Chris Balatgek

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Interview with Chris Balatgek

Published on 3/8/2006

By Artistopia

Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why? I would say about 13 years old. I always wanted to be a musician because of going out to see other local bands and I knew music was in my heart at that time. I just always felt music was a path I wanted to go down. Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business? I would have to say from elementry school and middle school I was in the school chorus and all I wanted in life was to do music, and I worked hard to get to the point in my life that I am at now. Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why? I would say the Beatles because they really expanded the horizon of music, and I really found them to be an inspiration to me. Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition? I really don't know much about the competition out there but I would have to say it's probably the way my music comes alive. I write songs pretty much from my own personal experiences and the music comes from deep within my heart. Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door? No I would not. If the music industry can't except me for who I am and the music I present then they arent worth it to me. Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals? I currently work with my manager under my independent label, so most everything that is done to promote my music goes through my manager first, however I am very involved in how my music is promoted. Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache? Knowlege is the key. There are certin ways to sell, promote, and distribute music. There is a process to everything, and the industry knowlege you have is what helps you make things work for you. Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists? Practice, and never give up. Honing your craft is everything. Without practice you can't develop your skills. Another thing is that you should never sell yourself short. Working hard and being determined always helps you secceed. Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why? I would have to say Huntington's Research. My girlfriend and soul mate in my life has suffered from Huntington's for several years and there is still no cure, so I would deffinatly say Huntington's research would be the most important to me. Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.



Article Credits and References

Chris Balatgek and Artistopia

Music Artists

News Article

Interview with Chris Balatgek