Fergus Hogan: From the Gold Coast to the Sunset Strip — A Debut U.S. Performance at We Found New Music
Fergus Hogan: From the Gold Coast to the Sunset Strip — A Debut U.S. Performance at We Found New Music
Fergus Hogan: From the Gold Coast to the Sunset Strip — A Debut U.S. Performance at We Found New MusicOn a cool evening at Hotel Ziggy on the Sunset Strip, Australian singer-songwriter Fergus Hogan sat down with Highwire Daze just minutes before his first-ever live performance in the United States. Known for blending pop sensibilities with the surf-rock influences of his homeland, Fergus spoke candidly about his journey from Tweed Heads on the Gold Coast to Los Angeles, the inspiration behind his debut single Run It Back, and what fans can expect from his energetic yet heartfelt shows. With his debut release set to hit streaming platforms and more music on the horizon, this conversation captures a rising artist at the exciting start of his international career.
What brings you out to Los Angeles? You’re a long way from home.
Fergus Hogan: My name’s Fergus Hogan, I’m from the Gold Coast. I’m out in LA doing lots of writing sessions, co-writing with producers, and about to play the We Found New Music Showcase on Sunset Boulevard. We’ve been looking forward to it for months. It’s been a great experience being here — I’ve learned a lot.
What are your impressions of the Sunset Strip?
The Sunset Strip looks pretty nice. It actually reminds me a little bit of home — kind of like Surfers Paradise in Australia. There’s just so much going on.
Where are you based, and how would you describe your music?
I live in Tweed Heads, at the very bottom of the Gold Coast. To be honest, there isn’t much of a pop scene in Australia. If you want to be part of it, you have to go to Sydney or Melbourne, but even then, it’s quite small. Most Australian artists focus on rock, which is really cool. My music is influenced by that scene — surf rock and the Australian rock sound — but my main focus is pop music. That’s what I love.
Do you remember the first song you ever wrote?
Yeah, it was called Afternoon Daydream. I wrote it in Year 8, so I was probably 13 or 14. It was a pretty embarrassing love song about having a crush on a girl.
You’ve got a new song coming out. Tell us about it.
My new song is called Run It Back. It’s coming out next Wednesday, November 19th. It’s my debut release — my first song ever on streaming platforms — so I’m super excited. It’s about feeling trapped in a relationship, wanting to hold onto the good parts but also wanting to start fresh with that person. It’s based on personal experience.
Can you share another song you’ve written and the story behind it?
My next release after Run It Back will be a song called Homesick. It’s about when home feels more like a person than a place, and the distance you feel when you’re far away from them — whether mentally or physically.
For people who aren’t here tonight, what can they expect from a Fergus Hogan show?
A lot of fun. I love using live instruments — my dad plays saxophone, so he’s often part of the show. Tonight I’m performing solo since my band is back home in Australia, but usually it’s high energy with moments that are more vulnerable and laid back. I feel like I’ve got a song that anyone can relate to.
If you could open for any artist, past or present, who would it be?
I’d love to open for One Direction if they were still together. Elton John would be amazing too — my parents love him, and so do I. Robbie Williams would be another dream. More current? Definitely One Direction or Harry Styles.
Since you mentioned Elton John, here’s the Elton John question: if he invited you to record one song for a tribute album, which would you choose?
Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me. I love Elton’s version with George Michael — it’s one of my favorite songs. I’m a big George Michael fan too.
What’s next for you after tonight?
Lots of recording and songwriting. My debut release is next week, then my second release comes out in early January. I want to keep the momentum going with more singles, plus shows in Sydney, Melbourne, and other Australian cities. And I’d love to come back to LA to do it all again.
And the kangaroo question: have you ever petted or ran over a kangaroo?
I’ve never run over one, but I have petted a kangaroo. We actually have kangaroos in our backyard that come by pretty often — they’re friendly. We also have koalas, and even the Eastern Brown Snake, which is one of the deadliest snakes in the world. I’ve had a few encounters with them, but nothing too dangerous. You definitely have to watch out for them in Australia!
As Fergus Hogan takes his first steps onto the international stage, his blend of heartfelt storytelling and pop-driven energy signals the arrival of a fresh voice from Australia. With Run It Back marking his debut release and more singles already lined up, audiences both at home and abroad can expect a steady stream of music that balances vulnerability with infectious hooks. If his Hotel Ziggy performance is any indication, Fergus is poised to build momentum quickly — and this is only the beginning of his journey from the Gold Coast to the world.
(Interview by Ken Morton – Photos by Karyn Burleigh of Rock Edge Photography)
