Meet Donkeyman
Donkeyman is the artist project of Simon, founder of Donkeyman Records. Blending rap, rock, and raw energy, Donkeyman represents independence, authenticity, and doing things your own way.
What started as a personal creative outlet became the foundation for a bigger vision. Through both the music and the business, Simon has built Donkeyman as proof that artists can create real impact without following the traditional path. Every release, performance, and piece of content reflects that same spirit.
My Story
My name is Simon, and I am the founder of Donkeyman Records, a Melbourne based creative studio, artist platform, and community built around independence, authenticity, and original work. I am also the artist behind Donkeyman, a rap rock project that represents rebellion, self belief, and creating without compromise.
Music has been a huge part of my life for years. I started as a guitarist and eventually grew into a multi instrumentalist, producer, recording engineer, mixing engineer, and mastering engineer. Over time, I taught myself how to build records from the ground up by playing and producing most parts myself, with minimal reliance on samples. That hands on approach became a huge part of my identity as both an artist and a producer.
Before Donkeyman Records became what it is today, I built the first version of the vision out of a portable caravan studio. I turned a caravan into a creative space and used it as a base to record, create content, and build the Donkeyman world in a way that felt raw, independent, and true to what I was trying to do. That caravan became a symbol of starting with what I had and making it work. It was never about waiting for perfect conditions. It was about creating anyway.
As the vision grew, that journey moved from the caravan into the factory space we now call Donkeyman Records HQ. That move marked a major turning point. What started as a DIY creative setup evolved into a larger home for music production, recording, mixing, mastering, visual content, artist development, and community driven events. Donkeyman Records HQ is more than a studio. It is a place where artists can create freely, collaborate, sharpen their craft, and build something real around their work.
Donkeyman Records is not a traditional label. It is a playground for artists. The goal has never been to copy the old industry model. The goal is to help independent artists develop their sound, their identity, and their confidence while learning how to build something sustainable on their own terms. Through recording, production, mixing, mastering, photography, videography, content creation, and creative direction, I work to help artists bring their full vision to life.
Alongside the music and studio work, I also created The Donkeyman Show, a platform that has become an important part of the wider Donkeyman brand. The Donkeyman Show brings artists, entertainers, creatives, and personalities into the Donkeyman world through conversation, games, humour, and unpredictable moments. It is an extension of everything Donkeyman Records stands for: real personality, real creativity, and giving people a space to be themselves. The show has helped grow the Donkeyman name beyond music alone and has become another way to connect with artists and audiences through content.
As Donkeyman, my own music is rooted in rap rock, alternative sounds, raw energy, and honest expression. Donkeyman is not just a stage name. It is the proof of concept behind everything I believe in. It represents the idea that artists do not need permission to make meaningful work, build an audience, and create impact. That same belief sits at the centre of Donkeyman Records, The Donkeyman Show, and everything else connected to the brand.
Based in Melbourne, I have always wanted Donkeyman Records to be more than a business. I want it to be a real creative hub for independent artists. That is why the vision also includes open mics, live events, workshops, markets, showcases, and community driven opportunities that bring people together in a genuine way. I believe artists grow faster when they are surrounded by the right energy, the right people, and a space that actually believes in them.
Whether people find me through Donkeyman, Donkeyman Records, Donkeyman Records HQ, or The Donkeyman Show, I want them to find something real. This whole journey has been built from the ground up, from a portable caravan studio to a full creative headquarters in Melbourne, with the same mission all the way through: create boldly, stay authentic, and build something that lasts.
This is my story, and it is still growing.
Peace!
Donkeyman