Spring is finally here! The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and the whole world seems to be bursting with new life as we start falling in love with nature all over again. What better way to welcome spring home than a photo shoot at Hawn State Park with a new friend.
...country music artist, Ian Ferguson, joined 573 Magazine for a photo shoot at Hawn.
Ian is quickly growing in the regional music scene and spreading roots in Nashville. With guitar in hand and a deep beautiful voice, Ian serenaded the forest, the birds, and our hearts. Local country music artist, Ian Ferguson, joined 573 Magazine for a photo shoot at Hawn—talented, kind and intriguing, it’s hard not to fall head over heels with this beautiful soul.
This 573Magazine.com Story is proudly sponsored in part by The City of Perryville!
My name is Ian Ferguson and I’m 21 years old. I was born and raised in Perryville, Missouri and graduated from Perryville High School. My parents are Donnie & Kelly Ferguson and I also have a little sister, Emma Ferguson.
Music has always been a big part of my life..
I got into music at a very young age. Music means the the world to me. It can change my mood from sad to happy, and can make a bad day into a better one just by listening to one song. Music has always been a big part of my life. Both sides of my family are pretty much the same when it comes to music. But how I got into playing guitar is a great story.
My Dad always played the guitar and sang. Him and his buddies would get together and jam out all the time. I loved every bit of that, so I told myself I wanted to learn so I could be just like him. Well…fast forward, now I am just like them, but my father says I’ve way surpassed.
Music has changed me...and I wouldn’t change in any other way.
It’s been hard that’s for sure, but I’ve been playing every weekend since 2021. I've just been getting my name out there and keeping my head down and my nose clean and working hard. That hard work got me from my small town to do and see so much more. Music has changed me because country music is honest true music and it’s always very humbling to be able to write material people will enjoy, and I wouldn’t change it any other way. I’m very blessed and thankful for that and now all that dedication has paid off. I'm able to write songs that are truly amazing and I wouldn’t trade anything in the world to change what I do.
It’s a love song about running away and starting a new life...
I have a new song called Run Away. Coming out on all platforms April 19th!!! I’m super excited about this song. I wrote Run Away in just 10 minutes! It’s a love song about running away and starting a new life, but it’s not necessarily about just romantic love. You can be running away from your past, or just simply running away to see the world. Either way, it really hits home.
My inspiration for Run Away was me just thinking about moving away to start my music career somewhere else as I was daydreaming on the couch. Then one thing led to another and within minutes I wrote out the song. I’m super excited about this new hit about to be released and I can’t wait to get more music out to y’all!
...but it’s not necessarily about just romantic love.
I was very thankful to be able to Get Out There with 573 Magazine. Hawn State Park is a beautiful place full of endless adventures and beautiful scenery, and I would love to go there again soon.
Hawn State Park is located in western Ste. Genevieve County. The beauty and splendor of the park is breathtaking. The scenic views include a variety of trees, flowers, and a beautiful plethora of exposed rock that attracts geologists from around the world. A great place to take your family, you can also enjoy the playground, the picnic areas, the hiking trails and waterways, or even go camping. With nearly 5,000 acres of natural area, Hawn State Park includes multiple popular attractions including Pickle Creek, LaMotte Sandstone Barrens, and Botkins Pine Woods.
Thank you, Ian, for sharing your beautiful music on this beautiful day!
No matter what your passion may be, no matter where your heart might lead you, keep trying, keep working, keep hoping and dreaming.
GET OUT THERE!
words by aj. koehler
pics by t. smugala
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