Local woman uplifts Christchurch music scene

She is a pioneer in the Ōtautahi music scene, bringing the community together through service to others and the power of music. Through her experience as a solo artist and with the band Tealskie, Bex Pemberton has created a platform where she can reach out to newcomers in the industry.

A part of what she does is for the burning creative fire inside her, although she recognises some people need extra support. 

“You see someone up there with a dream, and you're just looking at them and you're like, I respect that you're inspiring me. It's this giant inspiration synergy loop which can't be replicated.”

With music as the foundation of her person, Pemberton pushed herself into the industry, but it was her love of the community that kept her local.

“There are just so many beautiful people here, and we all share that same story from the quake, and we share the same fears, and we share the same dreams and strengths, and it’s just so beautiful and inspiring.”

She sees a gap where local musical artists can come together to help the underprivileged.

“I can see a group of people that want that help, that kind of sometimes I guess in a way feel a little bit lost in themselves, and like I feel that quite often, but I want to help them.

Her pioneering initiative, Bekah’s Buddies, came from her experience of being bullied throughout high school.

She wanted to highlight humanity within the front people of bands. It began as a web series where local musical guests would be interviewed by Bex about what makes them tick.

The idea evolved into the RDU Tuesday night drive show and then into live performances. She hired out local venues, invited local bands, and brought in up-and-coming photographers to produce content of the gig.

The entry fee… a non-perishable food item, clothing, period products - anything that can be donated to charity. 

“I just believe in these people, and they have their dreams and their visions, and I take no money. I don't take any cut. It's just like, you do what you're going to do.”

The first gig was a huge success. She said there was a line outside the door, with everyone showing up for the community. 

“I want it to be the whole ethos of we're better together.”

Armand Le Roux, a local filmmaker, has known Bex for three years and says she helped lift his career off the ground. 

She has introduced him to music artists throughout Christchurch, providing him with valuable work and experience.

“It's always a good mention whenever you're working with somebody new. She is really good at introducing people like that.”

He said working with Bex is like working with your friend.

“She's just been such fun to be around. I'm never unhappy when I'm around her because, you know, she brings up the mood.”

Bex is always looking forward to the next thing in her life.

"I want to be able to look back at all my work and say, that was an amazing life, and I did everything I wanted to.”

Bex doesn’t know what’s next for her, and that is what she is most excited about.