Lex Gibbon is an artist who’s using her voice and platform to address some of the most pressing social issues of our time. Her latest single, “Audacity,” is a powerful anthem born from a personal experience that many can relate to: the unsettling reality of sexual harassment on public transport. With her poignant storytelling and emotionally charged performances, Lex sheds light on this pervasive issue, encouraging listeners to engage in important conversations about safety and respect.
Beyond her music, Lex is a model and advocate for body positivity, mental health, and anti-bullying. Her journey from overcoming personal adversities to becoming a successful musician and model is both inspiring and empowering. Lex’s commitment to authenticity and social impact resonates deeply with her audience, making her a relatable and influential figure in today’s music scene.
In this interview, Lex opens up about the experiences that have shaped her music, the importance of initiatives like the Text 61016 service, and her hopes for creating a community through her art. Join us as we explore the motivations and messages behind Lex Gibbon’s work and her vision for a more aware and inclusive world.
Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your new single “Audacity”?
I wrote “Audacity” after being followed from the tube station by a man who made me feel so scared and uncomfortable. I was getting on the tube at Euston station to go to Chalk Farm. As I was getting on the train, he stood really close to me and immediately I felt uncomfortable, so I moved, and then he moved too. At that point, I thought he might cause me a problem, but I tried to ignore it. When I got to my stop, I got off and he followed me, started screaming and shouting at me, and pulling on my clothes to get my attention. Thankfully, there were two girls walking a little bit ahead of me who pretended to be my friends when I walked up to them with panic in my eyes. Unfortunately, it’s such a common thing to happen to people these days and I wanted to bring as much awareness to it as possible.
“Audacity” sheds light on the experience of sexual harassment on public transport. What motivated you to share this particular story through your music?
Being a young woman myself, I see how sexual harassment on public transport is so prevalent in many of my friends’ lives. We’re all scared to go out at night by ourselves just in case something happens. We would never dare to walk around with music playing from our headphones or get “too drunk” on a night out for fear of what might happen to us. I’ve sung the song live many times now and people always come up to me and say how relatable this song is. Hopefully, releasing “Audacity” and speaking about it can raise awareness about something so important.
How did you feel during the incident that inspired “Audacity,” and how did it influence the writing and production process of the song?
I think the main feeling coming away from being followed from the train station was vulnerability. I felt so small and out of control, so I really wanted this song to reflect that. That’s why I chose for the production to be quite minimal but my voice to still feel strong and powerful to reflect how I’m speaking out about it now.
Could you elaborate on the significance of raising awareness for the Text 61016 service through your music?
I had no idea about the Text 61016 campaign when I got followed and I think things would’ve been different if I had known about it. After learning about what the British Transport Police are doing to help with sexual harassment on public transport, I felt it was so important to raise awareness for it so people know how to report an incident if something ever were to happen to them.
You mentioned that you were unaware of the Text 61016 service at the time of the incident. How do you think initiatives like this can contribute to making public transport safer for everyone?
The British Transport Police and Transport For London are working really hard to make public transport safer for everybody. The whole initiative has been created to try and put people at ease whilst they are travelling, which is amazing and something I think everybody should have access to.
Collaboration plays a significant role in your music. Can you share more about your experience working with Nina Sundstrom and the duo INK on “Audacity”?
I wrote “Audacity” with Nina in our first writing session together. We’ve written numerous times together since and even been on a writing camp to Austria together. Marie, Emmy (INK), and I had written a couple of times together (one song we have written together may or may not be my next single)! When I asked if they could produce “Audacity” for me, I knew that they would understand the vision I had for the song, and I think they’ve done an amazing job at bringing my vision to life!
Your journey from overcoming bullying to becoming a successful model and musician is inspiring. How do you hope your experiences will resonate with your audience, especially those facing similar challenges?
Throughout my life, I always kind of felt like I didn’t fit in, so when I got the opportunity to walk fashion shows all around the world, I just knew I had to do it. It’s so important for people to see themselves reflected on runways, magazines, and TV shows and if I can play a tiny part in that, I will be happy. Since making and sharing my music, I’ve met so many people who feel the same way, which has truly been so comforting to me to know that I’m not alone. I hope I can create a community of people who feel like the odd ones out because I know exactly how it feels to not have anybody to turn to.
Your advocacy for body positivity is evident in your work. Could you share with us how your personal journey with body image has influenced your music and message?
Growing up, I always felt so self-conscious about my body and the way I looked. As I got older, I thought that if I was going through these struggles with my body, somebody else might be as well, so I started creating music about what I was going through, and it turns out that many people struggle with their body image and it’s so normal!
What initially drew you to pursue a career in music, and how did you discover your passion for singing and songwriting?
To be completely honest, in school I was rubbish at everything and the only thing I was half-decent at was singing. I have always loved singing, and when I was five, I told my mum that when I grew up, I was gonna be a singer and was going to write all my own songs. I’m really grateful that I’m able to live out the dream that I’ve had for such a long time. Little Lex, who was being so badly bullied, would be so proud of where we are today.
Can you talk about some of the struggles or challenges you’ve faced along your musical journey and how you’ve overcome them?
I think one of the biggest challenges that us independent artists face is finances. It’s so expensive to be an artist these days, and I pay for everything by myself from production to artwork and music videos. So, I’d say one of the largest struggles I faced is definitely finding the money to make the music as best as it possibly can be.
Social media plays a significant role in the music industry today. How has the interaction with your fans on platforms like Instagram and Twitter influenced your creative process or the themes you explore in your music?
Social media has played a huge role in my career to date. I always want to make music that my followers can relate to, so listening to my community and what they’re going through is super important to me.
Your single “Audacity” sheds light on the experience of sexual harassment on public transport. How do you navigate the balance between personal storytelling and addressing broader social issues through your music?
Throughout my career in music so far, it’s been really important for me to talk about not only issues that happened in my life but also things that I think other people will be able to relate to. I really try to find a balance between keeping my music true to me and what I’ve been through, but also making it universal enough so other people can relate to it.
What message do you hope listeners take away from “Audacity” and your music in general regarding issues like mental health, body positivity, and anti-bullying?
I hope that people feel something after listening to my music. Whether that’s empowered, happy, or sad, I just hope I can invoke emotion through my music.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re passionate about?
I have some really exciting new music coming out this year that I’m so excited for the world to listen to. If you want to keep up to date on what’s going on in Lex Land, you can find me on all social media @lexgibbon.
How do you envision using your platform as an artist to continue advocating for important social issues?
I’m committed to writing music that will put a smile on people’s faces through their tough days, make them dance when they’re out with their friends, and make them feel supported when they feel alone.
