Start Livin'

Released in 2012, Start Livin' represents a significant stylistic refinement for Donavon Frankenreiter. Moving away from the fuller band arrangements and reggae-fusion leanings of his self-titled debut and 'Move La La', this album embraces a 'lo-fi' folk aesthetic that prioritizes raw performance over studio perfection. Recorded in a short window of time to capture a specific mood, the album features Frankenreiter alongside long-time collaborator Matt Grundy. The two musicians handled nearly all the instrumentation, utilizing acoustic guitars, lap steel, and various percussive elements to create a dense but quiet atmosphere. Critically, the album was noted for its authenticity and its departure from the 'Jack Johnson-lite' comparisons that followed his early career, establishing Donavon as a distinct voice in the Americana and surf-folk landscape. It remains his most intimate and sonically cohesive work to date.