We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kowan Turner. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Kowan, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I’m being called to fully step into my leadership—not just as a drummer, but as an artist, a frontman, and a creative visionary. For a long time, I felt more comfortable being in the background, just holding the groove down. But deep down, I always knew I had something bigger to say—through music, through performance, and through the way I move people.
I used to be afraid of taking up that space, afraid of whether people would really see me, understand me, or even support what I was trying to do. But now? I realize the fear was just a sign that this next level was necessary. I’m called to lead, to tell stories through rhythm, to bring people together through sound, and to build something that’s bigger than me. It’s time to stop playing small.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Peace y’all, I’m Kowan Turner—drummer, bandleader, and creative director behind Kowan & Da Homies. I’ve been holding down the pocket professionally for years, touring and performing with artists like Robert Randolph, Steady Flow(Steadyflowfunk) , Mario Canon’s Wasteland. (@officialwastelandband) and others, but now I’m stepping into my own light, building a movement that blends funk, soul, hip-hop, and raw human energy.
Kowan & Da Homies is more than just a band—it’s a family, a live experience, and a safe space for musicians to be themselves. We’ve been grinding independently for a few years now, rocking shows in Colorado, Illinois, and beyond, and every set is a session—like therapy through music. Hence the name of our upcoming project, “Ther’upy”—it’s music you feel in your spirit.
What makes us different is that everything we do is rooted in truth and vibe. We’re not chasing trends—we’re creating moments. And I’m not just playing drums; I’m leading with vision, sound, and love. Right now, we’re focused on expanding our reach, locking in consistent tour dates, and bringing this live energy to new cities.
If you’re into music that hits your heart and makes your head nod, you’ll feel what we’re doing.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is usually fear—fear of being misunderstood, fear of vulnerability, fear of not being enough. That fear turns into ego, silence, pride, and sometimes even bitterness. We start building walls instead of bridges, especially when we feel unseen or unheard. And in a world that moves so fast, it’s easy to disconnect from the people who matter most.
But what restores those bonds is truth, honesty, and presence. Real conversations. Real listening. Music plays a big part in that too—it cuts past the ego and speaks straight to the soul. I’ve seen people who were complete strangers connect over one groove, one lyric, one shared feeling in a room. That’s the power of energy and intention.
So at the end of the day, it’s love and openness that bring us back together. When we choose to understand instead of judge, when we show up for each other, and when we create safe spaces—whether through music or just being real with one another—that’s when healing starts. That’s when the bond gets stronger.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Man… after failing hard, one thing I definitely changed my mind about was thinking that talent alone was enough.
There was a time where I truly believed if I just played my heart out—if I was cold on the drums—everything else would fall into place. But after missing out on some big opportunities and watching people around me level up, I realized it’s not just about how good you are. It’s about how you move, how you communicate, how you show up, how consistent and prepared you are, and how you handle the room.
Failing forced me to look at the bigger picture. It taught me that being great at your craft is just the foundation—you also gotta know how to navigate business, build relationships, brand yourself, and believe in your own vision even when nobody else does yet.
So yeah, I changed my mind. I started moving smarter, not just harder. Now I treat every part of this journey—on stage and off—as part of the art.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
In this industry—and even just in life—there’s so much pressure to mold yourself into what’s trending or what people think will “sell.” But for me, being real, being true to who I am and where I come from, is non-negotiable. That goes for how I play, how I lead, how I speak, how I show up with my band, and even how I treat people.
Authenticity is what keeps the music honest. It’s what builds real connection with the audience. And it’s what allows my band, Kowan & Da Homies, to feel like home—on and off stage. We’re not putting on an act. What you see is what you feel. That’s the value I carry in every room I walk into.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I was born to do—no question.
But let me be real—it took time to realize that. For a while, I was doing what I was expected to do. Playing behind other artists, staying in the pocket, keeping my head down—even though I had so much more to say. People told me to “just be the drummer.” Stay safe. Stay small. And I almost did… because it was comfortable.
But deep down, I always knew I was built for more than the background. I wasn’t put here just to play drums—I was born to move people. To lead. To heal. To speak through rhythm. To build something that creates space for others to be seen and heard, too.
Now, with Kowan & Da Homies, I’m walking in purpose—not just playing gigs. We’re creating a sound, a community, a feeling. That’s divine work. That’s ancestral. That’s soul work. I wake up every day knowing I’m doing what I was designed for—not what I was told to settle for.
And once you tap into that? There’s no going back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.kowanandcompany.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kowanplaysdw?igsh=MTMzc3poOHdxcXpoMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14LP9LjxjCQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kowandahomies?si=NWwVUycx29uvp_8y
Image Credits
Polar opposite images
And
Sarah Shuel Photography
