Ahead of his upcoming debut on American Idol next month, we spoke with Los Angeles creative artist, Ian Ward, about his new single, ‘One Shot’, and what to expect from him in the future.
You broke into the theater industry at just 8 years old—did you always know you wanted to be a musician? What encouraged you to start auditioning for roles?
I’ve always been drawn to the arts, even as a kid. Music and storytelling were my first loves, and I knew early on that I wanted to be a performer. My parents noticed my passion and encouraged me to audition for theater roles. At 8 years old, I landed my first gig, and from there, I was hooked. Theater became my training ground, teaching me discipline, creativity, and the power of connecting with an audience. It was the perfect foundation for my journey into music.
How did your experiences in musical theater influence your approach to songwriting and performing?
Musical theater taught me the importance of storytelling. Every song in a show has a purpose—it advances the plot or reveals something about a character. That mindset has stayed with me as a songwriter. I approach my music with the same narrative depth, ensuring every lyric and melody serves a greater story. Performing on stage also gave me the confidence to own my voice and connect with audiences on a deeper level. It’s where I learned to blend raw emotion with technical skill.
How do you balance personal storytelling with creating something universal for listeners?
I believe the most powerful songs are deeply personal yet universally relatable. When I write, I draw from my own experiences—moments of love, loss, hope, or fear—but I focus on the emotions that everyone can connect with. For example, “One Shot” is inspired by a specific moment in my life, but its’ themes of taking risks and chasing love resonate with anyone who’s ever faced a crossroads. It’s about finding the shared human experience in my own stories.
Can you talk about any challenges or breakthroughs you had while crafting the sound of “One Shot”?
“One Shot” was a labor of love. I wanted to capture the energy of early 2010s pop-rock while infusing it with my own modern twist. The biggest challenge was balancing the upbeat, anthemic vibe with the emotional weight of the lyrics. We experimented with different instrumentation and production styles until it felt just right. The breakthrough came when we landed on that infectious rhythm and vibrant melody—it perfectly complemented the song’s message of seizing the moment.
The “One Shot” visuals showcase stunning shots of the “City of Angels”—so talk us through your filming process for this song.
Filming the “One Shot” music video was a dream come true. We wanted to capture the essence of Los Angeles—its beauty, resilience, and timeless charm. We shot at iconic locations like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, and Griffith Observatory. Each spot was chosen to reflect the song’s themes of love, hope, and perseverance. The process was incredibly collaborative, and director Simon Kienitz Kincade brought such a unique vision to the project. It was magical to see the city come alive through the lens of the camera.
Was there a specific location or scene in the video that felt the most meaningful to you?
The scene at Griffith Observatory was especially meaningful. The panoramic views of LA, the hazy skies, and the view of the Hollywood Sign perfectly encapsulated the song’s message of renewal and hope. It was a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much beauty there is in chasing your dreams. That location felt like a love letter to the city and to the journey I’ve been on as an artist.
If you could give advice to young artists chasing their dreams, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to take risks and trust your instincts. The path of an artist is rarely linear, and there will be challenges along the way, but those moments are where growth happens. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and push you to be better. And most importantly, stay true to yourself—your unique voice and perspective are what make you stand out.
What comes next for you after “One Shot?” What do you hope to achieve next in your musical career?
“One Shot EP” is just the beginning. I’m excited to release more music, which explores themes of self-discovery, love, and connection. I’m also thrilled to be part of American Idol Season 23—it’s an incredible platform to share my music with a wider audience. Long-term, I hope to continue evolving as an artist, collaborating with other creatives, and connecting with listeners through my songs. My goal is to create music that inspires and uplifts people. Also, my venture with Mutual Street Entertainment is incredibly exciting for me as a creative entrepreneur. We are working on a variety of projects that will enable and uplift other artists as well.
You can find out more about Ian Ward and his music online on his official website, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
