Introducing The Electric Multidisciplinary Talent… Anthony Lexa

Anthony Lexa is a one-of-a-kind artist that needs to be on your radar. Hailing from the countryside of Devon, the 23-year-old artist first made her debut in 2019 with her single ‘Movin On Up.’ Since that fateful day, Anthony has continued to hone her craft, resulting in her experimental sound that expertly blends elements of early noughties hip-hop, pop, and electronic beats. In addition to carving her lane in the music sphere, the openly trans artist has also ventured into the acting world.

Earlier this year, Anthony made LGBTQ+ history when she portrayed trans teen Abbi Montgomery in the final season of Netflix’s hit series Sex Education. With a creative mind and an inspiring desire to be the change she wishes to see in the world, Anthony is ready to turn the entertainment industry on its head, one section at a time. We were able to chat with the young singer-songwriter about her latest single, ‘Sleepy,’ joining the Sex Education universe, her music origins and more. Read our full interview below.

Hey Anthony, thanks for chatting with us today! Can you believe we’re already at the end of 2023? Looking back, how has this past year treated you?

Wow, I swear every year just accelerates by three. This has been a mad but beautiful year for me. I started it by filming ‘Sex Education’ and finished it by focussing on music. I’ve had the opportunity to attend some amazing events, watch myself on screen, and make some amazing friendships in the industry. The world may be crumbling a little bit, and personal life is still hard work but I feel insanely grateful to be living out my childhood dream. Thank you, 2023.

Congratulations on your latest track, ‘Sleepy,’ it sounds absolutely fantastic! Can you take us through the creative process for the record? What drew you to the song’s electronic sound?

‘Sleepy’ was my vehicle to explore my experience with insomnia and apprehension of the nighttime. I wanted the chaotic, more hip-hop-inspired sound in the chorus to reflect that sense of madness and overthinking, contrasting with the eerie timbre of the verses that highlight my feeling of isolation through the night. Artists like Shygirl and Willow Kayne, who combine old-school hip-hop with a more forward-thinking sound, were huge inspirations for this track.

One thing that really stood out about ‘Sleepy’ was its descriptive lyrics. It felt like you were taking the music listener on an adventure into your own personal dreamland. Was that your intention for the song? What type of story or message did you want to bring to life with ‘Sleepy’?

It was cathartic writing this song, processing my avoidant tendencies and darker thoughts, but it’s certainly vulnerable putting it out to the world. I think I just want people to hear it and feel less alone when they’re left alone with their spiraling thoughts at night. Let the chaos pass through you, try your best to calm yourself, and know that the dark thoughts don’t define who you are.

Is ‘Sleepy’ part of a bigger project like an album or EP?

All I can say is that next year, I will be holding some bigger projects for me. It might not be bedtime for ‘Sleepy’ just yet.

In addition to crafting your career in the music sphere, you’ve also made waves in the TV world with your role as Abbi on Sex Education Season Four. What was going on through your head after you received the part? 

‘Sex Education’ put out an open casting call on Instagram in 2021. It seemed like a far-off dream when I put myself forward as an unrepresented actor who had only shortly moved to London from rural Devon. When the wonderful Lauren Evans called to tell me that I was going to be playing Abbi, I felt a lot of pressure but mostly just excited. I had to remind myself I was chosen, and to best bring her to life, I just had to be myself. All I can hope is that people out there felt seen and represented in Abbi in ways perhaps they haven’t previously in the media.

What were the easiest and most challenging aspects of playing Abbi?

I am the sort of actor who believes that you can make a character most authentic when you just show up as yourself. No one can play yourself better than you. So the hardest thing going into ‘Sex Education’ was trying to maintain my sense of self in a show that already has such a large cult following and well-established characters. I didn’t want to make myself a parody of the previous season’s characters; I just wanted to bring someone new and fresh. Fortunately, I had an amazing production team behind me, and all three directors (Dominic Leclerc, Michelle Savill, and Alyssa McClelland) assured me that Abbi was portrayed how they envisioned. That’s all I can do as an actor.

Abbi is such a groundbreaking character for the series and trans representation in media. How does it feel to be part of this chapter of LGBTQ+ history? What do you hope other trans individuals will take away after watching the final season of Sex Education?

It’s important for me to note that I never intended to be a role model, I am always still growing and learning from those around me. It’s a privilege to say that I had the opportunity to explore such a complex and authentically queer character; authenticity was extremely important for me to get right, and being able to work with such a responsive directive and writing team was very encouraging for my future in the industry. All I can hope is that people out there feel seen and represented in Abbi in ways perhaps they haven’t previously in the media. It felt particularly special to be able to reflect on that precarious intersection between queerness and faith, and the response I’ve received from religious, LGBT+-identifying people has been so beautiful. I couldn’t be more thankful that I was the one who was able to explore those themes on such a big platform.

Bringing it back to the music, before the release of ‘Sleepy,’ you teamed up with your Sex Education co-star Felix Mufti (aka bratphase) for your EP’ T Time.’ What was that creative experience like?

Felix and I knew we both made music, even before we began filming. As a result, I decided to write two songs in hopes that he could create a Bratphase verse on them. To my delight, he loved the tracks and started writing a verse. We were so inspired by each other from the day we met, and we really wanted our EP to reflect that sense of unapologetic existence of self within the music industry. I hope people that listen to it feel encouraged to start making music themselves. I had a flat in Cardiff during filming, and one weekend, we just watched ‘Masterchef’ together and sat down and recorded our vocals on the song together, with a juice in one hand and a microphone in the other. I am lucky to say I have so many beautiful memories with the talented Felix.

We hear you’re performing at The Glory on 11 December. What can fans expect from your performance?

Speaking of Felix, I can’t wait to be back onstage with him. He’s still based in Liverpool, and my heart aches daily that we can’t spend every week together. But, on the 11th December we’re back together in London to host our own all-trans cabaret. Some of my very talented friends, Felix and myself are performing some of our own content to try to bring a bit of that unapologetic queerness to our audience. It will be beautiful to have a dance with some friendly faces and meet some of our amazing supporters.

Looking toward the future, what are three goals you want to achieve as an artist in 2024?

2023 felt a bit like a giant learning curve, just beginning to establish myself in the industry. In 2024, I hope to actually put my foot deeply into the sand of the music world. Dance music is a huge passion of mine, and I write so much of it. It would be amazing to get into some sessions with dance, D&B and techno producers next year and get my voice heard in a different way. Another goal is to be able to collaborate with more queer artists who inspire me. I am a huge digester of music written by trans people, and it would be amazing to start joining forces with some. Dreamer Isioma, Freddie Lewis, Noah FInce, Lupa J, G Flip… we really are a talented bunch. My final goal is just to continue being inspired by as much art as I am now. Passion for this industry and my love for so many genres, bands and artists is the thing that always drives me forward and inspires me to continue being an artist.

Thank you so much for speaking with me, it’s always a pleasure.

Make sure to listen to Anthony Lexa’s dynamic track ‘Sleepy’ here or below.