Grant Ferguson interview with online magazine "The Mic" about his journey through life and music!

About Hexagon – The New EP

What inspired the title Hexagon for this EP, and how does it reflect the themes of the album?The hexagon is a shape that symbolizes symmetry, complexity, and completeness—qualities I associate with this moment in my life and musical journey. Turning 60, releasing my 7th album—it felt like a natural metaphor. The six tracks also mirror the six decades I’ve lived, with each song reflecting a facet of that journey.

You’ve described Hexagon as a “sonic journey through six decades.” How does each track represent a different part of your life or career?Absolutely. Each composition is both personal and symbolic:

• Hexagon: The opening track is a prog-rock powerhouse, capturing the balance and structure that discipline and craft have brought to my life. It’s bold and intricate—an overture to the album’s themes.

• Retrospective: A nod to my musical roots, particularly the synth and guitar-driven rock of my early years. It’s a look back at the passion and evolution that brought me here.

• Bright Horizon: This track is about looking ahead. It’s optimistic, full of movement—an anthem for the future, and the belief that creativity doesn’t end with age.

• Roads Not Taken: Probably the most introspective piece on the album. It reflects on decisions, opportunities missed or bypassed, and the perspective that only time brings.

• Song for Aleah: This one is deeply personal—a tribute that holds emotional weight. It’s about connection, love, and honoring someone very special to me.

• Postlude: The reflective coda. It’s not an ending, but a pause to acknowledge the journey so far. There’s a sense of closure—but also of openness to what’s next.

This is your 7th album and 3rd with Guitar One Records. How has your creative process evolved?

I’ve become more intuitive. Earlier in my career, I was probably more focused on proving something, technically, compositionally. Now it’s more about serving the music and letting it breathe. The partnership with Guitar One Records has also given me broader exposure and the creative freedom to go deeper and take more risks and express myself as an artist.

How did you approach blending rock, jazz, prog, and cinematic elements on this record? Were there new influences or experiments?I’m always exploring that intersection between emotional storytelling and sonic texture. For Hexagon, I leaned into cinematic layering and prog-inspired time shifts more than ever. I wanted each track to feel like a journey in itself—like a short film without words. Influences range from classic rock to modern ambient composers. I allowed more space for dynamic contrast, too—sometimes it’s not about more notes, but the right ones.

“Postlude” closes the album. What message or emotion did you want to leave listeners with? Contemplation. Gratitude. Possibility. I want listeners to feel they’ve traveled through something meaningful—but with the sense that the story is still unfolding.

Reflecting on 60 Years & a Musical Legacy

Releasing Hexagon on your 60th birthday feels symbolic. How does this album encapsulate where you are in life and music?It’s a milestone, no question. Hexagon is both a mirror and a map—looking back with clarity and forward with curiosity. It’s a celebration of how far I’ve come, but also a declaration that I’m not done yet!

Looking back, what’s been the most defining moment of your career?Probably committing to music later in life, after years of binary thinking and holding it on the periphery. That decision gave me a second act that turned into a defining one.

How has your relationship with the guitar changed over the decades?In the beginning, it was about chasing virtuosity. I’ve finally admitted to myself I’m not, and will never be, a “shredder”. So what? Now it’s about voice—finding my own and using it to connect. The guitar has become more of a partner than a proving ground.

What advice would you give your younger self as a musician?Trust your instincts. Don’t wait for permission or perfection. Give yourself permission to suck. Write what moves you. Start creating and keep going.

Do you see Hexagon as a culmination of your work—or a new beginning?Both. It gathers everything I’ve learned—but opens a door to the next phase. I’m still evolving.

Creative Process & Artistic Vision

How do you balance technical precision with emotional storytelling in your instrumental music?For me, technique is just a tool. Emotion is the compass. The goal is to move people—if a soaring melody or a subtle harmonic shift does that, then the technique has done its job. If people walk away humming a melody I’ve written, it’s a victory. 

Do you compose with a visual or narrative in mind?Often, yes. I’m a visual thinker. But sometimes a piece starts with a rhythmic idea, sometimes with a melody, other times as a chord progression or even or a scene in my head – and I build from there.

Were there unexpected challenges or breakthroughs during Hexagon?Definitely. Letting go of over-editing was big for me. I was working to the unavoidable deadline of my 60th birthday, so my producer and I allowed imperfections to stay if they carried the right feel. That was new.

How do you know when a piece is finished?As someone once said, art is never finished, it’s simply abandoned. Usually I have to make sure nothing major in the recording is bothering me. I’m ready to leave it when I can listen to it and feel that it says what it needs to—no more, no less.

Influences & Inspirations

Which guitarists or composers have had the most lasting impact on you?Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, Gary Moore—those guys shaped how I think about tone, phrasing, and expression. But I also draw from cinematic composers and jazz greats.

Were there non-musical inspirations that shaped Hexagon?Absolutely. Being born in Scotland, the deep-rooted Celtic culture, nature here in Montana, books, life events, people I’ve loved and lost. All of it informs what I play.

You’ve been compared to guitar legends—how do you stay original while honoring those influences?I don’t try to copy anyone (I can’t). I absorb what resonates and then ask: What do I have to say with my instrument?

Live Performances & Future Plans

Will you be touring Hexagon? Any dream venues or collaborations?Yes, I’m excited to bring Hexagon to the stage. I’ve been performing with my band, but one of the most exciting developments has been the launch of my Modern Rock Orchestra a few years ago — a hybrid rock band and orchestral ensemble that gives my instrumental compositions a whole new dimension. It’s widened my audience and allowed me to reimagine older material while showcasing new work like Hexagon in a big, cinematic live setting. The response has been amazing.

Do you see yourself exploring other genres or mediums in the future?Film scoring is something I’d love to do more of. My music already leans that way. Believe it or not, I’ve been asked to collaborate on some modern country music – some of the best guitar players are on country albums nowadays!

What’s next after Hexagon? Are you already writing?Always. I’ve got sketches for new singles and a few collaborative ideas in the works. The spark is still very much alive.

Personal & Philosophical

How has living in Red Lodge, Montana, influenced your music?It’s grounded me. The beauty, the solitude—it gives space for reflection. My music has gotten more open, more atmospheric since moving here.

What role does spirituality or philosophy play in your compositions?A deep one. Music is a form of connection—to self, to others, to something greater. I often think of it as prayer without words. Much of my music is about my own spiritual journey and a yearning for something eternal, true and good. 

If someone new to your music wanted a starting point, which Hexagon track would you recommend?Probably “Song for Aleah.” It’s heartfelt, melodic, cinematic—everything I strive for in a composition.

At 60, what keeps you excited about making music?The mystery. The fact that I can still surprise myself. The power of being able to create something entirely new. Music still feels like discovery.

Fun & Lighthearted

If you could jam with any musician, living or dead, who would it be?Jeff Beck. No hesitation. 

What’s your go-to guitar for composing vs. performing?For composing, it’s often a Strat or a Louden acoustic. I compose on keys a lot as well. For live, I tend to go with my Fender American made strats, and occasionally a Tele.

Any guilty pleasure music outside your usual style?So-called “bro country” it’s on the radio a lot in Montana. Mainly for the tight (albeit predictable) arrangements and guitar lead work!

How do you celebrate finishing an album?A quiet night with my family, a great meal, and a glass of something strong. Usually it’s a pretty underwhelming moment, I’m already thinking about the next thing!

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about Grant Ferguson?I didn’t start my professional composing and recording career until mid-life. It’s never too late.