Helen Townsend on new album Take It or Leave It

Description

Helen Townsend is an artist from Fremantle in Western Australia whose music is a fusion of roots-rock, blues, country, and folk. With her band the Wayward Hearts she’s on tour in New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria throughout August and September, with her new album, Take It or Leave It, released on 2 August.

Townsend's musical life began at the age of 40, although she had long been keeping a journal and writing poetry. Songwriting came as a natural evolution, and Townsend’s songs reflect her personal experiences as well as seeking to understand or assist others.

It became clear during our conversation that Townsend is deeply connected to and appreciative of her musical community. Take It or Leave It is the result of collaborations with other songwriters – although most songs were written by Townsend alone – and the musicians in the Wayward Hearts. Townsend takes none of it for granted and although she says she’s a ‘love junkie’ she seems more like a heart, soul and truth seeker, and this is what she brings to her songs.

See Helen Townsend and the Wayward Hearts live:

Saturday, 3 August | Gasoline Pony, Marrickville *

Saturday, 3 August | The Merton Hotel, Rozelle *

Sunday, 4 August | The Camden Hotel, Camden

Wednesday, 7 August | The Midnight Special (duo show), Newtown *

Saturday, 10 August | Wild West Weekender, Burlington Hotel, Bunbury, WA

Thursday, 15 August | Freo Social, Fremantle, WA

Saturday, 17 August | Coolgardie Rodeo, Coolgardie, WA

Friday, 6 September | The River Hotel, Margaret River, WA

Saturday, 7 September | Nannup Brewery, Nannup, WA *

Friday, 13 September | The Eastern Hotel, Ballarat, Vic

Saturday, 14 September | The Gem, Collingwood, Vic *