Changing key from engineering to music

“FOR a long time I chose the easy path: following a career in engineering, and doing music in my spare time,” said up-andcoming local musician Gavin Ferguson.

But then, four years ago, he realised he had to follow his true calling – make a career out of music or “starve trying”.

A former student at George Campbell School of Technology, Ferguson, 35, said it was during his school years that his passion flourished.

“I started writing poetry and songs, played guitar and sang in the school musical, and I was awarded full colours for drama,” he said.

Ferguson obtained his diploma in Electronic Engineering from Congella FET College. “Deep down I knew I was going to pursue music, but I never had the guts to do it,” he said.

Mischief

“Growing up, I spent a lot of my time on the beach, surfing, playing soccer and all-round clean mischief while jamming my guitar into the early hours. I loved growing up in this city of sunshine with good people and a relaxed atmosphere.

“Four years ago, I was on a project for my old job in Botswana and all I could think about was coming back so I could play at gigs instead of taking my job seriously,” he said.

“It was then that I realised I needed to change my career path and do what I was passionate about or starve trying. Since then I’ve hustled hard trying to find out how to be a successful musician.”

Ferguson made the bold decision to build his own recording studio. “Recordings sessions are expensive, so I Googled how to build a studio, found some awesome tutorials online and got some advice from friends.

“Finally, I successfully built my own studio.” There are limitations: “I can only do guitar and vocal takes, but for me that’s perfect. I’ve spent hours watching tutorials on how to produce to get me started on this journey and I’ve loved it.”

Ferguson’s songs have been played on local radio stations.

“Strangely, I’ve never heard my songs when they’ve been play-listed, but I’ve laughed at WhatsApp voice notes from friends yelling ‘Gavin, your song is on the radio, listen!’ The private messages I get and posts on my timeline and people telling me how my songs have affected them is priceless. It makes the mission and struggle of music worth it.”

Every musician has “memorable moments that keep them driven,” said Ferguson. “I could say that sharing the stage with some of the finest South African and international artists would be my highlight, but something else moved me more. I was once asked to play at a Grade 12 dance and performed one of my originals, Corridors. The entire hall got up to do their first dance without the teachers even telling them to do it. It’s a moment I treasure,” he said.

Ferguson’s latest single is Never Know, a mixture of soul, acoustic, future bass and dubstep. “I write straight from my heart or emotions, and try making sense of it all by putting together a song with a catchy melody and an interesting arrangement.”

The meaning behind his songs is more important than a catchy tune: “If the song is not relatable, I won’t release it.”

Multi-talented and keen on the camera, Ferguson said: “I’m also an actor. I really enjoy expressing myself and do have a love for the camera and the stage.”

What’s next for this rising star? “I love performing, so playing at festivals, local and international. And keep on releasing songs.”