Concert of Andrea Bignasca – Presented by “Swiss Sounds in Milan”

The music programme showcases some of the finest contemporary Swiss artists on the stage of the House of Switzerland. More than just a concert, it is a celebration of Switzerland’s rich diversity and multilingual heritage, featuring talents from all four linguistic and cultural regions of the country.

Andrea Bignasca was born and raised in southern Switzerland, growing up in a bilingual Italian- and German-speaking environment. He began performing as a solo artist in 2013. Following his debut album Gone in 2015, Bignasca played over 200 concerts across Switzerland, including appearances at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Gurtenfestival, and Zermatt Unplugged, and opened for renowned artists such as Larry Carlton, Everlast, Morcheeba, Gregory Porter, Phil Campbell, and Welshly Arms.

He subsequently released three more albums: “Murder”, “Keep Me From Drowning”, and “Stranger”. The latter is both a musical and personal journey - a story of creation in every sense. On one hand, it explores the creative process of writing and composing songs; on the other, it reflects the creation of life itself, as Bignasca embraces fatherhood. The album captures the fears, doubts, and joys inherent in both paths.

Stranger delves into the challenges of raising a daughter while pursuing a career in music, exploring insecurities about one’s abilities and the uncertainties of making a living through songwriting. At its core, the album is a meditation on love - the love that sustains us in our craft, for ourselves, for our partners, and for our children. It highlights the way we all begin as “strangers”: to each other, to the circumstances we face, and even to ourselves. This love is sometimes difficult to express in words, which is reflected in intentionally wordless choruses - pure, primal melodies that can be shared by children and adults alike.

Musically, “Stranger” moves beyond a purely naturalistic band sound, offering a more refined and elaborate sonic palette. The album nods to the 1980s with its drum sounds and synthesizers, while maintaining a contemporary feel - balancing nostalgia and modernity in a way that enhances the storytelling.

Photo Credits: Jen Dos Santos