[1] Cara Tivey joined Birmingham band Au Pairs as keyboard player in 1983, followed shortly after by the Fine Young Cannibals.
In 1988, she started working with Billy Bragg on the Workers Playtime album, singing vocals on "Must I Paint You a Picture".
She shared the bill with Bragg on the song "She's Leaving Home", which they recorded for the Beatles tribute Sgt.
During her time with Billy Bragg, Tivey also had the opportunity to accompany Michael Stipe (R.E.M) and Natalie Merchant (10,000 Maniacs) during their 1990 European tour.
Tivey performed on Bragg's 1990 album The Internationale and on 1991's Don't Try This at Home, before he took a five-year break in recording.