Those incredible things aside, it’s about the songwriting. Townes’ is just getting ready to head out the door for a collaborative songwriting session when she sits down for a telephone interview. She’s not new to it, but it’s at the very core of her musicianship. Watching these Canadians take their place in history for their songwriting abilities has a personal impact.
“I started writing songs in my room as a kid, it’s like if they could do it so can I and I feel like this is a really cool celebration of so many of my heroes coming together to be honoured for the stories that they’ve told the world and what their art represents, as a reflection of a human experience.”
Songwriting isn’t just writing down words, says Townes. It’s a labour of love. It’s a creative pursuit that presents itself as a passion, something she loves, but it does take dedication and work.
There are no magical tricks to writing. You use what you know and let your mind do the work.
When she starts to struggle with articulating thoughts, she needs to put more fuel in the tank. One tool she uses is a book that allows her to brain storm by providing thought cues. Another is a book, The Artist’s Way.
“I’ve loved that it has morning pages and exercises to kind of push past your subconscious mind or sand in getting things going.”