Meet Harrison Dolan | Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Harrison Dolan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Harrison, what do you want your legacy to be?
If you had asked me this question a couple of years ago, I probably would have said that I want to be remembered as one of the best singer-songwriter multi-instrumentalists in the world. I feel like people get caught up in trying to be the best at something.

I used to really struggle with having this state of mind, and I still do too. It would often lead to feelings of inadequacy when I was around drummers that were better than me or singers that had more experience or jazz musicians that can really play, etc. If I was new at something, I would have a tremendous drive to improve and imagine myself as a world famous guitarist – receiving all of the praises and accolades that come with developing a skill to that level. I have been playing the guitar since 2019, and the fun factor of being a guitarist has kept me disciplined and motivated way more frequently than my desire to be the best. I’ve improved enough to play out in public and I’ve surrounded myself with musicians that are only going to make me better at playing music, the activity that I most enjoy honestly. I’m no Eddie Van Halen and I probably never will be – but I’m happy with where I’m at and where I’m headed.

With all this being said, I want to live a fulfilling life: creating the music that I want to hear, surrounding myself with the people that I care about, and always striving to make myself a more well-rounded person. If there’s one thing I want people to remember about me, it is that I take my creative pursuits very seriously. I’m always trying to change the formula and do something different with my music. Even though getting out of my comfort zone seems like a never ending process, it hasn’t led me astray so far.

I have a lot of goals that I’m setting for myself. I won’t accomplish all of them, but the more I try the further I’ll go.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been playing music since I was a kid. I’m still on a journey and I hope to be playing original music for many years. It hasn’t been easy getting this far. I’ve had to fail so many times, and when you’re a musician – your failures are often in public. One of the biggest adjustments I made was becoming comfortable messing up onstage. You aren’t always going to be on the top of your game, and that’s something that I have become okay with. I sang in front of people many times before I even started to sound good. I had to push through all of those awkward performances to get where I want to be.

I think I am a complete original. It’s hard for me to think of other artists that sound like me, but I draw inspiration from people like David Bowie, Tyler the Creator, Bo Burnham, Marc Rebillet, John Mayer, and Joni Mitchell. People that always go against the grain by being themselves completely.

I want the world to know that I take myself and my art very seriously. Now I can laugh at my shortcomings and make a joke at my own expense, but I believe wholeheartedly that I have what it takes to become a professional in my field. I’m talking Grammy nominations and Tiny Desk Concerts. Now I’m not overlooking the dedication and discipline necessary to reach that level, but with consistency and constant improvement I think that I can get there.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a New Yorker I would have to take my friend to Madison Square Garden. I’m a huge sports fan and that has to be my favorite spot in NYC. Honestly I am more of an introvert, so I would be happy staying in and showing them some of my favorite movies. When we go out though I’m game to explore a new place and find an underground karaoke bar or hit up a jazz club or local show and hear some music.

We would get pizza at least two or three times throughout the week of course.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family is here by my side every step of the way. They always have been, and I wouldn’t even play music without them.

Website: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/harrisondolan/leaning-on-you-3 harrisondolan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrison._.dolan/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrison-reed-dolan-1a0208196/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hrd_xD

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicht2MnRhh5rFX8OviZ3fg

Image Credits
Artwork by Jilly Landsman Pictures by Joseph Tudino and Quadio