We sat down with the legends from TownHouse recently to talk about what’s been going on!
Adelaide-based band Townhouse has become a staple in the local scene, driven by a passionate and collaborative spirit that's been at the heart of their music since their formation. Comprised of Cooper (drums, vocals), Matt (bass, vocals), and Dan (guitar, lead vocals), Townhouse began as three best friends with a shared love for music that quickly evolved into something more profound.
The Origins of Townhouse
For Cooper, Matt, and Dan, music has always been a natural part of their lives. “We’ve all played instruments since we were really young, and it slowly turned from a fun hobby into a full-blown passion,” they share. Seeing others, particularly school bands and kids performing at street fairs, made the idea of being in a band feel attainable. They were inspired by artists who self-produce, mixing and creating their own sound, an ethos they’ve adhered to since the beginning.
The band's roots were planted long before they even had a name. Cooper and Matt have been friends for nearly 13 years, bonding over their shared love of music and even performing Nirvana covers together after school. Dan joined the duo later in high school, and the trio quickly clicked over a mutual admiration for music. Townhouse was born from these early connections, long before they knew what their sound or direction would be.
A Shift Towards Darker, More Refined Sounds
Over time, Townhouse has grown and evolved, becoming more refined in their songwriting and approach. Reflecting on the band's progression, they explain, "We got really angry at some point last year, and the songs started coming out fast. We used to just rush through songs to have something to play, but now we really focus on arrangements. We’re more confident in our taste, and we’re not concerned about genre boundaries. We’re writing Townhouse songs now.”
The band’s sound has certainly become darker and more intense. It’s a shift that’s a direct reflection of their personal growth as artists, and the music now comes from a place of deep conviction. This maturation is noticeable not only in their live shows but also in their studio recordings, which they believe are at their best yet.
Collaborative Creation and Honest Music
Collaboration lies at the core of Townhouse’s songwriting process. They describe the process as a team effort: "A song can start with a riff, a lyric, or a fragment of an idea from any of us. Once we’ve got a foundation, the songs tend to come together quickly. If a song doesn’t excite us, we’ll abandon it. This keeps our work true to who we are."
Their collaborative spirit has allowed them to stay true to themselves, producing music that feels authentic. The band is particularly proud of their upcoming releases, including
BAD LOVE, their first single of the year. Although the song wasn’t initially intended to be the lead single, after playing it live and honing it over time, it became the natural choice. Written by Cooper, the song reflects his state of mind at the time, with the poignant line: "It’s not about them, it’s about me."
Influences and Dream Collaborations
Townhouse draws heavy inspiration from the DIY scene, with bands like Mom Jeans. and other mid-west emo projects influencing their approach to music. "We’d love to make a split record,” they mention, citing Witch Hunt as a standout influence. They’re also fans of local Adelaide artists, like Beddy Rays, Hockey Dad, and Sly Withers, and have big dreams of sharing the stage with their idols. Opening for Prince Daddy and the Hyena or Mom Jeans, would be a dream come true, and playing alongside bands like Teenage Dads would feel like a full-circle moment.
Memorable Moments and the Band's Growth
The band has had some standout performances, with their favourite gigs being Marksenfest, where everything—from the lineup to the friends they shared the stage with—came together perfectly. Another highlight was their first show at Lion Arts Factory, a venue they've long admired. However, they humorously recall one "worst gig" at Enigma Bar, which remains a night they’d rather not discuss.
When it comes to live performances, their energy shines brightest on stage. Their favourite song to play is ‘Is This A Dumb Question?’ Which always gets the crowd moving. The slower-paced ‘Lobotomy You Barely Know Me’ holds a special place in their set, offering a moment of reflection amidst the chaos.
What's Next for Townhouse?
Looking ahead, Townhouse is excited about their next steps. With new songs in the works, they’re ready to release their second EP and aim for "global domination." The singles are practically ready, and they’ve already started working on new music to keep the momentum going. The future is bright for the band, and they’re more determined than ever to make their mark.
As they continue to grow, so does their music. With a deeper sense of purpose and a refined sound, Townhouse is primed to take the local and global music scene by storm. Whether it’s through their explosive live performances, their collaborative songwriting, or their commitment to staying true to their roots, Townhouse is a band to keep an eye on in the years to come.
The Townhouse Philosophy
Townhouse’s energy and playfulness on stage reflect their deep friendship, reminiscent of Blink-182’s fun, youthful vibe. They’ve taken inspiration from frontman Matt Holland of Puree, whose stage presence left a lasting impression on Dan. Each member of Townhouse brings something unique to their live shows, from Cooper’s love for bikes to Matt’s commitment to doing things "for the love of doing them" and Dan’s playful reminder that "it’s never a bad time to hydrate."
The band is also passionate about breaking down barriers in the music industry. "We wish the industry wasn’t so gatekeep-y,” they explain. “It feels like you have to already be in to get in. We believe you should prove yourself every time, not just rely on one good release or a single big show."
