Rider Essentials: Donny Lee

Donny Lee has been using his musical gift since singing with his parents’ band as a young adult. The Alberta/Nashville-based singer-songwriter released his first album, Who I Am, in 2017. His follow up, Better Believe It, produced by CCMA award-winning Bart McKay, was released the following year. He’s currently working on his third album in Nashville.

He’s released eight songs to Canadian country radio, with Got Me This Far also released to US radio in March 2021, and ran a successful 26-week campaign reaching #46 on Nashville’s Music Row Breakout Charts. His latest single, Small Towns follows Hangin' and Garage Band, and is a song that immediately resonated with Donny. Growing up in a small town in Canada, this is what he did as a teenager – hanging out in trucks and bonfire parties with friends.

We caught up with Donny to find out the things he always takes on the road with him for this week’s Rider Essentials.

1. Neck Pillow

No matter if I travel by plane or on the road, my neck pillow is easy to pack and has been a life saver for me when travelling! There seems to be little time to rest when I am playing music and we love to be around people, so when I am not on the stage we are always chatting and hanging with my fans, so when I travel to a show, I take full advantage of resting with my trusted friend, my neck pillow!

2. My Headphones

I always need music in my life. Music is there when I need inspiration for my upcoming show or when I just need time to relax. I love to listen to all genres of music and hear what is new on the charts, but my go to is always classic country music. I was raised and schooled on traditional country music, so it is what really brings me back to a good place in time.

3. Family

I travel most of the time with my wife or with my wife and children. They are a part of my journey and I love having them there to support me. My wife song writes with me and manages my business, so we work the business together and have a lot of fun! My daughter plays the fiddle, and I am working hard at encouraging her to be a part of my show!

4. Local Brews

When I am on the road, I love to try local beers from the area we go to – seasonal beers especially! My favourite beer is called Spotted Cow, a Wisconsin beer by New Glarus Brewing Company. There is nothing more satisfying than sitting down and enjoying a cold local beer after a show! Cheers to that!

5. Sense of Adventure

We love renting our own vehicle and exploring the area, trying foods and coffee from local places to where I am playing. When I played in Australia recently, we had quite an experience learning to drive on the opposite side of the road, trying the crocodile, Vegemite, and going on several local tours like Kuranda Skyrail and the Scenic Railway, and learning about the incredible Daintree Rainforest. We can't wait to come back!

Keep up to date with Donny Lee on his Facebook page here.

For more of our Rider Essentials series, go here.

Image: via donnyleemusic.com