Rising Music Star Balder Gernot Of PressedFresh Collective On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry
An Interview With Eden Gold
Believe in yourself, even when no one believes you. Everyone has something inside to give to others, even if they don’t think so. I once met a person who couldn’t walk and yet he taught me to fly.
As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Balder Gernot.
Balder Gernot began playing music at a young age like many others, starting with an old acoustic guitar. His desire to express his inner feelings led him to create his own songs. Spending countless hours, days, and months listening to rock legends like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple, he also kept an eye on new musical developments.
After a hiatus of 25 years to focus on work, Gernot’s long-dormant passion for music reignited. Establishing a modest home studio, he now dedicates time to composing music and writing lyrics. Additionally, Gernot has cultivated a network of fellow artists with whom he collaborates to produce and finalize albums.
Having reunited with old Italian friends, Gernot is currently collaborating on their debut album under the band name “Zona Rimozione.” This promises something exciting for listeners to anticipate!
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! We are delighted to do an interview with you! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I had the passion for music since I was a child. I remember, I worked an entire summer as a waiter in the Italian coast to buy my first acoustic guitar when I was 15 years old. I just wanted to emulate the rock gods I used to listen for hours when I was younger. In the beginning, I used to hear common music, the Italian hits that the radio used to reproduce. Then some old friends introduced me to a new world: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and others. Since then, I discovered a new world I wasn’t aware existed. Me and my younger brother used to have fun in our room writing crappy songs with our cheap guitars.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?
When I was 20 years old, I had to stop playing. I had to make a choice between university and music, I chose the first one. I studied Computer Science and since then, I have always focused on my work and on my family. Since I was sitting at my desk with my computer all the time one day, about 25 years later, I decided to download a music software out of curiosity and later I created a small recording studio in my house, with a USB keyboard and my old guitar. I started creating only instrumental albums, later, (thanks to social media) I met various talented singers online. They helped me create new songs and give new life to some old songs I wrote when I was younger. Music isn’t my job, it’s just my passion.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I had created many songs, but I was looking for a singer. I decided to place ads on the internet, and one day by chance, I met Fabrizio, who sent me my music track enriched with his incredible voice. Actually, to this day this remains my goal, that is, I am looking for young talents to provide the songs I create.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Music follows very strange rules, you never create something that cannot be improved. Since I started releasing albums on Spotify, it has been a continuous improvement. The secret is to be humble and learn from mistakes, to value negative criticism and always accept the challenge to try to do better and better.
A funny thing I can tell you is that one day, I thought that I would be able to sing my songs myself, they seemed beautiful to me, but as soon as I played them to my friends, they looked me in the eyes in silence. They said nothing, but I perfectly understood what they wanted to tell me.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
The person I will always thank is Franco, a true dreamer, a rare person. Today he is no longer here, but I remind him every day. One day he had made up his mind to play the guitar. I had explained the basics of the agreements to him and with the force of, will we managed to have fun even if we made little more than noise after heavy days of work.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Right now, I’m collaborating with old Italian friends. We are working on a new album in Italian. The group will be called “Zona Rimozione” (removal zone) and it is a musical experiment in which we are having fun.
I’m also working on a new album, I don’t know the style yet, but what I do know is that the lyrics will be totally based on the message of the preacher Casy, described by John Steinbeck in the great book The Grapes of Wrath.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music, film, and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
Diversity in the entertainment industry is vital because it ensures that the stories and experiences of all people are represented, not just a select few. When music, film, and television reflect the diverse world we live in, they become more authentic and relatable to a broader audience. This representation allows individuals from different backgrounds to see themselves on screen, fostering a sense of belonging and validation. By showcasing different cultures, identities, and perspectives, it broadens the understanding of audiences, encouraging empathy and reducing prejudice. When people are exposed to stories and characters different from themselves, they are more likely to appreciate the richness and complexity of the world around them. By promoting inclusivity, the entertainment industry can drive social change, encouraging a more equitable and just society where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. This ripple effect can lead to a culture that celebrates differences and fosters unity.
As a successful music star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated? How do you overcome obstacles in your career?
As long as I have something to express or create, I will try to bring it out. When this flow is no longer there, I think it is better to stop. I definitely don’t make music to follow trends or create something that doesn’t belong to me. I do it simply because I like it.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1 . Believe in yourself, even when no one believes you. Everyone has something inside to give to others, even if they don’t think so. I once met a person who couldn’t walk and yet he taught me to fly.
2 . Sacrifice always rewards. Today, many artists believe that artificial intelligence can make everything easier, but in reality, no one can know what you have in the bottom of your heart. Only you can find it. There is no use in this kind of runaways. They may appear betters, easier, but the truth is that we strive for human connection, something that AI will never be able to give us.
3 . Learn to always get up. Life has taught me that there are many dark moments, but it’s especially during these hard moments that you are able to find a way out, another light, one that you have inside of you.
4 . Never be alone. He always finds a friend with whom to share passions, doubts, sufferings. I had real friends and now they are still with me even if some of them are no longer with us.
5 . Never stop dreaming. You have to have a dream in life and always pursue it, this gives you the strength to create. Just think about my story: I thought the only thing I had left was to listen to my heroes and then, any years later — when I thought that my life would’ve been nothing else but work and family — I rediscovered the joy and the love for making music.
Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations?
The creative process is connected with my state of mind at the moment. I start playing the chords first with the guitar or piano, and then the creation of the song starts from here. After choosing the chord sequence, I try to insert the rhythm part bass and drums and then the other instruments. I add the words later, in reality, they are the ones I already had inside me from the beginning but that come out only when the music is already created.
Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart?
I think the main element that characterizes my music is spontaneity and genuineness. I don’t have any project in mind when I create my music, I just let out what I feel inside.
How do you connect with your audience?
As I previously said, I make music for fun, so I have never even thought about having an audience and to me, it is still astonishing to think that somewhere, someone listens to and appreciates my music. I just rely on their actions: their shares — especially people who add my songs in their playlist, it’s the best way to let other people know about my works.
With your busy schedule and demanding performances, how do you prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between your personal life and career in the music industry?
Music for me is a hobby, I work for an IT company, I have a wonderful family and the time I have left beyond work and family, I dedicate to music.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I don’t think I’m a person with so much influence. In any case, my suggestion is not to believe in artificial intelligence but to believe in art. I think it’s a good idea to create a network of artists who share their ideas to create the wind of change that this world needs.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them.
I would love to meet Ozzy Osbourne or Steve Vai!
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
My favourite way to share my work is through Spotify, this is the to use: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ONllzF9IKbHiF9SW1gkvg?si=8sQ9HHawSmW3EDHYGBlupQ
Also, my personal website is always updated with news:
Balder Gernot Music — https://www.baldergernot.com/
Otherwise, for info or any collaborations, you can write me an email: mailto:baldergernot@gmail.com.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold.
