video

“Back To Me” - Live at BigTurn 2024 (unrelease)

“Wait Out the Afternoon” - Unreleased track live at Uncommon Grounds Chicago

“Another Season” filmed at the Woodshop Sessions

Lyric video for the new single “Today”

Not Much More to Say - Live at Aster Cafe 2024

“By the Cut in the Tree - Live From the Pony Rug

Guitars, Bass, Vocals, Producer, Mixing: taylor james donskey

Vocals: Marin Wilts, Julia Hobart

Piano, B3, Guitar, Zither, Pedal Steel: Dave Mehling

Lead Guitar: Andrew Wozniak

Drums: Alexander Young

Engineered & Mixed by Jason McGlone

Mastered by Rob Schlette at Anthem Mastering

Album Artwork: Chris Wozniak

Cover Design: Taylor Donskey & Dave Mehling

social & contact

Insta: @taylorjamesdonskey

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/taylorjamesdonskey/ 

Twitter: @t_james_d

Website: taylorjamesdonskey.com

Email: Taylor.James.Donskey@gmail.com

For radio and media requests, contact Ellen Stanley at ellen@efspublicity.com.

Personal Note

I began this whole thing more than a decade ago as a side man, bass player and vocalist out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I lugged gear and talent all over the Midwest, cutting my teeth, singing real high and holding down the low end. I’ve had the great pleasure of working hard for such acts as The Lowland Lakers, Barbaro as well as many others. I’ve worked a long time both on the road and in the studio. These places best classrooms and now I’m venturing onward.

“JoyRide” was a record born out of being stuck inside. I consider myself an introvert with too much energy, so I have to go places to get it out, lest I explode. The songs on this record represent friends and foes alike. They’re all trying to get somewhere or be something and I hope that these songs recognize that even with their flaws they’ll get there someday. I had so much fun putting this record together, even if it did take all of 2 years.

in short

Taylor James Donskey plays classic American styles music, sharing everyday tales from everyday people. From subdued and gentle to the energetic and frenetic, he traverses the worlds of folk, alt-country, classic rock, and indie rock with every step he takes.

in long

Although he was originally known for his work as a sideman (bass, vocals, trumpet, trombone, percussion), Donskey has made his mark as a lauded singer, songwriter and champion of the Minnesota music scene, founding the Twin Cities Songwriter Rounds – a weekly performance series in Minneapolis and St. Paul that brings together emerging and established songwriters.

Absorbing the sounds of the many bands he’s played in (Barbaro, Lena Elizabeth, The Gentlemans Anti-Temperance League, Goatroper), Donskey has carved a unique spot for himself in the Twin Cities music scene that includes elements of bluegrass, rock, folk and jazz.

Raised in La Crosse, Wisconsin and influenced by his time in the Driftless Region, he picked up the bass at 14 and began his life as a sideman. He played in pop punk bands and school jazz combos. He sang in choirs and played trumpet, trombone, percussion and most importantly, the bass. This led him to playing paid gigs in high school, sitting in with his uncle’s cover band. 

“I had to learn nearly two hours of rock cover songs,” Donskey says. Playing music by Bowie, Petty, Harrison and McCartney left its mark. “A lot of that music had incredible bass lines like I’d never really heard. It really inspired me.”

Recognizing his talent, his uncle gave him a Sigma acoustic guitar. “He bought it in the seventies, and I’ve continued to play it. A relentless old companion, it's followed me wherever I go, and it is the instrument from which many of my songs have grown.”

Taking that big leap into the spotlight, Taylor James Donskey emerged from his supporting role with Paper Over It, a sophisticated debut, showcasing his strong songwriting skills and prowess as an arranger and producer. Making a splash on folk and Americana radio, the album was called “a revealing look at what’s to come” (City Pages). Not long after playing a packed release show, the pandemic hit and Donskey focused on writing, coming out of the last couple years with over 250 songs. His new album Joy Ride is the first collection to emerge from this prolific period and shows a joy and abandon that comes when one finally has the chance to be back on the road and playing live music again.

When not busy performing his own music or touring with any number of bands, he teaches ukulele, piano, electric bass, upright bass, guitar, songwriting, music theory and voice. He also is a trained chocolatier and loves making sweet things for his friends.

“Teaching is my great joy,” he says. “I’ve watched my students grow into far more intelligent creatures than I. I am endlessly excited for what they do next”

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photos by Isabel Fajardo, Tea McLawhorn, Zoe Prinds-Flash