Nathan Bowles

Nathan Bowles is a multi-instrumentalist musician and teacher based in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. He is known for his exploration of Appalachian old-time traditions and minimalist drone music, showcasing his virtuosic banjo skills. As a member of the Black Twig Pickers, he immerses himself in local folk music and dance traditions. Additionally, Bowles has collaborated with various artists including Steve Gunn, Jack Rose, and Hiss Golden Messenger. His second solo album Nansemond showcases his inventive playing style on banjo, percussion, piano, tapes, and vocals.

Bowles' unique sound combines traditional Appalachian stringband music with contemporary improvised and post-minimalist avant-garde elements. His hypnotic recordings seamlessly integrate tradition-bearing masters like Dock Boggs and Etta Baker with experimental compositional techniques inspired by Paul Metzger and Henry Flynt.

With an extensive discography spanning collaborations across genres, Nathan Bowles continues to push boundaries while respectfully blurring the lines between Southern vernacular music and modernism.