Gareth Donkin – Welcome Home

By starrymag | August 24, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my sound as nostalgic, but with a modern touch. It draws from classic songwriting and fuses soul, pop, yacht rock, hip hop. It is a nod to the greats, who are behind the timeless music that I grew up listening to. 

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) There are so many different names that spring to mind, although the key influences would have to be Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Prince and Jamiroquai. I love a lot of different kinds of music!

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Tell Me Something.”

 

A) I started making “Tell Me Something” in mid-August 2020 off the back of one of my worst creative ruts to date. I had this chord progression going around in my head late one evening, so I quickly drew the chords out in MIDI on my laptop, recorded a bass line and programmed some simple hip-hop drums behind the progression, bounced the demo and then sat on it for a little while. A month or so later I sent that demo to my friend and collaborator Dilip, who was inspired by the idea and wanted to work on it with me. After a short while he came back to me with a new version of the track, having completely reworked the drums and added various other musical ideas that were simply mind-blowing! It gave the song new life. Later down the lin, I fleshed out the vocal ideas/melody as much as I saw fit, and then asked my friend Daniel Dessoy to record some acoustic guitar; the cherry on the top. This song is very special to me and it feels surreal to be sharing it for the first time after three years of it sitting in the vault.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song “Tell Me Something” that fans connect to?

 

A) The song’s harmony and production was heavily inspired by late 70s/80s soul and R&B music and the wash of sounds in the song creates a sense of calm and peaceful energy which gives off a sense of nostalgia. I think it’s that old-school-feeling, and the simple yet catchy melody that my audience really connects with. 

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Since I began writing/creating music, I’ve always started with composing/producing the music first. I start by programming a drum groove or chord progression, then I will sing/hum a bunch of different melodies and typically roll with the first melody that comes to mind, as I really trust my instincts when it comes to crafting melodies. Then comes writing the lyrics; however, that part is still a work-in-progress for me. Lyric writing does NOT come to me as naturally.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I produce all of my music with the exception of “Tell Me Something,” which was co-produced by DILIP. I really love working closely with different musicians to achieve the sounds/musical ideas I hear in my head, but I always strongly encourage my musician friends to express themselves by doing their thing when in the studio (aka my bedroom).

 

Q) Your album Welcome Home is out soon. What are some themes you’ll be exploring on it?

 

A) Brace yourselves…There’s a whole lot of love songs on there. A whole lot of cheese. But that’s truly what I was most inspired by when writing this music – love, heartache and some fun songs that celebrate me and my friends having fun whilst making music. “Welcome Home” is an introduction to my world, and showcases the parts of music that I love the very most.

 

Q) What song(s) off the album can you tease holds a special significance for you and what makes it so close to your heart?

 

A) The last track on the album, “De La Soul,” definitely holds a special significance. I have such a fond memory of making it with my friends Daniel Dessoy and Max Thompson-Brooks at the end of our first year at university. It came together so organically having started it with just Daniel and then we thought the idea could use some saxophone…We bumped into Max when going to buy some snacks and he was down to hang out and work on it! We had the best time working on it together!

 

Q) What do you hope lingers with audiences who will explore the music on your upcoming album Welcome Home?

 

A) Everything about it, honestly! From the melodies and to all of the nuances in each song on the record. I hope for my audience and those who listen to the project pick up on the deep love and passion that went into it, and that they can resonate with my songwriting.

 

Q) Will you be heading out on tour to accompany this new music? 

 

A) As I’m a small artist, I have no plans to tour this record as of yet. We have some plans to put on some headline shows that are in the pipeline! But if my fans want it to happen… I might just consider it.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I haven’t really had many chances to perform my music! But Peckham Audio, in South London, will always have a special place in my heart. That’s where my first headline show took place back in 2021. It was unforgettable. My band and I had such a fun time.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Devin Morrison! So very badly!!

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Edmund Paquin. He’s an incredibly sensitive drummer, pianist and producer. I love Edmund’s music on Spotify and the recent reels/TikTok videos he’s uploaded. The guy’s got some serious chops!! Edmund’s gonna blow up sooner or later, so don’t sleep!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) The fact that it is so easy to connect with your fan base through social media gives artists with no excuse not to engage. I think it’s amazing, and I love how easy it is to connect with my audience.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you for your continued support, patience and listening to my music after all of these years. I am forever in your debt, and sincerely hope you enjoy Welcome Home. I promise the next album won’t take as long!!