Denison Witmer releases “Older and Free” with production by Sufjan Stevens

Denison Witmer has shared a new single, “Older and Free,” produced with close collaborators Sufjan Stevens and Andy Park. Stevens, a longtime friend, adds instrumental layers to the song, which leans on Witmer’s intimate and straightforward acoustic style, guided by his own experiences and reflective lyrics.

Title: Older and Free
Artist: Denison Witmer
Release Date: 2024-10-25
Genres: Folk, Folk Rock
Label: Asthmatic Kitty Records
Description: Denison Witmer’s new single "Older and Free" reflects on balance and solitude with production by Sufjan Stevens.

Witmer mentioned that he wrote “Older and Free” during a solo camping trip at French Creek State Park in Pennsylvania. Hiking along the Lenape Trail, he used the time to recharge, letting the melody and lyrics emerge naturally as he walked. That evening, he finalized the song at his campsite, using a small classical guitar he carries on his outdoor trips. This same guitar, familiar and portable, was used in recording the initial track to keep the song close to its original sound.

Denison Witmer, singer-songwriter from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has developed a musical style rooted in indie and folk, often focusing on themes of self-reflection and solitude. Beginning his music career in the late 1990s, he studied under Don Peris of the Innocence Mission, which influenced his approach to melody-centered songs with minimalist arrangements. Witmer has collaborated closely with Sufjan Stevens on multiple projects, incorporating understated instrumentation into his straightforward compositions.

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