John Grant

John Grant started out fronting The Czars, an indie rock band from the 90s. After that group ended, he released his solo debut 'Queen of Denmark' in 2010. That album, with songs like 'Vietnam' and 'Outer Space,' brought attention to his direct, confessional writing and a voice that could shift from a low murmur to a full-throated roar.

He's been open about living with HIV since 2011, and themes of health, identity, and personal struggle run through his work. His music after that debut, on albums like 'Pale Green Ghosts' and 'Grey Tickles, Black Pressure,' often pairs those lyrical concerns with synth-heavy arrangements that nod to 80s pop. He's worked with other artists, including Midlake, who backed him on 'Queen of Denmark.'

Grant's songs, such as 'Two Of Us' and 'No More Tangles,' tend to avoid easy resolution. They can be bleak, funny, and tender, sometimes within the same track. He continues to write from that particular vantage point, without smoothing over the rough edges.