{"id":89989,"date":"2025-02-19T12:27:42","date_gmt":"2025-02-19T11:27:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/?p=89989"},"modified":"2025-05-07T10:27:57","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T09:27:57","slug":"we-have-one-shot-with-los-angeles-artist-ian-ward","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2025\/02\/we-have-one-shot-with-los-angeles-artist-ian-ward\/","title":{"rendered":"We Have ‘One Shot’ With Los Angeles Artist, Ian Ward"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You broke into the theater industry at just 8 years old\u2014did you always know you wanted to be a musician? What encouraged you to start auditioning for roles?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How did your experiences in musical theater influence your approach to songwriting and performing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Musical theater taught me the importance of storytelling. Every song in a show has a purpose\u2014it 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\u2019s where I learned to blend raw emotion with technical skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you balance personal storytelling with creating something universal for listeners?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe the most powerful songs are deeply personal yet universally relatable. When I write, I draw from my own experiences\u2014moments of love, loss, hope, or fear\u2014but I focus on the emotions that everyone can connect with. For example, \u201cOne Shot\u201d is inspired by a specific moment in my life, but its\u2019 themes of taking risks and chasing love resonate with anyone who\u2019s ever faced a crossroads. It\u2019s about finding the shared human experience in my own stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you talk about any challenges or breakthroughs you had while crafting the sound of “One Shot”?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne Shot\u201d 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\u2014it perfectly complemented the song\u2019s message of seizing the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cOne Shot\u201d visuals showcase stunning shots of the \u201cCity of Angels\u201d\u2014so talk us through your filming process for this song.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Filming the \u201cOne Shot\u201d music video was a dream come true. We wanted to capture the essence of Los Angeles\u2014its 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was there a specific location or scene in the video that felt the most meaningful to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s message of renewal and hope. It was a reminder of how far I\u2019ve 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\u2019ve been on as an artist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you could give advice to young artists chasing their dreams, what would it be?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t 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\u2014your unique voice and perspective are what make you stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What comes next for you after \u201cOne Shot?\u201d What do you hope to achieve next in your musical career?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne Shot EP\u201d is just the beginning. I\u2019m excited to release more music, which explores themes of self-discovery, love, and connection. I\u2019m also thrilled to be part of American Idol <\/em>Season 23\u2014it\u2019s 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find out more about Ian Ward and his music online on his official website<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, and TikTok<\/a>. Watch the music video for \u2018One Shot\u2019 below.<\/p>\n\n\n

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