At just 17 years old, multi-instrumentalist John Ward is already making waves with his debut album Shapes—a bold fusion of progressive rock and jazz that dives deep into themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and the influence of social media on modern youth. With clear nods to legendary acts like Genesis, Pink Floyd, and jazz icons such as Coltrane and Mingus, Ward’s sound feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. His conceptual vision, paired with the emotional depth of the record, shows a level of maturity rarely seen at his age.
We caught up with John Ward for an exclusive interview to talk about the making of Shapes, his creative process, influences, and what’s coming next. From writing sheet music to self-producing the entire album, John’s artistic drive sets the stage for a promising future in progressive music.
🎤 Exclusive Interview with John Ward
Exposed Vocals: Congratulations on the release of Shapes! At just 17, this is a remarkable accomplishment. How long has this project been in the making?
John Ward: The project started around the summer of 2025, but I came up with the idea of the album a few months before that. It took me about two months to complete, and I was extremely passionate about making it.
Exposed Vocals: Prog rock and jazz fusion are complex genres—what drew you to this style of music, and who are your biggest influences?
John Ward: I really love the in-depth emotional intensity that both prog rock and jazz offer, and that’s why I chose to make an album in that style. My biggest influences are definitely Genesis, Pink Floyd, and jazz musicians such as John Coltrane and Charles Mingus.
Exposed Vocals: Can you walk us through the concept behind Shapes? Is there a story or theme that ties the album together?
John Ward: Shapes is a concept album about the exploitation of sexuality in modern youth. It explores themes of betrayal, heartache, and lust. I was definitely inspired by the influence of social media on young people such as myself.
Exposed Vocals: What was your creative process like—do you write everything solo, or was there collaboration involved?
John Ward: I write everything solo, and I typically write all my songs in sheet music before I record them. It’s definitely a lengthy process, but it helps to write an idea down right when it comes into my head. I record all my instruments myself, although I usually use electronic drums for the drum parts.
Exposed Vocals: Which track on the album means the most to you, and why?
John Ward: The song “You’ve Changed” definitely means the most to me. It’s a song about a dear friend who I thought I knew, but broke my heart. Now it seems like I don’t know her at all.
Exposed Vocals: What instruments and tools did you use in the production of this record? Any favorite gear or setups?
John Ward: For gear, I just use the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, Blue Yeti microphone, and FL Studio. I have an acoustic, electric, and bass guitar, and I have a keyboard that I record most of my synth sounds off of.
Exposed Vocals: What challenges did you face while creating this album, and how did you overcome them?
John Ward: I feel like this is something that all artists and musicians go through, but the biggest challenge for me was getting the finished product to sound like exactly what I had in mind. This is a challenge that sheet music helps partly overcome, because I can put it down before I forget it.
Exposed Vocals: Being so young in a genre often dominated by veteran musicians—how do you feel that shapes your identity and approach?
John Ward: Being so young obviously comes with many challenges, because it’s typically a very busy lifestyle. However, being young also sort of works to your advantage. People don’t expect as much from you, so when you do something innovative it’s quite rare.
Exposed Vocals: What’s the response been like so far from listeners and fellow musicians?
John Ward: So far, people say they’ve liked the concept behind the album. I’ve noticed that this album in particular seems to resonate with some people on a deep level, which I find very cool.
Exposed Vocals: Finally, what’s next for you? Are there live shows, more recordings, or other creative ventures on the horizon?
John Ward: Next in my career, I definitely want to play live shows. I thankfully have some connections, and I’m super excited to play live. I’m also working on a new album, which I’m very passionate about!
💭 Final Thought
John Ward may be young, but his ambition and artistry are anything but novice. Shapes is more than a debut—it’s a declaration of intent from a musician who’s unafraid to experiment, dive deep, and speak to the complexity of modern youth. With new material already in the works and live performances on the horizon, this is just the beginning for John Ward—and we’ll be watching closely.
