This article is an instalment of the Songcards Spotlight series where we interview the humans that make it all possible. We recommend you start by clicking the play button above and reading whilst enjoying the artist's music.
Who is Fetching Pails?
Fetching Pails is my moniker (Jill Townsend). I’m a Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who currently plays and records as a three-piece with guitarist Dillon Smith and drummer Andrew Core.
What is your origin story?
I attended college at Middle Tennessee State University which is a recording industry school. I was studying graphic design, but because many of the people I met there were in bands, I got drawn into the music scene. I was inspired to write and perform through watching live shows. I started my first band, Bent Fur, with my close friends who initially didn’t know how to play any instruments. Post-college, I played guitar and sang in others’ bands and in one-off projects while making demos at home. I eventually released music as Fetching Pails in 2019 with my debut album Telekinesis for Beginners through YK Records. I played and recorded most everything on the album by myself in my bedroom.
When did you realise you wanted to make music?
I remember writing my first song on this cheap Wal-mart keyboard when I was around 9 or 10. The lyrics were a bit Tom Petty-ish, probably because I was listening to Wildflowers a lot at the time. I got an electric guitar when I was 15 and taught myself to play. It wasn’t until college that I really started writing songs. When I got my first MacBook around the time I graduated college, I started recording songs. Making music felt more accessible to me than other interests I had like filmmaking, because you could just take your laptop anywhere with you, record song ideas on the fly and make something full-fledged without having to rely on anyone else.
Who are your long-standing influences?
I’m not sure I can accurately pinpoint my influences. I imagine I’m influenced by everything I’ve ever heard and liked. My first favorite band was Fleetwood Mac. I’ve seen Ween more times than I can count. I’ve been a fan of Kate Bush after someone once insulted me by telling me my voice sounded like hers. Something inside me lights up when I hear a new wave song, a 70s/80s horror film soundtrack, the music they play in Chinese restaurants.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a musician?
I spent way too much time worrying about collaboration. I always wanted to find the perfect creative partner, one who shared the same musical tastes and fully got my ideas. I never felt understood enough. It made me shy away from playing with other musicians. And I therefore felt frustrated because I didn’t have the manpower to accomplish certain things because I was too worried about bringing others in. What I’ve come to realize is that what I really needed to do was work on my communication skills. Being able to clearly articulate your vision has to be one of the greatest skills you can have when playing music or doing anything creative that involves other people.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m focused on recording singles with my band and ironing out some new songs for us to work on soon.
What would you tell your younger self?
Say yes to things. Especially while you’re young. Sometimes there’s a project you aren’t sure about. You’re not sure if it will be a good use of your time. You aren’t sure if you’re good enough. But saying yes to things sometimes opens doors for other opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise had. Whether that be through the people that you might not have otherwise met, or the skills or experience that you might not have otherwise gained.
Which band or artist are you really excited about at the moment?
I recently flew to New York to see Cate Le Bon. I’ve had Gelli Haha’s latest album on repeat this month.
Where can people find your music?
You can stream it or download it just about anywhere; fetchingpails.com should have all the links.
What’s next for Fetching Pails?
Hopefully, you’ll be hearing more new releases soon and see us out at some shows this year if you’re in the Nashville area.
