Will Hartford, a 23-year-old musician from Connecticut, is one of the rising stars in today’s music scene. As both a solo artist and the bassist for the band Dogpark, he’s been making waves, touring relentlessly, and balancing multiple aspects of his musical career. His journey has been anything but typical, transitioning from a college student uncertain about his future to a musician who is carving his own path in the world of music.
Will's musical journey is a testament to both versatility and dedication. He sings, plays guitar, and has a deep passion for writing music. Though his solo career allows him the freedom to express himself fully, he also brings a unique perspective to Dogpark, where he plays bass and contributes to songwriting. As a solo act, Will goes by "Harf," a nickname given to him by friends that he never thought would lead to much more than a hobby. But as his music began to gain traction, he realized that this “silly little hobby” could evolve into something significant. The name “Harf” might be temporary, but for now, it’s the name that represents his journey. Will’s path to music wasn't a straight line. Growing up, he was heavily involved in musical theater, a passion that started at a young age. While theater never seemed like a career path for him, he believes it plays a significant role in shaping his music. The theatricality of storytelling and performance influences much of his sound, creating music that resonates with listeners on a deeper emotional level. When Will entered college at Richmond University, he wasn’t entirely sure what direction he wanted to take. It wasn’t until his sophomore year that he made the decision to major in music. But it wasn’t until his senior year that a pivotal moment occurred. His band Dogpark experienced an unexpected viral moment on social media, an event that opened Will's eyes to the possibility of pursuing music full-time. “I never knew this could be a real thing for me until that moment. It made me realize that maybe I can do this as a career,” he said, reflecting on the social media breakthrough that changed his life.
Will’s music career truly began to gain momentum this past year, as he embarked on multiple tours. He went on an all-American tour with Dogpark, then followed it up with a tour alongside Thomas from Winyah. Now, as he prepares for his next tour opening for Marcus King Band, Will finds himself juggling the highs and lows of the music industry.
Despite the excitement that comes with touring and performing, Will is keenly aware of the challenge of balancing all aspects of his musical life. “It’s hard sometimes,” he admits. “But I’ve learned that once something is set in stone, nothing else can take its place. You have to prioritize.” He knows that you can’t do everything, no matter how much you want to. At times, Will takes a step back, reassessing his priorities and ensuring that he doesn't burn out. This self-awareness has allowed him to navigate the pressures of touring and recording with a steady hand.
Will credits his team for helping him through stressful times. He has surrounded himself with a group of people who understand his vision and are always there to offer advice when things get overwhelming. "It's about leaning on others and knowing when to ask for help," he says. With a solid team behind him, Will continues to thrive in an industry that often demands more than any single individual can handle alone. Much of Will's music is centered around relationships—both the highs and the lows. He pulls inspiration from his personal experiences and the experiences of those around him, blending real-life situations with fictitious ones to create relatable songs that speak to listeners on an emotional level. His music serves as a kind of personal journal, a way for him to process and share his thoughts and feelings. His favorite song of his own is “Green Tea,” which he believes perfectly captures his ideal style of music. "It's the kind of song I always wanted to create," he says. However, his favorite song tends to change over time, depending on where he is in his life. Currently, his favorite is "Bleed," a track that reflects his growth as an artist and his journey of self-discovery. In addition to the personal connections he creates through his music, Will also enjoys drawing inspiration from artists and albums that have a theatrical background. His upcoming releases include an acoustic album as well as a pop album with a grand, musical-theater-inspired feel. The idea of blending these two worlds—acoustic intimacy and theatrical grandeur—demonstrates Will’s desire to push boundaries while staying true to the core of his artistry. Will’s music has certainly evolved since his college days. He’s written over 150 songs, yet only five of them have been recorded and released. The rest? Well, they serve as a record of his growth as an artist. “Those early recordings were my time of figuring out what I liked and didn’t like about my music style,” he recalls. His journey to self-discovery wasn’t always linear, but it allowed him to refine his sound and grow more confident in his abilities. Despite his growth, Will believes that his music hasn’t changed drastically from his college years. Instead, it’s become a more refined and confident version of what he was doing before. “It’s the same sound, but with more growth and more confidence,” he explains.
Though Will has now settled into the touring lifestyle, he remains grounded. One of the highlights of his recent tour was performing in San Francisco, a city that left a lasting impression on him. However, his love for New York, especially Brooklyn, remains strong. “There’s something about the energy of the crowd in New York that makes it such an incredible experience,” he says.
As he embarks on his upcoming tour with Marcus King Band, Will is filled with a mixture of excitement and nerves. After years of performing, the nerves have lessened, but he still enjoys the ritual of unwinding before a show. “I just put my phone down, grab a drink, and take some time to relax before I perform,” he says, emphasizing the importance of staying calm in the face of pressure.
While Will enjoys the perks of working with a label, such as support with shows, merch, and production, he also appreciates the freedom that comes with being an independent solo artist. He loves that, with his solo act, he can focus purely on making music rather than getting caught up in the numbers game. "Sometimes, with a label, it becomes more about hitting certain goals—like a number of songs or followers—than about the music itself. I love the freedom of just focusing on the art,” he explains. Outside of music, Will is an avid basketball player and sports fan. He enjoys playing pickup games at the local Y and has a deep love for the sports world. His background in football and theater reflects his diverse interests, and he enjoys maintaining a healthy balance between his professional and personal lives. Though his music career is demanding, Will is careful not to let it overshadow the things that bring him joy and fulfillment outside of music. In the end, Will Hartford is an artist who is both grounded and ambitious. He’s not just focused on his present success but is constantly thinking about the future and how he can continue to grow and evolve as a musician. As he prepares for his next tour and the release of new music, one thing is clear: Will Hartford is just getting started, and the best is yet to come.
Written by Mckenzie Blasi
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