Exploring the House of Hartofalion: A London Fields Interview

Evolving from a branch project of TripDixon, Hartofalion has grown into an entity of its own. Flourishing in the emotional duality of intimacy and abrasion, he weaves raw feeling into soundscapes that refuse to settle in one place. Introspective yet expansive, the music and lyrics layer together like brushstrokes, painting ecosystems of emotion in sound.

We met after his London quiet show, in a city that feels symbiotic with his palette.

Fog-drenched skies, rain-soaked streets, and the industrial sprawl form a backdrop where Hartofalion’s nature aligns seamlessly.

Today, we explore his symbiotic relationship with Europe, his family bond with Surf Gang, their new live format of quiet shows, and the dual projects I’m My Best Friend and I’m My Worst Enemy. We touch on forgotten classics, Harto's distinct visual style, and the evolving journey that continues to shape the world of Hartofalion.

Harto - London Fields 2025

I want to firstly ask you about London, you seem to be here a lot. What’s your favourite thing about the city?

I feel like London accepts me more than a lot of other places, Europe does in general. A lot more people are receptive to my sound and taste I guess. I don’t know. I feel like my taste palette fits with the gloomy rain and weather.

What's your favourite UK show that you've done so far?

I had a really good time in Manchester when I was there last year. That was really fun. I really fuck with Scotland too, but Manchester and Brighton Beach are some of my favourite places here.

I've noticed you've done quite a few of these quiet shows recently. What's the appeal for you and the idea behind them?

The quiet shows are basically a multimedia approach to creating a show that's more receptive to people that don't necessarily want to go to shows that are hype and just want to chill. It's kind of a kickback situation, but still consuming a lot of different artistic approaches. It's a more emotional and intimate setting, especially with 914ny and Evilgiane, playing ambient sets, and having drawings on screen that are conducive mentally and physically, it all feels like it’s right there.

It's nice how yours and 914ny’s work seamlessly spills together. Can you talk about the relationship of your styles?

It fell together. It just works. Like two missing puzzle pieces, you know. Same with Evilgiane, we all just meld together very well. I think it's just because of our approach on how we like to create, we are all very purist and open to a lot of things but very stern with what we want to do.

Who is Worse for Better?

Worse for Better and Loser Table is all like a family, it’s just a part of this world I created. As TripDixon, I started making other things. Hartofalion was one of them, Loser Table, and then Worse for Better was another one. It was originally like a brand I wanted to make, but I felt like it deserved more. So, it's kind of just like my house.

Since the name change, what's your standout project?

I think definitely both, I’m My Best Friend and I’m My Worst Enemy for sure. Bloody Geekers is also one that stands out a lot. Especially after people have taken the time to sit with me as an artist. I think those are two sections of the name that are really out there.

Could you talk about your thoughts and concepts behind I’m My Best Friend and I’m My Worst Enemy?

I’m My Worst Enemy became because I just felt like that. I felt like I was just being my worst enemy. And I was like, I'm gonna make the opposite and do the duality. I'm gonna make I’m My Best Friend. That’s who we are, both of those things. It’s a balance and a mental battle which I just put into audio and visual form.

What about your cover arts? They have such a definitive style.

Almost all my covers I do by myself. I’m My Worst Enemy and I’m My Best Friend were created with help from a friend but other than that most of my stuff is done just by me. So it's usually just whatever visually piques me.

What's your favourite thing about being in Surf Gang?

I’m close to people that I love. I get inspiration from the closest proximities. All the people I’m around are so inspirational. We all just connect on our level. It feels like a family, we can all just talk about whatever we’re doing and kinda create whatever. We can be stupid, make the dumbest stuff and then it comes out to be some of the most beautiful things we make.

Which producers are you rocking with right now outside of Surf Gang?

All of Loser Table, like Chainheld and Pentagrvm. I live with Chainheld, that’s my guy. I grew up with him and he was at the start of it all. I’m also fucking with 3o and Mimics Gate. There's so many good producers though honestly, Cranes and all the Study Group kids too.

What are your favourite TripDixon songs, like your old stuff?

Damn, I hate my old TripDixon shit. You’re gonna have to make me think. I guess...Skull Head or the Smokingdope beat with the Naruto sample. It’s hard to pick favourites though, I’m very picky and it all has its own place.

It's clear from your lyrics and style you have a strong influence from Japanese culture. Could you talk about that?

I think just the anime, reading manga, and playing video games when I was young kept me in tune. As I got older I got really into the skate thing over there. It was a big factor as to why I like a lot of Japanese stuff. It introduced me to so much graphically that it's put me down this hole where I just explore more, like from Undercover, Bountyhunter, Bape and everything else.

Do you have a favourite G-Shock?

Yeah, my favourite G-Shock actually looks like yours (black and pink baby-g). It's got the same colours, but a different face. I also have this translucent pink one which has a little bit of orange on it, but I like all the ones that got the animals on when you click the button.

Is there anything else you want to make people aware of, what’s coming up?

The world's gonna explode and we're all gonna die, fuck it...