If you regularly tune in to RTL Today Radio, Antony Szmierek should be firmly on your radar. A poet, producer, and a favourite amongst our hosts, he eloquently blends danceable beats and a unique kind of pop poetry.
“Hopefully the lines and soundbites that people are hearing in my music will be associated with Manchester, as opposed to, say, Wonderwall.”
Once a special education needs teacher, he soon broke into the mainstream with a singular – and quite literalily-minded – sound. Following the release of his debut EP Poems to Dance To, he was named BBC Radio 6 Music's Artist of the Year in 2023.
His first full-length album, Service Station at the End of the Universe, soon became an indie hit when it released in 2025 with its warm but stark, solemn but danceable tones.
The topics of Szmierek's tunes encompass the humdrums of modern life in modern Britain, and life on and off the dancefloor. Like T.S. Eliot if he had been addicted to Ableton, Szmierek rhymes existentially over energetic club music in a detached, but earnest sprachgesang style.
Most recently, he has released two singles ahead of his upcoming second studio album, Decoding Birdsong, due on 21 August. The tracks, Chalk and The Heron, are both eminently danceable – and reveal great depth in their vocals and lyrics.
A no-brainer for fans of the Streets, LCD Soundsystem, and friend of the station Ben Kidson.
Check out this episode of the Algorhythm on Antony Szmierek, where RTL Today Radio's Tom Einarsson shows your more tracks and artists that you might enjoy if you like the Manchester poet-producer.
Mustachioed, Manchester-based musician Antony Szmierek is coming to Rotondes on 28 May – and if you like his stuff, here's more artists to check out!
If your interest has been piqued – or you're already a fan like us – here's your chance to win to tickets to Antony Szmierek's show at Rotondes on Thurday, 28 May.
To take part, simply answer the following question:
What is the name of Antony Szmierek's upcoming album, due to release on 21 August 2026?
Send us your answer to +352 621 52 5000 for a chance to win. Don't forget to include your full name and email address, too!
