Career
Growing up in Belfast, Donnelly played in a number of local bands, finding success in Ireland with Watercress, a four piece acoustic folk-rock band for whom he played guitar, mandolin, percussion and "plumbing" (a home-made didgeridoo). They released six EPs between 1995 and 1998, when they released their one album, Bummer, all on their own local label, Creeping Herb. The Donnelly-penned Candlemaker reached the Number.1 position on the Irish Indie Chart.
Watercress disbanded in early 2001.
After the demise of Watercress, Donnelly moved to New York to pursue a solo career. Whilst there he released two studio albums,, and, which received extensive airtime on British Broadcasting Corporation Radio, as well as one live album.
Donnelly also played as a session musician for several artists, including Joy Zipper. In 2009 Donnelly returned to the United Kingdom to live, and settled in Exeter.
In mid-2010 he signed with record label IRL. In October 2010 he released the single "Running", followed by the album "Country & Northern" in May 2011.
He then relocated to Middlesbrough in the North East of England. Donnelly is part of the Stockton on Tees public based male voice choir, Infant Hercules. Donnelly has toured extensively, performing solo shows and supporting artists such as The Levellers, Oysterband, Seth Lakeman, Damien Dempsey, and Duke Special.
He has also performed as part of the live bands of The Levellers, Oysterband and Joy Zipper.
His own recording and touring live band, Sonovagun, has included Ali McMordie of Stiff Little Fingers on bass guitar and television composer Roy Harter on keyboards and theremin. Donnelly has become a favorite act on the United Kingdom summer festival circuit, having performed at Glastonbury Festival"s Leftfield stage, Beautiful Days festival, The Big Session, and various festivals throughout Europe.
As a boy, Donnelly"s main musical influence was The Beatles.
