- Mar 26, 2021
FIFTY3 FRIDAYS: SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?
Those familiar with this column may recognise Test Card Girl as the solo project of Manchester singer-songwriter, Catherine Burgis, affectionately known as Caffs. A late convert to songwriting, Caffs confesses that she stumbled into the business cluelessly. On the back of releasing her stellar debut single “Holds Me Down” last summer, however, she became the welcome beneficiary of an Arts Council grant which has helped her edge along the rocky road towards stardom. Today she
- Mar 19, 2021
FIFTY3 FRIDAYS: NEW BEGINNINGS
Next Tuesday sees the anniversary of the first UK-wide lockdown, if that is quite the right word as it implies something of a celebration. Initiated by the charity Marie Curie, it will be marked by a national day of reflection on our collective loss; remembering the dead and suffering, supporting the bereaved and hoping for a brighter future. The pandemic has given us all plenty of time to reflect and maybe resolve to change our ways. If this pandemic has taught us anything,
- Mar 12, 2021
FIFTY3 FRIDAYS: SHE HAS NOW
It was fitting in a week that began with International Women’s Day that Virginian Lucy Dacus finally released an established fan-favourite song, “Thumbs”; so feted that it has its own Twitter account titled Has Lucy released Thumbs yet? which, unlike the song, now has a decidedly limited shelf life. Dacus is a renowned singer-songwriter in her own right but also one-third of boygenius, the indie rock supergroup formed with kindred spirits, Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers, wh
- Mar 5, 2021
FIFTY3 FRIDAYS: WIRED TO THE MOON
I always knew I should write this column a week in advance. It’s wise to have a PlanB (gratuitous mention of erstwhile, though still legendary, Kingston covers band). On the other hand, I do prefer to write in the moment as far as possible. So, let’s just say it has been a bit of a week and a combination of illness and a persistent mouse that just won’t leave the house has left the Fifty3 Fridays cupboard somewhat bare this week. Nonetheless the show must go on so, while I ta