Rule #3 - Paperwork

Fish in a Birdcage

Dustan Townsend AKA "Fish in a Birdcage" is a young and passionate musical virtuoso. Townsend is originally from Red Deer, Alberta and is now on a two year long busking/street performing adventure around Europe with Spain being his next destination. Townsend has been playing music since he was two years old. He recalls hearing his mother playing the piano when he was growing up and being moved to the power of the instrument. For many of his younger years he suffered from insomnia and his mind would only allow him to sleep if he could complete a song from start to finish. Later Townsend worked professionally as a limo driver and would surprise his clients with layers of talent by serenading them, often creating up close and personal concerts. Once he discovered the cello he decided that he wanted to be a musician exclusively and committed himself full time to his craft. Townsend wrote his third album "Waterfall" While living in 33 foot bus called Stanly the Adventure Bus. His previous work is an EP and a full-length album titled “Through The Tides”. All three bodies of work are strong, moving and innovative. "Waterfall" was recorded at Thomas Kinzel's studio in Victoria, BC Canada. The album explores a wide variety of styles and moods, gently conjuring up vivid images and feelings for the listener; it is a ten-part musical mosaic, with its title track being an energetic combination of rhythm and melody straight from the heart. He primarily sings and plays the mandocello or cello while guests such as Kristina Helene, Thomas Kinzel and Moritz Behm elevate the music with commanding vocals and strong violin work. It’s an album that captivates listeners with its ethereal overtones then grounds them with its comforting lyrics. His work as a songwriter is precise and refreshing. His voice is moving and infused with evocative lyrics packed with heartache and reflections. His music is more than the sum of its parts; it’s a vibrant landscape of sound. Dustans lyrics are inspired by his stories and his adventures. The music invites listeners into a uniquely curated audio experience. His inquisitive and optimistic style of lyrical expression provide comfort food for the soul, as he endeavors to join the dots between ideas and emotions, between interpretations and experiences. The idea behind fish in a birdcage is that the fish is an able-bodied creature, unable to move freely in their environment. I relate to that personally, being an arti

Update this biography »