Gareth Donkin Shines Bright In Prodigious, Self-Produced Debut Album, ‘Welcome Home’
Anyone following Gareth Donkin’s musical output throughout the past years can undoubtedly attest to his raw talent and impressive versatility. Moving from spread-out releases and collaborations to his fully-fledged, debut album was a long journey for the London-based singer-songwriter and producer, yet one that was undeniably worth the wait.
Titled Welcome Home, Gareth Donkin’s debut serves as a mesmerizing coming-of-age self-portrait, and it's out via drink sum wtr, a new label formed by A&R Nigil Mack, in partnership with Secretly Group, as a part of the freshly launched All Flowers Group. It showcases an artist discovering himself and his sound throughout 10 soothing tracks, all while cementing himself as the future of vintage-tinged R&B and soul.
Welcome Home was meticulously written and recorded in various bedroom studios across England and France, and showcases Donkin's impeccable blend of instrumental prowess and emotional depth. Melding intricate melodies and harmonies with poignant lyrical narratives of longing and determination, Donkin's music traverses genres like soul, funk, pop, hip-hop, jazz, and even bossa nova.
His inspirations range from Michael Jackson and Bill Evans to George Benson and Jamiroquai, while his one-man-band approach to performance on the album mirrors the style of icons like Prince and Stevie Wonder.
Shaping a sonic palette that's as diverse as it is captivating, Welcome Home is a true stunner all throughout. “Till The End of Time (Night Sky)” serves as the perfect opener to the record, while previously released single “Something Different” continues the sonic journey, filled with groovy drums inspired by late ‘80s and early ‘90s West Coast hip-hop.
Since its release earlier this year, “Whenever” continues being an undisputed highlight, while Jus Lovehall’s feature shines on “Don’t Turn The Music Down,” which follows the infectious “Falling For You,” which is accompanied by a stunning music video. “Tell Me Something,” which features co-production credits from Dilip, is as soothing as it is captivating, while “De La Soul,” an almost instrumental, 6-minute journey, completes the album in a grandiose way.
As Welcome Home graces streaming platforms and airwaves, Gareth Donkin emerges as a visionary artist who seamlessly melds the past, present, and future of R&B and soul.
