- Words Notion Staff
As he drops his new track 'Middleman', step into the world of Donskoy a true polymath whose star is ascending in both the music and acting realms.
This year, DONSKOY has been a tour de force, blending genres and defying expectations. Fresh off the international success of his single ‘SIPPIN’, he’s poised to make waves with his latest release, ‘MIDDLEMAN’. An audacious fusion of late-2000s R&B nostalgia, bass-heavy hip-hop beats, and expansive pop hooks, the track captures a unique sound that’s both reverent of the past and eagerly forward-looking. DONSKOY’s charismatic vocals and evocative lyrics explore the tensions of modern existence, offering a track that resonates deeply while commanding listeners to the dance floor.
Yet, music is just one facet of DONSKOY’s diverse career: in fact, is upcoming lead role in Disney+’s Vienna Game underscores his impressive range as an actor, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences across different mediums. As a performer who thrives on versatility, DONSKOY’s foray into this new series promises to be as compelling as his musical ventures.
Chatting to the multifaceted star, we delve into the creative pulse behind ‘MIDDLEMAN’, unraveling how DONSKOY’s eclectic background—from ballet dreams to a commanding presence in international dramas—shapes his art…
Do you remember the moment you fell in love with music?
When I was growing up, our house was always filled with music. Be it when my grandmother played Chopin, my mother’s Soviet folk songs on her guitar, or my father listening to Jamiroquai and Prince. But no, I don’t remember the exact moment of falling in love. What I do know is that music and I have a complicated relationship. We are like two mad lovers in a French film. We fall head over heels for each other time and time again. The honeymoon phase is followed by passionate fighting and misunderstanding each other. This evolves into hatred and the promises to never see each other again, before succumbing to each other seductiveness, only to reunite for the best makeup sex ever and forget about the problems of the past. But like the best of relationships, these ups and downs cause us to get to know each other better and better, and I know we will remain together forever. Love you, music.
Your new single, ‘Middleman,’ is a genre-blending track that feels both nostalgic and fresh. What was the inspiration behind its unique sound?
I am a massive fan of playing musical chemist and trying to obtain just the right amount of style from various genres to give each song its dosage, prescription and dress. During the first writing session in Berlin, all we had was a drum sample and a guitar riff – Derek Ulenbloem, Meghan Ashworth, and I were vibing along and were just trying to tell a story of someone struggling to navigate through a rugged terrain. Later in the year, when we delved into the production process in Munich with SAIN – it was a game of trial and error. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration if I said I tend to drive producers crazy at times. I came into the room with 27 ideas, and until we didn’t try them all, I wasn’t satisfied. Creating this genre blend for ‘MIDDLEMAN’ wasn’t always an easy process, but one I would repeat again and again.
In your own words, you’ve described ‘Middleman’ as more than just a catchy tune. Could you delve deeper into the message you hope listeners take away from it?
Imagine yourself in a friend group that has opposing political or cultural views. Imagine you are the one who typically tries to be the equilibrium and tries to find the middle ground. The one who builds bridges and tries to calm the fronts. The one whose opinion is often overlooked cause doesn’t scream it as loud as the others. And now imagine that you’re tired of it. Tired of having to consider everyone’s opinions, exhausted by the constant need for harmony. And then, suddenly, you have an idea. You don’t want to be the keeper of the middle ground – You will become the Middle Man – the one you can accuse, the one you can blame, the one who isn’t caught in the middle but the one who learned to tiptoe along a tightrope. He goes and plays by his own rules and sets of morality: “I might got blood on my shoes but I’m not to blame” is one of the lines and it sums the meaning up pretty well.
You’ve worked with Munich’s hit-making duo SAIN and Billboard Dance Chart #1 writer Derek Uellenbloom on this single. How did these collaborations come about, and what was the creative process like?
I met Derek Uellenbloom for a writing session after a publisher from BMG brought us together. I love those moments when someone who knows talents decides that those two will make a good match. And it was—together, with our co-writer Meghan Ashworth writing this track, it was pure joy. The same thing happened with my producers. My co-writer on the last single, SIPPIN Julia Kautz, introduced me to Sam and Nin, and the rest is history. They will also produce my next release in October!
‘Middleman’ follows the success of ‘SIPPIN’. How does this track differ from your previous release, and what does it represent in your musical evolution?
I don’t want to fall into the trap of sounding like every musician promoting his new single by saying, “THIS IS A SONG THAT TRULY REPRESENTS ME,” but what can I do? It represents the sense of my being during the time period when it was written. Driven, agitated, sarcastic, and slightly over it all. Am I like this on a daily basis when I am back in London? Fuck no. But this track, musically and lyrically, perfectly represents my evolution as an artist. Always on the move. Eager to evolve and grow.
You mentioned feeling like a ‘Middleman’ caught between opposing views in today’s divided world. How do you think music and art can play a role in bridging these divides?
A few years ago, I would have given you a very straight answer: YES – art can change people. But now my answer is more complex than that. Art has the CHANCE to do that. But the recipient needs to be ready to look past their presumptions past their hardened stances on everything and everyone. During the last couple of years, rifts in society have really started to be felt more and more. Not only socioeconomically, but there is a tendency to shut everything you don’t agree with out of your life, to judge. We as a society have become more judgmental. In the want to be more tolerant, open, and inclusive, we, at times, now tend to be militant. Myself included. I really hope that we will learn and solve this and, in a couple of years, we will be able to give you a straight answer once again.
You’ve had a remarkable career in both music and acting, with the lead role in Disney+’s upcoming Vienna Game. How do these two creative outlets influence each other for you?
First and foremost, it means that I am always working on something new. If I’m not shooting, I’m writing songs; If I’m not preparing for a role, I’m in the recording studio. This continuity of creative work is a true blessing. But of course, it can be challenging, as both careers need attention, time, and dedication. Next summer will be interesting as I will be shooting two film projects while I am bound, and am so excited to play various summer festivals. Sometimes, you gotta make decisions that hurt, but that is the price I have to pay for being able to express myself in different ways as an artist.
On top of this, you’ve had roles in The Crown and Barbarians. How do you balance these two worlds, and is there one that speaks to you more?
They speak to me on such different levels. Acting is not per-se about me – it’s the opposite. I leave my thoughts and emotions at the door when entering a scene. I become an ‘Other’, a character written by someone, conceived for a purpose, and ideally exists in a world that is fascinating and entertaining but not mine. That can be hugely inspiring, but with the Music, it’s ALL about the rawness of my emotions and observations. It’s a reflection of my inner world, so it’s tough to compare the two. Thankfully, I only have to do that in interviews!
You’ve described a desire to be “neither here nor there” and not fit into a single box. How has this approach shaped your career choices, both musically and in acting?
My career plan has been as follows: OH LOOK, THERES A DOOR – let’s see what’s behind it.. more often than NOT, this approach has been hugely exciting and brought so many opportunities in the last couple of years. I now tend to be a little more careful but never want to fall into planning everything meticulously – expecting certain things – that part of the beatify of being an artist – you have to clue what will work, you might think a project is bound for success and then it fails. Sometimes, you’re ready to throw a song under the bus, and suddenly, within seconds, you have an idea, and it becomes your new favourite. Always being in motion is my primary motivation. Luckily, I was born with a self-infusing motor.
It’s looking like a huge year for you, with more singles and the debut of Vienna Game in 2025. What can fans expect from you next, and where do you see your journey taking you?
Vienna Game will be released next year, but I am over the moon to release at least another three songs. I am also working on another project – an art form that is new to me but all the more exciting. After 11 months on the road in New York, Mexico, and Budapest, it feels fantastic to be back home in London for a while. Reunited with my piano and the shitty weather. I have absolutely no idea where the journey is headed, so I’m just as excited to find that out myself.