Antony Szmierek

Antony Szmierek, an English artist who fuses electronic textures with spoken word, conveys his messages through an emotionally unguarded and deeply sincere approach. Underpinning the work is production steeped in nostalgia, shifting between 2000s indie influences, the pulse of '90s rave, and UKG rhythms.

Born in Manchester, Szmierek first worked as an English teacher at a special needs school. An affinity for indie music drew him into the local band the Rhythm Method, while his commitment to poetry steered him toward solo appearances at open mikes across the city. Observing the response his words elicited from listeners, he began self-producing UKG beats to frame his spoken word. Intent on carrying forward lessons from the Rhythm Method, he expanded into a full band configuration, most notably for live performances. That evolution produced the debut EP Poems to Dance To in 2023. Its release, together with several tasteful collaborations, secured him BBC 6 Music’s Artist of the Year honor. With his profile rising, Szmierek left teaching to focus on music full-time, a decision that led to the 2024 debut album Service Station at the End of the Universe.