My name is Jennifer Towns and this is my fifth year in a row entering the Hit Like a Girl Contest. I “officially” started playing drums at the age of 43, and l haven’t looked back since. I am a hobbyist drummer, as I have worked as an HR professional for almost 20 years. I enjoy challenging myself by learning new songs and trying to continually expand my skill set as a drummer through taking lessons. Throughout Covid and beyond I have had a lot of fun finding other musicians online to “duet” with. There is such an amazing musical community out there if you just take steps to look for it!
Last fall I had the incredible opportunity to play live for the first time in front of an audience of about 200. In the spirit of this contest, a local female 80’s rock band was looking to put on a reunion show and invited me to drum with them! The best thing was, they also needed a keyboardist, so my 17-year-old son (who is in a band of his own) was recruited to play in the show as well, along with his band’s bass player. What an experience to play music onstage, especially with my son!
The drumless track I chose to play along with this year is called “NY Beat”. I love its slow but suspenseful pace, and I just felt compelled to add a little creative rhythm to it. I tried to incorporate some extra elements, including a new djembe drum given to me as a gift by my dear cousins. My track for my e-drum pad did not record properly (unfortunate “human” error!). I am overall very happy with my entry this year and I hope you all enjoy it too!!
Hi, Jen. Welcome back! Great story! Good luck!
Thanks! Excited to be back! 😊🥁
Love this groove Jen. Good luck
Hey thanks!! Good to hear from you!
🥁 Proud of my cousin and look forward to voteing from CT in April. I played the drums in HS…..but nothing like Jen. Pleased to see so many Female Drummers.🥁
Awww – thanks Cathy!! Yes, isn’t this a cool contest?!
Hi Again for me too. When time, take a look at the last 2 sentences of my profile. It fits us both, and probably others, perfectly. Remember the words of a veteran advertising man, Phil Slot, and a potential problem was averted . He is quoted as saying, “Never let them see you sweat.”
Hi again Jennifer! Great job and I love your story. It is inspiring to know that you were able to connect with other musicians online. And playing with your son is HUGE! I would love to hear more about how you connected online; it is something I am thinking about.
Thanks! The best thing to try to get started is to join others using the “duet” feature on TikTok – also there is an app called Indaband that is really fun to play around with as well…
Good luck today Jen! Hoping you finish strong!!
Go Jen 👍