Today we’d like to introduce you to Guy Balbaert.
Hi Guy , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been a songwriter at heart for many years now, but I also release songs under my artist name READ. Hailing from a family steeped in the rich tradition of theatre writing and performance I was destined for a life immersed in the arts. Growing up in an environment vibrant with creativity I developed a profound appreciation for storytelling, which has become the heartbeat of my songwriting.
As an accomplished songwriter I’ve been lucky to have crafted captivating tracks for a myriad of global chart-topping artists, drawing on diverse influences that resonate with audiences around the world. While my journey began as a performing artist, it wasn’t long before I discovered my true passion lay in the creative alchemy of the studio. Collaborating with fellow musicians, I found joy in the intricacies of songwriting—penning lyrics and melodies that resonate deeply with listeners.
With a distinctive voice and a unique perspective I continue to develop this craft with the love it deserves.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being in the creative arts there is no such thing as a smooth road. Like so many I dreamt of touring, having fans and living (well) from performing and recording. The truth is it’s a lot of work and dedication and a true life path decision. I’ve always combined it with a ‘real’ job in the music industry. Maybe it’s indecision or the lack of trust in what I could achieve that pushed me more to my comfort zone of writing with others and loving the friendship that you develop with creative hearts. For most songwriting gets pretty personal and you get insight into what lives in other people. This hit home again a couple of weeks ago when I had to write lyrics for an artist that really wants to sing ‘popular’ songs. After talking for a length of time about where she wanted to go and what she wanted to share with people I wrote a lyric that I read to her on the phone and she started crying. I had no idea I had hit a nerve and tapped into it. It was a beautiful moment for both of us. That’s the best when that happens.
Lots of songs never make it and don’t get heard ever. That still stings, but that’s the nature of this business. I still believe my greatest hits are collecting dust in my drawer ;)
The thing is that songwriters are not in the best place to keep working independently. Streaming is destroying the business model of the past for creatives and you have to be more open to work differently with artists.
But there’s so much light out there as well. Things still happen. I’m releasing a new track as an artist (READ – Who You Were Before) that my fans are enthusiastic about, even though it’s a serious track about partner abuse. I’m proud of this new song. I hope it makes a difference and gets people talking about the topic more in a constructive way. That still gives me a buzz the night before the release of a new song. It’s letting the child go…
And then the big ‘happy’ thing that happened in January is having to co-writes on a Billboard US charting album (TOP 20) with artist Jessica Lynn. We’ve been working together for years. We clicked way before she was making any waves and I saw her constant struggles as an independent artist turn into an internationally touring career with a loving fanbase. Beautiful to see.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I serve the song and then the artist. That pretty much sums it up in a nutshell. When it comes to styles I’m agnostic. If it’s good it’s good. No such thing as music that I’m not willing to touch. I went from collabs with stoner bands to country to big band. Love them all. It’s all about conveying a feeling/story. One mission.
The fact that I do this in English/French and Dutch helps as well. Having traveled so much in my life and immersed myself in so many cultures through the years does help as well. I’ll put trust in the people in the room fast to get to the best results.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Likes: Travel/great conversations/animals (all of them)/meeting interesting people/live gigs and good soul food
Dislikes: Closed minds/cold weather and taxes ;)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soundcloud.com/guybalbaert/who-you-were-before
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/read_songwriter/
- Other: https://youtu.be/C7XS86HQTGw?si=S2L-EyXhAyKbVz3x
Image Credits
1. Guy Balbaert/READ
2. Single cover – READ – WHO YOU WERE BEFORE
3. Album cover – JESSICA LYNN – ALL I OWN