Colton Bowlin releases Grandpa's Mill to honour late grandfather
Colton Bowlin admits title track carries intense weight during his live performances
The spirit of a defining figure lives on through the power of song as Kentucky artist Colton Bowlin releases his sophomore album, Grandpa's Mill.
Bowlin, who hails from the small town of Albany, crafted the project to process the profound grief following his grandfather’s death in 2025.
This 40-minute collection serves as an intimate window into an Appalachian upbringing, centred on the local feed mill where the family gathered.
“The whole project was a real personal thing to me. I remember growing up and riding in the feed truck with my grandpa all the time listening to old Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty tunes,” the 21-year-old musician recalls.
He explains that his grandfather’s ethos taught him about “growing up and learning what hard work is. And without it, you can't get anywhere.”
The title track proved particularly difficult to record, with Bowlin admitting, “I don't ever sing ... a whole lot,” due to the emotional toll. On the track, he asks his grandfather to “save me a seat” in the afterlife.
Sharing the music has provided a sense of catharsis, as he notes, “It's just getting that song out and finally letting other people hear it is definitely a release of emotion off of my shoulders.”
Produced by David Ferguson, the record blends honky-tonk and alternative rock. Having previously supported stars such as Hank Williams Jr. and Ashley McBryde, Bowlin is now preparing for a busy summer circuit including the Railbird and Laurel Cove festivals.