Self actualisation and crashing the cis-tem in Antony and the Johnsons' 'I Am a Bird Now'

Antony and the Johnsons' I Am a Bird Now is a story told from within a chrysalis.Featuring the unmistakably haunting vocals of lead singer ANOHNI, the album speaks of a yearning to be grown, the confronting nature of evolution and the delicious freedom of eventual self-actualisation. While it’s fair to assume the subject matter was directly informed by the experiences of ANOHNI, a trans woman, the themes of I Am a Bird Now hold assorted meanings for folks across the queer spectrum.Collaborations from AF alumni Boy George and Lou Reed, as well as (potential deep enemy of the pod?) Rufus Wainwright provide further depth to an already profound album, resulting in a soulful pop masterpiece. Join Drew and Andy as they tackle their first ever Mercury Prize winner and struggle – desperately – to find a connection between Antony and the Johnsons and Madonna Louise Ciccone.Once again, our eternal thanks to Forbes Street Studios for hosting us. Make sure to subscribe to get a shot of Aural Fixation every second Thursday, check out auralfixationpodcast.com and get lost in this episode’s companion playlist. 

Om Podcasten

Aural Fixation is a queer music podcast that explores LGBTQI+ themes in music and pop culture. Released fortnightly on Thursdays, each instalment follows besties Drew and Andy as they discuss an album that is loved by queer people, made by queer artists, or speaks to queer experiences. British expats living and recording in Sydney, Drew and Andy bring a uniquely cross-genre and cross-hemispheric viewpoint to being gay and loving music, shared perhaps only by the Minogue sisters. Aural Fixation is recorded and produced by @with.all.drew.respect and @andrewdoyouthinkyouare. Follow us on Facebook at Aural Fixation Podcast, on Instagram at @auralfixationpodcast, email us at [email protected] or head to www.auralfixationpodcast.com to learn more. Oh, and if you like us please give us a rating and review.