Press "Enter" to skip to content

The Rise of Will Lodico: A Music Spotlight 

Photo by Peter Dosedla 

If you search the name “Will Lodico” on Spotify or Apple Music, you’ll find more than just music—you’ll discover the resonance of a Rollins College student turning emotion into melody. Releasing his first full EP “Mixed Feelings” last year, Will Lodico (‘27) exposes a raw side of emotion. 

“A lot of my lyrics come from a very deep personal place, whether it be from personal experiences, the people I meet, the stories I hear, the way I hurt, and the way I love. Everyday moments, deep conversations, and even just observing the world around me spark ideas that I try to translate into my songs,” said Lodico.  

The inspiration and gravity of his emotions become clear within songs such as “Culprit” and “Far Away.” “This album focused more on the rap/confident side of myself while also mixing in some sadder music as well. I wanted to show everyone a blend of confidence and sorrow and how I connect to those emotions,” said Lodico.  

The project blends rap and emotional storytelling, with themes of resilience, confidence, searching for something greater, and overcoming personal struggles.  

“The most memorable part of creating ‘Mixed Feelings’ was definitely the fun I had making it along the way. I truly love what I do, and I want to use music as a bridge for helping people and making the world a better place. I wanted to create something personal to myself that resonates with people who have faced similar challenges and are looking for hope,” said Lodico.  

Lodico credits his upbringing in Queens, New York, followed by his time at Rollins for broadening his worldview. “Whether in my neighborhood, at school, or through personal experiences— [the environment] has definitely played a role in the way I write music,” he said. “I’ve always had a deep connection to music, and it became a natural way for me to express myself. I truly love what I do.” 

Unlike many artists who draw inspiration from specific musicians, Lodico focuses on originality. “I don’t take much inspiration from any particular artist,” he said. “I really enjoy making music from the heart, and it’s something I take a lot of pride in.” 

Even without direct inspiration to influence his passion and storytelling, Lodico has found ways to overcome writers block without abandoning his art. “The best ideas come when they aren’t forced,” said Lodico. “When I wrote ‘Don’t Disappear’ back in January 2024, I had major writer’s block. I wanted to combine two personal aspects of my life: losing a girl I loved dearly and losing one of my close friends to an untimely passing back in October 2023. The words didn’t come to me until I took a walk down Queens Boulevard a few days later and saw paramedics trying to save a man who was dying… That song came from all the pain and suffering I was going through at the time. The feeling of loving someone and feeling them slip away—knowing things will never go back to the way they were—is terrifying. ‘Don’t Disappear’ has now reached 22,000 streams on Apple Music, and I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who has listened. I hope the song impacts you the way it has impacted me.” 

Balancing music with college life has been one of his biggest struggles. “There’s always the challenge of finding time and energy to create while managing other responsibilities,” Lodico said. “I’ve learned to be intentional with my time and surround myself with people who support my goals and aspirations as not only an artist but as a person.” 

Lodico has performed multiple live shows on top of his writing, producing, and student life—a balancing act to be applauded—with audiences ranging from 250-300 people. “Seeing the audience connect with what I’m saying in my songs [is] an incredible feeling,” he said. One performance in Long Island, New York stood out in particular. “When I played ‘Don’t Disappear,’ the energy in the room completely shifted. I even saw a woman cry, and knowing my music had that kind of emotional impact was unbelievable.” 

Another unforgettable experience for Lodico came when he performed in Brooklyn, New York, at the Roulette Intermedium. “My first time performing in Brooklyn was electric. I was expecting about 60-70 people to show up, and we ended up essentially packing out the venue at 312 people. It was the most nervous I’d ever been for anything in my entire life. The best feeling in my life was running out on that stage and yelling ‘New York City, how we doing tonight?’ and the place erupting. I put my all into every performance, but I left a piece of myself on the stage that night. During my biggest song, ‘I Can’t,’ people were reciting most of the words, and it almost made me lose concentration. I almost wanted to cry. I put my heart and soul into my music, and to see people love the personal parts of myself that I’ve shared with the world makes me a different kind of emotional…That whole experience is something I’ll never forget,” he said. 

Although he doesn’t have any upcoming performances at the moment, Lodico is already planning something big across multiple states. His dedication to music and storytelling continues to drive him forward. “Personally,” said Lodico, “I just want to keep learning, evolving, and making the most of every experience. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to listen to my music. It means a lot to share something that comes from such a personal place and have it impact others. There’s a lot more coming soon, so stay tuned! 

Comments are closed.