Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Claudia Balla

THE RELEASE

Emerging from the stunning landscapes of Switzerland, Claudia Balla is a singer-songwriter whose creative escipade has been anything but ordinary. From soft, barebone melodies to booming piano ballads, it wasn’t long before her vocals were impossible to ignore across the European music scene. Creativity underscored every chapter of Claudia’s life. She began her young life as a songwriter, thrust herself onto Hungarian radio live with a set of her own piano lines, and ultimately graced silver screens as a featured actress alongside Julian Sands in Dario Argento’s “The Phantom of the Opera.” Her path in time, however, took her to medical school. Her commitment to public health and psychiatry gained her a deep understanding of human fragility that enriches her artistry while she ensured that her commitment never wavered. Alice, Claudia’s 2022 release, invites you into Claudia’s Wonderland, a setting whose ambience blurs the lonely and somber with a weak and unusual hope and an authenticity achingly rare. In 88, her most recent collaboration with fellow Swiss songstress Laura Scaglia, Claudia addresses the hideous nature of cancel culture figuratively, inviting yet another gleaming light into her collective artistry. Claudia Balla is a medley of ambition, resilience, and an exceptional skill as a songwriter, offering the inspiration of her belief that no ambition is ever too late. 

In “White Bird,” Claudia Balla’s ethereal vocals take flight, suspended against a backdrop painted with delicate piano melodies and a rich, emotional resonance. It’s a song that embodies the theme of growth, a journey that strikes a particularly resonant chord as the backdrop of the young performer’s transition from an 11-year-old prodigy in Budapest to the notably skilled multi-instrumentalist who now flourishes in the heart of Switzerland. A testament to the beauty that resides in resilience and the grace that comes with welcoming change, “White Bird” is a song that will, without question, move you. From it’s heart-wrenching songwriting to its moving musicality, “White Bird” weaves a beautiful canvas that not only opens the ears of the world, but welcomes all who hear it. In our shared hope, transformation, and relentless chase of our dreams, “White Bird” is so much more than just a song; it’s a captivating new chapter in the story of Claudia Balla, one that will echo loudly in each and every heart it touches.

THE INTERVIEW

If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?

This is a great question. Actually, the answer is not that simple  - my Mount Rushmore would definitely feature a classical composer, Tchaikovsky for example, Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift and Bob Dylan. I grew up listening to classical music, from Bach to Stravinsky and Bartók, and I only got introduced to pop music as a teen. The first two albums of Avril Lavigne resonated deeply with my teenage angst and inspired me to develop my budding songwriting skills. I have been listening to Taylor Swift tracks sporadically since her debut but only discovered her body of work in 2018 and got hooked - her early records transported me back to my teenage years and I immediately felt “heard” and understood. As for Dylan, I have to admit that I started appreciating his art only over 30. I didn’t really “get it” when I was younger. I still don’t pretend to comprehend his songs but they are a lot closer to me now than before, and I’m constantly blown away by the masterful poetry of his lyrics. 

Were there any specific challenges or breakthrough moments during the production of your new single that had a significant impact on its final form?

The production of the track, and of the album (Winter Tale) itself on which it is featured, was the most challenging - to pick the right instruments and to find the right sound. We talked a lot about this with the producer, András Bolyki, before starting any recording. 

Can you share insights into the collaborative process behind the creation of your latest single, including any notable contributions from producers, co-writers, engineers or featured artists?

I’ve written the track myself, in my bedroom. András produced it. The track features 24 singers from the Hungarian National Radio Choir and harp virtuoso, Alexander Boldachev. 

Can you articulate the impact or impression you hope your new song leaves on listeners long after they've experienced it for the first time?

I hope people will feel some sentimental nostalgia, vulnerability, catharsis and inner peace. If that makes any sense. :)

Looking ahead, how does the release of this single pave the way for future projects, and are there any hints or clues about the direction your music might take in the coming months?

I already have new material coming up which I’m planning to release soon. I love experimenting with genres and I opted for a more “pop” sound for this project. 

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