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Artist To Watch: Black Opry Residency - (S1 Ep4) Shattering Stereotypes: The Road to Becoming The Kentucky Gentlemen

(S1 Ep4) Shattering Stereotypes: The Road to Becoming The Kentucky Gentlemen

06/29/23 • 25 min

Artist To Watch: Black Opry Residency

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

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.

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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

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.

Previous Episode

undefined - (S1 Ep3) Unstoppable:  How Grace Givertz Embraced Authenticity in Music

(S1 Ep3) Unstoppable: How Grace Givertz Embraced Authenticity in Music

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

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.

Next Episode

undefined - (S1 Ep5) Finding Her Way Home: Denitia’s Divine Compass

(S1 Ep5) Finding Her Way Home: Denitia’s Divine Compass

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.

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