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As a teenager, Donna launched into learning guitar on her brother’s acoustic; it wasn't long before Donna bought her first electric guitar. At 17, she was selected as a semi-finalist in the North American Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Competition.
After studying Jazz at McGill University in Montreal, Donna moved to Toronto and played as session musician or live performer with Canadian acts, amongst others Amanda Marshall, Kardinal Offishall, Divine Brown, Haydain Neal and Kellylee Evans. In 2010 she joined Coco Montoya, Shakura S’Aida and Meena on Ruf Records’ Blues Caravan Tour.
She still perfoms regularly with Jazz and Blues artist Shakura S’Aida whom with she co-wrote 9 songs on her 2010 album Brown Sugar. Concurrently, Donna is writing and recording with Toronto based funk rock artist Saidah Baba Talibah. She is also the Musical Director of Saidah's 8 piece band, the Solrawkestra.
In addition to performing, song writing and recording with other artists, Donna is leading an instrumental psychedelic rock fusion trio called The Donna Grantis Electric Band. Featuring drummer Roger Travassos and bassist Steve Zsirai, the group issued their debut album, titled "Suites", on Diamond Gem Records in 2012.
About The Donna Grantis Electric Band, Donna describes the group’s approach to improvisation as:"Creating music in the moment, reacting to each other on stage, exploring musical themes for extended lengths of time, and utilizing effects pedals to broaden the tonal pallet of the music. The creative intention is to be free and continuously challenge each other on stage. Hopefully in doing so, we can create an experience for listeners and take the audience on a musically engaging journey."
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Donna was auditioned by Prince in November 2012 to join an all-female 3 pieces band with Hannah Ford and Ida Nielsen. During winter 2012-2013 she rehearsed and recorded in Paisley Park Studios with Prince, after which she went on tour on the west coast of the USA (Live Out Loud Tour) with Prince & 3rdEyeGirl.
After the tour she regularly appeared on 3rdEye TV broadcasts with Prince & 3rdEyeGirl and contributed to the studio session (broadcast on 3rdEye TV from 1st to 2nd July 2013) from which Menstrual Cycle, Octopus Heart, Moon Drop and The Third Heart Of The Octopus Menstrual Cycle Originally Dropped From The Moon were created.
During summer 2013 she toured in Europe with Prince, The NPG and 3rdEyeGirl.
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