Raw, Loud, and Unapologetically Honest: This Is donny
By From Galway to Global Playlists: donny. Is Just Getting Started
Since his debut in 2022, Galway-based artist donny. has carved a distinctive niche within the Irish music scene, fusing genres like indie rock, post-punk, and hip-hop with raw, emotionally charged lyricism. With a striking visual sensibility and a string of high-impact releases—including his collaborative EP what comes after Saturday. and his latest single “dreemr.” featuring Filmore! —donny. is quickly becoming a name to watch. We caught up with him fresh off the release of “dreemr.” to talk creative process, musical identity, and the message behind the music.
**Let’s start with “dreemr.”—you’ve described it as an angry track born from frustration. Can you walk us through the moment or mindset that sparked its creation?
Yeah, I guess it’s been a phase recently looking back at bittermayne. And that whole single hot head. Theres just a lot of frustration around from myself and in the world. I guess this time its fuelled by lack of patience also. But ultimately the song is about personal struggles with my identity, and I guess a little fiction on how I imagine people view me.
You worked with Filmore! on this track. What did that collaboration bring out in you creatively that you might not have accessed alone?
It was very interesting to see him work on this! The way he writes, and his process is very different from mine but very effective. Hopefully i can learn from that! To be honest letting him into donnys world was a no brainer i always thought he would fit right into a song with me. And it worked out like i imagined.
There’s a raw vulnerability in the lyrics, but you also leave space for interpretation. Do you usually prefer your listeners to take away their own meanings, or is storytelling central to your work?
It changes with each song and project! But yes, usually I like to keep it just vague enough for everyone draw their own conclusion or interpretation of what the song is about.
Visually and sonically, your work feels very cohesive. How involved are you in the visual side of your releases, like video concepts or cover art?
Yeah, I always have visual ideas. I think music and visuals come together but sometimes a song itself can paint u a picture. When I work with someone on visuals, I always have a lot of ideas and I’m very particular on how I want them to look. Hopefully it’s not too annoying for the guys but it must be done.
You’ve said this song helped you confront how others perceive you—and how you see yourself. How has your self-image evolved through your music?
Well yeah through music I feel like I have been able to find out more about myself and understand my thinking more! Its therapeutic no doubt and it helped me understand a lot of things. But so far it all just made me be myself and the live shows helped with my confidence for sure.
Your 2022 debut album i bleached my voice in psychedelics introduced a bold sound. Do you feel your style and voice have grown since then?
Oh yeah! Definitely. I mean my writing got a lot better and the chemistry with Tristus Boyd evolved greatly! He is a big part of making these songs since he produces a lot of them. But also, lately I’ve been a lot more involved with the production as i did produce some of this song and a few previous ones too.
The Galway music scene seems to have embraced you. Has this had an influence on your music, and what does it mean to you to now be selling out venues there?
Its great! I appreciate what Galway did for me and the things I’ve been able to achieve there but at the same time I feel like it’s time for me to perform elsewhere since it can get very repetitive! But Galway will always have special place in my heart!
You also front monotypes., your live band project. Does the energy differ between your solo recordings and performing with the band onstage?
Very different I mean I always viewed monotypes. as more of Tristus Boyds band! He was the heart of it all and his sound was all over it! It was very fun while it lasted, and the band could’ve gone far, I think! Sadly, Tristus moved to Texas, and we had to end it, but I think the band had a great impact on Galway also!
With upcoming UK shows and more music in the pipeline, how do you balance the drive to evolve with staying true to your original artistic vision?
I mean I usually just go with the flow on everything! My music is ever evolving since I make music every day. It can get hard sometimes to keep going and experiment, but I love it and being an artist is what I do best.
Finally, for someone just discovering your music through “dreemr.”, which track from your discography should they hear next—and why?
I think “wish to go on?” Is a very underrated song…so listen to that for sure.
Chatting with donny. feels a bit like listening to his music—you’re not always sure where it’s going, but it hits something real. He’s honest, open, and unafraid to sit with the messy parts of being human. With “dreemr.”, he’s not just sharing a song—he’s letting us into a moment, a feeling, a shift. And as he gears up for more releases and bigger stages, one thing’s clear: donny. isn’t just making music—he’s creating space for people to feel seen, even in the chaos. We’ll be watching—and listening—closely.