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Last month, Postcards Magazine had the exclusive privilege of debuting the new single of country artist Elle Townley on PostcardsLive. com. The song, “One Too Many Heartaches,” eloquently shares the idea – hearts may break, but there is always hope for healing. It’s a powerful message from a very young artist. When you hear her voice, it is hard to believe she is only 13 years old. We visited with the 8th grade singer from Georgetown, Texas about her incredible path so far in the music business and where she hopes her journey will take her.

We often start by asking people to tell us about growing up, but you are still growing up. So, where do you call home? And please tell us about your family.

I was born in Round Rock, but in 2018, I moved to Georgetown. I live with my mom and dad and have two older sisters. My oldest sister lives in England, and my middle sister is a senior at Texas A&M. I also have a gray cat named Ellie and a spotted one named Penelope.

When did music become part of your life?

I have been singing as long as I can remember. Friends and family would hear me sing and tell my parents they needed to get me into singing lessons. So, I took my first singing lesson at age 6, and I’ve been singing ever since. Music has always been inside of me, but in the 4th grade I decided to start writing lyrics and songs,

and in 5th grade I went to Nashville and had my first songwriting session. That’s when I realized and proved to myself I could do this. I picked up guitar about three years ago. I’m always excited to get the chance to perform – it’s something I really enjoy doing.

So, your first writing session was in 5th grade?

Yes, I was 9 years old, so it was really nerve wracking to talk about deep feelings and put them into a song. But after that session, the rest of them were so fun, and songwriting is like therapy for me. So, it’s really easy for me to put my feelings down on paper now.

What do you like to write about?

I like to write about my personal experiences. I try to keep them upbeat and fun, but still deeply emotional. I like to connect.

When was your first performance?

My first performance was at Round Rock Market Days, and I was terrified. I was 8 years old. But my parents gave me some good advice. They told me I shouldn’t let fear get in the way of doing what I love, and that’s singing. And seeing the faces of people that day changed my life.

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Who are your musical influences?

I listen to so many different genres of music. I really like country the best. I like old country, but I like some of the new stuff as well. My main influences would be, first, Miranda Lambert. First of all, she’s a Texan, so you’ve gotta love her. She has awesome lyrics. They are so descriptive, and she has a sassy attitude. I also love Hardy. He’s just an incredible songwriter and really paints a picture with his words. A lot of big artists cover his songs, so that’s really cool. And I love Carrie Underwood. She just delivers so much power, even in her softer, slower songs.

Has anyone ever told you that you sound like a young Kasey Musgraves?

My producer has said exactly that.

How would you describe your sound?

I listen to a lot of music, and I perform some »

Performing at the Cotton Club in 2019

rock songs and some modern country and old country – so I don’t know if there is an exact genre that I fit into, but I would say contemporary country is the closet.

You’ve been singing for several years already. What do you consider your biggest accomplishments?

My biggest accomplishment would be recording the singles that I wrote, but I have also done a lot of competitions here in Texas. I did the Old Settler’s Music Festival and won the youth talent competition. I get to go back and perform on the main stage in April. And I was a Top 5 finalist at the Houston Rodeo Rockstar competition in 2020 before it got shut down because of COVID.

Let’s talk about the brand new single, which we were pleased to get to debut for you at PostcardsLive. com and our Facebook page.

The song is called “One Too Many Heartaches.” I cowrote this song with Britton Cameron. It’s about how much it hurts to be heartbroken. Originally, I wrote it about an experience with a friend, but when I took it to my cowriter, we put a romantic spin on the song. There is a line that says, “I will keep these walls down if I can keep you around,” and I really wanted to communicate that I will be vulnerable for that person if they promise not to hurt me; so that’s a really important line to me. So far, I’ve gotten great feedback.

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This song has a dual meaning. I wanted the person I originally wrote this for to understand how much they hurt me, but I also want people to understand that there is hope. No matter how much your heart hurts or how bad it is, it will get better and heal over time.

Tell us about your friends.

My friends are really supportive of me. I am

Performing at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in 2020

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really glad I have the friends I do. It took me a while to find the right ones. They come out and support me at my gigs. I really love having them in my life.

What musical goals have you set for yourself?

“I want to continue to grow as a songwriter and musician and master my craft, but one day I hope to be playing sold-out stadiums with everyone singing along with me to one of my songs. That would be my dream come true.

As a Postcards Texas Talent artist, let’s talk Texas. What are some of your favorite things about the Lone Star State?

There are so many amazing places in Texas. I really enjoy South Padre. The beaches are so peaceful, and I enjoyed the time with my family there. And you can’t go wrong with the barbecue in Texas. Black’s BBQ is so good!

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I really enjoy studying Latin. It is a really cool language because you can see what English is made from.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?

Everyone tells me to learn as many songs as I can – covers – and those will help me write my own songs, because you learn from those.

You are so articulate. It’s hard to believe you are in the 8th grade. What advice would you give other young people who want to follow a dream?

I would say what my parents told me – don’t be afraid to go after your dreams. I don’t think it really matters how young you are if it’s something you really love to do. Just go for it. If it makes you happy, that’s what you should do. She is wise beyond her years and no doubt a superstar in the making. Don’t miss your chance to hear the incredibly talented Elle Townley perform live in Texas. Visit elletownley.com for tour dates and to keep up to date with new music.

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