We recently connected with Townsend and have shared our conversation below.
Townsend, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
For 9 years, I was a Speech Therapist in the Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility setting. I have always loved helping people and making them smile. My goal, every single day, was to make each patient feel less alone. Fast forward to 2020, COVID and the global pandemic hit, which was devastating for facilities like these. Patients were truly dying from loneliness. Healthcare providers were worked to the bone and burned out. On Monday, we’d come into work and have half of our caseload had deceased, but we would be expected to keep going, as if nothing happened. It took a huge toll, both physically and mentally. One day, I came home and literally felt a huge shift that told was telling me I could change more lives and make more of an impact through my music and my “You’re Not Alone with Townsend” mental health podcast. I sent in my resignation and never looked back! I truly feel called to spread love, hope, and awareness while building community with those around me!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Townsend. I am a Singer/Songwriter and Mental Health Advocate from Arkansas. I’ve been playing music for as long as I can remember. The drums were my first musical love! Once I got into college, I transitioned to guitar and vocals. I was the frontman for an alternative-poprock band for several years. In 2016, my best friend and drummer past away unexpected. I immediately lost interest in music. After months of grieving and feeling lost and zero music, I wrote a song called “Show Me Home”. It was in that moment I knew how important music was to me. It was truly my saving grace. It lit an entirely new passion and purpose for me. Fast forward to today, I’ve participated in international festivals, songwriting festivals with some of the biggest names to date, toured all over the US, been named ‘Arkansan of the Day’, gathered endorsements from some of the biggest music brands, and started a mental health movement and podcast called “You’re Not Alone” with Townsend, which has garnered nationwide attention.
Along with podcasting weekly, touring, writing, and speaking gigs, I’m excited to announce a new music project release! I’ll be dropping a single every month, from August until December. These songs were recorded in Nashville, TN, with some of the nations best musicians and producer. I am beyond excited to be releasing new tunes. This batch of songs will be something my listeners have never heard. They vary from country, to americana, to a doo-wop sounds. I wanted there to be something for everyone in this project!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Honestly, I think uniqueness, passion, and willingness to work hard are crucial in any creative job. My advice to new comers would be to do it because you love it, not because you want to be rich and famous. Burn out will happen quickly if you don’t love what you’re doing. Also, don’t be afraid to be yourself! People love uniqueness and artists they can relate to.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
2023 has been full of researching, meeting, planning, and prepping for the release of new songs. I have really challenged myself with the idea that we put so much time and effort into the writing and recording process, so I wanted to put that much effort into the release process. I wanted to provide listeners with the chance to be part of the process and really see what all it entails. I am not the most patient person when I’m excited about something (i.e. a release). However, I forced myself to sit down, listen, and really plan out every detail of this release. I think allowing myself to research and asking questions and allowing so much preparation has really taught me a lot!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.townsendtmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/townsendtmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownsendTMusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFyBoiYh1ePwhtD5BM4ZP8Q
- Other: www.patreon.com/townsendtmusic
