Is there just something in the water in the Bluegrass State? From legends like Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn, and Keith Whitley, to modern powerhouses like Tyler Childers, Chris Stapleton, and Sturgill Simpson, among countless others, the state of Kentucky has produced some of the greatest country music artists of all time. And that trend doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon. It feels like every few weeks a new up-and-coming artist from the state breaks onto the greater country music scene, or that I come across an underrated act from the state that deserves to be heard by the masses. No matter how you cut it, Kentucky is a hotbed for country music talent. Hailing from the town of Albany — which sits just across from Tennessee on the state border — 21-year-old Colton Bowlin is proving he is the latest young talent from Kentucky who demands attention. Anchored by his killer debut album Down in the Holler from 2024, Bowlin has a growing catalog of originals that are steeped in his state’s songwriting tradition and rooted in Appalachian life. With vocals that at times conjure up memories of a Purgatory-era Childers, Bowlin’s music proves that he is wise beyond his years as he chronicles the trials and tribulations of life in Appalachia and beyond through his songs. And he’s been on a roll with some new releases of late. His new single is certainly no exception. Titled “State Lines,” Bowlin’s latest release finds a narrator trapped in the aftermath of a relationship gone wrong, unable to focus on anything but the memory of the person he loves. Utilizing the imagery of worn out wheels and boots to indicate the emotional exhaustion the ordeal has left him in, the narrator tries everything from drinking to moving away from town to clear his mind. But to no avail. Give it a listen for yourself here: Last month, Bowlin released another single called “Clinton County” in tandem with the announcement of his forthcoming sophomore record. Titled Grandpa’s Mill, the upcoming 12-track project is slated for release on March 16, and it truly has the potential to be something special. Bowlin took to social media upon the album’s announcement to provide some context into how the songs that comprise the record came to be. “This one means a lot to me. In the quiet hours of my pa’s feed mill in Albany, Kentucky, ‘Grandpa’s Mill’ was written mostly between loading feed, swapping stories with old-timers, and playing local bars on the weekends, I shaped these songs from the rhythms of real work and small town life. Recorded with producer David Ferguson in Athens, Georgia, the album spins classic country storytelling with a raw, modern Appalachian edge, it’s a soundtrack to the place that made me and the stories I’ll never leave behind.” View this post on Instagram Go ahead and mark your calendars for March 16 — you’re not going to want to miss this one. Here is the full tracklist: Grandpa’s Mill Tracklist “Clinton County” “Time for Sale” “Don’t Come Home” “Man I Used to Be” “Dirty River” “On My Way” “Missed the Dance” ft. Kelsey Keith “State Lines” “Greenbrier Road” “Set Me Free” “Keep Your Word” “Grandpa’s Mill” While we wait on more new music to drop from Grandpa’s Mill, I highly recommend diving into Bowlin’s existing catalog. My personal favorite is the vengeful murder ballad “Josey Wales.” Bowlin is in the midst of a run of shows through the Midwest with Bayker Blankenship this February, and he has plans to hit the road with Benjamin Tod this Spring and to play a few festivals through the summer as well. You won’t want to miss it if he’s coming to a city near you. Colton Bowlin Tour Dates: 2/19 – Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE+ 2/20 – Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA+ 2/21 – Varsity Theater – Minneapolis, MN+ 4/18 – Roswell Music Festival – Roswell, GA* 4/26 – The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA^ 4/28 – Ace of Spades – Sacramento, CA^ 4/30 – The Depot – Salt Lake City, UT^ 5/1 – The Mishawaka – Bellvue, CO^ 5/2 – Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO^ 5/4 – Madrid Theatre – Kansas City, MO^ 5/5 – Gillioz Theatre – Springfield, MO^ 5/7 – The Bluebird – Bloomington, IN^ 5/8 – Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH^ 6/6 – Railbird Music Festival – Lexington, KY* 6/12 – Laurel Cove Music Festival – Pineville, KY* 6/13 – Braves Country Fest – Atlanta, GA* 6/27-6/28 – Rock the Country Sioux Falls – Sioux Falls, SD* 7/11-7/12 – Rock the Country Ashland – Ashland, KY* 8/8-8/9 – Rock the Country Hastings – Hastings, MI* +supporting Bayker Blankenship *festival date ^supporting Benjamin Tod & The Inline SixThe post Colton Bowlin Sets The Stage For His Forthcoming Record With Latest Single “State Lines” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.