FAVOURITE northerner and soulful singer Lisa Stansfield, has announced the release of her new album Deeper and a new tour which will come to Southend in April.

Lisa is no stranger to the town and indeed the Cliffs Pavilion, having played here a number of times.

She has told the Echo in the past, that coming to Southend is a bit like coming home, what with her close friendship with local percussion star Mark 'Snowboy' Cotgrove and his family.

Snowboy has produced the album, while the writing credits go to Lisa and her song-writing partner Ian Devaney. Lisa has also taken the tole of exective producer on the release.

The first track to be made available off it is called Everything. With its groove, funk, soul and signature vocals, the song is promised to be "an exciting taster of what to expect from the album".

Everything is available instantly when pre-ordering the album Deeper.

Deeper is the iconic soul singer’s eighth studio album.

Speaking about the record, the Grammy nominated, multi BRIT, Ivor Novello and Silver Clef Award winner said: “Creating this album was a wonderful adventure.

"I really believe there’s a special something in this record. I’m so excited to let it go out into the big wide world with pride.”