Cultural Life: Caro Emerald, musician

Emerald says: 'My album was inspired by movies from the 50s and 60s'

Music: I really love American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, but she only has a couple of songs out so I can't wait for the release of her new album, 'Born to Die'. It's all about her voice. For me, it's always the most important ingredient. I've also discovered Selah Sue, a soul/funk fusion singer-songwriter from Belgium. I just love her voice.

Books: I'm still not even halfway through 'Love in the Time of Cholera' by Gabriel García Márquez (below). I have the DVD but I promised myself I can only watch it once I've finished the book. I'm also reading 'Musicophilia' by Oliver Sacks. It's about how the brain works. There's a story about a guy who got struck by lightning and then became a very talented piano player. It's full of stories like this and the science behind them.

Films: My album was inspired by movies from the 50s and 60s. My favourite is 'Rear Window' with Grace Kelly. She is mesmerising. I also loved the French comedy 'Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis' ('Welcome to the Sticks'). A postman is punished by being made to live in northern France for two years. This film will cheer you up...

Television: There's a series on Dutch TV called 'Ik Vertrek' ('I'm Leaving'), which is a documentary about people who are relocating to a new place to start a fresh life. I guess everybody has that dream... I can relate to that. Another show I watch, 'The Voice of Holland', is a reality show from Holland. They don't show their faces and they audition behind a screen, so that they are only judged for their voices, rather than what they look like.

Caro Emerald's debut album, 'Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor', is out now. She tours the UK in March (www.caroemerald.com)