Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I was raised in a musical family for sure. My dad is a musician and my mom a singer. There was always music playing in the house and no shortage of instruments to pick up and try to figure out. I think I have a pretty discerning ear and that all comes from my parents. Their musical taste and prowess certainly left an imprint on me. They set the bar high. My dad would play one little section of a song over and over during a car ride just to pick out a harmony part or figure out the meter. So, I consider myself pretty lucky to have had that kind of exposure and influence. Also, I have two older siblings who were in the school band, one of which is still a gigging bass player. I started playing the drums when I was maybe 5 or 6 years old and never looked back. Now I play anything I can get my hands on.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Logan Ferguson”?
A: I’m going to keep writing music at the highest level I can, keep honing my craft, gig and playout as much as I can, and push my music out to the world as often as I can. My message for someone about to discover me – Thanks for listening. I hope the music moves you.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: That’s a hard one. Devin Morrison is really inspiring to me. It seems like he’s creating music he truly loves. And he’s creating a lot of it. He has all these instrumental compilations he calls “Dream Lobby vol. 1, 2, etc.) They are hard to beat. Also, Pedro Martins – his newest album “Radio Misterio” is on a loop for me right now. I love the sound of that record, the playing and writing. He’s incredible. I get inspiration from great artists like Devin and Pedro. The inspiration comes from listening most of the time, but inspiration can come from any artform – film, poetry, synchronized swimming. I’m not picky.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Hoopin.”?
A: There’s no story or message really other than I found a groove that felt good and ran with it. That’s what I’m best at. Starting with something simple and then molding it and shaping it into something approaching not-too-bad.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: I wouldn’t. And I’d rather not. But, I’ve always liked the Yiddish term “schmaltzy”. I heard someone use it to describe a Claus Ogerman arrangement. Look it up.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Hoopin”?
A: Nothing too hot and heavy. However, I did spend an inordinate amount of time trying to get the cuica drum in tune. It’s the funky sound that sounds a lot like a guy yelling.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I’m not sure what my message is. Every song is different. I’ll leave the message up to the listener. My goals are: finish the song, then write another one, repeat. Goals are good. I think I have expectations for myself in terms of artistry more so than goals. Those would be like: “do something harmonically interesting or different here or there.” Or “make the drums sound as good or better than this or that.” Or “don’t do that you witless hack.”
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: If I picked like Miles Davis or someone like that who’s on the Mount Rushmore of music, it wouldn’t really be collaboration. It would be a lesson. So, I’ll say Ruban Nielson of Uknown Mortal Orchestra. I love his music. He’s got some really out-there chord progressions and melodies.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Meet other musicians. Go to shows. Play with other people. Listen to all the music you can stand.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Go for it, dude.
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