In a remarkable tale of rediscovery, Vashti Bunyan's musical journey from obscurity to acclaim spans over three decades. Her story began in London's Soho during the mid-1960s, where she caught the attention of the Rolling Stones' former manager Andrew Loog Oldham, who saw in her the potential for stardom.
However, after several unsuccessful recording attempts, a discouraged Bunyan chose an unconventional path. She and her boyfriend embarked on a two-year journey by horse and wagon to the Outer Hebrides, funded by fellow musician Donovan. During this odyssey, she wrote the songs that would become her debut album "Just Another Diamond Day."
Released in 1970, the album - featuring Bunyan's ethereal vocals and pastoral themes - received a lukewarm reception. With only a few hundred copies pressed, it faded into obscurity. Heartbroken by the response, Bunyan retreated from music entirely, focusing instead on raising her family.
The story might have ended there, but for a chance internet search in 1997. Bunyan discovered she had become an underground sensation among a new generation of musicians, including Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom, who were captivated by her lost recordings.
This revelation led to the re-release of "Just Another Diamond Day" in 2000. This time, the album found its audience, allowing Bunyan to record her second album, "Lookaftering," which featured collaborations with her newfound admirers.
Now approaching 80, Bunyan reflects on her journey without regret. "I think of my music as this orphan child that came back to find me," she says. "If things had worked out the way I had wanted them to work out, what would early success have done to my life?"
The reissue of "Lookaftering" marks 20 years since its release, cementing Bunyan's position in musical history. While she bristles at being labeled a folk singer - "I was never traditional enough for them" - her unique voice and story have finally found their rightful place in the musical landscape, proving that sometimes the most meaningful success comes not from immediate recognition, but from patient endurance and authenticity.