Cara Dillon’s latest album, recorded at home with husband Sam Lakeman, sees the couple return to their folk roots. The singer talks to Jon Cheetham about record labels, touring and motherhood.

Since age 14, when she won the All Ireland Singing Trophy, Cara Dillon has been feted as a darling of the Irish folk world. Barely out of her teens, she was invited to replace Kate Rusby in the Warner-backed folk supergroup Equation.

She didn’t stay with them long though, preferring to break away with fellow band member Sam Lakeman, whom she married, and has recorded with ever since.

After three albums on the Rough Trade label, Cara’s latest release, Hill of Thieves, came out earlier this year.

Recorded at home, produced by Sam and put out on their own label, the overall effect is simple, satisfying and focused. Even the presence of Sam’s Mercury Prize-winning brother Seth doesn’t dominate the acoustic, predominantly traditional songs.

News Shopper: Cara Dillon

“With this album Sam and I decided to simplify everything in our lives, because we had twin boys. I think when you have children it makes you realise what is important and suddenly you realise what it is you want to do in life,” said Cara.

She added: “There are at least three or so songs on the album which I have always wanted to record and since I was knee high I have been singing them.”

Ironically, Cara and Sam’s DIY approach has resulted in their highest chart ranking so far.

Cara said: “When the album went in the indie chart at number seven we sat back and laughed because we thought about all these years we’ve spent with all these people trying to do this.

“We have a go at it, thoroughly enjoy the process, it’s easier than it has ever been and we have achieved what they always wanted for us.”

Cara says it was the experience of going into labour three months prematurely, on stage, which gave her the courage to go it alone and record the album she had always wanted to.

Cara said: “When we had our boys, that was such an incredible journey to go through.

“They were born three months premature and we thought to ourselves, ‘this is what life is all about, nothing will ever be as challenging as this’ and I thought ‘let’s take full control of our lives now’.”

The tour, the first since the Noah and Colm were born, will bring her four-piece band to Blackheath on May 30.

But rehearsing and performing a live show presents a new set of challenges for a mum, says Cara.

“I would be lying if I said it was very straightforward because there is a lot of organising. I don’t know what it is like to have one baby because they came as a two for me and that’s complicated enough. It just means you always have to be one step ahead of the game. It is a challenge, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Cara Dillon, Blackheath Halls, Lee Road. May 30. 020 8463 0100.