JD Dohnal

JD Dohnal

JD Dohnal is an award-winning, Nashville-based songwriter/musician/producer who's songs have been used in major motion pictures, TV, advertising, and recorded by several artists. JD writes in a variety of styles but mainly focuses on the country market. He takes pride in coming up with clever hooks, double entendre story lines, and great melodies. JD tries to write songs that evoke some sort of emotion, or at the very least, make you smile and bob your head. Please check out his song page to get a taste of several styles of music he has written: country, rock, pop, adult contemporary, etc.

Latest News

2024 Yearly Update

Last year will be tough to beat, but I'm hoping for the best!  My song "She's Not You" was a Grand Prize winner in The John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and my song "Falling" (co-written with Dave Tough) was the theme song for the movie "Take Me To Banue".  (The same song was in the Seth Rogen movie "Observe and Report", but it's featured much more prominently in this film.)   My band "Top Tier" had our biggest year yet in 2023.  We traveled pretty extensively and played in some states we hadn't performed in previously.  I saw and enjoyed parts of the country and cool towns that I hadn't experienced before.  Cheers to you all for a great 2024! - JD

Bio for JD Dohnal

JD Dohnal is a Nashville-based songwriter/musician/producer.

"Jammin" JD was born and raised in the frozen tundra of Green Bay, WI and then headed to Minneapolis, MN where he was a guitar major at Music Tech of Minneapolis (now named McNally Smith School of Music). After being featured on two compilation CDs that showcased some of the state's top writers, he moved to Nashville, TN so he could truly pursue songwriting.

JD writes in a variety of styles, has won many awards, has had his songs used in film, TV, advertising, and recorded by various artists. Below are some of his highlights:

* His song "Falling" being used in the 2009 Warner Bros movie "Observe and Report" and as the theme song in the 2023 movie "Take Me To Banue".

* His song "Christmas Cheer" being used for the Disney movie "Noelle" in 2019 and "NCIS: Los Angeles" on CBS

* His song "Hillbilly Hollywood" being used on the ABC show "Nashville".

* His song "Back To Her Roots" being featured for the hit show "CSI".

* His song "Thank God For The Weekend" being used numerous times for NBC's "Access Hollywood" and about 20 other shows and networks.

* His song "Hillbilly Hollywood" being used for "Limitless" on CBS

* His music has aired on ABC, NBC, CBS, HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, ESPN, MTV, SPIKE, DISNEY, USA NETWORK, ANIMAL PLANET, GOLF CHANNEL, TLC, OUTDOOR CHANNEL, and many other networks.

* His songs are played throughout Europe as in-store music at countless restaurants and retailers.

* Had songs used in ads by major companies such at Beachbody and Talenti Gelato.

* Had songs recorded by artists in Australia, Germany, Canada, and the United States.

* Has done work-for-hire songwriting/production projects for Killer Tracks/Universal Music Group in Los Angeles.

* Has non-exclusive publishing contracts with publishers in Nashville, Los Angeles, England, Canada, and elsewhere.

* Grand Prize winner in the 2022 John Lennon Songwriting Contest (country category) with "She's Not You".

* Finalist winner in the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Contest (rock category) with "It's Not Over".

* Grand Prize winner in the 2009 John Lennon Songwriting Contest (country category) with "Beatles Without John".

* Grand Prize winner in the 2008 USA Songwriting Competition (country category) with "Month of Mondays".

* Grand Prize winner in the 2004 Nashville Song Search.

* Winner in the 2009 International Songwriting Contest, and the 2010 Indie International Songwriting contest.

When JD's not writing lyrics on napkins, singing into his iPhone, or cheering for the Packers, JD loves to be on stage. He's been on the same bill as such notable acts as The Cars, Rick Springfield, Craig Morgan, Ambrosia, Daryle Singletary, and John Ford Coley. He is the founder/bassist/manager of "Top Tier" -- a top-notch private events band that performs throughout the United States. He takes his music seriously, but not himself. He was born to be on stage, and is known for his high-energy, crazy, and often humorous stage antics. Whether it's dancing on a tabletop, doing the pogo while rockin' out, or facilitating the famous "bass limbo", JD is always sure to entertain.

Comments

Author
Steve Purcell
over 30 days ago to JD Dohnal

Hello,
I'm new here. I'm based out of Nashville, Tn.
any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much.

2 Replies
 
JD Dohnal
over 30 days ago

Hey Steve, Welcome to Nashville! I'd suggest going to different writers nights for networking and to see the variety of music that gets written here. Best of luck!

Steve Purcell
over 30 days ago

Thanks JD.. much appreciated..



Author
Julia Schmidt
over 30 days ago to JD Dohnal

Hi! " if only" is an amazing modern rock song!! Could def. hear " 3 doors down" with this one:))!! Great lyrics and vocals are fantastic! Love your variety of choices of music to listen to... Great country songs as well!loved " wishing well" sweet - tender hearted lyrics painted such a picture:) great vocals as well!!! Blessings to ya and I will be connecting:))..... Julia

4 Replies
 
JD Dohnal
over 30 days ago

Hi Julia, thanks so very much for dropping me a note and the super sweet words!! I love to write a wide variety of styles because I love a wide variety of styles (and it keeps it fun:) I also think "If Only" would be perfect for 3 Doors Down. "Wishing Well" is one of my all-time favorites since the lyrics are so personal to me. Thanks again for your praise and stay in touch! :) --JD

Julia Schmidt
over 30 days ago

You are welcome!! Hope you drop by for a few listens yourself:)) I have a a variety of music as well!! I do demos for other songwriter' here... And was just notified " the gift" had been selected for the country- contemp opp. And that same song, I came in 2nd for the singer universe contest( May 2014).... Have a great day!

JD Dohnal
over 30 days ago

Beautiful voice Julie!! I especially like your sultry, jazz style like on "Home For Christmas". You nail that! I'm off to play some shows this weekend. I hope you have a great one!

Julia Schmidt
over 30 days ago

Why thank you very much!!!:) appreciate it!! Have a great weekend!!!



Author
Ian Kenny
over 30 days ago to JD Dohnal

Beatles Without John...Very Nice JD ! Excellent ! and whoever the vocalist was did a Great Job !
I wish you Every Success mate, Really Well Done !

3 Replies
 
JD Dohnal
over 30 days ago

Thank you SO much Ian!! I really appreciate it! Actually Keifer Thompson from the big country duo Thompson Square is the vocalist on that tune! I'm glad I got him to sing it before he got famous! :)

Ian Kenny
over 30 days ago

That's way cool JD ! Well I wouldn't be surprised if he sings more of your songs ! You just keep doin' it mate, you'll get there I'm sure.

JD Dohnal
over 30 days ago

You're so kind Ian! Thank you! I listened to a bunch of your stuff and love that you write a variety of material as well! Great work!



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