MUSICIANS Kristina Stazaker and Wendy Solomon, aka Angel Melodyhorn, are familiar faces on the local scene.

They both say they are proud to be leading the way for female musicians this Saturday night, at their double album launch.

The night - titled the Campfire Sessions - will be held at the Twenty One cultural cafe in Marine Parade, Southend, from 8pm.

It also features the collaboration of a number of London and Essex-based artists and musicians.

Kristina explained: "I am launching my long-awaited solo album called Death by the Fire.

"It is a collection of dark, hauntingly melodic folk tales, which will be performed live with a specially assembled band, for one evening only!"

Kristina is a Westcliff based singer/songwriter who has been performing in bands around the UK for two years now - notably being part of the trans-punk band T-Bitch and the Can't Collective - and has just embarked on her own solo project.

At Campfires Sessions she will be joined by widely-recognised session musician Kate Arnold on fiddle and hammered dulcimer, Rich Chapman, member of The Plan, joining in with his homemade cello. Chris 'Troop' Davison, local singer-songwriter and guitarist will join her on bass, along with well known drummer, front man and DJ Steve 'Ramjet' Butler.

Also joining her is Funkcutter of Anarchistwood and punkvert.tv.

Meanhile, while Kris has been preparing her solo debut offering, friend Wendy Solomon who is another Southend musician/singer/composer who has been on the scene for many years, has been working on her own band's album. She formed Angel and the Melodyhorns in 2015.

"Angel and the Melodyhorns' songs are lyrically challenging and juxtapose a dark tapestry with jingly joy - they are hard to pigeonhole" explains Kristina.

They described themselves as "confronting inner demons and tangible villains through cathartic musings and relatable narratives.... The songs cover a range of heartfelt emotions from anger to confusion to nostalgia to sorrow, but always pitched firmly in the female psyche."

Angel and the Melodyhorns debut album Exposure is officially released on June 30 by London Road Records.

Both headline acts will be supported by Sophie Burrows.

"Sophie is a unique and captivating singer/songwriter from the South East" says Kris, "her songs are a rare concoction of dark observation, perceptive lyrics and effortlessly catchy melodies with an occasional caustic edge.

"She has a unique and intricate guitar style coupled with rich vocals and darkly observational subject matter - sprinkled with wry humour - and she is the perfect way to set the tone for the evening. She will also be promoting her animation company Animating Education by showing a selection of short animations throughout the evening."

The evening starts at 8.00pm and it is free entry.

The musicians are advising people to arrive early as they "expect a packed house".