Cara Dillon, one of Ireland’s leading folk singers, has announced her first new album in six years — Coming Home — set for release in early 2024, and has shared the first single, ‘Clear the Path’.
The album is Cara’s first collection of entirely originally material and, in a break from previous work, finds her blurring the lines between spoken word and song in ten exquisite tracks which bring to life intensely personal memories of her native Co. Derry and the people, places, and customs that have shaped her.
Few singers are as revered as Cara Dillon. Known for her captivating live performances she seldom fails to leave audiences spellbound and has earned her place as one of the most celebrated singers in Ireland. Cara’s breadth of appeal stems from a remarkable career that continually places her home and culture at the very heart of her music and began with her singing with the likes of De Dannan and Óige as a teenager, being signed to legendary indie record label Rough Trade, providing the title track and narration for a Disney film, appearing with Symphony Orchestras in England, Scotland, Ireland and beyond, even leading to contemporary superstars such as Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, and Sam Smith citing her as an important influence. And yet her most successful record to date comprises traditional Irish folk songs released on her own label. As Mojo magazine says, Cara Dillon has ‘quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice’.
Coming Home will be released alongside a book of the same name, featuring Cara’s original poetry and lyrics, as well as personal stories and anecdotes, offering a rich context for her artistic work.
Writing poetry has revealed a new freedom of expression for Cara, and this album finds her at her most reflective and personal, exploring themes of family, cultural identity and home.
The album opens with ‘Clear the Path’, a piece which reflects on the influence of those who have gone before us, both acknowledging and respecting the significance they have on our lives today.
Here’s the official Video released today:
“What is it that makes us who we are? Which talents, traits, and resemblances have we inherited? What has trickled down through the generations? Our ancestral paths should be kept clear and not allowed to become overgrown. There’s wonder and joy if you follow that path.”
Cara Dillon
Ahead of the album and book release, Cara embarks on an extensive UK tour this autumn where she will present the new material for the first time live, including a prestigious showcase concert at Belfast’s Grand Opera House, as part of the Belfast International Arts Festival.
‘Clear the Path’ is out now on all digital platforms. Coming Home, the album and book, will be released in early 2024. Cara is on tour in the UK throughout autumn/winter 2023.
Coming Home Live Dates 2023
Cara presents new material alongside catalogue favourites:
05 OCT CAMBRIDGE Junction
06 OCT SOUTHAMPTON Turner Sims
13 OCT GATESHEAD Sage
14 OCT KENDAL Brewery Arts
15 OCT LIVERPOOL Philharmonic Music Room
18 OCT BELFAST Grand Opera House
31 OCT BRISTOL St. George’s
08 NOV BURY ST. EDMUNDS The Apex
09 NOV LINCOLN The Drill
10 NOV POCKLINGTON Arts Centre
11 NOV SHEFFIELD Upper Chapel
12 NOV MILTON KEYNES The Stables
18 NOV MANCHESTER The Stoller Hall
23 NOV EDINBURGH The Queen’s Hall
Cara’s Christmas show ‘Upon a Winter’s Night’ dates:
14 DEC BUXTON Pavilion Arts Centre
15 DEC WORCHESTER Huntingdon Hall
16 DEC BASINGSTOKE Haymarket Theatre
17 DEC FROME Cheese & Grain
19 DEC LONDON Union Chapel
For further information please visit: http://www.caradillon.co.uk
