History

The History of McCafferty

McCafferty was an indie rock band from Medina, Ohio, known for their raw emotional lyrics, dynamic sound, and a turbulent journey filled with lineup changes, and creative reinvention. Fronted by Nick Hartkop, the band transitioned from acoustic beginnings to a broader emo-punk and indie rock style, leaving a lasting impact on their fans despite internal and external challenges.

Origins and Early Work (2011–2013)

McCafferty began in 2011 as Nick Hartkop’s solo project. Armed with an acoustic guitar and deeply personal lyrics, Hartkop released a series of EPs, including Moms+Dads and Japan. These early works were characterized by stripped-down production and dance-punk influences. By the end of 2012, drummer Evan Graham joined, solidifying the project’s foundation.

In 2013, McCafferty gained momentum with the release of three more EPs (It’s A Bad Idea, I Hate This Body, and Forest Life) and a collaborative live album featuring Chris Joecken, who later became a bassist for the band.

Transition and First Breakup (2014–2015)

As McCafferty evolved into a full band with Joecken on bass and Wes Easterly on percussion, they signed with Monkey Boy Records and released their debut album, Beachboy, in 2014. The album showcased a blend of emo and punk influences, earning the band a devoted following. Despite the success, technical issues and internal struggles led to the band’s first breakup in 2014.

The band briefly reunited to release the Happy Birthday Dad EP before officially disbanding in 2015. Hartkop moved on to work as a special education teacher, and the future of McCafferty seemed uncertain.

Reformation and Rising Success (2016–2018)

In 2016, McCafferty returned by popular demand, releasing the fan-funded EP Thanks. Sorry. Sure. in 2017. The project marked a turning point, garnering chart success on Billboard’s Heatseekers and Independent Albums lists. This success led to a deal with Take This To Heart Records and later with Triple Crown Records.

Their second studio album, Yarn (2018), was widely acclaimed, blending emotional storytelling with refined musicianship. The band released additional material, including Clementine and a split EP with Heart Attack Man, but the rising tensions within the group culminated in a period of inactivity.

Restructuring (2019–2020)

McCafferty released their third album, The House with No Doorbell, in 2019. Hartkop continued the band as a solo project.

On February 10, 2020, Nick Hartkop sought treatment and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. This period marked a significant personal turning point for Hartkop as he navigated his mental health while continuing to create music.

Later Years and Farewell (2021–2024)

As a solo act, Hartkop continued releasing singles and re-recording older tracks. In 2022, McCafferty released their fourth studio album, Snoqualmie Welcomes You. The band’s final album, McCafferty Forever, arrived in 2023, followed by the farewell EP I’ve Been Thinking About Giving Up Lately in 2024. Their last concert in Seattle supported The Trevor Project, ending McCafferty’s story on a charitable note.

Discography

Studio Albums

  • Beachboy (2014)
  • Yarn (2018)
  • The House with No Doorbell (2019)
  • Snoqualmie Welcomes You (2022)
  • McCafferty Forever (2023)

EPs

  • Moms+Dads (2012)
  • Japan (2012)
  • DanceBeats to Hurt Girls (2012)
  • It’s A Bad Idea (2013)
  • I Hate This Body (2013)
  • Forest Life (2013)
  • Happy Birthday Dad (2014)
  • Thanks. Sorry. Sure. (2017)
  • Forest Life (Remastered) (2017)
  • Clementine (2018)
  • Two Demos Never Released in 2017 So Please Don’t Think I’m Coming Back, I Promise You I Won’t (2020)
  • I’ve Been Thinking About Giving Up Lately (2024)

Compilations

  • RIP McCafferty (2015)
  • The Sum of All Fears (2018)

Splits

  • This Will Mean Nothing (A Live Acoustic Split) (2013)
  • McCafferty / Heart Attack Man Split (2018)

Singles

  • “Skeleton Bones” (2013)
  • “Trees” (2013)
  • “Dead-Bird” (2013)
  • “The Lion’s Den” (2013)
  • “When the Lightning Hit” (2014)
  • “Oh My” (2015)
  • “Top Hat” (2015)
  • “Lumber Yard” (2016)
  • “McCafferty Vs. TFB” (2016)
  • “Butterfly” (2016)
  • “The Roots” (2016)
  • “Graveyard” (2019)
  • “Beachboy 2” (2021)
  • “If I Saw Him, I’d Still Kiss Him” (2021)
  • “Queerball” (2021)
  • “Witchcraft” (2021)
  • “Ugly Duckling” (2022)
  • “Cheetah Print Bag” (2022)
  • “Salish” (2022)
  • “Insincere Everclear” (2022)
  • “Liquid Courage” (2022)
  • “Snoqualmie” (2022)
  • “Isn’t It Beautiful?” (2022)
  • “Is Your Shirt Inside Out” (2023)
  • “Burning Vs. Drowning” (2023)
  • “Swingset” (2023)
  • “There’s Something in the Water Here” (2023)
  • “The Life of an Artist” (2023)
  • “Tell Me Lover, Do You Love Me” (2024)
  • “Leatherface” (2024)
  • “Goodbye Moon, Goodbye Stars” (2024)
  • “The Spider and the Root Canal” (2024)

2024 McCafferty Archive (for fun only)