Custom Songs by Erik: Testimonials

One of my best friends knew what I did not know about myself. My friend 'gifted' me with the opportunity to immortalize my recently deceased father, my relationship with him and our memories with a song. The result was not just a wonderful song -- the process was enjoyable and cathartic. The process allowed me to remember and share great times. The process allowed me to learn and create. The process allowed me a greater sense of peace; and I thought I was already at peace. One of my best experiences in the most challenging of times. You cannot fully appreciate the value until you have done it. Do it if you have the chance!

Eighty-three people attended Nick's 60th birthday party, where we played "Lookin' at the Grass from the Green Side" for the first time in public. The chorus is very catchy and soon everyone was singing and humming along. Eight months later, we can vouch for the fact that this gift just keeps on giving. It seems like magic; but somehow Erik captured Nick in a way that continues to makes us and everyone else who knows him and cares about him smile. Nick says it's the best gift anyone ever gave him!

Almost two years ago you helped my kids give me one of the most precious gifts I have ever received – a song from them to me. The song, “About my Dad”, captured my kid’s thoughts and personalities amazingly well. In the days following my party, I played it over and over again. To date, I have probably played it more than a thousand times. Over time it’s meaning to me has never diminished. I will always cherish it.

Last night you helped me give my wife a song ("She Does") that I hope will have a similar meaning to her. After dinner and the various presentations, I explained to everyone that you (with a little help from me) have been working on a song. Then I asked my wife if she would dance with me while the song was played. As we danced, I noticed my children were crying. They were crying because my wife was crying. It was a very special dance for me, made possible by a very special song.

Thank you for making it possible to give this special gift to the most important person in my life.

"It's hard to convey how I feel at the moment. The song as written, sung and produced, tells the story as beautifully as I had hoped for. And I knew it would. The final result speaks for itself and shows your craftsmanship at its finest. I hope you understand how this will help the healing and strengthen our family. That's what it's all about. So thanks for bringing this to life. This is another example of a well written, beautifully melodic, positive, emotional and sympathetically presented song. I know my feelings will deepen each time I hear it and rekindle wonderful memories of my mother. Thanks for bringing my thoughts and feelings to life."

"In our lives, our paths cross those of some very special individuals who touch our lives in ways we couldn't have foreseen and their imprint becomes part of our own character, if we're so lucky. Your artistry has captured the essence of our family and has given us something to cherish and hold onto for years to come. As my husband said, it remains a constant source of renewal and inspiration. You joke about being a color-blind house painter, but your paints achieve brilliance and permanence in your songwriting."

"Terrific feedback for you regarding the song. We played it in the early part of a wonderful party last night in a restaurant banquet room with 55 people or so. All were quiet as it was introduced and an E.F. Hutton silence as it played, and when it concluded there was a standing ovation and thunderous applause for Pat. The remainder of the night, there were favorable comments about the song and the beautiful and accurate sentiment, the professional sound, instrumentation and Chris’ voice. Erik: you did a marvelous job with capturing many facets of Pat's life and she was absolutely stunned to have such a beautiful creation made for her. Thank you again for doing such a 'fast' and fine job."

"We had the unveiling of the slide show on Tuesday, and it was a huge hit! Thanks so much for the song. I think I detected a few tears from the moms. All the kids and parents were really floored that their season was brought to life in words and music. This was truly a unique way to put a one-of-a-kind exclamation point on a special season. All my kids have memorized the words, and we all sing it together in the car!!!"

"Listening to Erik's song about our son Bishop was like having someone read my thoughts and put them to music. Some stories need to be told before they are lost...some emotions need to be expressed before they fade. Erik has the gift of helping people do just that."

My brother John is indeed the quintessential "man who has everything" so as his 50th birthday approached, I knew that the best way to have him "immortalized" was through music. I had previously contracted Erik Balkey to write a song for one of my closest friends for his 60th birthday and witnessed "a grown man crying" when he heard his song for the very first time. I knew that a custom song would be the perfect gift for my brother's 50th birthday.

The process was simple and effortless! After only a few phone calls with Erik and several e-mail exchanges, there it was: my brother's life captured in song. Erik has a true talent in this arena. He can harness the essence of someone or something and put it into words and music perfectly. For the first time in 50 years, my brother was speechless and was truly touched by this very special gift. Thanks Erik! I'll be coming back again and again!

"The party went great. Everyone really loved the songs and I don't think you could have helped us give a better present to my dad. In fact, I started crying when it played. You really did a great job composing and recording it. Thank you for making such a beautiful song for my dad."

"What better way to celebrate someone than having an original tune composed by a true American troubadour? Erik is one-of-a-kind and he writes one-of-a-kind songs -customized just the way you want. I got in touch with Erik and asked him if he could write a song to pay tribute to a friend who was moving away. No problem, he said. He did his research on the person to be commemorated and within a short amount of time...a memorable gift, for sure!"

"Erik is a great poet and songwriter. The songs he creates come straight from the heart and soul. You think it, and he will put it to song. I am a member of the First Responders on 9/11 and Erik was able to capture the emotions we were experiencing in an everlasting tribute to our fallen heroes. Erik's song and words of inspiration help ease our pain in such a trying time. He is the true American Poet."