Angela Josephine

Angela Josephine (born March 18, 1967) is an American indie folk singer-songwriter, musician, author and visual artist. She is prominent in the Christian and Folk Music scene in Michigan. 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. Josephine's broad range of instrumentation skills saw her nominated again for a 2011 DMA based on her Hammered Dulcimer performances. Her most recent release was 2012's Stone Bright Solid, Volume 1, produced by Chris Bathgate, an EP contained in a steel tin with interchangeable cover art and the lyrics presented as magnetic poetry, showcasing her creative bent. Josephine is again working with Bathgate for a full-length recording, Daylight (Stone Bright Solid Volume 2), to be released in 2017. Josephine has been compared to singer-songwriters Nick Drake and the aforementioned Grant, as well as Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos.

Angela Josephine was born Angela Louis in Munising, MI on March 18, 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.

In her early years, Josephine 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.

In 2002, Josephine 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's Grace Exhaled 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.

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.

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.

In 2012, Angela recorded Stone Bright Solid, Volume 1, which was produced by Michigan musician Chris Bathgate. 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 a local antique store. The music video, which features a guest appearance from fellow local musicians The Accidentals, incorporated 8mm videos of her family which Angela had restored.

In 2016, Angela recorded Daylight (Stone Bright Solid Volume 2), a full-length album again produced by Chris Bathgate.

Albums

• A Restful Sense of Urgency (2002)
• Grace Exhaled (2005)
• Stone Bright Solid, Volume 1 (2012-EP)
• Daylight (Stone Bright Solid, Volume 2) (2017 Expected)

Singles

• Spirit of Motherhood (2006)

• 2006 Finalist Detroit Music Awards
• 2007 Unity Ovation First Runner-up
• 2011 Nominee Detroit Music Awards

• "Music – Traverse City Film Festival". Traverse City Film Festival. 
• Miller, Marla. "Band wins Unity contest it didn't enter". Muskegon Chronicle. Muskegon Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-08-10. 
• Parker, Al. "Art Beat". Northern Express. Retrieved 2013-03-18. 

One Love – 2007 Award Winning Documentary Directed by Whitney Jackson (Sandpile Productions)

• From 2003–2005, Angela hosted a community painting event in Traverse City as part of Friday Night Live called "Painting of the People". Josephine would bring a large 3'x4' canvas, paints and brushes to the downtown event and host a "community canvas" where anyone could paint. The completed canvases represented the collective voice and experience of the attendees, and would be donated to a local agency or location.
• Angela has participated multiple years at ArtPrize, doing both music performances and integrated Art/Music experiences with artists Royce Deans and Tali Farchi
• Josephine will often bring her own artwork to display at concerts, and has had work featured at local galleries.

• "Newsletter". Traverse Area Arts Council Newsletter. Spring 2004 Edition: 1. April 1, 2004. 
• "Live Painting with Angela Josephine". ArtPrize. 

The Banner, January 2001: My Cup of Tea