Antony and Cleopatra (musical duo)

Antony & Cleopatra is a London-based musical duo consisting of Alexander Burnett and Anita Blay, also known as CocknBullKid. They met in 2014 at a pop music writing session, discovered a harmonious creative blending, and joined forces.

Antony & Cleopatra
Antony & Cleopatra in Dalston, East London, 2018
Background information
Genres
Years active2014 - present
Labels
Associated acts
Websiteantonyandcleo.com
Members

Formation

Producer and collaborator Mark-Anthony Tieku (AKA "Tieks") introduced Burnett and Blay during a pop songwriting session in 2014. Tieks had worked with both Burnett on Sparkadia's album The Great Impression [1][2] and with Blay on an unreleased CocknBullKid album.[3][4]

Burnett and Blay joined forces to form the Antony & Cleopatra duo. Their first official project as a duo was a feature on Lancelot's 'Givin' it Up', released on Anjuna Deep in 2014.[5][6]

Releases

Early releases

The duo's debut single as lead artists, "Sirens", was released March 3, 2015 on Vitalic Noise.[7][8] The official music video was co-directed by Burnett and Blay with Andrew Bird.[9]

On social media, the duo said of the track and the minimalist video: "The bigger the city, the lonelier you'll feel within it... You can't escape the sounds of sirens in London and the constant reminder of how lucky we are not to be the sirens' endpoint... In this modern era of frenetic videos, we wanted to make a video that moves you through simple emotion rather than explosions and dudes backflipping." [10]

Later in 2015 they released the single 'Take Me'. They told The 405 of the track, it: 'draws heavily on the traditions of UK dance music, and this track is at its heart a shout out to all of their favourite elements. Diva vocals, breakbeats and dark textures combine...'[11][12]

The official video features a montage of classic famous couples through history.[13] It was directed by Australian digital artist 'Ego'[14] and premiered on 'Ear Milk' on June 2, 2015.[15]

'Love Is A Lonely Dancer' was released as a single on March 11, 2016. It was picked up as one of Wonderland Magazine's tracks of the week. [16] The video was directed by Alan Masferrer, with choreography by Anna Hierro and VFX by Nico Zarza.[17][18]

Signing and subsequent singles

In 2017 Antony & Cleopatra signed with Dew Process / Universal Music Australia.

Their July 2017 single 'Dust' was added to high rotation on Australian national radio station Triple J. The video was again directed by digital artist 'Ego' and was The Au Review's "Music Video of the Day" on July 12, 2017.[19][20]

Subsequent singles in 2017 & 2018 were 'Twitch',[21] 'The Islands',[22] and 'Hurt Like Hell'. 'The Islands' featured Blay's first rap vocals. All tracks were playlisted at Triple J, with 'The Islands' receiving A-list rotation.

On May 1, 2019 they announced a new single 'Why Don't You Just Call Me' online,[23][24] to a strongly positive critical reaction[25][26] . The track premiered on UK pop music blog Pop Justice,[27] where it was described as "a total sun-out-windows-open-volume-up discohouse thunderer".

Debut EP Hurt Like Hell

November 23, 2018 saw the release of their 6-song debut EP, Hurt Like Hell. Blay described the EP as "the best way of showing our more techno and weird musical moments that you'd see in our live show or DJ set.".[28]

The EP was immediately named The AU Review's "Album of the Week" [29] and received strong reviews across the board:[30]

  • ""Hurt Than Hell" packs a punch with its twisting synth stabs and looping vocals, while songs like "Hard Feelings" pulse with a thick house bounce and 8-bit twists which together, straddle on that fine line between both forward-thinking and nostalgic - something that is super, super hard to pull off, but something that Antony & Cleopatra do so with ease."
    - Pile Rats[31]
  • "Hurt Like Hell is like escaping into a dark basement club with pumping beats echoing off the red-lit walls for twenty minutes. Antony & Cleopatra create danceable tunes with new twists and turns making their electronic project standout, and unlike other artists this Duo does not get lost in wide seas and endless possibilities of electronically produced music. Recognising that it is not about who can layer the most beats, they pick the most interesting tunes out of the broad spectrum and arrange them carefully to an intelligent EP, and a ready-made playlist for any good party." 4/5 stars
    - The AU Review[32]
  • "The “Hurt Like Hell” EP is a strong offering from the London duo, keeping the tradition of UK house music alive while adding a fresh modern take on production."
    - The Kollection[33]
  • "From its warped melodies, rubber mallet beats, and swirling, psychedelic, electronic notes, 'Hurt Like Hell' is instantly recognisable as an addictive hit."
    - Air It[34]

Discography
Song Artist Year Record Label
"Why Don't You Just Call Me" Antony & Cleopatra 2019 Single Dew Process
"Slippin'" Jaded x Black Caviar x Antony & Cleopatra 2019 Single Hexagon (US), The Label (UK)
"Hard Feelings" Antony & Cleopatra 2019 Single Dew Process / Island Records UK
"Hurt Like Hell" Antony & Cleopatra 2018 EP Dew Process / Island Records UK
"Hurt Like Hell" Antony & Cleopatra 2018 Single Dew Process / Island Records UK
"Baptised" Antony & Cleopatra 2018 EP Dew Process / Island Records UK
"Safe Word" Antony & Cleopatra 2018 EP Dew Process / Island Records UK
"Worlds Apart" Antony & Cleopatra 2018 EP Dew Process / Island Records UK
"Dropping Plates" Antony & Cleopatra 2018 EP Dew Process / Island Records UK
"The Islands" Antony & Cleopatra 2018 Single Dew Process / Island Records UK
"Twitch" Antony & Cleopatra 2017 Single Dew Process / Island Records UK
"Dust" Antony & Cleopatra 2017 Single Dew Process / Island Records UK
"Love is a Lonely Dancer" Antony & Cleopatra 2016 Single Dew Process / Island Records UK
"Take Me" Antony & Cleopatra 2015 Single Vitalic Noise
"Sirens" Antony & Cleopatra 2015 Single Vitalic Noise

Additional songwriting and vocals

After Antony & Cleopatra's initial singles, the duo began to contribute to other artist and producer projects. The duo shortly featured on tracks by Lancelot, Beni, Nicky Night Time, and Sammy Bananas.

In 2015, Burnett co-wrote and performed on 'The Tide' with London producer Dreamtrak. He said of the collaboration to Wonderland Magazine: "Alexander and I have been working together for quite a long time, he’s probably the person I see the most these days! He has an amazing way with melody and words and the most incredible voice. Recently I’ve been doing production work for his forthcoming records and also co-writing for other artists with him. There’s a few things that are already out in the world – like this Antony & Cleopatra track which I’m very proud of." [35]

In 2017, Burnett co-wrote dance producer Motez's single 'The Future ft Antony & Cleopatra'. The track featured vocals from both Burnett and Blay.[36] As of March 2019, the track has gold status and has been streamed over 13 million times on Spotify.

Motez (producer) said of the collaboration:

  • "The Future is a song I wrote a few years ago with my good friend Alex Burnett. It's a song about a relationship that came to a conclusion and all of a sudden I found myself facing the path of an uncertain future. It's about the fundamental truth that sometimes we inevitably grow apart, and while we mourn a love lost, we celebrate that we once loved and were loved."[37]
  • “I wrote the chords for it three years ago while I was going through a rough break-up. My friend Alex Burnett, who is one-half of Antony & Cleopatra, helped me focus my energy into this track. After he wrote the lyrics, I remember thinking that they fit perfectly.”[38]

Feb 18 2019 saw the release of "Slippin'" - a collaborative track between Antony & Cleopatra, New York duo Black Caviar, & production trio JADED, on Don Diablo’s ‘Hexagon’ label.[39] The track was featured in Stella McCartney's Fall Winter 2019 Paris fashion show. [40]

The duo have also provided songwriting and vocal talent on the below:[41][42][43][44]

Song Artist Year Record Label
"Slippin'" Jaded x Black Caviar x Antony & Cleopatra 2019 Single Hexagon (US), The Label (UK)
"Careful Baby" Nicky Night Time feat. Antony & Cleopatra 2016 Single Sweat It Out
"Never Get to You" Moonboots feat. Antony & Cleopatra 2016 Single Anjunabeats
"Money Time" Sammy Bananas feat. Antony & Cleopatra 2015 Single Fools Gold
"The Tide" Dreamtrak 2015 Single Mermaid Avenue / Mom + Pop
"Givin' it Up" Lanceleot feat. Antony & Cleopatra 2014 Single Anjunadeep
"Protect" Beni feat. Antony & Cleopatra 2014 Single WIN/Modular
"Make Ends Meet" Lancelot feat. Antony & Cleopatra 2014 Single Anjunadeep

Live performances

The duo's first Australian tour was part of the 2017 Alison Wonderland's 'Scarehouse Project' alongside other acts such as Lunice, Lido, ASAP Ferg and Saatchi.[45]

In July 2018 they went on to play Australia's largest winter music festival Splendour In The Grass.[46] [47]

Antony & Cleopatra additionally toured with Riton (musician) and Kahlo, performing at Oxford Art Factory in Sydney and the Prince Bandroom in Melbourne.

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References
  1. "Alexander Burnett Instagram post: Sept 8, 2017". instagram.com. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  2. "Alexander Burnett Instagram post: Aug 26, 2016". instagram.com. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  3. "ASCAP Database - Sinners". ASCAP. May 20, 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  4. "Bellyache - CocknBullKid lyrics". Genius. May 20, 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  5. "Lancelot "Givin' It Up" ft. Antony & Cleopatra". Pitchfork.com. Dec 20, 2013. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  6. "Premiere: Lancelot ft. Antony & Cleopatra - Givin' It Up". Clashmusic.com. Jan 22, 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  7. "Get To Know: Antony & Cleopatra". HUNGER TV. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  8. "Antony & Cleopatra 'Sirens' - Purple Sneakers". Purple Sneakers. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  9. "Antony & Cleopatra - Sirens. Official music video". youtube.com. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  10. "Antony & Cleopatra Instagram post: April 2, 2015". instagram.com. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  11. Thomas, Russell (19 May 2015). "Listen to 'Take Me' by London duo Antony & Cleopatra [405 Premiere]". The 405. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  12. Admin, Stagedoor (21 May 2015). "New music: Antony & Cleopatra – 'Take Me'". Stagedoor FM. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  13. "Antony & Cleopatra - Take Me. Official music video". youtube.com. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  14. "Antony & Cleopatra Instagram post: June 3, 2015". instagram.com. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  15. "Antony & Cleopatra "Take Me" straight to the dance floor with their new single [Video Premiere]". earmilk.com. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  16. "Antony & Cleopatra Instagram post: March 14, 2016". instagram.com. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  17. "Antony & Cleopatra: Love Is A Lonely Dancer". shots.net. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  18. "Antony & Cleopatra 'Love Is A Lonely Dancer' by Alan Masferrer". promonews.tv. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  19. Fuamoli, Sosefina (12 July 2017). "Music Video of the Day: Antony & Cleopatra "Dust" (2017)". The AU Review. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
  20. Mutton, Troy (12 July 2017). "Premiere: Listen to another classy new single from Antony & Cleopatra - Dust". Pile Rats. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
  21. Jones, Emma (25 Nov 2017). "ANTONY & CLEOPATRA SHARE NEW DANCEFLOOR-READY SINGLE, 'TWITCH'". Purple Sneakers. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  22. Wilton, Jake (25 April 2018). "ANTONY & CLEOPATRA ARE RIGHT ON THE MONEY WITH 'THE ISLANDS'". AAA Backstage. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  23. "Instagram post: April 2, 2019". instagram.com. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  24. "Facebook post: April 2, 2019". facebook.com. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  25. Weily, Evie (3 May 2019). "ANTONY & CLEOPATRA RETURN WITH HYPNOTIC SINGLE, 'WHY DON'T YOU JUST CALL ME'". Purple Sneakers. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  26. "ANTONY & CLEOPATRA É PURO ÊXTASE COM SUA DISCO HOUSE EM "WHY DON'T YOU JUST CALL ME"". Teco Apple. 3 May 2019. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  27. Robinson, Peter (1 May 2019). "Antony & Cleopatra's new one advocates telephone usage via the medium of explosive disco house". Pop Justice. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  28. Davies, Hayden (November 2017). "EP Walkthrough: Antony & Cleopatra on their debut EP, Hurt Like Hell". Pilerats. Retrieved 30 January 2019.
  29. Toerkell, Liv (28 Nov 2018). "Album of the Week: Antony & Cleopatra – Hurt Like Hell (2018 EP)". The AU Review. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  30. Newstead, Al (22 October 2018). "Best New Music: Bring Me The Horizon, Billie Eilish, Maggie Rogers, Mansionair". triple j. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  31. "EP Walkthrough: Antony & Cleopatra on their debut EP, Hurt Like Hell". pilerats.com. Retrieved 1 Dec 2018.
  32. "Album of the Week: Antony & Cleopatra – Hurt Like Hell (2018 EP)"". theaureview.com. Retrieved 28 Nov 2018.
  33. "Antony & Cleopatra – Hurt Like Hell EP". thekollection.com. Retrieved 4 Dec 2018.
  34. "Antony & Cleopatra - Hurt Like Hell". airit.org.au. Retrieved 4 Dec 2018.
  35. "New Noise: Dreamtrak". wonderlandmagazine.com. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  36. "Motez Unveils Ethereal Track & Video 'The Future' ft. Antony & Cleopatra". Broadway World. 6 July 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  37. "Motez Unveils Ethereal Track & Video 'The Future' ft. Antony & Cleopatra". Broadway World. 6 July 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  38. Ritchie, Nick (11 August 2017). "MOTEZ: ON TRIUMPHING OVER ADVERSITY & LOOKING TO 'THE FUTURE'". Lunchbox. Retrieved 30 January 2019.
  39. "JADED – Slippin". thehypemagazine.com. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  40. "Stella McCartney Fall Winter 2019/2020 Paris Fashion Show: Looks". anyabelle.com. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  41. "LANCELOT FEAT. ANTONY & CLEOPATRA 'GIVIN' IT UP': "VIBRANT SLICE OF CONTEMPORARY HOUSE MUSIC"". famemagazine.co.uk. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  42. "Beni: "Protect" (feat. Antony & Cleopatra) «  La.Ga.Sta". lagasta.com. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  43. "Money Time feat. Antony & Cleopatra - FOOL'S GOLD". foolsgoldrecs.com. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  44. "JADED unveils new single 'Slippin' with Black Caviar and Anthony & Cleopatra". ventsmagazine.com. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
  45. Cyclone (29 November 2017). "'There's Always A Space For Whatever You Wanna Create'". The Music. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  46. "Bands In Town gig history". bandsintown.com. Retrieved 12 Mar 2019.
  47. "Get to Know: Antony & Cleopatra". splendourinthegrass.com. Retrieved 12 Mar 2019.
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