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 original 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.
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.
“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.
Watch the video for ‘Clear the Path’ – BELOW:
‘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
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