AS AN ARTIST. I started singing as a kid in the shower, and no one really thought much of it. Being from a small country town, my family helped my talent develop. I was a country singer! As my voice started taking shape over the years, I found my true calling as a soulful pop-singer. There have been a few record deals that have come and gone, a couple of records finished that nobody has ever heard, and a whole lot of hitting the pavement throughout the years, figuring it all out in between.
I've had the opportunity to perform at many amazing events with some of my favourite artists like Terri Clark and Alannah Myles. I have had the opportunity to perform at the Nationally televised Special Olympics, The Merritt Walk of Stars Gala (in the Country Music Capital of Canada) sponsored by CMT Canada, The world famous Havelock Jamboree, The CCMA Awards / Post Gala in September 2009. The 2010 Triple 'A' Sunset Sessions convention in San Diego, touring the United States with Maia Sharp, and being a part of and performing on Alannah Myles' 2011 European Tour, followed by a month long residency at the prestigious 'Hotel Cafe', in Los Angeles.
Recently I've been lucky enough to receive a significant grant from FACTOR Canada , which will lead to my debut full-length album to be released early 2012 (And I'm SO Excited)! This project will be produced by Canadian producer and songwriter, Terry Sawchuk. Through all of this I have able to receive a sponsorship from posseaudio.com - They have created a personal in-ear monitor system that has changed my life on stage, and in studio.
AS A SONGWRITER. I've had the opportunity to write and work with some of North America's biggest writers. They have allowed me to grow, and learn from their incredible experiences; Maia Sharp, Robin Lerner, James House, Greg Barnhill, AJ Masters, Billy Falcon, Randy Sharp, Karen Taylor Good, Jen Adan, Dean Kripphane, Johnny Reid, Patricia Conroy, Gil Grand, Jake Mathews, Aaron Pritchett, Josiah Rosen, Pam Rose, Shane McAnally, and Alannah Myles to name a few. Thanks to all of you!
Some of my cuts include: Canadian Idol finalist: Tyler Lewis' 'Worth Fighting For', 2 cuts on Chad Doucette's latest record, 'You'll Come Around', and 'Serenade', Mitchell Hunter's, 'Love Love', and three songs as an artist placed on the CMT Canada series, 'Unstable'.
AS A PRODUCER. 2010 allowed me to help another up-and-coming artist, Kayla Coburn. Her team and I created a record for her from the ground up - traveling across Canada and the United States writing and recording. It's turned into her debut album to be released nationally in Canada. Make sure to watch out for her.
AS A PERSON. I grew up in a very small town called Lindsay, in Ontario, Canada. I'm a full-blown Pisces, have great parents, a twin brother, and 3 older brothers. I've worked a lot of random jobs from the Canadian Government to "Mc"Jobs to keep my life afloat. I've mastered the art of couch surfing and I am more than grateful to all the amazing friends and family that have helped along the way. They wholeheartedly believe in what I have to offer. I try to wake up and find happiness every day - and give back to those who've been so gracious to me (and those who are not as lucky as I have been).
AS A PHILANTHROPIST. I'm an advocate for the Wayfinder mural project headed by Michelle Loughery. Bringing the at-risk-youth of Canada into creative endeavours to help them grow. Connected with the Merritt Walk of Stars, and the Hall of Fame in the Country Music Capital of Canada. I participate in a benefit for Camp Trillium in Belleville, Ontario every year. I've joined other major artists for an amazing endeavour to help Africa: http://themochaclub.org/joinme/donnyanderson. I also hope to someday be lucky enough to be involved with these organizations who make a difference every single day: www.sickkids.ca, toms.com.
Thanks for coming to check out my work, and learn more about what's happening in my little piece of the world. After much reflection I decided the best way to share my life with all of you, was in my own words.
Donny
