Troy Donohue shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Troy , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
As cliche as it is, the gym has been a real pick me up for the past year. Taking care of myself better has really setup a better mindset for each day, and really boosted my confidence to hit new heights for my music.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello hello! I am your friendly neighborhood Troy Donohue, singer/songwriter/rocker extraordinaire! I’ve been in Nashville for almost 3 years now to pursue the ultimate dream that so many of my friends and colleagues try to conquer. Personally, my sound has always been the strongpoint of my brand, bringing storytelling of old into a more modern medium, along with plenty of influence from my punk rock roots. I grew up playing in a punk band in the prominent North Jersey scene, and converted that over to everything I’ve been working on here. Recently, my newest single, “Fly South,” has just released, and my first music video in a long time has come with it!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I always put such a heavy emphasis on what everyone thought of me, and once I finally broke that mold it was so liberating. The trends that carry us along on a day to day basis used to dictate my every move, joke, thought, everything. Nowadays, I’d like to think I’ve become more of an individualist who doesn’t necessarily rely on anyone else’s words but my own.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh my lord, multiple times. Sometimes there are days now when I still think, “what’s the point in being here, why did I choose to leave a pond and move to an ocean?” No matter what though the gears keep turning, my blood keeps flowing, and I have to remind myself that I belong in this tried and true music city machine, and churn out the best that Troy Donohue can deliver. There’s a reason I moved here in the first place, and there’s more than enough reasons for me to stay.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, certainly. Going back to a previous question, I spent so much time trying to mold a fake persona that I couldn’t even stand to fake a smile anymore. Nowadays, my sense of humor is unapologetically broadcast on my Insta half the time, and I try to stick to doing what I enjoy first, rather than focus on something or a project that doesn’t bring me any source of satisfaction. “Fly South” is (mostly) a serious video with twists and turns, but in filming myself and the producer, Ben Beauchene, couldn’t help but sneak in our comedic snippets to help lift the production because that’s who we are. The 7 hours of driving also didn’t help us in terms of holding back, either.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
After battling a daily existential crisis, yes, every day. There are the “meh” shows when I think I could’ve put more into it, there are the opportunities that don’t quite work out the way I want them to. Every single day I get to work on what I love, create songs and art that I love to make, and at the end of it all isn’t that what we’re all striving for? What’s the point in creating art if I’m not having as much fun as you are, the audience?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.troydonohue.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troydonohuemusic?igsh=MWJqOXE5ZmxxamUybg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B46Ko6KCg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/jXhjApqqfhU?si=JU25It3lcLQxptg0
Image Credits
Brian Viebranz
Ann Marie Sekeres
James Tristan Redding
Morgan Geisinger
