HELEN TOWNSEND

Helen Townsend may have been late in picking up the tools of her trade but in a short time she has shown herself to be a master craftsman in a field too often crowded with cowboy-booted jacks and jills of all trades. Her sweet voice and tender picking rubs against songs that are filled with characters living with the costly results of impulsive choices and memories that just won't let go. Her music takes you on a journey through beautiful valleys, coastal plains and soaring over mountains with a few deep, dark tunnels to keep you grounded.

Helen has carved out a reputation for edgy Americana music, pushing the genre’s boundaries from roots-rock, through country-blues to folk. With her 2023 forthcoming album, she has broadened her style and flair, even more so, with catchy new melodies, tight harmonies and personal stories, lyrics that hook into your heart and tear up your soul. It builds from her previous 2 EP’s and her debut album, which scored her multiple awards and nominations including winner of WA Country Music Award for Best Emerging Artist and Song of the year.

MUSIC

Love Lies 'n' Leaving

Helen Townsend

Buy album

Take a pinch of Patsy Cline, add a dash of James Taylor and a generous dollop of Lucinda Williams and you have Helen Townsend and Shannon Smith Duo. Reminiscent of Welch/Rawlings and Harris/Crowell these two capture your imagination and heart.

Multi-Award WAM nominee and Winner of 2020 WA Country Music Emerging Artist and Single of the Year, Helen’s music is soulful, edgy, her story telling is transfixing.

This compact version of the Helen Townsend & The Wayward Hearts band, the duo engages and entertains the audience with their stories, anecdotes and off the cuff wit, and then woo them with strong original songs and tight weaving harmonies. The music is soulful, edgy and embraces Americana roots. Helens voice is unique, timeless and her stage presence captivating, whilst Shannon’s rich harmonies, onstage presence and guitar work complete the duo.

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Devils Curse 4:34

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If I Didn't Know Better 3:53

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Where Are You Now 3:38

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If You Were Real 4:05

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We're Through 3:41

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Little Lover

Helen Townsend

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Independent Americana artist Helen Townsend is thrilled to announce the release of her long-awaited debut album Little Lover, available from 23rd August 2019.

Little Lover is a departure from her multi-award nominated 2014 EP “Wayward Heart” to an edgier, rockier and more diverse sound for the singer songwriter. The album features twelve of her original compositions, including promised land co-written with Bill Chambers which was nominated for WAM 2017 Song of the Year and nomination for WAM 2019 Country artist of the year.

Helen is a prolific songwriter, influenced heavily by her roots, her life’s journey and her unique observations on life. “Little Lover” showcases her song writing and storytelling prowess and is a perfect example of the Americana genre.

"Little Lover" was nominated for multiple WA Country Music Awards (2020) and won Single of the Year and Emerging Artist of the year.

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Make Believe 3:48

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Little Lover 3:39

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Minor Key 4:37

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Upward Now 3:01

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Big City 2:51

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Bluebird 2:42

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Tear Them Houses Down 3:15

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Tumbling 3:36

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I No Longer Know 3:32

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Drinking All Over Again 2:47

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Do Right 4:07

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One More Day 5:42

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Promised Land 2:59

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Wayward Heart

Helen Townsend

Buy album

Helen has played to audiences throughout Western and Eastern Australia and internationally. Her 2014 debut EP “Wayward Heart” received multiple award nominations: BBCMA 2017 Independent EP of the Year; BBCMA 2016 Single of the Year for “Red Light”; WAM 2016 Song of the Year - Country Category – for “Streets of Glory”.

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Wayward Heart 3:57

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Cool Wind 4:16

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Red Light 3:29

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Torn Angel 3:47

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Ghost Train 4:10

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Streets of Glory 2:57

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“Even the spirits that inhabit Kidogo Arthouse ceased their business to stand and watch for a moment. It was magic” - Andrea Thompson

— Around The Sound | | May 23, 2021

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

International Songwriting Competition

2021 – Shortlisted – Bluegrass Category | “Where Are You Now”

2020 - FINALIST - Americana Genre | "Devils Curse" - Co-written with Belle Harvey

WAM - West Australian Music Award Nominations

2021 - Song of the Year | "Devils Curse"

2020 - Song of the Year | "Upward Now"

2019 - Best Country Act

2017 - Best Country Act

2017 - Song of the Year | "Promised Land" - Co-written with Bill Chambers

- 2016 - Song of the Year | "Streets of Glory"

Australian Songwriting Contest 2019

4th Place - Ballad Category | "Just One More Day"

WA Country Music Awards

WINNER - 2020 Emerging Artist of the Year

WINNER - 2020 Single of the Year | "Big City"

WA Country Music Awards - NOMINATIONS

2022 - Best EP of the Year

2022 - Band / Duo of the Year

2020 - Female Artist of the Year

2020 - Independent Album of the Year

2020 - Single of the Year | "Upward Now"

2017 - Independent EP of the Year

2016 - Single of the Year | "Red Light"

TOUR DATES

NEWS & REVIEWS

REVIEW

Love Lies 'n' Leaving - EP Launch

Helen Townsend & Shannon Smith
KIDOGO ARTHOUSE 16 MAY

Andrea Thompson | May 23, 2021
Photos by Linda Dunjey

History will judge ours as among the worst of times. We can’t say that out loud right now, because we have to keep our heads down and live through them, but we know it. Which is why light among the darkness is so important, as is community, as is music. This evening, at Kidogo Arthouse, Helen Townsend and her muse and musical partner, Shannon Smith, brought their audience music, community and light. She may not have meant it, ostensibly this was the launch of Townsend’s latest EP, Love, Lies ‘n’ Leaving, but tonight’s event and others like it will come to be remembered with the same folkloric reverence as Londoners in the blitz singing Vera Lynn songs in the tunnels of the Underground.

REVIEW

Love Lies 'n' Leaving - EP Release

LOOKING IN THE MIRROR

Andrea Thompson | April 20, 2021

The art of the song writer is to take the deeply personal and make it universal, and then to shrug it all off by saying, “I don’t know where that came from, those lyrics aren’t about me at all.”

On her latest EP, Love, Lies ‘n’ Leaving, Helen Townsend, with Shannon Smith, does all that and more. Recorded as a means of getting back to her roots, literally — now that borders are beginning to open, Townsend wants to tour these songs on the east coast where her family lives — the five songs that comprise the EP see Townsend also stripping things back to the bare bones of her country music origins with some beautifully realised Western swing, and bringing back the duet.

REVIEW

Little Lover - Album Release

You Can't Always Get What You Want

Polly Coufos | August 15, 2019

Photos by Linda Dunjey

Sometimes it’s more important to know what you don’t want than what you do want.

Helen Townsend is an independent artist poised to release her debut album. It is actually the second one the flaxen haired singer songwriter has recorded. The recording sessions for the first, completely self funded, one ended with 12 tracks she put down with Australia’s wise old man of alt-country Bill Chambers. Only one of them, Promised Land, a duet that was co-written by the pair, has made the cut on Little Lover, the album Townsend will launch on Friday, August 23, at the Duke of George.

Unisex Long Sleeve Tee

$31.00

Enrich your wardrobe with a versatile long sleeve tee. For a casual look, combine it with your favorite jeans, and layer it with a button-up shirt, a zip-up hoodie, or a snazzy jacket. Dress it up with formal trousers or chinos to achieve a more professional look.

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3/4 sleeve raglan shirt

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Women’s round neck tee

$30.00

No woman’s wardrobe is complete without a flattering and comfortable t-shirt. The women’s round neck tee complements the figure and can be worn as a layering piece, sportswear gear, or the go-to top for the classic “jeans and a t-shirt” look. The combed cotton material is lightweight, breathable, and feels soft to the touch.

• 100% combed cotton
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Women’s round neck tee

$30.95

Men’s premium heavyweight tee

$28.75

Elevate your outfit with the men’s premium heavyweight tee. The tee has a structured, classy fit and is both durable and soft thanks to its ring-spun cotton material. Layer the t-shirt or wear it on its own and enjoy great looks with little effort!

• 100% combed ring-spun cotton
• Charcoal Heather and Carbon Grey is 60% cotton and 40% polyester
• Fabric weight: 6.5 oz/yd² (220 g/m²)
• 20 singles
• Regular fit
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Mens T-Shirt (bluebirds)

$29.95

This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all.

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Men’s drop arm tank top

$29.50

Having an intense workout is difficult enough, so why not make it easier with a comfy tank top that embraces your movement? The men’s drop arm tank top is made of soft and durable combed cotton and has a loose fit that will ensure breathability throughout the day.

• 100% combed cotton
• Grey Marle is 85% combed cotton 15% viscose
• Fabric weight: 4.4 oz/yd² (150 g/m²)
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• Rib at collar
• Double-needle bottom hem
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh

This product is available in Australia and New Zealand only. If your shipping address is outside this region, please choose a different product.

Men's Letterman Jacket

$62.50

Treat yourself, friends, and teammates to one of the most fashionable testaments of hard work and determination—get a set of matching Letterman Jackets! The jacket has a gently contoured silhouette, warm fleece lining, and eye-catching striped twill-taped neck, cuffs, and hem.

• 65% ring-spun combed cotton, 35% polyester fleece
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Unisex kangaroo pocket hoodie

$54.00

Treat yourself to a unique kangaroo pocket hoodie that’s made of premium, high-quality materials that’ll serve you for a long time. Get yours now!

• 80% cotton, 20% polyester anti-pill fleece
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This product is available in Australia and New Zealand only. If your shipping address is outside this region, please choose a different product.

Youth Short Sleeve T-Shirt

$25.75

This is the tee that you've been looking for, and it's bound to become a favorite in any youngster's wardrobe. It's light, soft, and comes with a unique design that stands out from the crowd wherever you go!

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic Heather is 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• 32 singles
• Relaxed unisex fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, the US, or Honduras

Toddler baseball shirt

$29.95

Get your toddler a unique baseball shirt that'll look nice and feel comfortable during their activities. Your little one will look as cool as ever with the shirts' raglan sleeves and shirttail hem.

• 100% ring-spun combed cotton
• Fabric weight: 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Heather colors are 60% ring-spun combed cotton and 40% polyester
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• Double-needle stitched sleeves and bottom hem
• Blank product sourced from India or Haiti

Toddler baseball shirt

$29.95

Get your toddler a unique baseball shirt that'll look nice and feel comfortable during their activities. Your little one will look as cool as ever with the shirts' raglan sleeves and shirttail hem.

Eco Tote Bag

$28.75

Say goodbye to plastic, and bag your goodies in this organic cotton tote bag. There’s more than enough room for groceries, books, and anything in between.

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• Dimensions: 16″ × 14 ½″ × 5″ (40.6 cm × 35.6 cm × 12.7 cm)
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Stainless Steel Water Bottle

$36.75

This 17-ounce, double-walled stainless steel water bottle is perfect for your daily outings. It will keep your drink of choice hot or cold for hours. It also features an odor- and leak-proof cap. Throw it in your car's cup holder on your way to work, take it with you on hikes, or toss it in your bag for any time you get thirsty.

• High-grade stainless steel
• 17 oz (500 ml)
• Dimensions: 10.5″ × 2.85″ (27 × 7 cm)
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Disclaimer: Keeping water in the bottle for over 24 hours is unhygienic and can result in an unpleasant smell.

White glossy mug

$24.50

Whether you're drinking your morning coffee, evening tea, or something in between—this mug's for you! It's sturdy and glossy with a vivid print that'll withstand the microwave and dishwasher.

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Flip-Flops

$27.50

Prepare for an adventurous and carefree summer with a pair of colorful slippers that are created just for you! The rubber sole is lined with a soft fabric to make sure you feel comfortable wherever your day takes you.

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iPhone Case

$22.00

This sleek iPhone case protects your phone from scratches, dust, oil, and dirt. It has a solid back and flexible sides that make it easy to take on and off, with precisely aligned port openings.

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Premium face mask

$25.00

This reusable face mask will fit you nicely thanks to its adjustable nose wire and elastic bands. Choose a design that will complement your style, as face masks are becoming the new trend.

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Boxer Briefs

$44.25

These boxer briefs are made from a soft and stretchy material that ensures comfort throughout the day. The boxer briefs have no back seam, and they feature a lined front pouch for extra comfort and support.

• 95% polyester, 5% elastane (fabric composition may vary by 1%)
• Mid-rise
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• 4 cm wide elastic waistband covered with fabric
• Crotch panel
• Overlock and coverstitch
• No back seam for extra comfort
• Blank product components in EU sourced from Lithuania
• Blank product components in Mexico sourced from the US and China

HELEN TOWNSEND

HELEN TOWNSEND

MUSIC

Love Lies 'n' Leaving

Helen Townsend

Little Lover

Helen Townsend

Wayward Heart

Helen Townsend

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

TOUR DATES

NEWS & REVIEWS

REVIEW

Love Lies 'n' Leaving - EP Launch

REVIEW

Love Lies 'n' Leaving - EP Release

REVIEW

Little Lover - Album Release

You Can't Always Get What You Want

MERCH

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