Neighbors in Harmony: A Band Called Donna

The Mueller neighborhood is teeming with talented people, ranging from teachers and university professors to researchers, entrepreneurs, doctors, nurses, hairdressers, and artists. But we wouldn’t be in the heart of Austin, Texas, without musicians; that’s what our beloved city is known for best. It turns out my next-door neighbor is in a band that has played all throughout the city and beyond, including right here in Mueller for Rock the Park.

Behind Donna

Brett Land, often seen with his guitar slung over his back, and Logan Daniel Garza are the dynamic duo behind Donna. The band is what they fondly describe as “an alt-country-rock lovechild.” These two singer-songwriters engage audiences with rich harmonies, subtle Texas drawls, and the kind of musical moments that keep people smiling and humming along. Both on and off stage, they’re known for their easygoing energy. They may even get you “happy-crying into your Lone Star” if you listen closely enough. That warmth comes as no surprise: Land is the kind of neighbor who greets everyone with a grin. To him, no one is a stranger.

When I asked how Donna came to be, Land explains, “We first created this musical project under a different moniker and with more members. It was called Flatland Holler, which started in 2017.” 

The group found early success with their 2018 EP “Nothing to Lose,” but eventually reached a stalemate and disbanded. A tale as old as time. Still, the songwriting between Land and Garza never stopped. After many late-night deliberations, long voice memo demos, and a shared passion for good music and a good time, “Donna was born like a phoenix out of a dive-bar ashtray,” Land says. Their debut LP, “Again, For the First Time,” was released in October of 2025.

Land and Garza first met in 2012, when Land moved to Austin. They quickly became friends and began writing songs together almost immediately. Today, both live in Mueller and enjoy being active members of the community, and all of their music is self-produced by Garza. Some of the songs on their most recent album were even recorded at Garza’s house. One of their first public performances as Donna was at a songwriter showcase hosted by Austin Songcore at the Alamo Drafthouse.

On Stage

Donna frequently plays house shows, performing as an acoustic duo in intimate settings where their songs shine in their purest form: just vocals, melody, and guitar. They’ve also toured the country, playing in living rooms, backyards, and listening-room venues like the 04 Center on South Lamar. As a full band, Donna brings a livelier energy to dance halls like Sagebrush and White Horse, where their catchy tunes keep dancers boot-scooting across the floor. Closer to home, they’ve played several shows at Lazarus Brewing, not far from Mueller.

The band has also ventured into new creative territory, composing music for the Netflix stand-up comedy special “A Humble Offering” by their friend Matt McCusker. In addition to Rock the Park and other local venues, Donna has performed at Haute Spot and Coupland Dancehall.

Land cites a range of influences, from singer-songwriter staples like The Eagles and Tom Petty to alt-country and Southern indie rock bands such as Drive-By Truckers, Dawes, Whiskeytown, and Justin Townes Earle. The band’s name itself nods to the 1970s, a time of iconic “Dons” like Don Henley and Don Felder. Inspired by that era, and with a playful twist, they landed on “Donna,” recalling the character Donna Pinciotti from “That ’70s Show.” The result is a name that feels both nostalgic and intriguingly unexpected for a two-man band.

You can listen to their music at donnatheband.com or follow them on Instagram (@donnatheband) to keep up with upcoming shows. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch them playing right here in the neighborhood.

Photographs courtesy of Donna

Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a retired teacher, published author, and freelance writer.