It’s been hard of late to focus on anything beyond the exact moment we are occupying, but Caoilfhionn Rose’s new single, Fireflies, carries a message that encourages us to look ahead – to focus on the future, to look down the road, and to battle through whatever is difficulties may exist in the immediacy  – ‘though there may be dark clouds the sun will always come.’

Co-produced by The Durutti Column’s Kier Stewart, the Manchester based songwriter’s voice dances like the fireflies that inspired the song – which is the final teaser before her new album, Truly, appears on Gondwana Records on 9th April.

These are Caoilfhionn’s Sound & Vision picks:

Three Favourite Albums:

A Winged Victory for the Sullen – A Winged Victory for the Sullen

This album came out ten years ago on the Erased Tapes label. I remember when I first heard it: I was in Piccadilly Records in Manchester and it was playing in the shop. I was so moved by it, I asked what it was and bought a copy of the CD there and then. It’s my go to album to chill out to; it’s such relaxing and calming music. I saw A Winged Victory for the Sullen perform at The Sage in Gateshead a few years ago, and it was absolutely mesmerising, I really hope to see them play again one day.

Alabaster dePlume – The Corner of a Sphere

Alabaster dePlume’s music moves from poignance to playful to powerful, heartwarming and hilarious, I could go on – it’s hard to sum up in a sentence. The sound-world of The Corner of a Sphere album is enchanting, it really is magical music full of intricacies and has a wonderful energy. Partly poetry – I love dePlume’s lyrics, his songs are like stories; they are vivid, full of imagery and lovely sentiments.

The Breath – Let The Cards Fall

The Breath is a collaboration between Ríognach Connolly and Stuart McCallum – a real dream team! Ríognach’s voice has such a warmth and wistful tone and Stuart’s guitar playing is really distinctive and creative. The two albums they’ve released so far are just seamlessly beautiful. Let The Cards Fall is full of evocative and moving songs. Their music has a comforting and nostalgic quality to me. I’ve really enjoyed listening to this album on long car journeys while gazing out of the window; it’s very calming and familiar in a way.

One film I love: Amélie

I always loved the film Amélie – it’s so quirky and sweet with beautiful cinematography and a great soundtrack by Yann Tiersen.

One book I love:

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

This book really gripped me. It follows lots of different people and their interconnecting stories, trials and tribulations. I really like how it’s written; there are barely any full stops so it flows like poetry.

One song that’s important to me:

Polly Paulusma – Perfect 4/4

I first stumbled across Polly Paulusma when I heard her on the car radio, when I was a teenager. In Perfect 4/4, Polly recalls her dad ill in hospital. My mum wasn’t well and was in hospital at the time, so it really resonated with me. I love the rich piano chords and the soulful organ solo at the end which really sings out. Polly’s voice is soft and wispy; it’s all really soothing and comforting and it remains a special song to me.

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