Ant Lightfoot’s debut album invites you to take your shoes off and step into their psyche for a VIP guided tour
Friday 19th May 2023 marks the release of the debut album: “THE SPACE IN BETWEEN / THE THIN BLACK STRIP” from artist, performer and all-round weirdo, Ant Lightfoot.
Embracing elements from their many creative outputs and working alongside producer and singer/songwriter Jonny Knowles, the album invites you to come and sit down in the paddling pool of Ant’s mind alongside him; the sound tip toeing across intricately written spoken word, comedy, hip-hop and philosophy.
Never one to shy away from absurdity and the surreal, Ant moves from candidly intimate, vulnerable openness about their mental health to using intentionally obtuse and absurd imagery that may (or may not) make sense.
Expect silliness, deeply profound insights into the human condition and a lyrical prowess that will both impress, confuse and inspire.
“Ant Lightfoot's work strikes that fine line between nonchalant accessibility and imposing dread very nicely. He approaches the waters of mental health with dry wit and experience; the unabashed joy and mortifying lows are captured in the same image, nailing the uncomfortable dissociation with earnest humanity.”
Ant’s comments:
“THE SPACE IN BETWEEN / THE THIN BLACK STRIP” is about everything and nothing. It both makes perfect sense and none whatsoever. That, to me, is the most creatively exciting space to be in. The space in between.”
“A true reflection of the way my Autistic ADHD brain functions, the album jumps across genres and never follows a specific or linear pattern. It’s fun, silly and deeply profound.
It will surprise you & excite you.
I hope that listening to the album can spark a wider conversation about its meaning where every single interpretation is true.”
“I love to work among the reeds and ask more questions than we have answers for. I find not knowing incredibly exciting and empowering.
As a non-binary neurodivergent, I am often existing in the margins and in the sticky in between sections, blending creative practices and experiences together to create something that is just: “Ant”.
“I don’t think you’ll listen to anything else quite like this project.”
Instagram/Twitter: @mrheavyhand
Ant Lightfoot is a 31 year old artist, performer, comedian, musician, access constulant & filmmaker based in Bristol.
Ant has taken work to Brighton Fringe, Camden People's Theatre & Tobacco Factory Theatres, as well as performing at local events and being a staple of Bristol’s poetry and comedy scene.
He is a graduate of Rising Arts Agency's BE IT Programme, has had film works shown at Mayfest, and has recently been working to formalise their access consultancy practice while running workshops on Access documents, neurodiversity awareness, artist wellbeing and future resilience.
Having achieved First Class Honours in Fine Art Practice & Drama and Performance from University of Worcester, Ant moved to Bristol to pursue his creative career. A true polymath at heart, Ant can’t help but move across art forms.
Ant’s musical influences include underground hip hop staples such as R.A.P. Ferreria (fka milo), Armand Hammer & Open Mike Eagle, as well as beat poet Bob Kaufman, musical comedian Bo Burnham and Tyler, The Creator.
Ant collaborated with producer Jonny Knowles to create this special project. Their connection on the album is undeniable and endearing.
Jonny employs his typical and effective use of samples of natural, organic sounds, captured during the time spent making the album, alongside his uniquely warped vocals.
Jonny Knowles is a 29 year-old producer, singer and songwriter, originally from
Hertfordshire and currently residing in Wales. He previously released a self-produced EP –
Smile – in January 2021, which received coverage from BBC Music Introducing amongst
others.
Contact info
Website: www.antlightfoot.com
Instagram: @mrheavyhand
Twitter: @mrheavyhand
YouTube: Ant (mrheavyhand)
