Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Donley.
Hi Chris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Started playing guitar about age 13 (Self taught-no lessons)…Started writing songs even before I knew how to tune my guitar. Joined first band at 15 (as bass player because I learned quickly that no one wanted to be a bass player but I wanted to be in a band so badly, I got a bass and taught myself that.)
Played a few years, met people through other people.
Formed Sindust in 1996 (Originally Sleestack Tombstone for a short period)…Wrote songs…played tons of shows…put out our own records…Did very well as big fish in a small pond…
Moved to Cleveland in 2003…Shortly thereafter, I convinced my guys in Sindust to form a cover band to help pay for the original band costs…Pop Rocks Cleveland ruled the bars and silliness for about 10 years all the while putting out my own solo albums, Sindust albums, and French Donkey album with my pay Scott Paris!
Around 2009, I met a new group of guys as Sindust was winding down a bit (Pop Rocks still went strong) as one of the members decided to leave because he had a baby on the way. Formed Via The Sun after some tribulations with a singer that was nothing but trouble.
Had some major health problems in 2017 so I decided to step back from Pop Rocks as we were still playing about 100 shows a year on top of all of my own solo shows, French Donkey, Via The Sun shows, and working a 50 hour work week…
Soon, quit my day job and just played full-time as a solo artist. About 200-250 shows a year from about 2013-present. Via The Sun soon rebranded with a different bassist and became Critic City.
Put tons of videos out, tons of music, etc. Soon, was writing and recording constantly as Covid stopped everything in it’s tracks in 202o. Wrote so many songs that a lot weren’t Critic City type songs so began releasing them under an assumed band name LoveLag. Still writing, recording, originals and covers non stop so I can keep putting out stuff that I enjoy. Never really wanted to be a famous rockstar-just wanted to write and put out stuff that I like…Playing the amount of shows I do still allows me to do just that!
Currently have about 10 albums already written, recorded, mixed, mastered, and ready to put out-just want to make smart decisions when to do it all as I continue to write and record even more!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road but that just means we learned along the way…And are still learning…
Just wish I would’ve had someone back in the early days kind of mentor me a little better on some things…
I try to do that as much as I can with younger artists now…But still mostly focus on my own writing and recording…
There are always “Snakes” along the way…Always beware of most people in the music business…It’s one of the worst places to be…
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I play solo acoustic shows for a living (About 200-250 a year)…Mostly covers…Catering to whatever atmosphere is needed.
This allows me to have my days free for writing and recording originals, covers, do video work, interviews, update my Patreon, etc.
Not sure what I really specialize in. I just play and sing what I enjoy most of the time.
I’m most proud of the amount of material that I’ve put out and what I will continue to put out even if no one hears it…I love listening to what I’ve created and am proud of most of it…Some of the early recordings are a little tough to listen to these days but that’s what growing and learning is all about, I guess…
I would say the same-My work ethic is pretty good compared to most musicians I know…I do write and record A LOT! As of this writing, I think I’ve put out something like 35 original albums or something like that…Never gonna’ stop…
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Not sure if I’m much of a risk taker as most of the time, I’m by myself or solo…
Looking back, I wish I would’ve probably moved to California or Europe in the early days, but it is what it is…
I’ve done tours and it really made me come to appreciate the gigs I have in Ohio as a lot of other states and cities don’t have people like me that much apparently…
Pricing:
- Depends on night of week
- Depends on travel time
- Depends on length of set
- Depends on time of set
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chrisdonleymusic.com
- Instagram: @cdonleyofficial
- Facebook: @cdonleyofficial
- Youtube: @chrisdonleymusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/chris-donley-343578969
