A DIY spark plug of happy havoc.
On YouTube, the official audio video for LA via Boston artist Will Paquin's 2020 standalone single Chandelier sits at 12 million streams and counting. But in the few short years (and intermittent releases) since it erupted, Paquin has retained his cool, tinkering away behind the scenes, waiting for just the right moment to get noisy.
"I started playing guitar when I was around eight. I remember finding it very intriguing/tantalising/infuriating at the time. I chose to make it my entire life from that year on."
Will Paquin
In 2025 the artist takes a technicolour leap to stage-ready mayhem, unleashing Hahaha, a defiantly self-released and instantly ear-catching barrel of garage rock energy. It's unfiltered, its riotousness pitched perfectly to jolt bodies into motion upon the first clang of the guitar.
Will Paquin's debut proper is a celebration, full of unbridled experimentation, nervy charm and lots of laughter through growth. "I'm glad I didn't stop" says Paquin of chasing his dream of releasing an album. One full spin of Hahaha places us firmly in agreement. Mission accomplished.
For fans of: Elliott Smith, DD Dumbo, Vampire Weekend, Elvis Costello
We're excited to announce Will Paquin as part of Rough Trade On The Rise, our dedicated curation putting a spotlight on the emerging music we are the most excited for you to hear, to follow and become a fan of. Read on to discover more about the artists in his own words and don't miss excellent debut album Hahaha.
Will Paquin on Will Paquin
A self-penned bio
Five by Five
5 Qs, 5 As
Describe Will Paquin in 5 words
Tall, guitar, slouching, nervous, handsome.
5 records you listened to prior to making your album?
Repeater - Fugazi
The New Sound - Geordie Greep
3D Country - Geese
Music For Spies - Snooper
The Magic - Deerhoof
Top 5 career moments since forming?
My 5th grade talent show performance of Miserlou by Dick Dale (it’s on YouTube but you gotta dig for it).
My 7th grade GarageBand album (that I will release when I turn 60, it’s the greatest album of all time).
Playing my first show under my own name in college at my apartment with all my friends
Touring Europe this spring.
Recording Roll The Dice with my friend Will Levin. I’ve never laughed harder.
5 tips or words of wisdom you'd offer an artist entering the industry in 2025?
Get off that Tik Tok.
Find music yourself. Spotify is great but discovering music in special ways is one of the great joys in life.
Read Infinite Jest (or don’t). Just read something, fiction preferably.
Between doing something alone or doing it with someone else, always do it with someone else.
Fail miserably in a public setting, in front of the people you care about most. It builds character and crushes ego. An open mic is a good start.
5 essential tour snacks?
Beer
Beer
Beer
Beer
Beer