Manchester-born poet, writer, and producer Antony Szmierek has announced the release of his second album, Decoding Birdsong. Just eighteen months after his critically acclaimed debut, Szmierek returns with a new body of work that signals a clear evolution in both sound and scope. Rooted in his personal touchstones within electronic music, the album pairs expansive, immersive production with his trademark razor-sharp lyricism. Where his debut had been a solo endeavour, Decoding Birdsong brims with collaboration, including Australia’s Pretty Girl, London band Los Bitchos, and Bristol producer 1-800 GIRLS, as well as Imogen and the Knife and indie pop star Ellur. Speaking about the new record, Antony explains “Decoding Birdsong is about choosing to believe in something. Coincidence as a religion. Making your own luck in the face of loneliness and doubt. The smallest things can feel seminal, seismic and life affirming if you just choose to lean in, but it also asks if this is a dangerous way to live. What happens when your numbers come in? What are the consequences of luck? Should you listen to the birds, or are you only ever going to hear what you want to hear? To help us explore this: a heron, dice, a plummeting airplane, the late-night TV show Aussie Gold Hunters and a fibreglass replica of Godzilla.” Released: August 2026Cat: MUSH038LP4 Label: Mushroom Music Group Listen Tracklist 1. Chalk2. The Heron3. Bookie’s Favourite (ft. Ellur)4. Godzilla Hotel (ft. 1-800 Girls)5. Seminal6. Flight Simulator (ft. Imogen and the Knife)7. Dave’s Angling Superstore (ft. MAX RAD)8. The First Five Minutes Of Magnolia (ft. Pretty Girl)9. The Same Heron Again10. Commune11. You’re Not Supposed To Do This Forever12. Decoding Birdsong13. Aussie Gold Hunters
