Cara Dillon reissues limited edition vinyl of debut album for its 20th anniversary

Cara Dillon has reissued her debut album, Cara Dillon, in a limited edition vinyl for its 20th anniversary. The reissued vinyl will be released September 24, coinciding with her UK tour beginning on September 4.

The self-titled album was originally released with Rough Trade Records in July 2001 and has since received critical acclaim. Dillon and her partner Sam Lakeman recorded it after splitting with Warner Music, desiring to return to their roots musically to produce an album they felt they could believe in.

Reflecting on her debut release, the Irish folk singer says that she didn't know the musical journey she was about to begin at the time.

"For me something truly magical happened when I met Sam, like a meeting of souls," says Dillon. "We hoisted the sails and set off on our musical adventure, releasing Cara Dillon to the wind. We both sat back with innocent wide-eyed wonder, observing how it connected with so many people and won us certainty in the industry."

After the release of the album, Dillon won numerous awards, including the 2002 BBC Radio 2 Folk Horizon Award and Best Traditional Track Award for 'Black is the Colour.' Dillon was also nominated for four more awards at that year's BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. In 2002, she won the Hot Press Best Roots Act Award and performed at the ceremony in Belfast.

The signing of the album to Rough Trade Records, the label of former manager Geoff Travis, combined with Dillon and Lakeman's talent for creating fresh folk music that felt very genuine and emotive allowed them to reach a larger audience and find their place within the UK and Irish folk music scene.

"I've grown up so much since then – seen and experienced so much – but through it all the songs on this album continue to keep me rooted and remind me who I am and why I'm doing what I do," says Dillon.

Learn more about Dillon's upcoming tour and vinyl pre-order on her website.