Michele Traversa - journalist
A graduate of Political Science from the University of Bari, Michele Traversa writes for several newspapers like for example Nuovo Corriere Barisera, Il Roma, Libero, La Gazzetta dell'Economia, Viaggiando, La Rivista del Trekking, etc. He is often a television guest appearing in programmes for Telenorba, Telebari, Teleregione and Telesveva. From 2000 Michele hosts a music and travel programme on l’Altraradio, Radio Città Futura and Radio Popolare. He has participated to several national and international festivals, such as La notte della Taranta, Sanremo, Mtv Europe Music Award’s, the Venice Film Festival, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and the Caprices Festival of Crans Montana in Switzerland. He is the Managing Director of Lsdmagazine.com (Last Smart Day) specialised in cinema, music, travel. He has recently published a book entitled Per vie traverse. He is also a Director and Press Officer for Ploteus. In May 2010 he was awarded the "Premio Caravella 2010" for journalism.
The Accademia asks Michele Traversa a few questions:
You are an adventurer, photographer, and journalist. The book Per vie Traverse is your latest literary contribution. What does Human Diversity mean to you?
It is what gives life its beauty – it’s the most valuable asset on the planet.
How did your passion for journalism begin?
I seem to have always had the need to express myself; writing is my most congenial medium of communication. It’s a passion that continues to burn well after 15 years bringing many good moments.
What is your link with London?
I read Time Out on line and, naturally, www,accademiapulia.org
You are also a musician. Has there been a person(s) or event(s) that have influenced your artistic career?
More than a musician, I’m a sound mixer and use all technology available to me to produce tunes. Ever since I was a little boy, I was fascinated by club music. Years later, with the help of synthesisers, I am able to fulfil a dream.
What is behind your first album UZAI?
An awful lot of love for New York melodies filled with Soul, Rhythm and Blues.
Which is the most gratifying moment of your career/life?
Receiving a prize for best journalist from Adutei (Association of Italian Tourism Delegates) and when I handed out the Radio & Television prize to Elisa at the Sanremo Festival a little while ago.
And the most difficult – how did you overcome it?
As it often happens to many youngsters with good ideas that live in provincial towns, I became dispirited and nearly abandoned my dreams to conform to what everyone else was doing. Fortunately, I met Francesco Colella first, a sitar musician (who, sadly, is no longer with us), and then Eleonora Gagliano Candela, my girlfriend, who gave me the strength and courage to persevere with all my artistic and professional endeavours.
What is hope?
It’s a message that not everyone is able to manifest, especially at these frenetic and selfish times.
What advice do you have for any aspiring young Pugliesi working around the world?
Never give up and strongly believe in yourself, especially artists but also anyone who’s following a dream because is just a matter of time before they come true.
Which is your next dream?
Going around the world without time constraints …
As a well-travelled person you must have met people from different parts of the world. If you were to live in a different country, which city would choose as your home?
It would have to be six months in Montreal and six months in Thailand.
Which book will you pack for your next holiday
Igor Righetti’s latest book
Which film will you watch next?
Mr Nobody directed by Jaco van Dormael – the story of a man that wakes up after a log sleep. He thinks that only a few hours have passed but in actual fact 84 years have gone by. It’s February 2092 and he’s on holiday on Mars.
Where to study journalism in London - useful links
LSJ - The London School of Journalism
City University London
London School of Communication
