Nathaniel Bowles

The story behind the sound

North Carolina’s Nathaniel Bowles is a multi-instrumentalist and teacher who delivers Appalachian, Americana folk music. At the heart of his sound are the virtuoso percussive elements that have established him as a sought-after talent for ensemble work. The banjo, and specifically the clawhammer banjo technique, act as an extension of this, informing much of the physical, rhythmic, and melodic approach to his solo music. Nathaniel often discovers a tune through improvisation, fully exploring the boundaries of an instrument and utilizing the emotion of the moment to craft something truly individual. When reflecting on his music, he visualises landscapes as he listens. Nathaniel finds his distinct space between the poles of Appalachian string band music and avant-garde composition.