- Artist Name: Mike Donnell
- Hometown: Tomball, Tx
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I am happy to say I just completed my 4th release called “The Vier Volume 1” It’s a new music series we’re working on and will have multiple volumes. This release has 3 up tempo super catchy songs called Mr. Fix it, Puzzle Piece and SUX2BU. It is out everywhere now!
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
As long as I can remember I have been a singer. My mom has a video of me standing on the table at Taco Bell when I was 4 years old screaming George Strait at the top of my lungs. I guess it never occurred to me that I could do it professionally until I joined the Marines. I used to play and sing for all my Marine buddies overseas. They convinced me to start writing my own music and playing publicly.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
Well I actually have always had a day job. I knew I wanted to be a musician but I also knew I needed something to fall back on so after I got out of the Marines I went to college for 5 years and got a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Now I’m an Engineer at a major construction company by day…..and a wanna be country rock star by night.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
We have horses so when we get some down time, My wife, daughter and I like to go ride some trails or work in the arena. If its too hot in the summer you can find me in the pool with an ice cold beer relaxing.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
1st of all I’m a happily married man not trying to be in the dog house lol……… but ….. My wife LOVES Jennifer Aniston so I’m thinking I might be able to get away with that lol
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
The one who is not kneeling…. Astros for real though. I can’t wait for things to get back to normal so we can go to games again.
What is the last movie that you watched?
Avengers Infinity War! I’m a huge Marvel and DC fan. I just love movies in general though. I hardly ever watch regular TV. Mostly just see what’s on the movie channels.
What is the last album you listened to?
William Clark Green LIVE at Gruene Hall. It’s my favorite live album and I highly suggest you listen to it. He doesn’t know it yet but I’m gonna open for that dude soon. haha I actually just got done recording a live album myself at the famous Dosey Doe café. It should be out in a few months.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ooo I don’t know if I can commit that strongly to one album……. But If I had a gun to my head I guess I would say Garth Brooks Greatest hits. I grew up on Garth and George but love the intensity of Garth’s music a little more.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
Few songs have moved me enough to call them the best of all time but some that come to mind are “I Believe” by Brooks and Dunn, “Shameless” by Garth, or “I’m Already There” by Lonestar. That song hits me hard and is relatable to the hardest parts of my life.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
We have been to some nice towns running around Texas but Mansfield always stands out to me. It’s in the Dallas / FTW area. We have a really good fan base up there. We played a show with Glen Templeton at a place called Fat Daddys and it was just the best night! Sold out crowd, the fans were amazing, management was great, Glen and his team were so nice, it was just the best night and I can’t wait to have more shows like that.
What is your favorite meal?
I go back and forth between Chicken Fried steak / Mashed taters and green beans OR Peppercorn Filet with loaded baked tater and Caesar salad. Both with Ice cold Corona followed by a shot of Mi Campo Reposado Tequila ice cold. Mmmmm
Who would you like to go on tour with?
I’m a big Cody Johnson fan and would love to open for him. Mainly because he’s so relatable. Grew up just down the road from me, hard worker and never gave up. I keep finding myself on the same stages he once played, following in similar footsteps and now he’s selling out arenas all over the country. That’s the dream right there. He’s an anomaly though.
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
My long term goal is to play sold out shows half the month and spend the other half breaking horses with my wife on our own ranch. I have been grinding for 10 years now playing thousands of shows burning my voice out in smokey bars just to make enough money to record another album. Quitting is not in my blood…. But music is. I dream of the day I wake up, check my stats and find that my music went viral enough to be played on every radio station and start booking shows all over the country! Until then I’ll just keep on keepin’ on.