Bex on Crafting ‘The Acoustic EP’ and Returning to His Roots – An MM Exclusive

Music is more than just sound – it’s a reflection of experience, culture, and personal growth. For Bex, that journey has woven a rich tapestry of influences, shaped by moving across different countries and immersing himself in diverse musical traditions. From early piano lessons to mastering multiple instruments and eventually finding his voice through guitar, his sound is a unique blend of rhythm, emotion, and experimentation.

We caught up with Bex over Zoom, where he opened up about his musical upbringing, the moment he realized music was his true calling, and his excitement for his latest project, The Acoustic EP. Stripping things back to the basics, this project showcases his raw talent, vulnerability, and deep connection to his craft.

As an artist always evolving, Bex reflects on how his perspective on music has come full circle—returning to his roots while embracing new sonic directions. With The Acoustic EP setting the foundation, he’s ready to expand his sound even further in the future.

Could you tell me a little bit about your upbringing and background in music? Do you think it has influenced your sound now?

Yeah, so my upbringing—I’ve been playing instruments since I was quite young. When I was six, my mum put me in piano lessons and things like that. I moved to Botswana when I was seven, where I took lessons for the flute, recorder, and marimba, and I also played in an orchestra. Later, when I moved to Brunei, I continued with music and picked up the guitar, which eventually became my main instrument. So, I’d definitely say my upbringing and exposure to music shaped my sound today.

Did you enjoy learning all those instruments from a young age, or was it overwhelming at times?

It was definitely annoying at points, 100%. I had that anticipation or procrastination—just not wanting to do my recorder practice, scales, or whatever it was. But looking back, I’m more than grateful that my mum encouraged me so much.

When did you realize that music was something you were actually good at and wanted to pursue?

I first noticed it in my recorder lessons in Botswana. It was mandatory for everyone in my year, but I realized that when it was my turn to improvise, I was more comfortable and naturally able to think of melodies on the spot. That was the first sign that I was musically ahead of others. But it wasn’t until I was 16 that I made a conscious decision—like, in this life, you gotta do what you’re best at, especially if you already have a head start.

Since you moved around a lot growing up, how do you think experiencing different cultures impacted your music? What were you listening to as a child that influenced you?

I was listening to all sorts. I remember a few albums my mum had—an old Coldplay album, Thriller by Michael Jackson, and music from Akon and Manu Chao, who had a Cuban-inspired sound. So, there was a lot of variety at home.

Living in Botswana had a direct impact on me because music was ingrained into everything. At school, we sang during assemblies, everyone had recorder lessons, and there were many extracurricular opportunities. Botswana gave me a strong rhythmic sense—understanding how rhythms should be made and what I liked in terms of drum patterns. Brunei had its own musical influences as well, so each place shaped my sound in different ways.

Your music blends different genres. How do you decide what elements to include in a track when you’re in the studio?

I just try random stuff. I also work with people whose musical opinions I respect—like my producer, Alexis. If he suggests a certain direction for a beat, we experiment. I have a good sense of what I like, and it’s a comfortable environment where I can decide what I want to create.

Your music often delves into deep emotions and personal experiences. Does that level of vulnerability come naturally to you in music and in real life?

In real life, not as much. That’s why the songs exist—they act as an outlet for those emotions. Confronting emotions is tough, especially for young men from my demographic. But when I play music, even if it’s just a piano piece for practice, the way I play expresses emotion. So yeah, it comes naturally in my music.

How has your sound evolved from when you first started making music to where you are now?

It’s almost full circle. When I first started, I was making music for fun on GarageBand with my big brother. He convinced me to play guitar and sing, but at 15, I was self-conscious and insecure. I tried to be a rapper, but that was never really my thing.

At some point, I let go of caring about whether I’d make it as a rapper or a pop singer and just experimented. In the end, it was the guitar that stuck. So that’s when I knew the direction I needed to go in.

Has your perspective on creating music and your creative process changed over time?

Again, it’s a full circle moment. When I first started releasing music, it was just my voice and a guitar on SoundCloud. Over time, I experimented with different processes, but I ended up back where I started—just with more experience.

How important are visuals—like cover art and music videos—to you? Are you heavily involved in that process?

It’s important, especially as an independent artist. It’s something you can’t skip if you want to be successful. But personally, it’s not my passion. I contribute ideas, but I rely on the right team to execute the vision.

Are there any artists you’d love to collaborate with? And what do you look for in a collaborator?

There are plenty of artists I’d love to work with. What I look for in a collaborator is just a relaxed, no-pressure studio environment. No expectations, no one trying to flex or force anything. The atmosphere in the session is the most important thing.

How important is live performance to you? Do you enjoy it?

Crucial. Performing the songs I’ve made is one of the biggest motivations for my career. It’s the best part of it all. Simple.

Can you tell me a little bit about your new EP?

This is the project I’m most proud of. After numerous attempts, I finally made a whole project and put it out successfully. I’ve made five or six albums, mixtapes, or EPs in the past, but I never felt they represented me well enough.

This EP feels different—it feels timeless. I believe it will still resonate with people ten years from now.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in the future? Will you stick with your current sound or experiment with new styles?

I’m definitely planning to switch it up. The acoustic EP was just a foundation—intentionally quiet and simple. From here, I want to expand musically.

I don’t want to say too much in case things change, but I’m working on an Afro project, some trap music with international melodic rappers, and maybe even some pop. There’s no simple answer—I’ll just keep creating and see where it takes me.