In the heart of Manchester, a city renowned for its rich musical heritage, a new voice rises from the underground rap scene, blending the echoes of the past with the bold sounds of the present. Donny Storm, a Manchester native born on March 15th, 2003, is an artist who embodies the spirit of reinvention, drawing from a well of diverse influences that span across genres and generations.
Raised amidst the resonant legacies of Joy Division, The Stone Roses, and The Smiths, Donny’s musical foundation was laid down early by his father’s tales of the Mad-chester scene and the unforgettable Spike Island show. Albums like Ian Brown’s ‘Solarized’ and The Stone Roses’ ‘Second Coming’ became the soundtrack of his childhood, inspiring him to see these artists as legends and shaping his aspirations in music.
By year 8, Donny was already penning bars and songs, his creativity fueled by the Soundcloud rap era. Artists like Lil Yachty, XXXTentacion, and Ski Mask the Slump God introduced him to a new wave of rap, with Ski Mask becoming a pivotal influence on Donny’s first album, ‘AND WHAT.’
Yet, it was The Beatles, particularly John Lennon, who would leave an indelible mark on Donny’s artistic vision. With Lennon’s portrait tattooed on his arm, Donny delved deep into The Beatles’ discography, solidifying them as his greatest musical influence.
Donny’s vocal talents first emerged in year 11, performing with his brother George and their friend Billy Bones in a band that covered hits from Manchester’s iconic bands. This experience laid the groundwork for his solo career, which took off with the help of his friend and collaborator, Alien. Together, they crafted albums that resonated strongly within the Manchester Underground Rap scene.
Today, Donny Storm’s sound is a testament to his versatility. From Electronic and Hip-Hop to Rock and Punk, he continues to evolve, even pioneering his own genre dubbed ‘Ogre Rap.’ His collective, Fifth Wall, is a melting pot of innovation, where the goal is to revolutionize music culture with their unique styles.
Donny’s favorite lyric, ‘The best day of my life, the day I met Slowthai’, from the song ‘AND WHAT’, encapsulates a memorable experience from Slowthai’s UK tour. It’s a testament to the impact that personal encounters and live music have on his life and work.
With ambitions to shake up the music scene, Donny and Fifth Wall are on a quest to make history. Their collaborations with No Margins Media have produced captivating content, including music videos and interviews, that showcase their creative journey.
Donny Storm’s latest work, ‘AND WHAT: The Christmas Special’, offers a mix of intensity and introspection. Upcoming projects include a deluxe version of the new album, a remaster of their first album, and his solo venture ‘Ogre Rap’, which promises to push the boundaries of genre. Additionally, his collaboration with dead*9 on ‘SICK OF THIS SHIT’ is set to deliver a groundbreaking Dark Trap and Lean Rap album.
For those eager to dive into Donny Storm’s world, follow him on Instagram at @donny.storm, where he shares updates, insights, and connects with fans and fellow artists alike. Whether it’s experiencing the raw energy of his live shows or the innovative sounds of his recordings, one thing is certain: Donny Storm is a name to watch in the evolving narrative of Manchester’s music scene.
