Formed in 2010, Dublin three- piece Swords have elicited comparisons to everyone from Portishead to Cat Power. Ahead of their headline gig at The Button Factory on 25 July, with support from Deaf Joe and Elastic Sleep, singer Diane Anglim recalls her first experiences with musical notation, Jeff Buckley’s Grace and reveals a mild obsession with David Byrne's white suit.

Words: Phil Cummins

What’s been the highlight of your year so far?
Supporting Ham Sandwich at The Olympia Theatre. The Olympia is a really special venue for us to play.

When did you first realise you wanted a career in music?
When I was about six years- old. I remember drawing pictures of music notes and writing my name at the bottom like a composer would.

In three words, describe the five minutes before you walk on stage.
Something’s gonna happen...

How do you wind down after a gig?
I like to get outside and get some fresh air. And sometimes cigarettes.

In three words, describe the live scene in Ireland.
Full of madness.

Whose career do you envy and why?
David Byrne, because he can wear white suits and dance.

Vinyl or digital downloads?
I like both vinyl record and digital downloads.

What is your favourite record shop anywhere in the world?
When it was on Dublin’s Wicklow Street, Tower Records was deadly.

Name one rare record that you don’t own, but you want more than anything.
I don't think it's rare, but I don't have Jeff Buckley’s Grace on record, yet, and I would like to own it.

Name one piece of music memorabilia that you wish you owned.
David Byrne's white suit.

What is the one thing in your life that you couldn’t go without
Gardening.

Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
Record: Metals by Feist.
Book: Dark Materials by Philip Pullman.
Film: The Princess Bride.

Name one overrated TV series and one underrated TV series.
Overrated: Two and a Half Men. Underrated: Black Books

Pick the director and lead actor for a biopic about your life.
Director: Spike Jonze. Actor: Uma Thurman.

Describe the perfect night in.
Good T.V., good people, good beer.

Describe the perfect night out.
Good music, good people, good beer.

Where did you grow up and what are the best and worst things about that place.
I grew up in Rathfarnham. The best thing about growing up in Rathfarnham was my friends. The worst thing? Having to walk to Nutgrove shopping centre every day in the summertime.

What is your biggest fear?
Evil children and evil dolls.

Who are the persons in your life without whom your life wouldn’t be the same?
My Mam and Dad.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you, so far?
Calm down and relax.

If you could give one piece of life advice it would be…
Don't forget to calm down and relax.