Micha Sportelli

Micha Sportelli is part of the extraordinarily lively music scene in the bi-lingual city of Biel/Bienne at the foot of the Jura. Whilst he wouldn't want to miss the idyllic environs, he does not let it cloud his judgement either. Having travelled widely, usually with a guitar under his arm and a jukebox full of his own songs on his mind, he is well aware that not everywhere is as beautiful as the area he grew up in. Many of his songs tackle the injustices of modern society, either in Switzerland or around the world. Sometimes, he also sings about love – love won and love lost. Whatever the subject matter may be, his songs are always imbued with an exceptional generosity of spirit and deep melodic warmth.

Born in 1986 to a Swiss mother and an Italian father, Micha inherited both an Italian sense of melody and a Swiss liking for French chansons. Aged ten, he picked up his first guitar, three years later he performed in public for the first time at his sister's wedding. At eighteen, already writing his own songs, he formed a Rockabilly band. He thoroughly enjoyed the wild gigs, but the experience taught him mostly that he preferred the freedom of a singer/song writer, dependent only on a guitar and a song.

Citing influences such as Ray La Montagne, Ben Harper, Black Keys, Eels or José González, Micha Sportelli sings mostly in English and occasionally in Italian. He is a busker out of passion, not necessity. Being a born story-teller and communicator, he regards the street and its audience as the perfect place to hone a song. The need to grab peoples' attention and hold it is a challenge he accepts with a broad smile and a catchy chorus. At the same time, having supported two of the most popular Swiss bands, Young Gods and Züri West, on tour, he is no stranger to the very different challenges of a large stage and a large and possibly rowdy crowd. For four years, Micha has also been organising a very popular monthly "open mic" night in the village of Nidau.

Micha Sportelli performes as a Walking Act from 20 to 27 July.

For more information visit http://michasportelli.bandcamp.com.