Folk Fridays featuring Melissa Bel & Jon Wigg

Melissa Bel is a Canadian artist and songwriter based in West Sussex.

She possesses a voice that transcends musical eras and genres - timeless and soulful yet distinctly fresh. Inspired by artists such as The Beatles, Eva Cassidy and John Mayer, her songs have become known for their heartfelt lyrics, enchanting melodies and indelible hooks. A seasoned international performer, she has opened for artists such as Kylie Minogue at Hampton Court Palace Festival, Maverick Sabre, Joey Landreth and Chris Difford of Squeeze. She co-wrote Avril Lavigne’s single “Tell Me It’s Over” and continues to collaborate with acclaimed songwriters worldwide.

Her latest EP ‘Alone Time’ was produced by Kaity Rae (The Shires, Liv Dawson) and received support from BBC Music Introducing in Sussex & Surrey, Atwood Magazine and Earmilk among others. Tracks from the EP were added to editorial playlists on Apple Music and Amazon Music, as well as being featured on Caffe Nero’s in-store playlists across the UK.

Melissa moved to the UK in 2016, less than four months after meeting her now-husband on a fateful night in Las Vegas (the details of which can be heard in her song “Real Tonight”). They recently welcomed their first child and Melissa is now navigating life as a working mom in music.

Jon Wigg

All round creative bloke. Unique musician playing fiddle, mandolin, low whistle, harmonica, guitar, banjo, penny whistle, and most recently... baritone saxophone!