Mike Donello

Mike and band The New Essentials bring a mix of effortlessly energetic, soulful sounds from Austin Texas.

Mike Donello has been teaming up with fellow friends and musicians for years to swap songs and warm up crowds of all ages. Mike Donello formed The New Essentials, with local Austin musicians and bandmate Matt Creaton in 2018. Together with a rotating collective of versatile multi-instrumentalist, The New Essentials bring a fun energy to any type of event and venue. The current A-Team of The New Essentials includes the core trio of singer/songwriters and guitarists Chris Hawkes, Matt Creaton, and Mike Donello. Houston Rawls rounds out their quartet format with a soulful sax and some smooth bass grooves. There are many other musicians that play with the band from time to time and it’s always an honor and a pleasure. You never know who might just pop in to do a song when you catch The New Essentials live!

Sounds of reggae and rock, blues guitar and pop harmonies, cajon and djembe, all passed around, create a unique texture-filled experience.

With a steady flow of good vibes, new music and classic covers, Mike Donello and The New Essentials honor the great Austin music experience both in and out of ATX.