Manchester is perhaps most famous for its treasure-trove of post-punk and Brit-pop exports, rather than easy-breezy soul singers but, in Josephine, the city has struck gold.

Born in Hulme, raised in Cheetham Hill - both edgy districts at the best of times - Josephine nonetheless had the advantage of an encouraging family who fed the would-be crooner with a guitar and musical influences, ranging from gospel, blues, jazz and soul. Her voice is likened to Mahalia Jackson, the queen of gospel, but there's an element of Dionne Warwick about her, although musically her backing tracks hint at Bacharach and David in places. All-in-all, as they say, Josephine has got it going on.

Her debut-album "Portrait" slipped out quietly last year, although it didn't escape the attentions of end-of-year compilers - Q included it in their Top 50 of 2012 - and headlining artists. She's covered for BRIT-nominee Paolo Nutini and BBC Sound of 2012 winner Michael Kiwanuka. It's only a matter of time before she'll be headlining and winning awards - the title-track is due for release as a single on 25th Feb, a song sure to ease it into the conscience of curious listeners [have a listen to it - click the video, above - Ed].

And headlining she is - after supporting Paloma Faith on her upcoming sold-out tour, Josephine will be out doing it all over again, albeit in cosier venues. Her spring UK and Ireland tour takes in Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow and more, until Bristol on 17th April. Tickets are on sale now, priced at £9.

London, don't feel left out - your Josephine show is just around the corner on 6th February at Bush Hall. Tickets to this show, sandwiched between two Paloma Faith concerts, cost just £10. Seriously, get clicking.