Wellington Music: The Eighth Note - Dónal Gunning
Eight quick questions with Dublin musician Dónal Gunning, who is now based in Wellington.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
Dónal Gunning, I’m a musician originally from Dublin, Ireland now a resident of NZ based in Wellington.
What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
I’ve released two singles this year, 'Your 1' & 'Losing Weight'.
Your 1 is a song dedicated to the Irish lexicon, It has hip-hop meets Rage Against The Machine feel. Losing Weight is a modern rock song with everything a listener needs (and wants), guitar solos, vivid lyricism and an infectious hook.
I’m releasing and touring NZ with my 2nd EP later this year, and working on my debut album to release in 2026.
Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
Follow me on Instagram/Facebook for updates on shows, releases and content. You can find the songs on most streaming platforms, namely Spotify, Apple Music & Deezer.
What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
The first CD I ever bought with my own (pocket) money. I bought it at HMV on Grafton Street, Dublin. Every song is a banger.
The Color & The Shape - Foo Fighters
I love the foo fighters, I play bass in a Foo Fighters Tribute band. This album has the best variety of heavy numbers (Enough Space), classics (Everlong/Monkey Wrench) and softer songs (Walking After You)
Liam’s voice is powerful on this record, elements of grunge, pop and gritty rock n roll. Both Gallagher’s parents were Irish, always thought this gave us more bragging. I saw Liam in 2018 in Dublin, he seemed to love every second he was on that stage at the 3 Arena. I have the vinyl on repeat in my flat.
(Honorable mention for Avril Lavigne’s - Let Go!!)
Credit: Finn Zemba
Which other Wellington musician(s) would you most like to work with?
Saw Wet Denim play at Newtown Festival. They were brilliant. It would be cool to do a show with those lads sometime. Played a show with the Bleach in March, nice dudes, Love their new EP too!
What’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
Meow - the sound is great. The staff were so friendly and accommodating. Nice wee Green room too! However, there is a certain sticky, grunge vibe to playing a rock show at Valhalla that I do love mind you.
In your songwriting or composing (or the band’s songwriting) how do the compositions and songs take shape?
I'll start with a melody either on bass/electric guitar while brainstorming some lyrics on top. Once I have a concrete idea, I'll record rough verses/choruses seeing what works best, notating as I go. Once I have the song to 70/80% I'll present it to bandmates for input. Hearing guitar tones and different drums beats helps me finish the song.
Recently I’ve been trying to write lyrics before music as a challenge for myself. I’ve also never really done a beginning to end collaboration with someone else, so that could be fun to try!
Where/when is your next gig?
Playing at Moon Bar 21st June, supporting Taranaki’s Dark Water alongside the PowerHouse Curlys Jewels. Tickets here.
Rock on - DG