Angela Josephine (born March 18, 1967) is an American indie folk singer-songwriter, musician, author and visual artist. She began her musical career back in 2002 when she appeared at a Border's Open Mic in Northern Michigan.
Her most recent album was 2018's Daylight released on May 4, 2018. This project was recorded in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan with producer Chris Bathgate. It expands the sonic palette of Josephine's work as well as showcasing her on a variety of instruments including guitar, mandolin, hammered dulcimer, piano, Wurlitzer, organ, and synth. The project is best described as one-part folk opera and one-part the artist's personal exploration of herself - almost as if you're listening to her diary.
Josephine has been compared to singer-songwriter Nick Drake as well as Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, Heidi Talbot and Laura Marling.
Early life
Angela Josephine was born Angela Louis in Munising, Michigan in 1967, the youngest of six children. She learned to paint and draw from her mother, and her musical interests focused on being 1st chair trumpet. Her strength in science saw her winning first place in Duracell's 1984 National Science competition which landed her in Newsweek Magazine and Scholastic Science World.
Musical career
In her early years, she was influenced by musicians such as The Call, Rich Mullins, Sara McLachlan and Joan Osborne. Mullins' influence led to Josephine's relationship with Compassion International, helping to promote aid and sponsorship for children around the world at her concerts and events.
2002: A Restful Sense of Urgency
In 2002, she launched her musical career, releasing her debut album, A Restful Sense of Urgency which introduced her to the indie folk and Christian (CCM) music scene. UK Faith-based Cross Rhythms responded favorably with a 9 out of 10 rating. The debut also brought Josephine some national attention, receiving a call-out in the CCM Magazine Independent Artist Spotlight.
2005: Grace Exhaled
Her 2005 release, Grace Exhaled, prompted her to be described as the "Amy Grant of Northern Michigan" and qualified her as a finalist in the 2006 Detroit Music Awards. Grace Exhaled also moved Josephine more prominently into the CCM scene, with the album receiving strong reviews and Josephine getting visibility in the national media of the day, including Top 10 CCM Magazine (MyCCM) female vocalists (#6) in CCM Magazine.
Josephine followed that up with a tour including performances at Unity Festival, where she was first runner up in their inaugural Ovation award.
2006: Spirit of Motherhood
In 2006, Josephine recorded Spirit of Motherhood, a single to accompany the book release of The Spirit of Motherhood: A Photographic Journey into the Beauty of Pregnancy by photographer Misty Woodward.
2010: Haiti Earthquake Benefit Concert
In March 2010, Josephine, in conjunction with Compassion International, organized a benefit concert for victims of the Haiti earthquake, gathering local musical talent as well as retailers to donate time, talent and goods.
Her broad range of instrumentation skills saw her nominated again for a 2011 DMA based on her Hammered Dulcimer performances.
2012–2013: Stone Bright Solid, Volume 1
In 2012, Angela recorded Stone Bright Solid, Volume 1, which was produced by Michigan musician Chris Bathgate. This EP contained in a steel tin with interchangeable cover art and the lyrics presented as magnetic poetry, showcasing her creative bent. Josephine described it as her "Dark Night of the Soul" musical exploration, evidenced by the haunting sounds and words.
In 2013, Got You on My Mind was released as a music video, a tribute from Angela to her parents, which was shot on site at Wilson Antiques in Traverse City, MI. The music video, which features a guest appearance from fellow local musicians The Accidentals, incorporated 8mm videos of her family which Angela had restored.