Alan: “dreemr.” feels like a really bold and raw track, in the mindset you were in at the time (you mentioned wanting to let off steam) was it easy to write the track?
donny: To be honest it’s pretty easy to write the songs! Usually i struggle with making my idea come to life the way i want it instrumentally. On this track everything came together fairly fast and easy surprisingly. Got some help from Tristus Boyd with everything especially with the guitars at the start.
Alan: Was there a particular moment that pushed you to write it?
donny: I had this song written a while ago so im not sure what actually happened that day. I do remember later on coming up with a guitar part and the lyrics just made perfect sense on it. I rarely use up some old lyrics so this was special.
Alan: What was it like working with Filmore on this one? You mentioned that you both do things differently, could you give us some insight into how your approaches differ?
donny: I think my approach is very odd. I like to record final vocals on simple idea and then go work around it all with something completely different. I work slow and seeing filmore was something different. He works fast and efficiently. It was very cool to see, hopefully i picked up a few things from him.
Alan: The track is just over 2 minutes long, was having a shorter track intentional? Did you want it to feel short, snappy and like getting something off your chest quickly?
donny: I think when it comes to a song thats more angry it fits better to have it short. You know straight to the point and in your face!
Alan: Since “i bleached my voice in psychedelics,” how do you feel your music has evolved?
donny: Oh its very different now! I think i have learned a lot since then. I get more involved with the production some songs are only produced by me. I think my writing has gotten much better aswell.
Alan: You’ve built such a unique blend of genres in your music. Has your style changed recently with what you’ve been listening to?
donny: Definitely but weirdly i listen to less music now. I used to listen to music all the time but i feel like a kinda burned myself out with it. Now i listen to my demos or ideas and it allows me to add much more depth to the songs.
Alan: Are there any dream collaborations you’d love to make happen?
donny: Oh id love to work on something with Jean Dawson. I feel like he inspired me a lot, so it would be interesting to see how he works.
Alan: I saw you were on stage with Khakikid at Forbidden Fruit, how did that come about, and what was that moment like?
donny: Khaki hit me up over a year ago. He really liked some of my songs off of my second album from alora. After that he invited me to make some music together a few times. The set was fun! The stage was massive so it was hard to hear things but it was a fun time
Alan: You’ve seen Khakikid rise rapidly in the last year. Does seeing someone close to you take off give you more drive to push your own work?
donny: Its cool to see and he deserves it! And It definitely pushes me to work harder and get out there more!
Alan: Your band, monotypes., has been playing sold-out gigs across Galway, how different is it performing with the band versus solo sets?
donny: To be honest the band i got together for my solo stuff is basically the same band except Tristus Boyd since he moved to Texas. It was hard to get in the rhythm after him leaving but i think we caught up now! And it sounds great.
Alan: Who’s one artist you think is criminally underrated that more people need to be listening to?
donny: There is this band From Galway called Van Gone! They are incredible and insanely underrated!
Alan: What’s in your headphones on a typical day right now, any albums or artists on repeat?
donny: Right now… Kevin Abstract just dropped a new album called Blush its great. I constantly have some King krule or mac demarco aswell. But overall there is too much to list up.
Alan: When you’re not making music, what’s been keeping you busy lately?
donny: To be honest most of my time goes to the music. I dont do much to be honest i either hang out with my girlfriend or play basketball in my free time.
Alan: You said you’ve got more music and visuals coming, what can fans expect over the next 6-12 months?
donny: Well dreemr is going to be part of an ep, so i have a lot more music to release and i got 2 music videos in the works and maybe even more. We will see how it goes, but there is a lot to be excited about!
“dreemr.” will be released on the 11th of July
Upcoming Live Dates 09.10.25- The Elephants Head, London
Words – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography
Photo credit – press photo