Antony and the Johnsons
Haunting, ethereal, and moody, the music of Antony Hegarty blurs the line between pop, classical, and chamber music, as his uniquely operatic voice sings of universal human emotions such as love, loss, yearning, and transformation. His band, Antony and the Johnsons, is a vessel for his singing and songwriting, and their performances are intimate, cabaret-style concerts reminiscent of classic chanteuses such as Nina Simone or Edith Piaf.
Antony and the Johnsons released an eponymous EP in 2000, but it was their 2005 album I Am a Bird Now that garnered them critical and audience acclaim, as well as their first tastes of notoriety and success. They won that year’s Mercury prize, the annual contest for the best British or Irish album of the year, beating out established acts such as Coldplay, Bloc Party, and the Kaiser Chiefs. I Am a Bird Now is suggestive of a classical song cycle, and features guest artists such as Lou Reed, Boy George, and Rufus Wainwright. Working with George on the song “You Are My Sister” was a milestone for Antony, who had long admired the 80’s pop star. "George was really the first reflection I saw of myself in the world," he explained. "I saw him and thought, 'Okay, that's what we do when we're like this: We become singers.' When he was in the studio, I just felt this big, long circle connecting in my spirit."
Much of Antony’s music ruminates on themes of gender, identity, and the struggle to transcend barriers. His thoughtful and emotionally vulnerable lyrics have won the adoration of some of music’s most notable names, and he has participated in a number of high-profile projects in the past few years. Lou Reed was so taken with his talent that he asked Antony to perform on his own Edgar Allen Poe concept album, 2003’s The Raven. "When I first heard him I knew I was in the presence of an angel," Reed told the BBC: "His amazing band contributes to one extraordinary experience of musical wit, depth and, most of all, beauteous heart." Antony’s song “Bird Girl” appears in the Wachowski brothers film V For Vendetta, the band’s cover of “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” is featured on the soundtrack of the Bob Dylan biopic I’m Not There, and his performance of “If It Be Your Will” in the documentary Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man drew rave reviews from critics.
Antony and the Johnsons’ new album The Crying Light promises to deliver music in their signature style - melancholic, tender, and heartbreaking. ALLISON FORD
