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.