Artist description In Late December 1988, Mikael Lewis body was captured and possessed by Mormon loving aliens in order that they may spread their gold loving ways in more humid climes. Mikael, having been forced out of his earthly shell, traveled through the astral plain in search of true enlightenment. After five long earth years, (which of course is only 33 minutes in astral reckoning) having attenuated his soul with the cosmic rhythm of the astral beat, Mikael returned to earth (Northern Ireland to be precise) to discover that his former shell, and the aliens that were housed within, were being held for ransom by the devil herself. After a mighty struggle, Mikael freed the aliens, re-obtained his earthly self and began spreading his newfound enlightenment by way of the only true artistic alternative: Folk music.

Music Style Alternative Folk/Acoustic Rock/Roots/Country

Musical Influences Peter Mulvey, Ani Difranco, Chris Smithers, Bruce Cockburn, Dave Mathews, Sting, Bare Naked Ladies

Similar Artists Counting Crows, Eagles, Bruce Cockburn, Dave Mathews, Hootie and the Blowfish, Shawn Mullins

Artist History After an astral adventure which led from the Rocky Mountains, through the astral plain and eventually to the green fields of Ireland, Mikael Lewis took up the acoustic guitar and began developing a style which fits somewhere between Nick Drake, Neil Young and Nirvana. This style fuses Alternative Acoustic Rock, Contemporary Folk and Americana Roots with subtle hints of Jazz and Blues. Armed with intelligent lyrics, a silky voice and percussive guitar, Mikael took Ireland by storm performing solo and in support of such luminaries as multiplatinum popstar Brian Kennedy, Grammy winner John Hammond, Blues man Geoff Muldaur and English folk legend Nick Harper. Currently a resident of Phoenix, AZ, Mikael is in the process of recording a full length album, along with partner John Feula, for the new acoustic project Bucket of Witches. The upcoming album will be a soundtack to the book Songs of Freedom by Greek author Nikos Ligidakis. Both the album and book will be released in late 2003/early 2004. Check out www.mp3.com/bucket_of_witches for more details.

Group Members Mikael Lewis-Acoustic guitar, vocals, harmonica and percussion.

Instruments Acoustic guitar, vocals, harmonica and percussion.

Albums Songs from th Bigtop & Closer to the Dream both on Stonemonkey Records

Press Reviews NOW back in his native Arizona after delighting audiences across the Province during many years as a resident here, much respected singer-songwriter Mikael Lewis' latest release, Closer to the Dream, deals with hope, shattered Expectations and resilience. A four-track EP that also displays Lewis' more than ample abilities as a storyteller, the title track, a gentle rock song much in the same vein as Matchbox 20 and Counting Crows, is brought alive by his vivid lyrics about the young girl leaving home to have a shot at becoming 'Queen of the Silver Screen'. This Sinking Ship provides a funkier, chilled Brand New Heavies groove while the breezy, melancholy tune to Destination Anywhere is pulled apart by the rawer subject matter of a woman coming to terms with a life of disappointment and dejection. The final track, Take Me Back, is a more upbeat tune invoking memories of the innocence of childhood. This is fine rock and roll with elements of country and funk that will have fans hoping it won't be too long before he returns to these shores. (Appeared in The Newsletter-Belfast, Ireland) "Mikael fits somewhere between Neil Young, Nick Drake and Nirvana, if such a wonderful place exists" (Review from The Big List entertainment guide-Belfast, Ireland)

Additional Info Check out Mikaels new acoustic project, Bucket of Witches, at www.mp3.com/bucket_of_witches

Location Phoenix, AZ - USA

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