Philip Bowen: Appalachia Forever, Fiddle Roots & the Journey
Explicit content warning
05/13/25 • 70 min
On episode 238 of Outside the Round, we welcome Philip Bowen, the incredibly gifted fiddle player and songwriter from West Virginia. Philip shares his inspiring journey from blue-collar roots to building a thriving music career, highlighting how COVID-19 unexpectedly opened doors through platforms like TikTok. He discusses the importance of authenticity in songwriting, the balance between family life and touring, and his memorable performance on NPR’s Mountain Stage, a major turning point in his career. In this heartfelt conversation, Philip reflects on the power of Appalachian storytelling, how his culture and upbringing influence every note he plays, and the personal growth that came with transitioning from musician to full-fledged artist. We dive into his upcoming album Appalachia Forever, the support of community and fans, and the value of simplicity and connection in both cooking and music. Whether it’s fiddle solos, fan interactions, or the grind of tour life, Philip brings deep gratitude and wisdom to every part of the journey.
Follow on Social Media:
Philip Bowen (Guest): @philipbowenmusic
Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll
Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy
On episode 238 of Outside the Round, we welcome Philip Bowen, the incredibly gifted fiddle player and songwriter from West Virginia. Philip shares his inspiring journey from blue-collar roots to building a thriving music career, highlighting how COVID-19 unexpectedly opened doors through platforms like TikTok. He discusses the importance of authenticity in songwriting, the balance between family life and touring, and his memorable performance on NPR’s Mountain Stage, a major turning point in his career. In this heartfelt conversation, Philip reflects on the power of Appalachian storytelling, how his culture and upbringing influence every note he plays, and the personal growth that came with transitioning from musician to full-fledged artist. We dive into his upcoming album Appalachia Forever, the support of community and fans, and the value of simplicity and connection in both cooking and music. Whether it’s fiddle solos, fan interactions, or the grind of tour life, Philip brings deep gratitude and wisdom to every part of the journey.
Follow on Social Media:
Philip Bowen (Guest): @philipbowenmusic
Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll
Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy
Previous Episode
Sevy: Duality, DIY Touring & Finding Joy in the Journey!
On episode 237 of Outside the Round, we sit down with Sevy to unpack his journey from Texas to Nashville, where his move proved pivotal in shaping both his career and sound. Balancing the duality of his artistic identity as Andrew and Sevy, he shares how years of experimentation, collaborations, and life on the road helped define the genre-blending music he’s making today. From his time on The Voice to his current role as guitarist on the road for Tayler Holder, Sevy dives into how humor, emotional honesty, and fan connection drive his creative process. We explore the power of social media—especially pre-saves and short-form video—in building momentum around upcoming releases, and how community and friendships in Nashville and through Raised Rowdy have opened unexpected doors. Sevy shares stories from past DIY college tours and how creating space for fun and deep connection in his shows has become core to his mission. With new music on the horizon, we talk about the importance of being vulnerable in songwriting, embracing the second verse innuendos, and staying true to the joy that got him here in the first place.
Follow on Social Media:
Sevy (Guest): @itsbrokesevy
Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll
Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy
Next Episode
Tommy Acker: From Baseball Dreams to Country Music Breakthrough
On episode 239 of Outside the Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with rising country artist Tommy Acker to talk about his journey from Texas to Nashville and his unexpected path from baseball and biology to the country music stage. Originally planning for dental school, Tommy found new purpose through songwriting and performance, launching his career with the help of social media platforms like TikTok. His first viral hit opened the door to mentorships with artists like Hannah McFarland and Jessi Alexander, and eventually to opening for Meg Moroney. Tommy shares insights on his competitive nature from his baseball days, the emotional side of leaving home to pursue music, and the growth that comes with embracing Nashville’s collaborative and supportive environment. The conversation covers his songwriting process, building connections in the industry, developing his sound, and the importance of patience and persistence. With a clear vision and growing momentum, Tommy Acker is making his mark as one of country music’s most exciting new voices.
Follow on Social Media:
Tommy Acker: @Tommyacker
Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll
Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy
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