Based in The Netherlands, Polish creative Balwako has long championed a personal pop brand that relies on nuanced and meaningful lyricism, delivered through kaleidoscopic and bright productions. ‘Bitter Cup’ is the biggest evidence of that: the project’s latest effort, the single sees Balwako engage in synth-powered contemporary goodness, crowned by vocals that are frankly immensely evocative and stunningly precise.
The record follows a precise trend, a trend that sees the Polish talent getting better and better with every release. After all, with his experience and long-term commitment to music, there weren’t many other outcomes possible. Simply, he’s reached an enlightened stage of his artistry, allowing him to connect with an ever-widening audience.
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with Balwako to find out more about his music and future plans… Interview below!
[All Photo Credits: Punk Photography]
Hey Balwako, how is it going? some of our readers might not be familiar with your project, how would you describe yourself, in a few words?
Balwako is pop music, my first records were inspired by soul and jazz music but it was still pop. Now I’m more into electronic sound but it’s continuously pop music. I’m a huge fan of conceptual albums and projects – so this is what I’m trying to serve with Bitter Cup to my listeners. I’m truly thrilled so many people want to dive deep into the story behind this record and the sound I’m currently representing.
Your current work is the result of a long journey; What first drew you to making music?
My childhood – my family do not have any musical heritage at least not the one I know about. Since I was a little boy I used to sing and perform like it was my natural way of expressing myself, some kind of natural mother tongue.
If you had the opportunity to pick any artists in the world for a collaboration, who would be your first choice? (and second choice, perhaps?)
I love this question haha. Ok, I think the first pick is Pharell Williams. I just love how musically versatile and incredibly talented he is as a producer and singer. The second one it’s Kayah, the Polish singer and music entrepreneur, exactly for the same reasons why I would choose Pharell.
You recently released a rather successful and groovy banger, ‘Bitter Cup’. What does the song mean to you?
Putting out this record in its current version cost me a lot of work and helped me to re-discover myself, songwriting-wise. I love this sound it’s very fresh to me as an artist – the entire journey to make this song will always remind me that I’m unstoppable. Just watch me 🙂
Do you feel more confident writing music alone, or within a team?
I always have very clear ideas about my records, however, I do love working in a team.
Have your sonic references changed through the years? Is ‘Bitter Cup’ a faithful representation of your artistry?
Bitter Cup it’s evidence of one of the chapters in my life and what I know about songwriting at this moment. I truly love this process cause each of my previous songs brings memories from certain moments in my life – it is for me like an album with pictures.
You have been doing music for a long time, and I am sure you have witnessed the industry changing deeply in the past two decades. What advice would you give to young peeps trying to make it in the music?
Set goals, not expectations, and never be afraid of your vulnerability.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
As I mentioned I love conceptual projects, this is why Bitter Cup will be remixed in many different versions, created with a collective of incredibly talented and diverse producers. After my Bitter Cup era – my new single Magic Spell will be released and you are the first one I’m talking about it to. So stay tuned!
