TOWSLEY takes ‘Deliberate’ and bold steps with raw yet inspirational new EP
SPRINGFIELD, MA – TOWSLEY is an unconventional musician with an equally unique introduction to music. At only 4 years old – after seeing a live bluegrass band – she knew that music was in her future … but she had to convince her parents of that fact. Begging them to buy her a guitar almost every day for a year, they finally relented and purchased what would become the first of many instruments that this talented artist would master. Mostly self-taught by ear, TOWSLEY developed a unique sound and style that caught the attention of anyone who heard her. With an astounding voice and an intriguing guitar style, she was soon being sought after for new music. Growing up in the church, she found her way into ministry as a worship leader and church music director. But she eventually left this path behind after coming out as a lesbian.
As with many others who have made that bold announcement to their families and community, TOWSLEY faced a lot of backlash and disappointment. Her response was to walk away from music and flee to the military. She enlisted with the U.S. Army, and for the past three years she’s been serving in Italy. It was during an especially dark and depressing time for her during the 2020 Pandemic and ensuing quarantine that she turned back to music as a source of therapy. And in the midst of that anguish she found her love for writing music again.
Out of that process comes her latest EP “Deliberate.” The five songs on the project perfectly express the meaning behind the name of the EP – a mantra, of sorts, for her life moving forward. Each of the songs on the project were chosen for a reason, with deliberate purpose and intention to bring listeners on a journey. She deliberately chose songs that highlight and expose different aspects of who she is as a person through stories with which other people can relate. And she puts those ideas against a style that has been compared to Amy Winehouse, Florence + The Machine and even Adele. The debut single from the EP, “Damaged,” is a perfect example of how this blend of ideas and sounds comes together in intriguing ways.
“All of the songs on this EP came from that place of isolation,” TOWSLEY said. “I was in a dark period of time trying to find some light and reconnect with my passion for writing. With ‘Damaged,’ I get very raw and show people who I am as a person. We’re all damaged, and this is my story of how I’m damaged. We’re all damaged, but that doesn’t mean we’re damaged goods. It’s an important message I want people to hear. You’re not alone. We’ve all been in a dark place and a little broken, but that doesn’t mean that’s the sum of who you are.”
With a drive to connect with people and the desire to be a voice for marginalized communities – especially the LGBTQ+ community – TOWSLEY hopes that listeners will feel a connection to her music and find inspiration to live their most authentic lives. With influences that range everywhere from jazz to blues to folk to Pop to classical to metal to rock to Gospel and everything in between, she has a vibe and stories with which fans all over the world will be able to relate.
To listen to TOWSLEY’s music, or to follow her on social media, please visit the following links:
https://open.spotify.com/album/61h2Ee4rrXZNXd5Iyql4H0
https://music.apple.com/us/album/deliberate-ep/1574465510
https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0989K5MQJ
https://www.iheart.com/artist/towsley-763233/albums/deliberate-1384...
https://www.instagram.com/mmtowsley/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/mmtowsleymusic/
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