Denison Witmer remembers his home on “Lancaster County”

With his first song since American Foursquare in May, Denison Witmer released the “Lancaster County” last week on Sufjan Stevens’ Asthmatic Kitty record label. The track is a sprawling ode (in Witmer’s own words, “a folk inspired country rock anthem”) to the Pennsylvania region where the singer/songwriter calls home. The new song is deeply emotional, opening with Witmer wondering “Was I born into you? / Were you born into me?”

“Lancaster County” began as a cut track from the American Foursquare recording sessions, before Witmer decided to expand on the existing demo. Jessica Dobson of Deep Sea Diver contributed guitar to the song, unfurling as a searing solo about halfway through.

Jessica is the best guitarist I know — she can play anything really well — and I thought it would be fun to experiment with a live recording of this song. I usually write and record in isolation, so the opportunity to play in a band setting is always exciting. I love feeling/hearing the songs become something new in other people’s talents and headspace.

Purchase Denison Witmer’s “Lancaster County” here.