Some artists are singers; others add songwriter to their resume. Others, like Sara Lowes, are something far beyond either simple category: aural visionaries – who are as much about scoring, production and arranging as they are about singing their own tunes.

She's always been a woman in demand; however these days, Manchester-based songwriter and musician Sara Lowes is dictating that adoration on her own sweet terms. A long-established session musician, Sara's talents have crossed many a musical path playing for bands and artists such as The Earlies, King Creosote, Daniel Johnston and Marina And The Diamonds, to name but a few.

Garnering comparisons to the sass of Debbie Harry and the airy vocals of Alison Goldfrapp, Lowes' songs bubble with everything from the primordial soup of Technicolor pop to acoustic folk, through jazz, and kaleidoscopic prog. Lowes is an artist plying her craft for the long-haul, clearly harbouring ambitions of a different kind.

'I've alway seen myself as a musician rather than a solo artists of any kind,' says Lowes. 'It leaves the door open for anything to happen – therefore my ambition grows naturally and I trust the choices I make.'

A favourite among BBC 6 Music DJs such as Marc Riley and Stuart Maconie, Lowes' solo releases to date have received rave reviews from the press, noting her skill for fusing classic influences through thoroughly modern composition and production, emerging as a true genre-defying talent and one to watch.

'With a voice somewhere between Alison Goldfrapp and Joni Mitchell, and songs that veer between folk, Brill Building pop and Dexys Midnight Runners-esque soul, Sara Lowes is a curious proposition' – Q, 4*

'Dreamlike prog pop busying itself with jazz accents, classical touches and melodies that warm the bones like a winter fire' – Uncut, 8/10

Main support comes from Ivan Campo. Ivan Campo borrow inspiration from majesty to malady via reality and, every now and then, wander into the realms of make believe. Writing, recording and performing together since 2004, they have developed a unique style, infused with echoes of films, snatched memories, and a healthy sense of the absurd. Their latest seven track EP entitled Fantastic Blue was released through Debt Records in August 2014.

Opening the show is Robbie Cavanagh. The Manchester singer-songwriter's debut recordThe State of Maine is out now – and for this show, he will be joined by his full band, including cello and pedal steel.

The Eagle Inn is an excellent traditional pub from the team behind the Castle Hotel, the Parlour and Gullivers. It's just off Trinity Way, an eight-minute walk from Manchester Cathedral on Deansgate.