story by Garin Pirnia
photo by Peter Hujar

Androgynous single name performer, Antony, saw a picture of Boy George on Culture Club's debut album, Kissing to be Clever, in 1982 and decided that's who he wanted to be when he grew up.

"I liked to make people laugh, make people happy, and do little shows," Antony tells Chicago Innerview. Now he has the opportunity to spread his versatility and talent across the world. Antony grew up in California then moved to NYC to reap the benefits of the highly progressive art scene. He began performing in cabarets where he eventually met actor/director Steve Buscemi, who cast Antony as a singer in his indie film Animal Factory (2000).

Antony had to perform in a real prison in front of actual inmates and prison guards, which was something he enjoyed because he welcomes real situations. He cites American greats like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone as musical influences along with 1980s new wavers Soft Cell and Culture Club. He also has a profound love of aesthetic photographer Peter Hujar, who photographed the famous picture "Candy Darling on Her Death Bed" that graces the cover of Antony's new album.

ANTONY'S INNER VIEW "Things that haven't had a platform 10 years ago - a window opened last year...People are taking risks and setting the bar. People are seeking again. Before, they were afraid to do so...Now is a good time for artists and their voices to be heard."

Also in 2000, Antony assembled the Johnsons, a group of classically trained world performers including Julia Kent and Jeff Langston. Antony and the Johnsons released their first album, self-titled, that introduced their amalgam of genres including blues, classical, avant-garde, and singing-based melodic music combined with personal lyrics that are played against Antony's ethereal and stirring vocals.

Antony and the Johnsons followed up their debut with a couple of EPs and now release their second full-length album entitled I Am a Bird Now - featuring collaborations with icons Lou Reed, Boy George, Rufus Wainwright and Devandra Banhart. Antony first sang on Reed's albums The Raven and Animal Serenade and describes his alliance with Reed as "a stunning, rewarding and educational mentorship."

But nothing could prepare Antony for his collaboration with his childhood idol Boy George. "Everything came full circle for me. I've really looked up to him with an imagination of a child. It addressed something deep inside me." Antony continues to surround himself with an impressive array of talented musicians including frequent tour mates CocoRosie, William Basinski, and Devandra Banhart, who Antony calls one of the greatest voices of the generation.

Last year, Antony told TimeOut NY "now is the time of flourishing beauty." When asked about his optimistic quote, he elaborates: "Things that haven't had a platform 10 years ago - a window opened last year...People are taking risks and setting the bar. People are seeking again. Before, they were afraid to do so...Now is a good time for artists and their voices to be heard."

Next, Antony will tour North America and then Europe and says he'd like to record another album. "I work on something until I feel like it's the best I can do, that I get to my best performance." With so much beauty and inspiration surrounding Antony, his best performances should come effortlessly.

Antony & the Johnsons :: with Shivaree :: Schubas :: February 18 and 19.