ABOUT THIS EPISODE
The first episode of Open Studio features an interview taped at Soul Selects studios in Hopewell, NJ., with Chris Harford.
Chris's roots in the Princeton arts community run deep, going back to the early 1980s when a vibrant mix of local culture, independent music, and community support helped shape a generation of artists. As a student at Princeton High School, he was already performing locally, and by the time he was in college, he was touring with his band Three Colors, playing across the Northeast and opening for acts like The English Beat and Bow Wow Wow. Those early years set the tone for a career defined not just by performance, but by a deep belief in music as a shared, community-driven experience.
Over the decades, Chris has become a central figure in the Princeton - New Hope music scene, performing in countless venues, from Small World Coffee and John & Peter’s to festivals and stages across the region. He’s collaborated with an extraordinary range of musicians, including members of the Henry Rollins Band and Ween, and has built a reputation as a “songwriter’s songwriter,” admired for his originality, independence, and ever-evolving sound. His work has been recognized in publications like Rolling Stone, Billboard, The New York Times, and People Magazine, reflecting a reach that extends far beyond the local scene.
In addition to his music, Harford is also a visual artist, with his paintings and mixed media work exhibited throughout the region. Whether through sound or image, his creative practice is rooted in experimentation, collaboration, and a constant drive to explore.
More than forty years into his career, Chris Harford remains a vital and evolving presence, an artist who has helped shape the cultural fabric of this community while continuing to push his work in new directions.
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