EP · 2016

Before the Stallholders Wake

Six songs for early mornings, seaside towns and rooms where someone is keeping a light on.

Tracks

1. The Hand That Wrote Your NameA love letter folded small and softened by years in a winter coat. I think of it as the EP's front door.art song, romantic ballad4:46
2. Two Seats and One BellTwo people, one wobbling wheel, and a bell that rings far too loudly. Pure joy in a major key.whimsical pop, chamber pop3:37
3. Snow That Forgot to StaySnow that cannot decide to be snow. I wrote the melody to fall apart gently at the end of each line.impressionist, chamber pop4:57
4. Before the Stallholders WakeThe market square before anyone arrives, all crates and canvas. I wanted it to sound like the first cup of tea.art song, folk-tinged4:09
5. The Guesthouse Keeps a Window for UsA seaside town out of season, and a window kept just for us. The cello makes its first appearance here.art song, celtic ballad5:05
6. The Suitcase Never Quite UnpacksA year and a day in a town, and the suitcase still waits by the door. I left the ending open on purpose.art song, chamber song3:21

Liner notes

After the cycle I wanted something looser, so I wrote these on trains and in guesthouses with the piano parts sketched on the backs of tickets. They are songs for the hours when markets are still folding out their canvas and the town is still asleep. I added a single cello on two tracks, my first step beyond the piano.

Seraphina Aldous