SAMPLES: DONATACHI

Music producer Donatachi loves the colour pink, pop music, his boyfriend and spooky UFO videos!

Rock music elitism is rooted in misogyny and the idea that pop music is meaningless…

DNA: Your world is a very pink one. What does that colour symbolise for you? Donatachi: I find it relaxing and comforting. I was premature, so it’s probably some sort of weird womb thing.

Your new single, Crush On U is inspired by hot trade, right?

It’s about that random hook-up who becomes a regular where you’re like, “Oh fuck, I have a crush on you! I didn’t sign up for this!”

Who did you have a crush on when you were growing up?

I had an unhealthy obsession with Taylor Lautner from Twilight. He was so caring. Where does the name Donatachi come from? I am obsessed with the Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills and Donatacci is the maiden name of OG Camille. It’s also an homage to Tamagotchis and Donatella Versace.

Is Donatella Versace a muse of yours?

Yes! She’s so talented, beautiful and unapologetic. That kind of energy resonates with me. My most prized possessions is a crystal Versace wine-stopper that my boyfriend gave me when I graduated from music school. Your music is fun pop with bursts of unexpected elements like indie, rave and hiphop. Agree?

All the greatest pop songs are influenced by the underground and forward-thinking sounds. I strive for this in my own work. I’ve really refined my sound in the last year but it’s constantly evolving and shifting. I embrace whatever weird idea and I have and try to do it with a pop sensibility.

You work with a number of artists on your new EP. Talk us through that.

I’m very lucky to have so many talented friends who I can guilt into working with me! I love collaborating with vocalists because it adds another perspective to a song and I wouldn’t be anywhere without them.

Why don’t you sing on your own tracks?

I have a terrible voice. That’s why I became obsessed with Autotune and production. It was obvious I couldn’t be a pop star myself.

You’ve performed at Mardi Gras in Sydney? Yes, I supported Kim Petras this year and then at her Melbourne shows. It was so much fun. I’m really quite shy and get nervous playing live shows but the crowds were so lovely. The positive energy at the shows was intense and overwhelming.

What part of the LGBTQ+ community do you feel you most connect with?

I have so much love for everyone and it feels really special that I can play a small role in creating visibility in the music industry. Being an artist can be challenging but having the support of the LGBTIQ community makes it so much easier and I always want to be able to give that love back when I can.

Is there someone (or someones) special in your life?

Yes! I’ve been with my boyfriend for a few years even though he’s an Aries and I’m a Virgo. He’s the man of my dreams. Is chart domination part of your game plan? My endgame is to push pop music to the most extreme limits I can. Pop is always reflective of culture and I hope that by creating forward thinking music it will influence people to expand their minds in all areas. Chart domination is also okay though! My debut EP Taste is out now. I’ve already started making music for an album.

Who would you like to work with in future? Obviously Charli XCX is everything I stand for and respect in music! Being able to create such innovative pop music on such a huge level is something I aspire to.

What do you like away from making music?

I love record stores and old vinyl. I have a big Kate Bush vinyl collection. I’m also into scary things like haunted houses and ghost tours and ’80s horror movies. Weird UFO videos on YouTube take up a lot of my time.

We love that you are unapologetic about your love for pop music.

Everyone needs to be more vocal about their love for pop music! A lot of rock music elitism is rooted in misogyny and the idea that pop is meaningless when, in reality, it is so reflective of culture at large. It is also just so fun. Like, don’t people like to have fun? I don’t get it. Where do you see your place as a gay man making pop music in the world?

I see myself as the different point of view I wish I’d had when I was growing up and listening to music. Maybe I would’ve felt less of a weirdo and embraced my awkwardness earlier.