Following on from our review of Ian Ward’s latest single and music video, ‘You Can Do Better‘, we spoke with him about the meaning and motivation behind the song. his experience with American Idol, and who his dream collabs would be.
You’ve said that “every little step counts”. What steps in your career helped you reach where you are today?
Definitely. Every small step has shaped me. My journey started in theatre – I’ve been performing professionally for over 20 years, and being on Broadway was one of those major milestones that deeply influenced how I tell stories. Theatre trained me to live in emotion, to listen, and to communicate with presence. That foundation led me to music, to co-founding Mutual Street Entertainment with Rohit Sardana, and eventually earning a “Golden Ticket” on American Idol. Every chapter built on the last, even when it didn’t make sense at the time.
What drew you to a 60s/70s-inspired sound for ‘You Can Do Better’?
Honestly, my dad had a huge influence on that. I grew up listening to his vinyl collection – singer-songwriters, rock legends, soul records – and watching the way he connected to that music left a mark on me. Some of my favorite memories are just us sitting together, playing those records and talking about the stories behind the songs. His passion for that era instilled in me a real awe and inspiration for the raw emotion and craftsmanship of that time. So when I started writing ‘You Can Do Better’, it felt natural to tap into that sound – it’s in my roots.
Was it challenging for you to write from a place of “feeling stuck?” How did you transform this feeling into a motivating track?
It was hard, yeah – but also cathartic. Theater taught me that when you’re uncomfortable, you’re probably hitting something real. Writing from that “stuck” place was like facing a version of myself I didn’t want to keep carrying. So instead of staying there, I wrote my way through it – and the song became a kind of personal breakthrough.
How do you want listeners to feel when they hear the track for the first time?
I want them to feel empowered and understood. Maybe even a little uncomfortable in the best way – like it’s holding a mirror up but also handing them a key. I hope it inspires action, self-reflection, and maybe a little fire to shift something in their life.
How did you go about infusing the ‘You Can Do Better’ music video with a sense of urgency and vibrancy?
Simon Kienetz Kincade, who directed both this video and the last one I did, has a brilliant eye for capturing emotion simply but powerfully. It was just me, him, and our actresses – no big crew, which allowed us to work really intuitively. The urgency came through in the pacing, the lighting, the movement. We wanted to create a visual that felt as emotionally charged as the song, without overcomplicating it.
What advice would you give to those trying to “do better” in their own life?
Start where you are, even if that means starting over. You don’t need a perfect plan, just an honest step. And remember that growth isn’t linear – it’s messy, reflective, and deeply human. Be patient, but be intentional. And surround yourself with people who challenge you to rise.
How has earning a “Golden Ticket” to Hollywood on American Idol changed your perspective on your artistry?
It was a beautiful reminder that my voice has value outside of theatre – that the stories I want to tell can live in different spaces and still resonate. It helped me embrace my versatility and gave me a broader perspective on what kind of artist I want to be. It felt like an invitation to keep evolving.
Do you have any dream collaborations you would like to explore in future projects?
Absolutely. I’d love to collaborate with Olivia Rodrigo – her emotional honesty and ability to capture generational feelings through songwriting is something I really connect with. Lady Gaga would be a dream not just because of her powerhouse vocals, but because of how fearless and theatrical she is – coming from a theatre background myself, I really admire that. And Ed Sheeran – his storytelling is unmatched. He writes from such a sincere place, and I think we could create something really special rooted in simplicity and truth. I’m drawn to artists who aren’t afraid to be bold and vulnerable at the same time.
You can find out more about Ian Ward and his music online on his official website, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Watch the music video for ‘You Can Do Better’ below.
