Hartsell first came to public attention playing guitar and writing in the late 90s group The Horror of Life…, which fused Gothic Rock with Jazz and Metal. The Horror of Life… released two records, the latest being the 2000 release In the Beginning. Hartsell’s career in music has expanded in the years since, playing guitar as a hired gun on multiple albums and playing live as a member of bands ranging from blues, rock, metal, funk, and even country. Hartsell has played and recorded on multiple albums by an assortment of musicians, and as a full contributor to over 12 albums since 1994.

However, Van is most widely known as the guitarist and vocalist of the Rock/Psychedelic group Sundrown. Sundrown has released 4 albums and 1 E.P. since he formed the group in 2007.  Van toured and recorded under Sundrown with musicians from 2007 until 2010, gaining fans in the southeast portion of the United States.  A new E.P. is slated for release in 2012.