Born in 1975 and raised in Dungivon, Co. Derry, Cara Dillon comes from a family steeped in the musical tradition of Ireland. She sings with a clarity, beauty and style that will set people wondering why they might not have noticed her already. It's a phrase often used but rarely so richly deserved; Cara is an exceptional talent.

At 14 years old Cara won the acclaimed All Ireland Traditional Singing Trophy and from there went onto earn her reputation as an outstanding vocalist with the young Irish band, Oiga. She toured extensively with them throughout the UK, Germany and Israel.

In 1995 Cara replaced Kate Rusby in the new folk-super group, Equation. Kate went onto pursue a successful solo career, Cara's arrival in the band helped them to secure a major recording contract with Warner Music. Despite this, she left the band a year later, together with one of it's founding members, Sam Lakeman

Over the past few years Cara's musical partnership with Sam Lakeman has developed at a pace - but also with imagination and flare. It belies the fact that they are both barely 25.

Perhaps this unusual level of musical prowess has been enhanced by years of touring to rapturous audiences, as well as gaining valuable experience working with producers from both sides of the Atlantic. But - perhaps these artists are simply proof that a certain kind of magic is in their blood.