DONNIE TALKS SIREN

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

When did you first dive into the ocean of music?

Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to make music. I released my first song when I was sixteen, which was eight years ago. My mom was in a band when she was younger, and she was a huge influence on me musically. Music has always been an incredible passion for me, and songwriting has always helped me express my feelings. It’s like a safe space where I can release whatever I’m going through, and it’s a way for me to make sense of my emotions. I’ve been writing since I was really young, and it felt natural to start blending the two, my love for music and my need to express myself. Over the years, writing has become a tool for self-reflection, helping me grow not just as an artist, but also as a person. It’s almost like the music itself has helped me become who I am today.

You're originally from the Czech Republic, and your first songs were in Czech?

I released my first album, 'Donnie Darko', entirely in Czech, and looking back, I really admire myself for having been able to write so many songs in my native language. Since moving to London to study music, though, I’ve switched to writing in English, and I have to admit that writing in Czech has become quite difficult for me now. English just flows better and sounds more natural to me when it comes to expressing myself in music. It doesn’t mean that I’ll never return to Czech, but for now, I want to focus on reaching an international audience. Writing in English feels like the best way to do that, and it allows me to connect with people from all over the world.

Now having listeners from all over the world, it’s clear that your music resonates widely. What do you hope people find in the songs you write and share?

The main reason I write music is to express my emotions. For me, it’s a way to process and release things I may not be able to say out loud. It’s almost like a coping mechanism, once I write a song about a situation or feeling, it feels resolved in my mind. It helps me navigate moments when I’m overwhelmed or dealing with something complicated. While I often write about love and relationships, I’ve come to realize that I want my music to offer more than just a space for emotional reflection. I want it to empower people, to make them feel confident and uplifted. I want to create songs that not only connect on a personal level but also make people want to move, dance, and feel good about themselves. Balancing emotional depth with feel-good energy has become an important part of what I aim to share through my music.

You’ve predominantly worked with one producer before but this track was created with another one, MATEE?

My main producer is Rainer, and I’ve been working with him since I was eighteen. Over the years, he’s created almost all of my instrumentals and really understands my creative vision. However, this year, I wanted to explore a new direction and focus more on dance music, so I felt like it was time to step out of my comfort zone and try something different. The beat for my latest single, as you say, was produced by MATEE. Our collaboration was entirely online, which means we’ve never actually met in person, but it was an interesting experience to approach the creative process this way. Once the beat was finalized, I continued working on the rest of the song with Rainer. He’s been such a key part of my musical journey, and at this point, he’s probably the only person I fully trust to bring my ideas to life. I love experimenting with new sounds and collaborations, but it’s always comforting to have someone like Rainer who just gets what I’m trying to say through my music.

What is ‘Siren’ about?

'Siren' is about closing a chapter in my life with strength and self-awareness. The song reflects a journey where I embrace my power and independence, even as I navigate emotions like longing and reflection. By likening myself to a siren, I’m conveying the idea that I hold an irresistible strength and allure, not for anyone else’s sake but my own. It’s about reclaiming control and doing what’s right for me, even in the midst of vulnerability.

You embody somewhat of a persona here, but at the same time you’re also saying “I don’t wanna hide. I don’t need a disguise”. Bit paradoxical?

It’s a mix of both. Expressing myself through music feels very natural, it’s where I can be completely honest and vulnerable without overthinking. Writing and creating is like a safe space for me, but sharing it with the world is definitely a different experience. It can feel daunting because once the song is out there, it’s open to interpretation, and that vulnerability becomes exposed. But at the same time, there’s something empowering about being unapologetically authentic. Music lets me connect with people on a deeper level, and that makes the risk of sharing it worthwhile.

You can consider me mesmerized, and eagerly awaiting whatever comes next. What inspires you creatively now?

I’ve recently finished my studies in London and moved back to the Czech Republic. I spent the entire summer on Djerba Island which has really inspired me creatively. It was such an amazing experience, and I even had the chance to perform there, which was unforgettable. I’ve been releasing songs almost every month this year, so now I’m taking a break for the next two months to focus more on promoting the tracks I’ve already put out. In today’s music industry, it’s really challenging to break through, and sometimes as an artist, you have to do things you may not be thrilled about, like engaging with platforms like TikTok. But it’s all part of the process, and I’m embracing it. Looking ahead, I’m planning to release new music next year. I don’t want to rush anything just to put something out, but I’m really excited to keep creating and seeing where this journey takes me. I’m hopeful that next year will bring even more opportunities and growth!