’ve created everything, is quite powerful.”
You’re playing this huge festival and we’re talking the day ahead of your show. Are the nerves kicking in?
“Right now I’m not nervous. I’m a bit nervous about my throat because I’ve had a cold. Right now I’m not nervous I’m just excited. Tomorrow though, I’ll be pooing myself!”
You’re here for the whole weekend so who are you looking forward to catching?
“I really want to see Korn and Green Day.”
Korn have really earned that headline slot haven’t they?
“They have. I’m really excited to see them. It’s going to be fun.”
Download is far more representative of the wider alternative music scene now. Why do you think they’ve moved in that direction?
“The new bands coming on to the scene need to be welcomed with open arms. With genres dying out and things not being so regimented any more, Download is recognising that. It’s a festival that is changing with the scene.
People are loving your music. Have you got anything you’d like to say to the people that will be coming to see your show here, and to your wider fan base as well?
“Yes. Bring ear plugs. It’s gonna be loud!
We’re both camping the whole weekend so have you got a festival survival tip for those staying on site?
“Yes. Utilise the showers.”
Interview and photo by Gary Trueman