About Me

Born and raised in West Virginia, Philip Bowen’s uplifting sound is heavily inspired by Appalachian roots. The dynamic, internationally touring singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist began playing fiddle at the age of four, & his virtuoso skills have become quite popular, with over 1.5 Million followers online. His popularity on socials even propelled him to win TikTok’s Greatest Talent competition, beating out thousands of other competitors. He’s played iconic venues like The Bluebird Cafe, 3rd & Lindsley, and been a featured performer on NPR’s “Mountain Stage.” 2023 was a breakout year for Bowen, and saw him share the stage with legends like Darius Rucker, finish as a semifinalist on Season 18 of America’s Got Talent, earn a spotlight at Americanafest, and release his debut album, “Old Kanawha.” In addition to his work as a touring artist, he is an accomplished session player with over 100 credits to his name for a wide range of artists including Noah Kahan, Brandon Davis, Spinmont, Styles Haury, Jenna Paulette, Josiah & the Bonnevilles, & more. 
 He continues to release his original music, spreading his message of positivity to an audience that has been growing rapidly. With guest spots on Ross Golan’s “And the demo is…” and praise from American Songwriter, Whiskey Riff, Rolling Stone, The Bluegrass Situation, No Depression, and Atwood Magazine, it’s easy to see why the Nashville Songwriters Association International dubbed this inspirational artist “one to watch.”

Old Kanawha is a musical journey that takes you from the peaks of happiness to the depths of despair, all while celebrating the beauty and resilience of Appalachia and West Virginia. It’s not just about catchy melodies and clever lyrics, it’s about the universal human experience of navigating the ups and downs of life. Bowen draws inspiration from his own life, from the carefree days of college to the unexpected responsibilities of fatherhood and a draining corporate job. He tackles some tough topics head-on, from addiction to recovery to loss. But even in the darkest moments, there’s a glimmer of hope and optimism. He wants his music to be a beacon of light for anyone going through a difficult time, reminding them that things can and will get better. And don’t expect a one-dimensional portrayal of his home state. Bowen understands that Appalachia and West Virginia are often misunderstood and misrepresented. That’s why he weaves in themes and imagery that celebrate the beauty and strength of the region, while also shining a light on the struggles and hardships faced by its people.

Bowen was dead set on capturing the essence of West Virginia, so he made it a mission to recruit the most talented musicians from the area. And boy, did he hit the jackpot! With a WV-based producer and a team of incredible players, they hunkered down at the McCord House Studios in Bridgeport, WV. He met producer Zach McCord, through his buddy Charles Wesley Godwin, who he has worked with in the past. Godwin shows up on the title track to help with vocals. They spent about a week in the studio, days turning into nights turning into days just felt like a blur. The chemistry was on point, the music was flowing, and the vibe was just right. Creating this record was truly a labor of love, and Bowen couldn’t be more thrilled with the result!

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The songs on the record were written between 2019 and 2023, with some dating back to the Fall of 2019 when Bowen finally decided to give music one more serious attempt before giving up on the dream. Two of the songs, “Vampire in Appalachia” and “A Murder,” took the longest to write and were finished just before the last day of recording. The songs were written in various locations including West Virginia, Detroit, Nashville, and the Oregon Coast.

Bowen battled anxiety during the process, but was excited to finally fulfill his dream of creating an album. Despite some challenging moments during recording, there were also magical moments where the band came together and created amazing things. The songs are deeply personal and cover topics such as addiction, love, loss, recovery, and the seasons of life.

After logging hundreds of live events, from weddings to conferences, private events to festivals, and everything in between, Bowen has finally stepped front and center to reveal even more of his talents.  Old Kanawha is an album you do not want to sleep on. And who knows, you might even find yourself swiping through his catchy fiddle covers and original songs on TikTok, tapping your toes and grinning from ear to ear.

Want to book Philip? Please email or fill out the contact form here

See Philip LIVE on tour https://www.philipbowenmusic.com/tour/

Publicist: Rachel Hurley, SweetheartPR
Publicity Inquiries: rachel@sweetheartpr.com