IRIT Dekel laughs out loud when I tell her that she is the first former sniper I’ve ever interviewed.

But then Irit, whose debut album Hello is released tomorrow and who comes to Manchester’s Band on the Wall next week, isn’t your normal singer.

Born in Israel, Irit has been an actress, TV show host, film maker and comedian in her time. The role of sniper came when she was serving her military service.

But music has always been her passion.

In Israel she was a member of the band Last of Songs who released an album of reworked jazz classics to critical acclaim, but then moved to London to further her career. Last she she supported Caro Emerald on a number of dates.

Hello features 11 songs she has written plus an inspired cover version of REM’s Shiny Happy People.

The songs blend rhythms from the Middle East with Irit’s highly-personal lyrics creating a mix of emotions in the listener.

“Sometimes the songs are very personal to the point they are a bit embarrassing at times,” she said. “But that was the intention. I don’t think there is anything new under the sun except your own personal stories and experiences.

“I think you have to give something from yourself to create that authentic feeling.

“I didn’t want to do something I’m not familiar with or do something that’s not in my blood. I thought it would be better to take things from my heritage and put it all together and hope for the best.”

On the album, Irit worked with producer Jonathan Quarmby, producer of Benjamin Clementine’s Mercury winning album At Least For Now.

“Jonathan understood me and the place I’m coming from,” she said. “I’ve worked with other producers who were great, very professional and talented but with Jonathan it’s like he’s got this magic powder you need to sprinkle that creates a more authentic sound.

“I always thought it would be really good to have a contrast between the melody and lyrics. I like it when other artists do that. You are challenging the listener and can make the experience a bit deeper for them.”

Irit said that her time in the studio was a fantastic experience.

“I’d gallop in every day,” she said.

But as she prepares for her first solo tour, she is already changing the songs for the live shows.

“On stage I’m just using accordion, guitar and trumpet which is a completely different sound from the album,” she said. “If I had the opportunity to record the album all over again, I would have done that for sure. The sound is more intimate and think that the combination is quite rare in the UK and I think it’s a good thing to bring here.

“The shows will be different from the album but that’s what I love about live show, every time you can discover something different. I like the vibe it creates.”

Irit admits that she isn’t the sort of person to stand still.

“I have to keep myself busy, that’s just the way I am,” she said.

“I’m writing all the time, making a note of ideas and thoughts and short stories that I can develop in the end into a song. It’s something I’ve done since second grade. I even write down the dreams I have when I wake up.”

Irit, Band on the Wall, Manchester, Wednesday, February 21. The album Hello is released tomorrow