Today we’d like to introduce you to Donny Sill.
Hi Donny, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Music’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I picked up the guitar at a really young age — I was one of those kids who couldn’t put it down once I started. Movies like School of Rock definitely lit the spark, and then I fell deep into the sounds of Green Day, The Beatles, and Elvis. That mix of energy and emotion is what made me want to write and perform my own songs.
By the time I was in high school, I was already performing live anywhere I could — school events, small venues, local gigs. Those early shows taught me a lot about connecting with an audience and finding my voice on stage. Over the years, I played in a few bands, including The Water Between and Fairweather Freedom, which really helped me grow as a songwriter and collaborator.
All of that — the early inspiration, the trial and error, the bands, the gigs — shaped who I am as an artist today. It’s been a long road, but I wouldn’t trade any of it.
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?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There’s been a lot of trial and error — bands breaking up, creative disagreements, moments of writer’s block that made me question everything. I’ve spent years experimenting with different guitar styles and songwriting approaches, and honestly, a lot of it wasn’t great at first. But I think that’s part of the process ; finding your sound through failure and frustration. Every wrong turn taught me something about who I am as an artist and what I actually want to say with my music.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a songwriter, performer, and multi-instrumentalist — guitar and bass are my main voices — but at my core, I’m a storyteller. Along with writing and releasing my own music, I’ve been diving deep into film scoring, working on short films and animated projects that let me paint emotion through sound. There’s something powerful about building a world with music and watching it come alive on screen.
I also perform as a guitarist and bassist for local artists and bands, which keeps me connected to that raw, live energy that first made me fall in love with performing. I’ve been fortunate to appear on an NBC-based show and work in the studio alongside a Grammy-nominated producer and radio personnel, Bobby Bones — experiences that really sharpened my craft and perspective as an artist.
What I’m most proud of is the growth — from playing small shows to creating cinematic pieces that tell stories beyond words. What sets me apart is my ability to bridge emotion and versatility. I move comfortably between genres — from alternative rock to soul to cinematic scoring — but everything I do comes from a place of honesty. I’m not just writing songs or cues; I’m trying to make people feel something real. That emotional connection is what drives me, and I think that’s what truly defines my sound.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Raleigh is its energy — it’s a city that’s really coming into its own. The music and art scenes keep growing, and there’s this sense of creativity everywhere you go. You can feel that people here are hungry to make something meaningful, whether it’s through music, food, or community. The restaurants, bars, and breweries are always buzzing with life, and there’s this great mix of southern charm and modern artistry that I really connect with.
As for what I like least… honestly, not much, other than the growing car traffic (lol) . But that’s probably just a sign of how much Raleigh’s thriving.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: dedbugz_nc
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/breaking-off/1675804351?i=1675804516
