Donny J is taking a rather radical approach to his artistry. By proudly declaring “The music shall speak for itself. Nothing to sell beyond that”, the Tampa-based creative showcases a deep belief in authenticity and honesty. He’s not trying to sell us a particular angle or a fictional story, or even wrapping his songs into a quirky philosophical ethos. Instead, the talented American is here offering pure musical escapism. In that sense, ‘A Villain’ is the perfect evidence of that, a nostalgic pop offering drenched in R&B allure and kinetic energy.
The record reminds us of the early ‘2000s in terms of production reference and melodism, think Timbaland and the likes. The hip-hop and R&B influences are quite strong, a feature that makes the track quite groovy and dance-inducing, but also evocative and purposeful. Donny J’s vocals are on point, crowning the single with striking malleability and precision. His tone is actually surprisingly acute, a perfect match for the catchy, relatable chorus.
As we are told, ‘A Villain’ has been developed as a true DIY endeavour. Donny J is responsible for writing the track as well as producing it. It’s great to see the Floridian talent taking charge of his destiny, both on a practical and symbolic level.
Recommended! Discover ‘A Villain’ now: