Antony Hegarty has spoken to ClashMusic about his political and religious beliefs.
A thoughtful, often introspective artist Antony Hegarty frequently dwells on the personal. With his unique voice, the singer’s lyrics often shy away from larger political issues in favour of something closer to home.
Returning with their new EP ‘Swanlights’ Antony & The Johnsons have included a cover of the classic John Lennon track ‘Imagine’.
A swipe at religious and political strife, it seems that the subject is close to Antony Hegarty’s heart. Speaking to ClashMusic, the singer opened up about his reservations on political and religious conservatism.
“In the last month theres been this stupid business of building a mosque at Ground Zero. By getting people to say no to a mosque, you’re getting people to say no to freedom of religion,” he said.
“America is on a slippery slope. It’s the political climate of the world that makes me feel hopeless, like with climate change; it’s like sending off our own death papers.”
Born in Britain, Antony Hegarty has lived in the United States since his teens. Now residing in Manhattan, Antony Hegarty explains that the city is “a little less distressing then the rest of America”.
Continuing, Antony Hegarty explained that despite being raised in a religious family he has disregarded that in favour of a much broader moral view. “I was raised a Catholic and told that paradise was somewhere else, that this world is just a work place, but that’s just detaching from physical life.”
“Now I believe that we have to develop the relationship with our environment and value it. I think about what’s precious to me” he said.
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