Meet Townsend T

Today we’d like to introduce you to Townsend T.  

Hi Townsend, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Music has always been a huge part of my life. My older brother had a drum set, which I was not allowed to touch. Therefore, I found every way to play those drums when he wasn’t around. They were definitely my first love! 

I played for a punk-rock band through junior high and high school. We were grunge to the max. I then went off to college, and my friends found out I had taught myself how to play guitar and sing. I jokingly would play mash-ups of popular pop and rap songs. This led to being hired for gigs and events! I randomly got a Facebook message, from a total stranger, stating he was a drummer and would love to start a band. Against my better judgment, I vividly remember picking up my guitar in the middle of the night, telling my roommates to call the cops if they hadn’t heard from me in an hour or so, and heading to this stranger’s house. When I pulled up into the driveway, I heard loud music and laughter. The minute he answered the door, we connected. We instantly formed an amazing friendship and started a band! This was the first time I’d ever been the frontman. My drummer was my biggest supporter and encourager! We were booked nonstop! 

In 2016, I got the most devastating phone call. My drummer [and best friend] had been involved in a car wreck that took his life. My world came crashing down. I found myself having no interest in music, for the first time in my life. I would pass by the music room that once made me so happy, and feel nothing but pain. After close to a year, I picked my guitar up for the first time and wrote “Show Me Home”, in a matter of minutes. At that moment, I realized how therapeutic music really was. I decided right then and there that he would never want me to hang up music. I used that passion and purpose to drive me where I am today! I made the album we always wanted to make, “Show Me Home”, had a sold-out release show, and started booking gigs again. 

I’ve now had opportunities that I never would have imagined. I’ve been able to record with a Nashville-based and multi-Grammy-winning audio engineer. We recently released my self-titled EP, “Townsend”. I had the chance to record with some of the world’s BEST musicians. I’ve been featured in numerous magazines and blogs. I have multiple endorsers, such as Elixir strings and K&K sound systems, and Mayson Guitars. My songs have been featured in commercials and short films. I’m an international songwriter semi-finalist x 2. It’s been surreal! 

Additionally, I am very passionate about giving back, and I now host a weekly podcast raising awareness for mental health titled “You’re Not Alone with Townsend.” The project has made a profound impact, with countless fans reaching out to share their mental health stories, interest from community organizations Only Human and National Alliance on Mental Health Arkansas, media coverage, as well as landing me the title of “Arkansan of the Day”. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not!

They say you MIGHT be lucky enough to find your “musical compadre”. This is the person that connects with you on a level you didn’t even know existed, much like a soul mate. My drummer was exactly that. He knew parts of me no one else will ever experience. He was my biggest supporter and encourager. I referred to him as my “safety blanket”. Losing him led to a really dark time in my life. I experienced grief, loneliness, anxiety, etc. The hardest part was that I was so young, that I didn’t have friends that could truly relate. They had not experienced loss or grief yet. This left me feeling incredibly isolated. I felt lost and found myself having to remold myself. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I have a license to be a Speech Therapist. I worked with the geriatric population for 9 years. I absolutely LOVE that population. I would work full-time hours in the nursing home setting, and I would then go to music full-time. In 2021, I had a huge “ah-ha” moment. I decided I only had one chance at life, and I felt called to connect with people through my music. I made the huge decision to leave my full-time position at a job I loved to pursue music and give it my full attention. I’ve never looked back! 

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Everyone on my journey has provided so much inspiration and encouragement. It has truly been the most amazing experience. Although it’s been a rough and emotional road, I wouldn’t change a thing. The loss I experienced led me to be able to connect with people on a deeper and more intimate level. I am forever grateful for that. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.townsendtmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/townsendtmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownsendTMusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFyBoiYh1ePwhtD5BM4ZP8Q
• Yelp: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5QLwdZLkP4Ate9qeby1nzX?si=uHK0_B8ISLW7e6Huz4D7CQ
• SoundCloud: https://open.spotify.com/show/1b4NMntfcyxfnOveFp8imK?si=h46WRq1kQD66Gei4UC14UA
• Other: www.patreon.com/townsendtmusic