About Me

Philip Bowen: Appalachian Virtuoso and Rising Star

The Backstory

Born and Raised in West Virginia, Philip Bowen infuses his music with the rich heritage of his Appalachian roots. This dynamic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has captivated audiences worldwide with his exceptional fiddle skills, amassing over 1.5 million followers across social platforms. His viral success led him to win TikTok’s Greatest Talent Competition, setting him apart from thousands of competitors.

 

Philip has graced stages at iconic venues like The Bluebird Cafe and 3rd & Lindsley, and has been featured on NPR’s “Mountain Stage.” His breakout year in 2023 included sharing stages with legends like Darius Rucker, reaching the semifinals of America’s Got Talent Season 18, and performing a spotlight at Americanafest. His debut album, Old Kanawha,” encapsulates his journey and musical prowess.

 

Philip Bowen isn’t just about performing; he’s also an acclaimed session player with credits on over 150 tracks for artists like Noah Kahan, Sam Barber, and 49 Winchester. His music continues to spread messages of positivity with endorsements from Ross Golan, American Songwriter, Whiskey Riff, Rolling Stone, and more. The Nashville Songwriters Association International has hailed him as “one to watch.”

 

Old Kanawha: A Musical Narrative

“Old Kanawha” is more than an album; it’s a narrative journey through life’s highs and lows, celebrating the resilience and beauty of Appalachia and West Virginia. The album delves into universal themes like addiction, recovery, and the joy of life, offering hope and a sense of community. Philip’s personal experiences from college to fatherhood and beyond are woven into the fabric of each track, providing depth and relatability.

 

Production and Collaboration

Determined to authentically capture the spirit of West Virginia, Bowen assembled an all-star local team at McCord House Studios in Bridgeport, WV, with producer Zach McCord. Joining forces with friends like Charles Wesley Godwin, they created a record that’s a true labor of love, reflecting the region’s musical talent and soul.

 

Tracklist Insights

  • Songs were penned between 2019 and 2023, with “Vampire in Appalachia” and “A Murder” being the latest additions.
  • Written across various locales from West Virginia to the Oregon Coast, reflecting Bowen’s journey.

 

Live Performances and Booking

After numerous performances at diverse venues, Philip Bowen’s live shows are a testament to his growing influence. Catch him on tour or book him for an event by visiting:

 

Let Philip Bowen’s music inspire you. Dive into “Old Kanawha,” and join the community that’s tapping their toes to his unique sound on social media and beyond.

 

Text me:

304-635-5078

Join the email list:

https://laylo.com/philipbowenmusic

Word on the Street

Whiskey Riff

… And while he gained popularity through TikTok, do not discount his talent or style. He is credited on tracks from Jenna Paulette, Noah Kahan, Josiah & the Bonnevilles, and more. This all led to his milestone Bluebird Café debut in May 2022, and he’s just been adding to his already-impressive resumé since then.

Now, Philip has announced his long-awaited debut album Old Kanawha will be released August 18th.

And it’s set to feature collaborations with both Charles Wesley Godwin and Josiah and the Bonnevilles, as if Philip’s fiddle skills weren’t enough to look forward to. Continue Reading…

Atwood Magazine

The West Virginia singer/songwriter is known for his soft, honeyed sound dripping with charismatic sweetness. You can feel that kind energy not only in Bowen’s vocals but also within the love he expresses for his family. This genuine quality that radiates off him has gained him a large and loyal fan base. The singer has performed on and offline for over 15 million people. He has also exploded on social media, winning TikTok’s Greatest Talent Competition. Atwood Magazine got the chance to speak with Bowen discussing “Stella”, the development of his sound and a lot more! Continue Reading…

Pop Matters

Philip Bowen’s “Anymore” is a complex recollection of grief; it’s forward-looking, nodding towards the inevitably of future loss. Though it also looks back with a personal reflection from the artist. Bowen recalls his grandparents’ story, and it’s bittersweet in recovering the heart shared between loved ones and the sting of their loss. Continue Reading…

CelebSecrets (Country)

It’s been a fairytale story for rising country singer Philip Bowen.

The West Virginia native — who has been playing the fiddle since he was four years old and writing songs since he was a teenager — always had a passion for all things music and never thought that he could become a recording artist. Continue Reading…