Highways: How Denitia is changing country music

Singer and songwriter Denitia is a talented singer who has been opening doors for country music, while identity politics and barriers could be an easy landing for any story about the talented country and folk singer songwriter, the real story is that she’s simply one hell of a musician. My interview with Denitia below.

Roderick Thomas: Hi Denitia, so happy to talk to you!

Denitia: Thanks for doing this interview. 

RT: So, who is Denitia?

Denitia: Many things, but  I’d say I’m an artist that loves making music.

RT: When did you know you had a gift?

Denitia: I’ve always loved music, I’d say it started young. When I was playing at school, or praise and worship in church.

RT: Where are you from?

Denitia: I’m originally from Texas, right outside of Houston playing at school for praise and worship.

RT: Church kid, and a southern girl. When did your love for country music begin?

Denitia: [laughs] It’s the south, country music is everywhere, but when I was a teenager I really took a liking to country music.

RT: Your earlier notable records have not been Country records, how did you start making electronic music?

Denitia: I went to college in Nashville and started working the open mics and bars circuits, then moved to NYC, started making beats and working with electronic music, now I’m having a return to my roots so to speak.

RT: You know, you’ve been featured on one of my favorite shows, Broad City

Denitia: I love those moments, it’s encouraging to know my music is being showcased

RT: What has been your experience as a Black woman in country and folk?

Denitia: Timing is key. When I first started in Nashville, I felt pigeon holed and misunderstood, and Tracy Chapman was their only point of reference for me. 

Now so many of those walls have been pushed by artists that have come before me it’s easier for me. Black folk, Black america has more of a space in country. 

RT: You just finished an all Black country and folk music tour, tell us about that

Denitia: Yes, the Black Opry is a collective of Black country, folk and blues musicians. I toured with  60 Black folk and country artists. Man, these musicians are hungry, and so talented. Like I said, we are owning our space in music we helped create.

RT: There’s been a resurgence of  bigger vocals, dance and EDM music lately. Are you encouraged by the change in music now?

Denitia: I do feel like something is coinciding with the bending of the pandemic. People are hungry for something real. I think some of that is translating into some real vulnerable music. 

RT: Do you feel pressure as a Black woman and queer woman in your genre?

Denitia: I don’t feel pressure, I’m not above identity politics, but who I am is who I am, this is really about music. It’s incredible to watch people receive the music.

RT:  What keeps you motivated musically?

Denitia: What drives me is musical curiosity, there are so many artists that are super famous to a lot of people. There are all these niches, I think being able to have a niche works. It’s music that excites me, letting a song come together…unlocking the song. 

RT:  Your new album Highways is out now. What was the most memorable thing about recording the songs?

Denitia: The lockdown had just begun, my partner and I are locked in our apartment. I spend nights with my guitar, and I just wanted to feel grounded. I wanted to feel at home. I was looking for roots. 

RT: What advice would you give your younger self about the music business?

Denitia:  I would say no matter what’s happening around you, be present. Learn from what’s happening but also, experience it. There is this inclination to chase the carrot, but you might miss out on these experiences.

RT: Speaking of experiences, any memorable ones so far?

Denitia: Lots! What comes to mind now, is opening for SZA and Big Freeda.

RT: Where do you want to take your career, what are your goals?

Denitia: I want to get on the road a bit more next year, I want to keep making records and explore, writing more songs.

RT: Any chance we’ll hear some electronic music from you again?

Denitia: Of course! I’m curious to experience what I can create, and make country the driving force. I’d love to mix the two genres.

RT: Thanks for speaking to me! 

Denitia: Thank you so much.

Listen to Denitia’s album and title track Highways, now on streaming platforms and be sure to keep up with her tour dates by visiting her instagram @denitiadenitia or denitia.com.