Today we’d like to introduce you to Dondi Iannucci.
Hi Dondi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up on the island of Kaua’i, HI. Hawai’i has a very unique musical culture, and my family was particularly musical so music has played a foundational part in my upbringing; I began playing guitar and songwriting around the age of 12.
After moving home from college, I began pursuing my artistry, recording music in studios and playing shows around the islands, honing my craft as a performing artist.
In August of 2022 I moved to Nashville on a whim and have since been pursuing songwriting in the music scene here! I’ve had the opportunity to play at venues like the Listening Room Cafe, the Bluebird, and the Gibson Garage showroom.
Here is my official bio:
Dondi was born and raised on the beautiful island of Kaua’i, HI. While she pulls inspiration from Hawai’i’s very distinct musical tradition, Dondi strays from the normal island sound, blending local sensibilities with heartfelt lyricism and dynamic hooks to create her own unique style of acoustic-pop.
Recently, Dondi’s songwriting abilities were recognized when she won the Bluebird Golden Pick contest at the iconic Bluebird Cafe in June 2024 for her original song, “Empty Room.” In addition to her solo work, she has collaborated as a co-writer on various projects, contributing to songs that have gained sync placements on platforms like Netflix, FOX Sports’ Thursday Night Football, and Samsung ads. Her debut album, “Begin,” was released in October of last year, and Dondi is currently immersed in the vibrant music scene of Nashville, TN, where she continues to pursue her artistry while navigating the music industry.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are many obstacles in the path of a singer-songwriter. Probably the most distinct that comes to mind for me personally was finding out I had developed a vocal polyp after a year of full-time gigging back home in Hawai’i. I was days away from my move up to Nashville when I was diagnosed, and after 6 months of attempting to heal through vocal therapy, I ended up undergoing vocal cord surgery here in Tennessee.
With recovery time included, I probably did not sing for about my first year here in Nashville, and thus had to put all my musical endeavors on hold. That was a very challenging season, and of course there was a fear in the back of my mind that I may never be able to sing again, but amazingly my singing skills have actually improved significantly due to that whole experience with all the vocal therapy I had to do to train and retrain my voice. A beautiful example of God using the challenges in life to make something good!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been told many times after playing showcases/writer’s rounds here in Nashville that I have a bit of an island sound, which makes total sense when you consider where I’m from, but it is completely unintentional! I think that flavor sets me apart from many of the other artists in town, especially since Nashville is predominantly Country.
Something I am most proud of is my debut album, “Begin,” that I released last Fall. It was recorded back home on Kaua’i with local musicians laying down the instrumental tracks, and is just a very clear picture of who I am as an artist. I’ve experimented with many different sounds over the years, but I believe that album is the heart of my music and songwriting – touching on topics like my faith, journey, etc.
How do you think about luck?
I really believe in God’s plans! I truly, truly believe that He has directed my steps in crazy ways. I can confidently say that the most pivotal moments in my life that have led me to where I am today have happened through the doors that He has opened or closed. It’s always in ways that I couldn’t take credit for myself, and as I look back on my journey, I can see how He has been piecing together a story I couldn’t have written on my own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dondi-music.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dondimusic/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dondimusic?si=ctCHSSqqoeeHheSp
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4vggVNFia2SSgXKs7HjEHM?si=ITnOarXwRT6Jxy82JhBkbw
