Antony Szmierek in conversation talks to Len Pennie

For Antony Szmierek, sincerity is everything. “I’m not being ironic, using a persona or wearing a mask, my music is just me expressing myself honestly,” he says. “There’s nowt to hide behind. It’s sincerity on overdrive – a space where people can connect with each other.”

In this event the Manchester-based poet, writer and producer presents his debut book Roadmap, featuring lyrics from his debut album, with additional poems, sketches and stories.

Szmierek’s debut album Service Station at the End of the Universe is a nod both to the service stations that he spent much of the past year in while gigging around the UK, as well as an homage to Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s sequel. A tongue-in-cheek tale of “punks, weirdos and Manchester characters” all stationed at a mythical rest stop, it’s also Antony’s own exploration of his life today. He talks to poet Len Pennie.