Singer-songwriter Jennie DeVoe says authentic blues sentiment is present on new album “Strange Sunshine.”

During a mid-winter trip to England to record vocal tracks with producer John Parish, DeVoe hit a streak of hard luck: relentless rain, lost luggage and being locked out of her flat.

“I’m sure the universe had some reason for it to happen,” DeVoe says with a laugh. “I went with it. I didn’t really complain.”

DeVoe made previous, less-dramatic trips to work on “Strange Sunshine,” which arrived in stores in July. She also made 2004’s “Fireworks & Karate Supplies” overseas with Parish — known for his work with PJ Harvey and Tracy Chapman.

Arguably the most popular independent musician in Central Indiana, DeVoe says her pop-rock sound has found a “quirky blues” groove. “Strange Sunshine” features the most soulful, spare and emotive performances of her career.

And the album should be easy for fans to find, thanks to a national distribution deal DeVoe recently signed with Sony RED.

Heard frequently during the past decade as a speaking or singing voice in ad campaigns, DeVoe says she’s happy her music career has grown at a steady pace.

“I relish and love having my little life with my dogs and my husband, Rob,” she said.

After graduating from Ball State University in 1992, DeVoe sang in blues cover band No Regrets. She cites “I’d Rather Go Blind,” a tune originally recorded by Etta James, as a favorite from that era.

Blues-rock queen Bonnie Raitt was a guiding influence, DeVoe adds, because of an organic approach to recording:

“She’s how I found out what my genre would be. I could sing to her stuff.”

“No Damn Man,” “I Break Down” and “Nobody Loves You” are song titles of “Strange Sunshine” that carry strong connotations of the blues.

Then there’s “Butterfly,” an anguished pep talk in which DeVoe sings about not having time for crying.

“It’s a great contradiction,” she said. “I think ultimately that’s what the great blues songs try to do — they are trying hard not to be down. They’re trying hard to talk themselves into a better place.”