“I wasn’t the best—I was the guy on cymbals—but I learned humility, camaraderie, and the joy of just being in the band.”
In this episode of Creepalachia, we sit down with Matt Mullins—Appalachian musician, painter, storyteller, and frontman of The Bringdowns—for an unforgettable in-studio interview and live performance. Matt shares his musical origin story, starting at Stratton Junior High, where he joined the drumline thanks to a band teacher who noticed his love of rock music. From there, his journey took him through a series of bands, including Lava Buns, Old School Abbey, and The Boatmen, before forming The Bringdowns. Along the way, he learned that success wasn’t about being the best, but about showing up, sticking with it, and finding joy in collaboration.
Rust, Roots & Redemption: Live Music with a Message
“Everything is beautiful if you let your eyes adjust—because in the end, we’re all just rust.”
Matt performs two original songs live on the podcast—“Rust” and “Names Left on the Trails”—both rooted deeply in Appalachian imagery and identity. “Rust” was inspired by a songwriting prompt about beat-up cars, while “Names Left on the Trails” chronicles the history of the Hatfield-McCoy feud and the present-day ATV trail systems that wind through southern West Virginia. Matt’s songs reflect the emotional wear and tear of life, as well as the grit and beauty that remain when the shine wears off.
Where’s the Bill Withers Sign?
“I’m not downing grandparents or the marble champion—but Bill Withers is our biggest star. Where is his sign?”
One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Matt shares his frustration—and later joy—around the lack of public recognition for Bill Withers. Despite being one of West Virginia’s most iconic musicians, Withers went unrecognized for years while road signs honored marble champions and Grandparents Day. Matt started a petition, raised awareness, and eventually saw his efforts pay off when a sign appeared in Slab Fork reading “Birthplace of Bill Withers.” It’s a testament to the impact one person can have in preserving and honoring Appalachian legacy.
To hear the full conversation and live performances, be sure to watch the complete interview with Matt Mullins in the YouTube video below. If you’ve got a story, song, or strange piece of Appalachian history you think belongs on Creepalachia, we want to hear from you—submit your story at https://creepalachia.tv/contact/.
