Carmen Townsend - ECMA Interview - Apr 15/12

I had a chance to chat with the wonderful Carmen Townsend at this year’s ECMA.  With playing so many shows including touring with legends Heart, she has had one amazing year, so I wanted to get a glimpse into her life and what she is planning on doing in the future.

1. Tell me a bit about yourself.

- I’m from Cape Breton island, I’ve been performing since I was about 14 or 15, I’ve travelled all over Canada and decided to go solo after many years of being a backup singer with a bunch of guys.  I took the bull from the horns I guess and moved all over like to Toronto and Vancouver, then moved back to Cape Breton, found a band and debuted at the ECMAs in Sydney in 2005.  The rest is history!

2. How has ECMA been for you so far?

- Well, I’ve been here for the last 6 years and so far it’s been pretty great!  It’s always a great time to come here because you never get to see most of your friends who are musicians because they’re on the road all the time.  Now we’re all gathered at the same place and we can really enjoy eachother.

3. How do you feel being one of the few female rockers on the East Coast?

- There are a ton of female rockers.  For me, I don’t have to play rock music to rock in my world I guess, haha. I don’t know, it’s just been what I’ve always loved to do.  I was a teenager in the 90s: Nirvana came out and Pearl Jam, so my history was kind of written for me.  It feels good though, people seem to dig what I do and it’s different from a lot of things, so I’m going to hang on to that for a little while!

4. Do you have any future plans for 2012 so far?

- Yes, lots of co-writing actually which is kind of a new thing for me, travelling to New York and Nashville to do some co-writing sessions and work on a new record.

5. What is the best part about being a musician?

- The people that it has brought into my life.  When you follow your heart and your dreams, you’re rewarded so many times.  For me to come here and to be reminded of the people I’ve made connections with because I just sing my butt off is really awesome!

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It was truly an honour to be able to talk with Carmen.  She is not only a phenomenal musician but a genuine woman with a great outlook on life.  Be sure to check her out if ever you have the chance.  Her intoxicating voice and energetic performance will just blow you away!