Donny Anderson – „Lovin‘ You“ + exclusive Interview

1. Hello, thank you for your time, please introduce yourself in a few words!

Hey there, thank you so much!  My name is Donny Anderson.  I’m a singer-songwriter and a Canadian Idol finalist.  I’ve had the pleasure of singing on Rachel Platten’s US Gold album, ‘Wildfire’,  featuring on a dance song in Europe called ‘Empire’, touring the world with rock icon Alannah Myles and writing songs for many artists, television and movies as well as West Jet’s in-flight entertainment.  Some of those songs have since become successful as major releases.

2. Please give us an update about – new single, new album, new videos?

The new single „Lovin’ You“ has that classic pop vibe with a nostalgic flair.  When we wrote it, we really wanted to give it that summertime, feel-good energy – something that you can play loud in your car on a beautiful day, or at the beach.  It was written at a Songwriter’s Association of Canada camp and then went on to be chosen as their supported release for 2020.  At the camp I was paired with an amazing artist named Rykka and equally amazing producer named Arun Chaturvedi to write a song.  Arun came with a beat, and we really tried to capture that good energy, old school vibe with the lyrics and melody as we were writing it.  After the camp, I went back into the studio with Arun.  I invited my dear friend, and Canada’s certified soul diva, Divine Brown to come and sing on the track and add her magic touch.  After knowing her for quite some time (and singing with her many times) I knew our energies and tones were the perfect match, and it really levelled up the song.  The song went through many incarnations and resulted in the version that you hear today.

I’m currently working on a new album, and will be releasing some singles before the release of a full project – there’ll be another single release sometime this fall, and some cool things in between that I’ve been working on.  The new single that is out now (Lovin’ You) also has a lyric video that you can find on my official VEVO channel on YouTube, or my website:  www.donnyanderson.com.  

3. Name 5 things we all should know about you as an artist?

I’ve had the opportunity to live in Nashville and Los Angeles working on records for labels and many major writers, and have had the opportunity to travel the world with music and see so many cool places I’ve always wanted to visit.
I was the singing voice in a Dolly Parton / Brian McKnight Christmas movie!
I have a twin brother that I also write and play music with.  You may hear some music from us together in the future.
Songwriting sort of snuck up on me as a part of my ‘artistry’ and I was never planning on being a songwriter as well as an artist.  Other artists started to hear songs I was writing and decided to take them on and put them out into the world for their own projects.
I draw inspiration for songs from the challenges that life brings, and hearing other people’s stories. Sometimes, a magic lighting bolt can also hit you out of nowhere and inspiration strikes.  At that point, I become only a vessel as an artist/writer for the idea to move through!
4. What can we expect from you in 2020?

In 2020, I’m making plans and working towards my full length project as well as some traveling (as soon as we’re allowed) to do a bunch of writing for that, and also for other artists. There are many fun things coming up for me this year, as well as next that I’m not allowed to share details on yet, so please keep an eye out!

5. Do you have any bad habits? A guilty pleasure you can’t seem to quit?

I’m a sucker for those A&W beyond meat burgers.  I literally dream about them.  Oh, and 90’s pop bands.

6. Besides music, do you have any special talents?

I am an avid photographer, and also have a passion for all things design and branding.  I’m a pretty good painter.  I also have a talent for guessing people’s star signs just by hearing them talk or seeing their face and characteristics (I’d say I’m usually 90% right).  I also usually win at thumb wars.

7. Being on stage feels like….?

The ultimate meditation.  It’s the one place where you feel like you’re flying, and everything is sort of frozen in time – in one moment.  And you’re able to literally zen out for however long you’re on stage.  It feels like you’re up there for literally the blink of an eye.  Being on stage feels like the perfect place to find your balance and centre and feel completely grounded.  The energy that’s given and received from the audience and back to the stage is truly an indescribable feeling.

8. A question you’d like to answer, but never been asked in an interview before + your response.

What fact amazes you every time you think about it?

That the universe is infinite.