Artist To Watch: Black Opry Residency

Latest Episodes:

(S1 Ep5) Finding Her Way Home: Denitia’s Divine Compass Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

Denitia grew up outside of Houston, Texas in the 80’s and 90’s. As a kid, she was obsessed with country artists like George Strait and Reba McEntire. But when she started writing her own music, Denitia drew inspiration from rock bands like Matchbox 20 and Third Eye Blind. Denitia’s path to making country music passes through Nashville, Austin, NYC, and the Hudson Valley. In this final episode of Artist To Watch Season 1, you’ll hear Denitia’s story, learn about what it takes to get a song played on the radio, and listen to performances from the Black Opry Residency showcase.

Get the show notes for this episode to learn more about Denitia and the WXPN Black Opry Residency at Podcast Website

Each episode of Artist To Watch from WXPN takes you on a deep and personal dive into the real-life struggles of emerging performers and offers up new talent for you to discover before the rest of the world does. The debut season delves into the lives and music of up-and-coming musicians who found support, community, and inspiration through the Black Opry Residency. These include:

Songwriter and performer Tylar Bryant, a Texas native now based in Nashville who marries modern and traditional country music with rock and pop grooves
Samantha Rise, a Philadelphia-based teacher, activist, and performer whose inclusive music evoking their myriad experiences is rooted in indie folk
Grace Givertz, a Boston-based folk artist and multi-instrumentalist whose witty and honest lyrics bring a refreshing energy and sound to folk music
Nashville-based twin brothers Brandon and Derek Campbell, who harmonize, write and perform as The Kentucky Gentlemen, creating a captivating blend of mainstream country influenced by 90s R&B
Soulful singer-songwriter Denitia, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose poetic lyrics and retrospective music exhibits elements of country and folk

Curated by WXPN, the ARTIST TO WATCH podcast shines a spotlight on up-and-coming musical artists and helps you discover your next favorite jam.

(S1 Ep4) Shattering Stereotypes: The Road to Becoming The Kentucky Gentlemen Jun 29, 2023

Show notes

The harmonizing familial duo, the Kentucky Gentlemen, have been nearly inseparable since birth. Hailing from a small town in Kentucky, twins Brandon and Derek Campbell have spent much of their lives being boxed in by in-accurate assumptions and stereotypes. After moving to Nashville, the brothers were forced to face two of their biggest obstacles: being black and gay in a historically cut-throat and exclusive scene. But through their perseverance and with the support of their community, the brothers learned to embrace what set them apart from other artists. After working tirelessly for nearly a decade, the Kentucky Gentlemen now have a sound all their own.

Get the show notes for this episode to learn more about the Kentucky Gentlemen and the WXPN Black Opry Residency at Podcast Website

Songwriter and performer Tylar Bryant, a Texas native now based in Nashville who marries modern and traditional country music with rock and pop grooves
Samantha Rise, a Philadelphia-based teacher, activist, and performer whose inclusive music evoking their myriad experiences is rooted in indie folk
Grace Givertz, a Boston-based folk artist and multi-instrumentalist whose witty and honest lyrics bring a refreshing energy and sound to folk music
Nashville-based twin brothers Brandon and Derek Campbell, who harmonize, write and perform as The Kentucky Gentlemen, creating a captivating blend of mainstream country influenced by 90s R&B
Soulful singer-songwriter Denitia, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose poetic lyrics and retrospective music exhibits elements of country and folk

Curated by WXPN, the ARTIST TO WATCH podcast shines a spotlight on up-and-coming musical artists and helps you discover your next favorite jam.

(S1 Ep3) Unstoppable: How Grace Givertz Embraced Authenticity in Music Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

Grace Givertz, a talented songwriter living in Boston, has defied the odds in pursuit of her calling. Grace grew up in Jupiter, Florida - a wealthy, beachside Miami suburb. But her family was very much in the minority because they were Black and poor. Grace’s humble beginnings were also marked by chronic medical challenges. But she has found solace and creative inspiration through the healing power of music. In pursuing her dream to be a musician, it's been a revelation uncovering the nurturing support of the Black Opry community. Grace is now realizing the power of following her passion and letting authenticity be her compass.

Get the show notes for this episode to learn more about Grace Givertz and the WXPN Black Opry Residency at Podcast Website

Songwriter and performer Tylar Bryant, a Texas native now based in Nashville who marries modern and traditional country music with rock and pop grooves
Samantha Rise, a Philadelphia-based teacher, activist, and performer whose inclusive music evoking their myriad experiences is rooted in indie folk
Grace Givertz, a Boston-based folk artist and multi-instrumentalist whose witty and honest lyrics bring a refreshing energy and sound to folk music
Nashville-based twin brothers Brandon and Derek Campbell, who harmonize, write and perform as The Kentucky Gentlemen, creating a captivating blend of mainstream country influenced by 90s R&B
Soulful singer-songwriter Denitia, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose poetic lyrics and retrospective music exhibits elements of country and folk

Curated by WXPN, the ARTIST TO WATCH podcast shines a spotlight on up-and-coming musical artists and helps you discover your next favorite jam.

(S1 Ep2) From Wanderlust to Songcatcher: Samantha Rise’s Journey Jun 15, 2023

Show notes

Wisconsin-native and Philly-based songwriter Samantha Rise discovered the power of a simple song amidst the raw beauty of Wyoming. From their activism to their pursuits in non-profits and theater, Samantha Rise's journey through professions and song stylings, has been driven by a search for belonging. Now as a self-proclaimed ‘songcatcher, ‘ Samantha Rise aims to inspire change, foster connections, and create a community that embraces love, acceptance, and social transformation through the power of their music.

Get the show notes for this episode to learn more about Samantha Rise and the WXPN Black Opry Residency at the Podcast Website -

Songwriter and performer Tylar Bryant, a Texas native now based in Nashville who marries modern and traditional country music with rock and pop grooves
Samantha Rise, a Philadelphia-based teacher, activist, and performer whose inclusive music evoking their myriad experiences is rooted in indie folk
Grace Givertz, a Boston-based folk artist and multi-instrumentalist whose witty and honest lyrics bring a refreshing energy and sound to folk music
Nashville-based twin brothers Brandon and Derek Campbell, who harmonize, write and perform as The Kentucky Gentlemen, creating a captivating blend of mainstream country influenced by 90s R&B
Soulful singer-songwriter Denitia, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose poetic lyrics and retrospective music exhibits elements of country and folk

Curated by WXPN, the ARTIST TO WATCH podcast shines a spotlight on up-and-coming musical artists and helps you discover your next favorite jam.

(S1 Ep1) Breaking Expectations: Tylar Bryant’s Story Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

With looks that don’t match expectations, showing up for gigs has sometimes started with an awkward or even unpleasant welcome for country musician Tylar Bryant. But that’s not stopped him from pursuing his passion. From an unusual encounter on a school bus to a chance meeting with a visionary who gave him the community he didn’t know he needed, this Texas native finds serendipity woven throughout his budding career as a Black Americana artist.

Get the show notes for this episode to learn more about Tylar Bryant and the WXPN Black Opry Residency at Podcast Website

Black artists in Americana and country music are challenging the outdated notion that their lack of representation is due to a shortage of interest or talent. Their rich melodies, soulful harmonies, and artful lyrics are the newest contributions to a body of work that has for too long been overlooked. Join host John Morrison as he presents five stories of up-and-coming Black Americana musicians seeking to reclaim country music as an inclusive genre.

Songwriter and performer Tylar Bryant, a Texas native now based in Nashville who marries modern and traditional country music with rock and pop grooves
Samantha Rise, a Philadelphia-based teacher, activist, and performer whose inclusive music evoking their myriad experiences is rooted in indie folk
Grace Givertz, a Boston-based folk artist and multi-instrumentalist whose witty and honest lyrics bring a refreshing energy and sound to folk music
Nashville-based twin brothers Brandon and Derek Campbell, who harmonize, write and perform as The Kentucky Gentlemen, creating a captivating blend of mainstream country influenced by 90s R&B
Soulful singer-songwriter Denitia, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose poetic lyrics and retrospective music exhibits elements of country and folk

Curated by WXPN, the Artist To Watch podcast shines a spotlight on up-and-coming musical artists and helps you discover your next favorite jam. Black Opry Residency has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Introducing the Artist To Watch Podcast from WXPN! Jun 02, 2023

Show notes

Discover emerging new musical talent and experience their real-life highs, lows, and triumphs on the journey to fame. Hosted by Philadelphia-based journalist, podcaster, and radio host John Morrison, the debut season of Artist To Watch delves into the lives and music of up-and-coming musicians who found support, community, and inspiration through the Black Opry Residency.

First episode launches June 8, 2023. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Episode show notes are available at the Podcast Website

Artist To Watch is a project of public radio station WXPN from The University of Pennsyviania. It is produced by Rowhome Productions, and distributed through PRX.

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Artist To Watch: Black Opry Residency

Get the show notes for this episode to learn more about the Kentucky Gentlemen and the WXPN Black Opry Residency at Podcast Website

Get the show notes for this episode to learn more about Grace Givertz and the WXPN Black Opry Residency at Podcast Website

Get the show notes for this episode to learn more about Samantha Rise and the WXPN Black Opry Residency at the Podcast Website -

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