Denison Witmer’s latest single, Focus Ring, featuring Sufjan Stevens, offers a delicate blend of folk-pop simplicity and reflective songwriting. The track opens with gentle vocals layered over an acoustic guitar and tasteful licks, creating a rich harmonic backdrop. The production, characterized by a driving chorus and a polished 70s-inspired groove, balances classic sounds with contemporary finesse.
Focus Ring serves as a preview of Witmer’s upcoming album, Anything At All, set to release on February 14th via Asthmatic Kitty Records. Produced and recorded by Stevens, who also contributes musically throughout, the album explores themes of domestic life and self-reflection. Witmer describes the project as a commitment to slowing down amidst the chaos of modern life, focusing on family and creating a thoughtful existence.
“Anything At All is about doubling down on family life and putting systems in place to slow the pace of life,” Witmer explains. “It’s about finding answers to questions like, ‘How do I create a world I want to live in?’ and, ‘How do I create community with like-minded people?’”
The recording process, largely conducted at Stevens’ studio in the Catskills, reflects the unhurried nature of the album’s themes. The tranquil setting and collaborative atmosphere allowed the songs to evolve naturally. Stevens notes, “The songs capture the private, casual nature of upstate New York. They’re simple but offer a balance between the sacred and mundane, finding wisdom in the everyday.”
The album’s contributors include notable musicians such as Sam Evian, Hannah Cohen, and Sean Lane, who enhance Witmer’s straightforward style with lush strings, woodwinds, and choral swells. These elements, paired with Witmer’s plain-spoken vocals and acoustic foundation, create a collection of songs that are introspective yet accessible.
With Focus Ring, Witmer and Stevens offer a poignant reflection on self-compassion and generosity, wrapped in an elegant and timeless folk-pop production. This track, and the forthcoming album, invites listeners to pause, reflect, and find meaning in life’s quieter moments.
Focus Ring is available now on streaming platforms. Anything At All releases February 14th.