Black Opry/WXPN resident and XPN Artist to Watch Denitia is doing the most. With an album announcement and release of single “Back to You” Tuesday, she’ll be singing at Nashville Pride next week and will debut at the Grand Ole Opry on the 29th. Since Denitia’s time in Philly in March 2023 with the Black Opry Residency, Denitia was selected at one of CMT’s (Country Music Television) Next Women of Country, and performed for the first time at CMA Fest. She was also recently featured in the Call Me Country: Beyoncé and Nashville’s Renaissance documentary on MAX, performing her powerful 2022 single “I Want To Live” as the closing credits play.
Sunset Drive will be her third album, following debut Touch the Sky and sophomore Highways. It explores all the ups and downs with starting over, including the things that can haunt you or hold you back on your journey. “Back to You,” the third track on Sunset Drive, tackles the thoughts and feelings that come with walking away from something or someone.
“There are some things, people, ideas in life that become themes in your life,” Denitia said in a recent statement. “Even when you walk away from a place, the impact of that experience still stays with you, and you’re forever changed because of it. And no matter where you go, everything reminds you where you came from, or the love that you used to have.”
The idea for the new album was born in the midst of Highways. Then based in New York, she realized she needed to return home to Nashville, kickstarting a literal and figurative shift in direction. Sunset Drive will be a blend of country and rock from her time in the South and the indie music she got into in Brooklyn.
“There are fewer things holding me back in terms of where I want to go musically and how fast and focused I’m gonna be getting there,” she said. “The only thing that’s anchoring me right now is my passion for making more records.”
Pre-order or pre-save Sunset Drive here or watch the music video below. Check out XPN’s Concert Calendar for tickets to Denitia’s World Cafe Live show, when Denitia opens for Mickey Guyton.