Meet John Townsend | Recording Artist & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Townsend and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, what is the most important factor behind your success?
As far as being a recording artist and producer, the most important factor for me I believe is staying true to the music that feels right to me. I’ve always been less interested in current trends when it comes to art, music, movies, fashion, even cooking. When it comes to being creative, you can’t cater to what you think people might like. If you do that, you’re not being authentic. So many people copy, the world doesn’t need more of that. And as far as my music teaching business, success has come through my connection with my students, and natural growth through word of mouth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My particular type of hard rock incorporates elements of modern alternative metal, 90’s grunge, thrash, punk rock, with a little catchy pop and classical structure mixed in. This may sound all over the place but I think it works, haha. The challenge for me professionally, was the realization that just as much effort needs to be invested into promotion, social media, and networking as the music itself. For years, I was never good at this, but learning the modern music business has helped me get to the next level for sure.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so much to see and do in Los Angeles, where do I start? Well, for me, the beach. A drive along the coast of Malibu, a walk out onto the boardwalk on the Santa Monica Pier, or a swim in the ocean in South Bay, Manhattan Beach (my hometown) is sure to get you in a good mood. A must see for music lovers is Sunset Strip with the small clubs like The Whiskey a Go Go, The Roxy, Viper Room. All places my bands have played over the years. One of my favorite places though is actually an escape from the city, Terranea Resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Here you”ll find beautiful views of the ocean, an abundance of fresh air, lots of open space to walk around, and an ocean view restaurant (Nelson’s) with excellent food, drinks and live music on weekends. This place has more of a Hawaiian vibe than a big city vibe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give my shoutout to my musician parents, Dennis and Lauren! Some of my earliest memories are going to sleep at night with string quartets going on in my living room. My dad, a violinist and my mom, a cellist, started me off with a love of classical music from a very early age. At age 3, they enrolled me in an Orff class, where the kids get to sing, clap, do percussion, and play xylophones. I asked them for piano lessons at age 4 and never looked back. I’m still learning new things decades later. At age 13, they supported me when I wanted to switch to electric guitar. I taught myself guitar, bass, ukulele, drums and played in bands from middle school till after college. And it all started because of my parents.

Website: https://linktr.ee/johnnymusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_townsend_music

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/john_town_music

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john_townsend_music

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIF_ae5TaL0_gEkoKu6rlJg

Other: Spotify Artist Page: https://open.spotify.com/artist/19sgrDI7jbOCyI4BR4Uax2?si=knEOzZahTIK1CuLc9cHvhg Spotify Band Page (L.A.Panic): https://www.facebook.com/lapanicband TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@john_townsend_music