(Richard Townend / Photo by Mark Reynolds)

In 2011 he decided to write and record in a more serious nature so far culminating in 15 album releases in the period 2011–21. He also creates videos for these album songs which can be found on his YouTube channel; they also appear on his website. The albums have received critical acclaim and have a contemporary eclectic feel to them, mixing his Blues, Jazz, Country and many other musical influences. He has been nominated 6 times for his songs in the British Blues Awards for original song or albums. Since 2011 he has played nationally and internationally with his band and solo. He has also run numerous song writing workshops. He is often called a prolific writer having recorded over 300 songs in the last years. He is favorably compared to JJ Cale, Chris Rea and Dire Straits. His trusty Essex band The Mighty Bosscats released a brand new 11-tracks release called ‘Photoshoot’ (May 2024).

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the music influenced your views of the world?

My views of the world are more governed by politics, but music has enabled me to travel to places like Russia, Kazakhstan, Europe, America, India and Australia. All these places have made an impression culturally on me which gives a broader life experience, this helps enrich your music. Music is a very influential force, imagine, for example a film without music or a world without melody, doesn’t bear thinking about. Music is a fine way to express yourself, you can document life through a song, you may make a difference through that song and impact lives through it. How many people have memories associated with songs? I have had a few people comment on my songs helping then through difficult times or they just ‘got it and loved it’ – that’s the highest compliment a song writer can have.

What does the blues mean to you?

The blues is an influence on my music, as many musicians, because it’s soulful, heartfelt and expressive, everything you need to put emotion into your song. I like the old school resonator blues from the deep south, always sends chills down my spine when hearing it, it paints a vivid picture in your head which transports you to a different place. That’s what great music does.                            (Photo: Richard Townend aka Rich T)

"Music is a very influential force, imagine, for example a film without music or a world without melody, doesn’t bear thinking about. Music is a fine way to express yourself, you can document life through a song, you may make a difference through that song and impact lives through it."

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? 

I like to think of my music as laid back, well played and lyrically thought provoking Americana with influences from blues, country, rock, reggae etc., no genre is taboo. I enjoy all sorts of music and choose the medium which best fits the scene I have playing in my head when I come up with an idea. I am a guitarist first and foremost so that is usually my main source of musical input. I don’t listen to a lot of other music, which is a time thing rather than not wanting to, so I try to keep creativity from my own heart. My philosophy is writing good songs with interesting subject matters, something which leaves the listener satisfied and with new thoughts.  

Where does your creative drive come from?

I have released 15 albums since 2011 and written well over 300 songs with diverse subject matters and made over 150 videos of those songs. The creative drive really comes from my desire to keep making music which says something about the world. I just enjoy writing, they say if you have a job doing something you love, it’s not a job!!  There are only 5 elements required for a song in simple terms and you could start with any of them to build up your final offering: Subject matter - Lyrics - Melody - Chord Progression - Song Form.

I may get up one day and think “I need to write a song about unrequited love” or I may have a good chord progression just pop up under my fingers one day. I read a wonderful book once and it prompted a song called Deliverance Day on the Gold fever album. It doesn’t matter where you start so long as you have the 5 elements, eventually you have a tune. It’s a fantastic game to play and I love it, it’s one of my strengths. The last 2 albums I teamed up with a fantastic bass player and superb drummer who helped transform the sound. Matt Gillam (bass) and Mark Hall (drums). They really have brought the songs to life and their input has been a major influence. We are currently working on the next album and the new songs are just wonderful, thanks to their efforts. One final influence is my producer David Booth, who has created some wonderful recordings with me over the last 14 albums. He has been a recording mentor and guided me through the recording process, with patience and his talent. He’s been a gate keeper for quality and always gives relevant and meaningful suggestions - without him, the albums would definitely not sound as they do. Huge thanks to him!

"I like to think of my music as laid back, well played and lyrically thought provoking Americana with influences from blues, country, rock, reggae etc., no genre is taboo. I enjoy all sorts of music and choose the medium which best fits the scene I have playing in my head when I come up with an idea." (Richard Townend & The Mighty Bosscats: Richard Townend, Matt Gillam, and Mark Hall / Photo by Mark Reynolds)

What moment changed your music life the most?

I think going to music college was a big influence in that I followed my heart with blessings from my parents. My father was a fine pianist. I played professionally for a while but didn’t enjoy it as I wasn’t creative expressing my own thoughts and music. I gave up for about 20 years. I started again properly in around 2008.

What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

The highlights are always the final release of an album when all the hard work is done and dusted. I don’t have management or agents or any other help really for promotion. It’s hard but the satisfaction of seeing your embryonic ideas, words and sounds coming to fruition is a marvelous buzz.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past?

Live music venues – they are closing so fast. It’s very hard getting gigs being an original artist. Being able to sell products to help bolster the band is another failing income channel. Streaming only makes the CEOs rich. 

What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

My fear is that there will be nowhere left to play and live music will become a history lesson.

What were the reasons that made the UK -since from 1960s- to be the center of Blues/Rock research and experiments?

Initially I guess it was the ports importing all the American blues, soul, rock n roll records which had a major influence on the youth. The idea that teenage rebellion was a good place to be. The live music scene was more prominent and music styles spread. I guess being an island maybe helped contain the ‘musical revolution’ – I am not a historian but all I can say is I am very proud or our post 60’s musical heritage.

"Live music venues – they are closing so fast. It’s very hard getting gigs being an original artist. Being able to sell products to help bolster the band is another failing income channel. Streaming only makes the CEOs rich." (Richard Townend / Photo by Mark Reynolds)

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Music has a big influence on the socio-cultural aspect of society and people don’t really realise it. If music didn’t exist life would be seriously missing a vital element. It can be rousing, inspiring, factual and chilling all at once. It can lighten a mood, brighten a day or make you sad. It caters for all emotions – no music no emotional rescue!!  how many people in a gym have ear buds in? I’d like people to have empathy with my music and lyrics, I want them to listen to the words and think about them. I want them to enjoy my playing and writing. I want to make them feel good and inspired.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

A lot of success is down to luck, but you won’t get lucky unless you work hard. Get your music out there, some people will love it, some will like it and a lot of people won’t!! Don’t get discouraged just continue be true to yourself, be authentic. Never give up – resilience is a very good attribute. It’s a very hard business to get involved in, if you feel like it’s a vocational part of your life, you don’t have any choice but to carry on.

You are unique – never forget that – it’s you and your ideas.

Your best song is always your latest (laughs).

Treat people with respect, especially the ones you work with as without that you can’t create something special with them.

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

It goes without saying your family and the morals and values they instill in you affect the way you conduct your life. My friends who are from different walks of life (and some are not musicians) help me see the woods for the trees, we all help each other. Friends and shared meals, wine drunk to excess and shared senses of humour are vital influencers. My own family help me belong to this world; I am very proud of them. I love all art; I was at a sculpture show last weekend and it was just inspirational. Art in all its forms really helps make life. The earth without art is eh!!

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(Richard Townend & The Mighty Bosscats: Richard Townend, and Mark Hall / Photo by Mark Reynolds)