Donna Missal on self-love, Shania Twain and empowering her LGBTQ fans

Words: Thomas Stichbury

Donna Missal leaves us moaning for more with her latest single ‘sex is good (but have you tried)’, a tingly celebration of sex-positivity and self-love – treat yourself, indeed.

The queer American singer – who released her sophomore album Lighter last summer – recently gave us the feels with her cover of Cigarette After Sex’s ‘Nothing Gonna Hurt You Baby,’ which appears on the killer soundtrack of Oscar-nominated film Promising Young Woman, starring Carey Mulligan.

In an exclusive catch-up with Attitude, 30-year-old Donna, from New Jersey, shared a few of her ‘favourite things’ with us, from the leopard-print body suit that received the seal of approval from her idol, Shania Twain, to her most cherished encounter with a trans fan.

Image: Julie Pitch

What is your favourite song by another artist?

‘Show Me Love’ by Robin S. It makes me feel amazing. The song has sounded like a classic for, literally, forever and will never go out of style. The lyric, “Words are so easy to say, alright? You’ve got to show me love” is so simple, it’s brilliant.

What is your favourite song of your own?

I don’t have one because, weird!

Where is your favourite place to write?

While in movement, like on a train or in a car or plane, because my thoughts are buzzing, I don’t know why.

Where is your favourite place to escape to?

Into music, because corny but duh!

Credit: Erica Hernandez

What is your favourite book?

bell hooks’ All About Love because it helped me out of a hole. This book defined the difference between self-love and narcissism for me in a way which gave me the permission to show myself the love I needed.

Who is your favourite TV character?

Daria – queen of irreverence.

What is your favourite quote?

“The man that knows something knows that he knows nothing at all” – Erykah Badu sang it and also: true.

 

What is your favourite item in your wardrobe?

My leopard-[print] body suit because Shania Twain said it was hot. She interviewed me on Zoom and I nearly lost my s***. I cried to her and told her she has been my idol since I was eight years old. I wore the leopard suit in a music video [for ‘Let You Let Me Down’] to pay homage, and to have her bring it up to me in our discussion is something I’ll never get over.

What is your favourite word?

F*** –  because I’m from New Jersey.

What is your favourite piece of advice?

Be where you are and appreciate the moment you’re in because it’s said that, in the end, you remember the simplest moments with the most fondness.

 

 

Credit: Julia Pitch

What is your favourite memory, childhood or otherwise?

My dad taking me to the beach at 5am before he went to work so he could fish, and I could write in my journal.

What is your favourite encounter with a fan?

A really special moment for me was once meeting a fan who was trans who showed me his scars from top surgery and told me how my music was a part of their transition. It was one of those moments for me that really made every struggle to be heard worthwhile.

Donna Missal’s new single ‘sex is good (but have you tried)’ is out now.