ANOHNI And The Johnsons Announce New Album 'My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross'
Tuesday, 16 May 2023
Written by Jon Stickler
Photo: Image by ANOHNI with Nomi Ruiz c. Rebis Music 2023
ANOHNI and the Johnsons have announced their new album.
'My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross' was produced by Jimmy Hogarth and will arrive on July 7 via Secretly Canadian/Rough Trade. It marks her first studio release credited to the Johnsons since 2010's 'Swanlights', though the British-born, New York-based artist put out her solo debut 'Hopelessness' in 2016, and its companion 'Paradise' EP a year later.
As a preview, ANOHNI has released the soulful lead single, It Must Change, which touches on elements of folk and experimental music. In a statement, she explained that Marvin Gaye's What's Going On was "a really important touchstone" while creating the record, "some of these songs respond to global and environmental concerns first voiced in popular music over 50 years ago.
"Many of the recordings on this record — like It Must Change and Canʼt — capture the first and only time I have sung those songs through," ANOHNI continued. "Thereʼs a magic when you suddenly place words you have been thinking about for a long time into melody. A neural system awakens. It isnʼt personal and yet is so personal. Things connect and come alive."
Head below to view the powerful accompanying video directed by filmmaking duo Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, and starring British social justice activist Munroe Bergdorf. ANOHNI added: "Munroe Bergdorf has done so much service for British society. She always impresses me with her articulate grace. Munroe’s dignity and ethical courage are a guiding light."
The album's artwork features another activist, the late Marsha P. Johnson, a gay drag queen who was at the forefront of the Stonewall movement that began in 1969, and fought tirelessly for gay liberation rights. Take a look below, alongside the record's tracklist.
'My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross' tracklist:
1. It Must Change
2. Go Ahead
3. Sliver Of Ice
4. Can’t
5. Scapegoat
6. It’s My Fault
7. Rest
8. There Wasn’t Enough
9. Why Am I Alive Now?
10. You Be Free
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