Daniel Donskoy is having a monumental year as both a musician and actor. Following the international success of his recent single Sippin’, which garnered widespread airplay and press attention, Donskoy is back with his electrifying new track Middleman. The song’s blend of late 2000s R&B nostalgia, heavy hip-hop beats, and pop hooks is a captivating mix that showcases his charismatic and soulful delivery. As Donskoy continues to push boundaries with his music, his star is steadily rising on radio waves and playlists alike.
In addition to his musical achievements, Donskoy is set to lead the highly anticipated Disney+ series Vienna Game, which will premiere in 2025. His dynamic presence, both on stage and on screen, marks him as one to watch as he navigates multiple creative avenues. This interview dives deeper into the inspiration behind Middleman, his creative process, and how his acting and musical careers intersect.
Your latest single Middleman has a nostalgic late 2000s R&B vibe with a modern twist. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this track and what message you hope to convey through its lyrics?
I’ve always loved to mix and match when it comes to music, and Middleman is the perfect example of that. There’s something so comforting about those nostalgic late 2000s R&B sounds—there’s a warmth to it. But at the same time, I wanted to give it a bit of a modern shake-up. It’s like taking something familiar and flipping it on its head. The song itself is about finding that balance in life when you’re constantly stuck in the middle—whether it’s between opinions, cultures, or even within yourself. It’s exhausting, but it’s also a space where you can learn to tiptoe on the tightrope and maybe even find your own rhythm.
Middleman follows the success of your single Sippin. How do these two tracks set the stage for your upcoming music, and what can fans expect from the rest of your releases this year?
Sippin and Middleman feel like two sides of the same coin. While Sippin explores that pull we all feel toward things or people we know are no good for us, Middleman speaks to a different kind of struggle—one that’s more about navigating the noise around you and finding your place. I think both tracks represent where I’m at right now as an artist—always exploring, always in motion. For the rest of the year, fans can expect more of that. More singles that blend different genres, moods, and stories. I want to keep pushing boundaries but still stay true to that raw emotion that connects everything I do. The net release is tearing more towards the electronic side and I’m super psyched about it as I am a little raver.
You’ve collaborated with Munich’s hit-making producer duo SAIN and writers like Derek Uellenbloom on Middleman. What was the collaborative process like, and how did these partnerships shape the final sound of the track?
Working with SAIN and Derek Uellenbloom is like cooking with master chefs—everyone’s got a little spice they throw into the pot, and by the end, you’ve got something you wouldn’t have been able to create on your own. Derek, Meghan Ashworth, and I started Middleman with just a guitar riff and a drum sample, and from there, it became a game of trial and error. SAIN came in and took the production to another level—it was like sculpting, trying to find that perfect blend. I’ll be honest, I drive producers crazy sometimes with all my ideas, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s the magic of collaboration—taking risks together.
Your acting career has seen you take on diverse roles in shows like The Crown, Barbarians, and the upcoming Disney+ show Vienna Game. How do you balance your acting and music careers, and do you find that one influences the other?
The balancing act is tricky, no doubt about it. But the beauty is that both acting and music feed into each other. When I’m acting, I get to step out of myself and inhabit someone else’s world, someone else’s emotions. With music, it’s the opposite—it’s all about bringing my rawest thoughts and feelings to the surface. But I think having both outlets keeps me sharp. I’m always creating, whether I’m in front of a camera or in a studio. And sometimes, the energy I need to portray a character ends up inspiring a song, or a lyric idea helps me tap into a role in a deeper way. It’s a constant conversation between the two.
You’ve lived in several places, from Moscow to Tel Aviv, Berlin, and London. How have these diverse cultural experiences influenced your music and acting style?
Living in all these different places has definitely shaped the way I see the world, and that inevitably influences both my music and acting. I’ve had the privilege of soaking up so many different cultures, languages, and ways of thinking, and I think that’s why I find it hard to stay in one lane creatively. Whether it’s the rhythms of Tel Aviv, the art scene in Berlin, or the hustle of London, all those places and experiences bleed into what I do. It’s like a constant exchange. I’m always learning something new, and that keeps my art fresh.
You’ve been successful in both acting and music in Germany, including winning The Masked Singer and hosting the German equivalent of the Oscars. How has your international experience shaped your approach to your creative work?
I think being able to work internationally has taught me not to pigeonhole myself. There’s a huge advantage to being versatile and open to different opportunities, whether that’s performing behind a mask on The Masked Singer or standing on stage hosting an awards show. These experiences have shown me that success isn’t linear and growth can’t be planned—you gotta be open to things just ‘happening’ even if you had no clue about them before. You can cross borders—not just physically but creatively—and take something from every role, every performance. It’s all part of the bigger picture. My international experiences make me appreciate how much room there is for growth and experimentation.
With your lead role in the upcoming Disney+ show Vienna Game, what can viewers expect from the series, and what drew you to this particular role?
Vienna Game is unlike anything I’ve done before. The series has this beautiful blend of historical drama, espionage, SEX or let’s call it bedroom politics and complex human relationships. What really drew me to the role was the chance to play a character who exists in a time of such upheaval and change. There’s something fascinating about navigating that as an actor. It’s also a chance to explore different layers of identity, politics, and morality—which, funnily enough, ties back to the themes in Middleman. I love diving into those grey areas where nothing is clear-cut.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next phase of your career in both music and acting? Are there any new challenges or projects you’re especially excited about?
I’ve never been one to plan things too meticulously, but I can say I’m really excited about the projects coming up. I’ve got more music in the pipeline—more chances to experiment, evolve, and hopefully surprise people. On the acting side, Vienna Game is set to be released in 2025 and I can’t wait to see where that takes me. I’m also exploring new forms of artistic expression, which is thrilling and terrifying at the same time. The goal is to keep moving, keep creating, and keep finding new challenges that scare me just a little bit. That’s when I know I’m on the right path.
