Anohni and the Johnsons (previously known as Antony and the Johnsons) is a music ensemble originally based in New York City that presents the work of English singer-songwriter Anohni and her collaborators. The band released their self-titled debut album in 2000. Their second album, 2005's I Am a Bird Now, was certified Gold in the United Kingdom, Sweden and Switzerland; it also was awarded that year's UK Mercury Prize.
Following the release of The Crying Light (2009) and Swanlights (2010), as well as the live album Cut the World (2012), Anohni released a solo electronic album in collaboration with Hudson Mohawke and Daniel Lopatin called Hopelessness in 2016. In 2023, Anohni returned as "Anohni and the Johnsons" with the release of her sixth album My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross in July of that year.
Anohni and the Johnsons have received considerable critical acclaim in addition to chart success and award nominations. Anohni's unique singing voice has been compared to artists such as Nina Simone, Bryan Ferry and Jimmy Scott.
As a performer, The Guardian has described Anohni as being "gifted with a vibrato voice - think Nina Simone, Billie Holiday - that sighs with sincerity and the lyrical prowess to make the profoundly personal both accessible and ambiguous."
Also Known As: Anohni and the Johnsons
Members:
Anohni - lead vocals, piano (1995-present)
Johanna Constantine - dancer (1995-present)
Maxim Moston - violin (1999-present)
Julia Kent - cello (1999-present)
Rob Moose - guitar, violin (2004-present)
Doug Wieselman - guitar, clarinet, soprano, and baritone saxophone (2004-present)
Gael Rakotondrabe - piano (2010-present)
Jimmy Hogarth - guitar (2023)
Leo Abrahams - guitar, piano (2023)
Chris Vatalaro - drums (2023)
Sam Dixon - bass (2023)
Other members:
Julia Yasuda - narrator/performer/model (1996-2018)
Reuben Butchart - piano (1998-2001)
Tahrah Cohen - drums (1997-2005)
Baby Dee - harp (1997-1998)
Joan Wasser - viola (1999-2005)
Jeff Langston - bass (2000-2009)
Parker Kindred - drums (2004-2009)
Thomas Bartlett - piano (2010-2022)
From: New York City, New York, U.S.
Genre(s):
Art pop,
chamber pop,
avant-pop
Active From: 1995-2015, 2023-present