Donnie Canterbury is a one-man electronic band. Hailing from West Virginia, Donnie has a background in music production and a passion for experimenting with different sounds and textures.
His music takes in pulsating synthesizers and glitchy beats to create a blend of electronic, ambient, and experimental. We caught up with him to find out more.
First up, tell us bit about yourself - where are you from and what led you to write music?
I was born in United States. I'm from the southern part of the state of West Virginia. I grew up in the town of Lenore. It's rural area, with one restaurant, one primary school, and one petrol station.
My cousin let me hear Nine Inch Nails as a kid. I was informed that NIN is just one person who makes the music. So I started making beats on a little four-track recorder on my RadioShack keyboard.
Who did you take inspiration from?
Nirvana, Radiohead, Portishead, Nine Inch Nails, Daft Punk, Chemical Brothers
You're described as a one man electronic band. Which instruments can you play and which do you use to make your music?
I use two keyboards mainly. Mixed with regular guitar, sometimes a seven-string guitar too. I make loops and beats with Reason.
What freedoms do you have as a one man electronic band that helps you write your music?
I don’t have anyone telling me how to play. I don’t have to plan practice around other people. I don’t have to deal with others really. It’s for me. I feel free because I can let my brain wander without judgment.
Do you have any 'trusted ears' you turn to when you want an honest opinion on your music?
I do, but i usually don’t ask. Again it’s my thing, I do it do me. So if I like it, I let others hear it. If I don’t like, it gets deleted.
Tell us about your album Wild Child. What's it about, what the vibe?
It’s about watching a child grow mainly. One song is about heartache and not being enough for someone.
When did you write it and where did you record it?
Recorded in different bedrooms in South Carolina, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
Don’t be scared to put yourself out there.
First up, tell us bit about yourself - where are you from and what led you to write music?
I was born in United States. I'm from the southern part of the state of West Virginia. I grew up in the town of Lenore. It's rural area, with one restaurant, one primary school, and one petrol station.
My cousin let me hear Nine Inch Nails as a kid. I was informed that NIN is just one person who makes the music. So I started making beats on a little four-track recorder on my RadioShack keyboard.
I started learning every instrument I could. I have a brother who played guitar and loved the band Nirvana so I got a drum set so I could join. I have another brother who loved techno, trance, and house music so I got in to that scene as well.
How would you describe your musical style in five words or less?
Indie.
How would you describe your musical style in five words or less?
Indie.
Who did you take inspiration from?
Nirvana, Radiohead, Portishead, Nine Inch Nails, Daft Punk, Chemical Brothers
You're described as a one man electronic band. Which instruments can you play and which do you use to make your music?
I use two keyboards mainly. Mixed with regular guitar, sometimes a seven-string guitar too. I make loops and beats with Reason.
What freedoms do you have as a one man electronic band that helps you write your music?
I don’t have anyone telling me how to play. I don’t have to plan practice around other people. I don’t have to deal with others really. It’s for me. I feel free because I can let my brain wander without judgment.
Do you have any 'trusted ears' you turn to when you want an honest opinion on your music?
I do, but i usually don’t ask. Again it’s my thing, I do it do me. So if I like it, I let others hear it. If I don’t like, it gets deleted.
Tell us about your album Wild Child. What's it about, what the vibe?
It’s about watching a child grow mainly. One song is about heartache and not being enough for someone.
When did you write it and where did you record it?
Recorded in different bedrooms in South Carolina, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
Can you talk us through each song?
'Andro' was written right before my daughter was born. I went on vacation to Charleston, South Carolina to relax one last time before being a new dad. It’s about the flow of life and how the oceans control how we live.
'Do Without' is about being separated from my kid. Wondering if she will be alright if I’m not around.
'Nine' is about depression and how I am comforted by the confusion of carrying what seems the weight of the world.
'Worth Your Time' is about not being good enough to keep a relationship together.
'Driving with You' is about driving home with my daughter after me and her mom split up.
'Mine Field' is about shooting your self in the foot.
What have you been working on recently?
I do have a a few singles out. 'One' is a cover of a Neil Young song, 'Out of the Blue, Into the Black;. The newest single is an original: it’s called 'Good Feelin’'. I've been working on a music video for it.
What are your plans for 2025?
I have shows planned for myself and another band I’m in called Tim and Donnie’s Space Trash. I’m the drummer. I have plans to make a video for that project as well. Im also working as a producer / editor / composer on a short film.
When can we see you live?
August 23 - Big Stone Gap, VA - Appalachian Alternative Summer Fest
August 30th - Frankfort KY
Finally, if you could go back in time and give yourselves one piece of advice what would you say?
Don’t be scared to put yourself out there.
'Do Without' is about being separated from my kid. Wondering if she will be alright if I’m not around.
'Nine' is about depression and how I am comforted by the confusion of carrying what seems the weight of the world.
'Worth Your Time' is about not being good enough to keep a relationship together.
'Driving with You' is about driving home with my daughter after me and her mom split up.
'Mine Field' is about shooting your self in the foot.
What have you been working on recently?
I do have a a few singles out. 'One' is a cover of a Neil Young song, 'Out of the Blue, Into the Black;. The newest single is an original: it’s called 'Good Feelin’'. I've been working on a music video for it.
What are your plans for 2025?
I have shows planned for myself and another band I’m in called Tim and Donnie’s Space Trash. I’m the drummer. I have plans to make a video for that project as well. Im also working as a producer / editor / composer on a short film.
When can we see you live?
August 23 - Big Stone Gap, VA - Appalachian Alternative Summer Fest
August 30th - Frankfort KY
Finally, if you could go back in time and give yourselves one piece of advice what would you say?
Don’t be scared to put yourself out there.