Forward of his upcoming debut on American Idol subsequent month, we spoke with Los Angeles inventive artist, Ian Ward, about his new single, ‘One Shot’, and what to anticipate from him sooner or later.
You broke into the theater business at simply 8 years outdated—did you all the time know you needed to be a musician? What inspired you to begin auditioning for roles?
I’ve all the time been drawn to the humanities, whilst a child. Music and storytelling have been my first loves, and I knew early on that I needed to be a performer. My dad and mom observed my ardour and inspired me to audition for theater roles. At 8 years outdated, I landed my first gig, and from there, I used to be hooked. Theater turned my coaching floor, educating me self-discipline, creativity, and the ability of connecting with an viewers. It was the proper basis for my journey into music.
How did your experiences in musical theater affect your method to songwriting and performing?
Musical theater taught me the significance of storytelling. Each track in a present has a goal—it advances the plot or reveals one thing a few character. That mindset has stayed with me as a songwriter. I method my music with the identical narrative depth, making certain each lyric and melody serves a higher story. Acting on stage additionally gave me the arrogance to personal my voice and join with audiences on a deeper stage. It’s the place I realized to mix uncooked emotion with technical ability.
How do you steadiness private storytelling with creating one thing common for listeners?
I consider probably the most highly effective songs are deeply private but universally relatable. Once I write, I draw from my very own experiences—moments of affection, loss, hope, or concern—however I concentrate on the feelings that everybody can join with. For instance, “One Shot” is impressed by a selected second in my life, however its’ themes of taking dangers and chasing love resonate with anybody who’s ever confronted a crossroads. It’s about discovering the shared human expertise in my very own tales.
Are you able to speak about any challenges or breakthroughs you had whereas crafting the sound of “One Shot”?
“One Shot” was a labor of affection. I needed to seize the power of early 2010s pop-rock whereas infusing it with my very own trendy twist. The largest problem was balancing the upbeat, anthemic vibe with the emotional weight of the lyrics. We experimented with totally different instrumentation and manufacturing types till it felt excellent. The breakthrough got here once we landed on that infectious rhythm and vibrant melody—it completely complemented the track’s message of seizing the second.
The “One Shot” visuals showcase beautiful pictures of the “Metropolis of Angels”—so discuss us by means of your filming course of for this track.
Filming the “One Shot” music video was a dream come true. We needed to seize the essence of Los Angeles—its magnificence, resilience, and timeless attraction. We shot at iconic places just like the Hollywood Stroll of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, and Griffith Observatory. Every spot was chosen to mirror the track’s themes of affection, hope, and perseverance. The method was extremely collaborative, and director Simon Kienitz Kincade introduced such a singular imaginative and prescient to the mission. It was magical to see the town come alive by means of the lens of the digital camera.
Was there a selected location or scene within the video that felt probably the most significant to you?
The scene at Griffith Observatory was particularly significant. The panoramic views of LA, the hazy skies, and the view of the Hollywood Signal completely encapsulated the track’s message of renewal and hope. It was a reminder of how far I’ve come and the way a lot magnificence there’s in chasing your goals. That location felt like a love letter to the town and to the journey I’ve been on as an artist.
When you might give recommendation to younger artists chasing their goals, what would it not be?
Don’t be afraid to take dangers and belief your instincts. The trail of an artist is never linear, and there might be challenges alongside the best way, however these moments are the place development occurs. Encompass your self with individuals who consider in you and push you to be higher. And most significantly, keep true to your self—your distinctive voice and perspective are what make you stand out.
What comes subsequent for you after “One Shot?” What do you hope to realize subsequent in your musical profession?
“One Shot EP” is just the start. I’m excited to launch extra music, which explores themes of self-discovery, love, and connection. I’m additionally thrilled to be a part of American Idol Season 23—it’s an unbelievable platform to share my music with a wider viewers. Lengthy-term, I hope to proceed evolving as an artist, collaborating with different creatives, and connecting with listeners by means of my songs. My aim is to create music that evokes and uplifts folks. Additionally, my enterprise with Mutual Avenue Leisure is extremely thrilling for me as a inventive entrepreneur. We’re engaged on quite a lot of tasks that may allow and uplift different artists as effectively.
You’ll find out extra about Ian Ward and his music on-line on his official web site, YouTube, Fb, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
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