Progressive and melodic house artist Ward Andrews has followed a lifelong rhythm—from early mixtapes and piano sessions to his recent emergence as a compelling voice in dance music.
Photo credit: Ward Andrews – Facebook
With roots in 70s disco, 80s synthpop, and 90s house, and inspired by modern electronic soundscapes, Ward’s sonic palette is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. His music has been described as spiritual, cinematic, and emotionally uplifting—crafted for both deep listening and the dancefloor.
His latest single, ‘Future Memories’, is the first offering from his debut EP, ‘The Decoration of Time’, set to drop in May. This long-form, emotionally charged track exemplifies Ward’s unique ability to build moments that linger long after the beat fades. Whether hosting his new Insomniac Radio show Creation Park, playing festivals like M3F, or scoring life’s most introspective moments, Ward invites listeners into a world shaped by feeling, memory, and intention.
In this conversation, Ward opens up about the origins of his music, the philosophy behind his sound, and the unfolding journey ahead.
EG: Hi, Ward! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
Ward Andrews: Thanks so much, it’s a pleasure to chat. I just came off a great show at M3F Festival in Phoenix. My set followed LP Giobbi’s, and we share a similar vibe, so the crowd was incredible; so open, energetic, and deeply connected. I got some really personal and encouraging messages after the set. That kind of love reminds me why I do this. I’m back in my studio now, diving into Serum 2 for the first time. I love where art and technology meet. There’s so much potential to shape new sounds, energy, and emotion from that intersection.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of your latest single, ‘Future Memories’. We can imagine that excitement is still sky-high. How are you feeling about this one? What has the initial reception been like?
Ward Andrews: Thank you! The response has been amazing. It’s a bit of an experimental piece; long-form and cinematic. It’s built to be a layer in a DJ’s set, a bridge between different moods and energies. I’ve had it in my own rotation for a while now. One DJ who received it early messaged me and said, “Is it progressive? Is it trance? Is it melodic techno? I don’t know, but I love it.” That felt like the highest compliment. I’m not here to fit into neat genre boxes. I’m here to evoke emotion, build journeys, and provide the soundtrack to powerful human experiences.
EG: So, what’s this one all about? What can your fans expect to find on ‘Future Memories’? Is there an emotional trigger or concept behind this cut?
Ward Andrews: ‘Future Memories’ is about the feeling of living a moment so vividly, you already know it’ll stay with you forever. It’s that surreal mix of presence and nostalgia. The second half of the track incorporates sounds from Konami and Sega games I grew up with. These are subtle nods to the past wrapped in a forward-facing soundscape. I wanted it to feel like a cinematic score for your own life’s movie. I’ve heard from fans who say it’s become their go-to for deep focus, late-night drives, or just getting lost in thought. That’s my purpose: to create music that changes the space around you and shifts your emotional state in a positive way.
EG: And, as we know, this is not only your first release ever, but it also is the first single to stem from your incoming debut EP, ‘The Decoration Of Time’… It’s quite an interesting name. How did it come about? How much work has gone into this EP and what does it mean to you?
Ward Andrews: ‘Future Memories’ is actually my fifth release, but yes, it’s the first single from my debut EP, ‘The Decoration of Time’, which drops mid-May, right around EDC Las Vegas. That timing is intentional—EDC was the first major electronic music festival I ever attended, and it lit a spark in me.
The title ‘The Decoration of Time’ is both literal and philosophical. Time passes, but it’s how we choose to experience and mark it that gives it meaning. I believe our lives are meant to be joyful, and music is one of the most powerful ways to enhance our timeline. I want to create soundtracks for life’s moments, uplifting, cinematic, awe-inspiring tracks that become part of how we remember, feel, and move through the world.
“I’m here to evoke emotion, build journeys, and provide the soundtrack to powerful human experiences”
EG: This project actually started during the pandemic, right? What was it that drove you to follow this thread?
Ward Andrews: Yeah, it began during the pandemic. Like many people, I had time to slow down and reflect. We got a puppy named Indie, and I started teaching myself piano and music theory through YouTube. Music has always been there for me, always. Through high school, art school, long nights building a creative agency. It was my constant companion.
I realized there was music inside me. I felt and heard melodies, harmonies, basslines that didn’t exist out in the world yet. I had dreamed of making music since high school, but the tools back then felt out of reach. Now, with more life experience and better tools, it felt like the right moment to go all in. I’m lucky to have friends and family who supported me every step of the way. It’s been one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life.
EG: By the way, you also host Creation Park Radio, a new show on Insomniac Radio, which airs on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 PM PT… What’s the concept behind Creation Park? How do you tend to approach these mixes?
Ward Andrews: This show is a full-circle moment for me. In high school, I was making cassette mixtapes on dual Discman setups, spending every dollar on UK import singles from Stinkweeds, the local record shop. In college, I hosted a radio show on student cable trying to expose people to electronic music. So to now have a platform like Insomniac Radio, it’s a dream realized.
Creation Park is my imagined world where we’re all in a state of constant creation, free to build whatever we want. The thing is, that world already exists. Most people just haven’t realized it yet.
For the show, my goal is discovery. I play music I’ve never played before, test out unreleased IDs, and explore sonic ideas I might not include in a live set. I get promos and track submissions every week, and I love digging for gems. Meanwhile, the Creation Park Mix Series on SoundCloud features my performance-style sets—designed to take people on a journey.
EG: Getting to know the person behind the artist… are there any hobbies or passion projects other than the music driving you?
Ward Andrews: Absolutely. I’m a big NBA and Premier League fan. I love traveling with my family and exploring the beauty of Arizona, from the Sonoran Desert to the pine forests up north. I also teach a class on design and entrepreneurship at Arizona State University and run a user experience design firm I founded two decades ago. I’m lucky that my passions for design, music, and storytelling all support and enhance one another. When you get to blend your work with your deepest interests, it becomes more than a career, it becomes a calling.
EG: Now, on to the state of the scene… What do you see as the biggest challenge for the music industry in the next few years, and how do you think artists can adapt?
Ward Andrews: A few things come to mind. First, depth over breadth. I think artists benefit from mastering a few tools instead of trying to chase every new plugin or platform. When I listen to someone like Ben Böhmer or Hans Zimmer, I can often tell which synth or patch they’re using, and that’s a good thing. It becomes part of their identity.
Second, AI. It’s here, and it’s a tool, just like the Mac was for graphic designers back in the day. At first, it made design more accessible, but the true creatives used it to push boundaries. David Carson, The Designers Republic, Vaughn Oliver all made graphic design and emotive pieces of art and expression with the new software. And interestingly, most of that work was focused on telling the stories of bands and music. I think we’ll see the same with AI in music. Artists who know themselves, who bring emotional depth and personal storytelling, who have an artistic vision and curiosity, will always stand out.
Finally, artists and labels need to get clear on their story. Why do you create? What do you stand for? That’s what listeners connect with. It’s not just about the music, it’s about the world you’re inviting them into. Build that world with care.
“Music has always been there for me, always”
EG: Looking forward, what can we expect from Ward Andrews in the coming months? Are there any upcoming releases we should be looking out for? Where can your fans catch you next?
Ward Andrews: It’s still early for me—less than a year into releasing music and playing shows—but each track and each set keeps getting stronger. I’m growing fast and staying intentional. Every track I make is built to lift, heal, and move people. That’s my mission.
‘The Decoration of Time’ EP drops in May. After that, I have two singles coming out in June and July on the Vivifier Deep V label out of London. And there may be a surprise festival or club date popping up soon. Lots of momentum and I’m just getting started.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Ward! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!
Ward Andrews: Thank you! I really enjoyed your questions, they were thoughtful and fun. I hope your readers felt like they got to know me and the world I’m creating. Follow me and let’s connect around music, creativity, and the new code.
Ward Andrews’s ‘Future Memories’ is out now on. Listen here.
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