Gareth Donkin - Running Away (Single) + 10 Questions
London’s own Gareth Donkin is gearing up for something, in his own words, Extraordinary. With a new album slated for April, the singer songwriter and producer continues his steady ascent, blending soulful nostalgia with modern polish.
His latest single, Running Away, captures that fleeting, sun soaked feeling of living in the moment. Teaming up with Disclosure’sHoward Lawrence, Donkin leans into smooth, chrome finished house textures, pairing hypnotic synth work with breezy guitar licks and his unmistakably warm vocals. It is effortless, feel good, and quietly confident.
Following his 2023 debut Welcome Home, a project that elegantly bridged 70s soul influences with intimate bedroom pop, Donkin has been building serious momentum. A recent feature on De La Soul’s Cabin In The Sky only sharpened expectations for what comes next.
Previous singles Out Here and Never Gonna Break Your Heart, the latter earning Jazz FM’s Track of the Week, hinted at his range, but Running Away feels like a step forward, lighter on its feet but just as considered.
Support has been rolling in across the board, from Jazz FM and BBC Radio 2 to 6 Music and KCRW, with tastemakers consistently backing Donkin’s understated but assured sound.
If this run is anything to go by, Extraordinary might not just be an album title, it could be a fair prediction.
Gareth sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I come from a family of music lovers, so music has always been around me. My Dad would play artists like Fatboy Slim, George Michael, and Jamiroquai on car rides; always sharing whatever he loved with me and my siblings. My Mum grew up listening to Michael Jackson, George Benson, Donald Fagen, and Earth, Wind & Fire. I consider my parents’ taste a big part of my music education.
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. From the age of 11, I wanted to be a DJ, but I was also fascinated by music production. I was always drawn to rich harmonies and chord progressions, which led me to take jazz piano lessons until I was 14, after which I continued teaching myself. I’ve always been driven to create and write my own songs, even though I struggled to fully connect with music theory at first. By my late teens, I knew I wanted to take music production seriously. I studied Music Technology at A-Level and spent at least an hour every day after school making beats and imitating my favourite artists.
At first, I was hesitant to sing over my own music, but with encouragement from friends and family, I found my confidence. That’s when I really started to come into my own; blending my influences with my vocals. I released my first single in 2019 and have been building on that ever since.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Michael Jackson, The Police, Stevie Wonder, George Michael and Jamiroquai. I would love to work with Mk.gee, Victoria Monét, Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
My second album, 'Extraordinary', is set for release on April 24th. 13 tracks. It tells the story of my growth over the past few years; navigating personal challenges and finding light at the end of the tunnel. I had the honour of collaborating with Howard Lawrence of Disclosure on the latest single, 'Running Away', alongside features from Kiefer, UHMEER, and ESME.
'Extraordinary' felt like a bold and fitting title for this body of work. Alongside this release, I’m already working on new material, with some exciting and legendary collaborations in the pipeline, as I set my sights on what’s next.
4. How would you describe your sound?
With my sound, I aim to shine a light on the approach to music found in 1970s and ’80s soul, blue-eyed soul, and yacht rock; something I believe is missing from today’s musical landscape. Blending vintage instrumentation with modern production techniques, I create a sense of nostalgia grounded in timeless melodies and songwriting.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Having the pleasure of attending DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Playlist Retreat. It was very special to connect with my heroes and learn from everyone there. Pure musical connection with like-minded creative people.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Try to be aware of the business side of things. Watch out for the red flags (there are toxic people out there!) and never lose the spark that makes you special (and get a music lawyer).
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Maden Lane are one of my favourite groups right now. I was lucky to mentor and teach Max from the group from the beginning. I’m proud of how far Max and Eden have come and you should absolutely check out their music!
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
GENA - ’The Pleasure Is Yours’, De La Soul - ‘Cabin In The Sky’ & Mk.gee - ‘Two Star and the Dream Police’.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I like to hang out with my girlfriend, friends and family. Watch good movies or TV. Go for walks, run, ride my bike. I read a lot of geeky stuff about music and tech.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Midi Keyboard, Laptop and Microphone (do the cables count?) ((that was such a hard question to answer)).
