Singer-Songwriter Donnie Bowling Talks About His Upcoming Album ‘Work Yourself Out’

A singer-songwriter you need to know!

Kentucky’s Donnie Bowling is consistently bringing his amazing talent and honest lyrics to the music industry. He also is a part of the music duo ‘Brett and Donnie’.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Donnie about performing live, Brett and Donnie’s recent award win, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

D: “I started writing music when I was 15 or so and always thought if I could enough money to live I would be happy. Ohh my was I wrong! Now, I use my career as a nurse as a leverage for taking more chances as a musician.”

If you had to choose, what has been your favorite music release so far?

D: “My favorite release of my own (excluding my upcoming release “Work Yourself Out”) would be the EP I wrote when I was in quarantine from my first battle with the sickness that shall not be named. I wrote a song everyday and the moment I was let go from quarantine, I booked time at Sneak Attack in Lexington, KY. There, I was joined by my friends from the band Trippin Roots and we cut the EP live and primarily recorded first-takes.”

What is your songwriting process like?

D: “My songwriting process has many variations, but mainly I will get struck with a guitar riff right before I have to go into work for the night and then obsess over it while I’m at the hospital. Then, the moment I get home I sit down and press record and freestyle whatever comes to mind. Most lyrics will stay or begin to mold the melodies for later words.”

In addition to your individual music career, you are also in a music duo with Brett Higgins! What has working with Brett been like?

D: “Working with Brett is different. We both bring very different perspectives and approaches to the process. He is more R&B/Soul and I’m Indie-Folk/90s Acoustic…..it’s an interesting blend! In that duo I offer more of a upbeat writing style that works well with Brett’s vibe. It’s a learning process for us both for sure. We are both lead singers navigating the space and trying not to step on the other, all while trying to compliment our counterparts’ moments.”

You and Brett received the 2023 Appalachian Arts and Entertainment ‘Best Indie/Indie Folk’ award! What was your reaction to winning!

D: “We weren’t really expecting to win that award! So, saying that…we were both extremely surprised and honored for being acknowledged! We write these songs to express ourselves and share positive messages that we feel will resonate with our growing audience.”

What do you love the most about performing live?

D: “Performing live is one of the hardest things to describe. It’s an out of body experience for sure! If I had to pick one thing, it would be when I catch a glimpse of someone singing a song I spent many sleepless nights stressing about whether it was good or not. It’s an incredibly affirming experience when you see all of your hard work come to fruition.”

We hear that you are releasing an album ‘Work Yourself Out’ in May! Can you tease what
fans may expect?

D: “The upcoming album will have some of my best work to date on it. I know everyone says that, but this record has me taking more risks with new sounds and arrangements. I really let go of what I felt the songs sounded like and let my producer J. Tom Hnatow throw things out at me….if they stuck, they stuck. The lyric content mostly focuses on notes to self: These little messages of working through self-doubt, lost love, and making the mistake of worrying about the life-path I’ve chosen. It is my hope that others will listen to this album and find it relatable in their own ways.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

D: “You can follow me mainly on Instagram, Facebook, & Youtube | Instagram: @donniekbowling | Facebook & Youtube: Donnie Bowling | Also, check out my duo Brett and Donnie!”

Make sure to pre-save ‘Work Yourself Out’ and stream his other amazing music releases!

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.