Antony Szmierek: UKNY Q&A 2026

Antony Szmierek, the affable Manchester-born, Bristol based multi-hyphenate — singer, songwriter, producer, poet — released his wistful, perceptive, and dance-forward second album, Decoding Birdsong, on August 21.

The night after Decoding Birdsong flew to earth on heron's wings, Szmierek decamped to London's Rough Trade East to celebrate that monumental achievement with a stripped-back set, joined by his brother Martin on guitar. Leaning on backing tracks rather than his usual full band, Szmierek was quick to mention to the packed, buoyant crowd that having a chance to release a sophomore record, let alone a debut, wasn't guaranteed; he couldn't quite believe he'd come this far.

Clearly moved by the enthusiasm he saw in that room (with folks waving his vinyl album in the air), he confessed to being overwhelmed by the surreal situation, given that (barely) three years ago, he was a Manchester schoolteacher and local spoken word artist. He only began to dedicate himself seriously to music during the pandemic. That choice that catapulted into real momentum with his first single, 2023's "A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Fallacy," quickly embraced by BBC Radio 6 Music (and this little show too!).

Szmierek has since ticked off a series of watershed moments, including a major label deal, Glastonbury sets, and a live performance on "Later with Jools Holland." This autumn, Szmierek and his full band commence a headlining UK tour which includes major venues like London's O2 Forum Kentish Town and Manchester Academy.

I'd first interviewed Szmierek in London in 2025 following the release of his exhilarating debut album, Service Station at the End of the Universe — it was a warm, revealing conversation. At that time, he'd not yet toured North America — which changed this past spring when Antony and his band finally got to New York to play Baby's All Right. 

Backstage before the show for a new "UKNY" Q&A,  we spoke about the untidy emotional revelations and layered symbolism of Decoding Birdsong. It's also, deliciously, a dance album, an acceleration not only of BPM, but Szmierek's lyrical flow and stark frankness about his inner world, from inconvenient panic attacks to the wrenching isolation that success can also bring.

Szmierek, who has relocated to Bristol, co-produced with Max Rad and also invited some friends to collaborate too, including Ellur, Imogen and the Knife, Los Bitchos, and 1-800-Girls. We talked about some of those friendships — as well as the larger issues facing working-class musicians and the obstacles they face in today's brutal economy.

[Recorded 5/9/26. Engineered and produced by Kara Manning. Full songs available for two weeks only.]