Hailing from Lausanne, Switzerland, but with strong Italian roots, BALTHAZARD’s sound is shaped by diverse influences, ranging from funk and jazz to modern house and electronic music. He believes in creating music that, while uplifting, allows listeners to confront and release negativity. “My personality is always moving forward, lifting others with me,” he says. This blend of emotional complexity and infectious rhythms has become a signature trait in his work. His stage name, BALTHAZARD, is actually his middle name, a choice that symbolizes embracing his authentic self. “For most of my childhood, I was trying to hide it,” he admits.
BALTHAZARD recently released a new single, “Lose My Mind,” featuring R&B artist TORANN. The song weaves a dark narrative of temptation and emotional turmoil, wrapped in an upbeat, danceable melody. Looking ahead, BALTHAZARD hints at exciting new projects, including a unique live show and more collaborations with fellow artists.
In his exclusive interview with InMusic, the Swiss-Italian artist delves into his unique blend of 80s-inspired pop, disco, and soul, while sharing his journey from growing up in a musical household to crafting songs with depth and emotional resonance.
How would you define your music?
My music aims to be uplifting while allowing the listener to express some of the negative emotions we all deal with. I am fascinated by songs that can help you feel better without being too « happy » or « upbeat ».
Your music blends Soul, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Funk with modern Disco and House influences. How do these genres shape your sound, and how do you ensure they complement each other?
Luckily, I grew up in a family closely connected to music. Soul, Jazz and funk music were always played at home, so it inevitably shaped my musical ear and taste. Later on, I discovered hip hop and electronic music, and I was able to bring some of my early influences with me along the way!
Your music is known for spreading positive energy. What inspires you to maintain such a positive outlook in your creative process?
Funny enough, my creative process usually starts with expressing something uncomfortable or unpleasant. Still, I think my personality is to be always moving forward, lifting others with me, which probably somehow translates to some of my music.
Why did you choose BALTHAZARD as your stage name, and what does this name mean to you?
BALTHAZARD is my middle name! My parents simply added it kind of last minute. For most of my childhood, I was trying to hide it, so when it was time to find a stage name, I thought it would be cool to bring it up to the surface. It became a reminder to express myself in the most authentic way possible.
Can you tell us about your new single “Lose My Mind”?
Sure, it’s a song that helped me understand what direction I wanted my music to take and that has a particular emotion that I think is interesting to experience. It’s a very driven song, and I think it’s in part thanks to the guitar solo; I love guitar solos.
What is the meaning behind this song?
If you listen closely, you’ll notice that the story being told is that of a man hesitating to cheat on his loved one and finally giving in to the temptation, losing his mind in the process. It’s a pretty dark story in the shape of an upbeat dance song, and that’s precisely what the original intention was.
For this song, you teamed up with R&B artist TORANN. What was it like working with him?
TORANN is an amazing vocalist. We met a couple of years ago, and we’re both into some of the same music; it was amazing to craft this song with him; his voice and creative mind played a huge role in making this song, and that’s why I love collaborations like this.
What is a message you would like to give through your music and why?
Mh, that is a tricky question but I ask it to myself quite often. Sometimes, it changes, but hopefully, what I can convey through my music is a feeling of reassurance that you’re never completely alone and that it’s ok to go through dark times; you just need to hang in there until the day arises!
Write here something you want to let people know.
We’re up next! And by that, I mean all the music my friends and I are working on. It takes many shapes and forms, including a unique live show and loads of songs coming out, always with BIG energy. You will hopefully experience some of it soon 🙂 In the meantime, take care always.
Listen to BALTHAZARD’s new single “Lose My Mind” on our Spotify playlist:
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