Daniel Donato Readies New Cosmic Country Album “Horizons”
If you pride yourself in being a distinguishing connoisseur of the greatest country music, you probably don’t need to be told to immediately put this near the top of your list for anticipated 2025 releases. Daniel Donato is like the country version of Billy Strings. He got his start shredding Telecaster on Lower Broadway before someone let him up on stage at Robert’s, and he’s now transitioned into a killer cosmic country artist unlocking new corridors in the consciousness of even the most repressed minds.
Daniel Donato will release his third album with his backing band Cosmic Country on August 22nd called Horizons. That same night he’ll be playing his first headlining gig at the Ryman Auditorium just around the corner where he got started with his foot perched on a milk crate, speaking to Donato’s rising stock. Joining him both on the stage and in the studio is Nathan “Sugar Legg” Aronowitz (keyboards/vocals), Will “Mustang” McGee (bass/vocals), and William “Bronco” Clark (drums and percussion).
Produced by Vance Powell, you can expect country on the new album, but you can also expect the unexpected. Along with some journeys into the clouds, you will hear flourishes of bluegrass, rock, and funk. An instrumental or two is also to be expected, but that doesn’t mean songwriting will take a back seat. The 15 song album is said to have an arc to it, and Daniel Donato also says:
“I wanted the lyrics to be easy to understand, not abstract. There are many layers to the meanings and you think about it, but it’s not rocket science to understand them. Trying to maintain a human sound and faith in what humans can do really inform the actual sonics and production of the record, too.”
You can hear some of this in the album’s debut song called “Broadside Ballad” (listen below). It’s also a decidedly country tune, which assures you that no matter how cosmic Daniel Donato might get, the country is always not far behind. The dude can lay down some mean Telecaster licks when he gets a mind to.
“It occurs to me that music is actually a form of service,” Donato says. “You can make a living of it and do beautiful things with your life, but music is really a service to bring truth into people’s lives — if that’s something you’re interested in doing.”
Daniel Donato’s 2023 album Reflector received a big score here at SCM, and Horizons just might do the same. Itis now available for pre-save.
June 17, 2025 @ 9:00 am
Very excited! His album Reflector was one of my favorites of recent years. He’s cool because more than anyone else I’m a fan of meeting someone else who likes him creates a connection. I have my Daniel donato hat and everytime I wear it I make a new friend. People love to say you’re a Daniel donato fan and talk to me. His music is so fun he really does bring people together. I actually had a lead singer of a band come find me after his set (forget the band sorry they were opening for 49 Winchester) come find me because he saw the Daniel donato hat from the stage. I just love this guy and can’t wait for this.
June 17, 2025 @ 7:21 pm
I met Daniel briefly following last year’s performance at Federales Festival. Seems like a nice, friendly man. He signed my poster as well as other merchandise. Great to see he’s getting more recognition.
June 17, 2025 @ 9:01 am
And all four performers are just lights out good live. If you’re into Billy Strings definitely check this band out ASAP. Here in SoCal he went from 220 cap. to a 1000 cap. in one year…
June 17, 2025 @ 9:56 am
I turned to a buddy when we were at a show of his and said, “welp, this is the last time we’re going to be able to see this guy for $20 in a small venue”. Sure enough, his stop this year is at the city’s biggest venue, opening up for OCMS.
June 17, 2025 @ 9:19 am
I remember back in 2014 my wife and I were eating on Broadway. They said go to Roberts to see Daniel and he was underaged, but the best guitarist in town.
June 17, 2025 @ 9:23 am
Very reminiscent of Arlo Guthrie.
June 17, 2025 @ 9:31 am
Can’t speak high enough of his live shows. That is not a dig at his studio output, his shows are simply phenomenal.
June 17, 2025 @ 9:48 am
An intermediate guitarist who busked his way to success.
Where are videos of him busking?
My money is on there are none.
June 17, 2025 @ 9:52 am
you’ve kind of become a plague in the comments. its lame dude… and pathetic.
June 17, 2025 @ 10:23 am
Where are the videos of him busking as a child?.
Simple question.
Are you suggesting he is a master guitarist?
June 17, 2025 @ 10:35 am
no, i am not suggesting anything. I am saying you come across as a blowhard. I thought that was clear
June 17, 2025 @ 1:30 pm
My bad. I retract my earlier assertion.
I found evidence of his busking as a kid:
https://www.facebook.com/countryguitarplayers/videos/absolutely-love-this-video-of-a-young-daniel-donato-busking-in-downtown-nashvill/274062624944872/
June 18, 2025 @ 8:47 am
I love the musicianship of this band but I think it would be much better if Daniel could be the musical visionary but have someone else be the lead singer, like the John Cowan-Sam Bush dynamic in New Grass Revival.
June 19, 2025 @ 4:14 am
I agree. Vocals aren’t his strong suit. But we are in a time where everybody wants to be the whole package. Guitarists get jealous of vocalists getting all the attention. Clearly, a first rate lead singer/ front man can take you to a higher level. I don’t see Donato getting much bigger unless he considers that.
As for the comment about being ” intermediate” as a player, that’s bunk. Most pickers around agree Donato is excellent. I’ve seen him in different live settings from Don Kelley to his own band, and he is pretty commanding as a player. Not saying he’s Danny Gatton or Brent Mason, but he definitely has chops and can shred a Tele better than many.
June 20, 2025 @ 9:31 am
What’s wild, is that is why I couldn’t get into him either. Similar to Isbell, his voice grew on me. Now I realize it actually complements the music, and I’ve grown to like it. Listen to his album Cosmic Country & Western Songs. He doesn’t want vocals to be the star of show, the band is the star. These guys are just talented and fun live. All positive vibes.