Taylor James Donskey is a lover and writer of songs. He is known for his work in the Minneapolis/St.Paul music scene as a side-man bassist, music instructor, host and soloist. He works to foster growth & connection through music. His songs tell stories of the everyday folks; stories set in the comfortable American styles of folk, alt-country, rock and indie.
Absorbing the sounds of the many bands he’s played in The Lowland Lakers, Lena Elizabeth, The Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League, Barbaro, Donskey has carved a unique spot for himself in the Twin Cities music scene that includes elements of pop, bluegrass, 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 has followed me wherever I go, and it is the instrument from which many of my songs have grown.”
His next step is the sophomore album “JoyRide” which literally hits the gas as an exciting ride through the classic rock idioms.
When not busy performing his own music or touring, he teaches ukulele, piano, electric bass, upright bass, guitar, songwriting, music theory and voice.
“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”
Taylor is also the songwriter and creative force behind the group Darling Lily Gave.
taylor.james.donskey@gmail.com
