Donna Missal at Moth Club

2018 was a big year for the New Jersey singer-songwriter Donna Missal. She has toured with the likes of King Princess, written songs with Sharon Van Etten and collaborated with Macklemore and Rudimental. Not to mention, in September she released her debut album, produced by Tim Anderson who’s produced albums for starlets like Solange, Banks and Halsey. It is safe to say that 2019 is looking to be an exciting year for Missal. Playing for the first time outside the US, she joined Chloe Howl at the intimate Moth Club in Hackney.

There is something incredibly real and relatable about this artist, where power, pain and passion run through the very veins of each verse. She exposes every element of her being with each song, be it rage, love or dismay – she shows us every side to an intensely emotional story. Her relaxed R&B tone and laid back style complements her soulfully seductive sound on tracks like Test My Patience and Girl. She has the room captivated by the ferociousness of Keep Lying and the gritty ballad Jupiter.

It is important to note that Missal is one of the rising stars joining the ranks of strong female voices speaking up on behalf of marginalised groups and celebrating diversity and acceptance. “For all you bad bitches,” she shyly announces to the crowd, “and boys, you can be bad bitches too.” As she giggles to herself, the room cheers in support of this motion, letting go and swaying away whilst the singer breaks out into a punchy but sensual dance. 

Donna Missal possesses a soft vulnerability that is counterbalanced by her resilient strength. Her set takes the crowd through an array of emotions and experiences, where it feels like she is speaking to each member of the audience on an individual level, consoling them through heartbreak and offering a sense of solidarity, helping them to overcome any angst. Listening to her album is empowering enough on its own but experiencing her music live and in the flesh is truly a sight to behold. Donna really does give you all the feels.

Yasmin Cowan
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Donna Missal’s website here.

Watch the video for Keep Lying here: