Happy Fathers Day 2013

Maxim Magazine, August 2006

Happy Fathers Day to our prez, Dierks Bentley!  God bless his dad, Leon (rest in peace) for bringing us such a wonderfully talented artist with great character as a father, son, husband and friend.

We wish all our DB Congress reps a happy father's day with their families and all our Team Dude friends a fantastic day off with their kids and dads! Thanks for all you do to entertain us all year long!

Dierks Bentley Shares Personal Feelings With Fans at Last Call Ball 9

DB Congress is not just another fan club.  Dierks Bentley considers his loyal following "friends." And we're all like a big family. So much so, that Dierks felt comfortable enough to share his emotional journey over the last year with us in a personal setting of  just over 300 congress members at the Belcourt Theater in Nashville yesterday.

It really was the "Last Call Ball," ending a week of CMA Festival activities, where Dierks was popping up all over the place! Starting with an impromptu song with The Grascals when they performed at the Riverfront stage, to sound check at LP Field, to the Martin Guitar tent (where lots of DBC reps had been waiting most of the day until 3 pm), Saturday was pretty busy for our President.

During the Martin set, Dierks told the crowd how much he loved Martin Guitars and held his up to show off all the autographs, including George Jones', and shared his excitement in having his very own Martin HD Dierks Bentley, which he switched to, to play 'Home.'  He placed one knee on a stool and quipped, "Man, I sure could use a strap...working hard here..." He also said he had some friends there, some hard core fans (wait! He means us!), who had been passing out Riser stickers all over town, promoting the new album due this fall, and thanked us. Later in the Meet and Greet line, he thanked us for rocking the new DB Congress shirt.

Photo by Clint Bond, from the 3rd St. Pedestrian Bridge, overlooking LP Field

The crowd at LP Field Saturday night lit up the arena like stars and chanted "USA, USA, USA" when Dierks sang his new signature, patriotic song, 'Home." 

“I don’t have a hometown, I have a home country,” he says. “This song is called ‘Home’ and I’m sending it out to all the guys and girls that keep this country safe. This song is for them.”

Photo by Kate Belcher

Although Kacey Musgraves is featured on the radio single (available for digital download June 14), Hillary Lindsey made a guest appearance to sing harmonies with Dierks on 'Bourbon In Kentucky,' which she co-wrote.

Photo by Hillary Lindsey Fans on FB

"If you guys knew how many songs she wrote that you guys listen to on country radio, you'd be going...*raised both arms in the air*...look her up! Google it!"



The Tennesseean blogged the LP performances song-by-song here.


Last Call Ball 9

The line for Last Call Ball 9 started around 6 a.m. on Sunday, June 9 at the Belcourt Theater. Gotta have front row, right? The girls from Music City Networks (thanks, Basak!) came down the line several times and handed out lanyards and asked us to play a game.  Fill out this piece of paper and let us know whether you think Dierks and Cassidy's third baby will be a boy or girl and write down your name suggestions.

During the show, Dierks read off a handful of recommended names and gender guesses before finally revealing, "We're having a boy!"  Cassidy said I could tell you guys, but that's it...so don't tell anybody."  Yeah, right!  That's big news, dude! The deafening screams of excitement said it all! Thanks for sharing with your fan club friends first!  We're sure big sisters Evie (4) and Jordan (2) are gonna love their new baby brother, due this fall.

DBTV #105 recapped the segment:




The longer version:




The Music

Dierks and the guys--Steve Misamore, Tim Sergent, Dan Hochhalter, Cassady Feasby, and Brian Layson (whom he introduced one at a time)--started out the acoustic set with some recent favorites: Am I The Only One, Free and Easy, and 5150, before launching into four new songs from the upcoming album (Riser): Riser, I Hold On, Drunk on a Plane, and Bourbon in Kentucky.


"What they don't know's my dad and me, we drove her out to Tennessee..." (I Hold On)

Dierks shared his sadness with us, remembering his dad's passing a year ago, speaking honestly about his feelings, including regret he had to cancel LCB 8, and thanked us for understanding.  But he said it was a blessing to be able be with his dad at Hospice. We could tell he was struggling to get through the intro, clearing his throat often, before delivering a raw, emotional vocal and a huge sigh of relief at the end. "I can't believe I got through it!" In two parts, watch the videos, the intro, then the song, 'I Hold On.' 






"Got a little mile-high flight attention" (Drunk On A Plane)

"This may never be a single but I can already see the video for it...anybody have any contacts with Jason...what's his name?"  Segel! "Yes! Big tall guy?...I can already see the video..."




"I'm a riser...I'm a get down low so I can lift you higher..."

Dierks tends to over-think things.  He freely admitted that when he was introducing "I'm A Riser," the title song of the new album written by Travis Meadows and Steve Moakler. See what Dierks has to say about the logo/artwork--notice which way the Thunderbird faces and the special meaning it holds for him.  He also told us he was nervous.




Bourbon In Kentucky - "I want you guys to have the best experience ever"




After the new songs, he started asking for requests and played Tip It On Back, Wish It Would Break, and Come a Little Closer. To close out the musical portion of the party, Dierks asked us to vote on either the song that got it all started (What Was I Thinkin') or Home.  While 'Thinkin' will always be his very first signature song, 'Home' is the new superstar of his catalog so far.  His congress didn't hesitate with their exuberant response - HOME!

Standing Ovation!

Let's Hang Out!

Row by row in the seated theater (did I mention how weird it was to be sitting the whole time? Yet relaxing and special), we lined up to meet Dierks, get a photo taken, autograph, and chat for a minute.  As he always does, he stayed and met every single person! It took hours, but he did it! That's our Prez!

Thanks for making it so special, D!

DB Congress Single Review: Dierks Bentley "Bourbon In Kentucky"

    

     We love his slow songs, and we love his fun upbeat numbers, so when the rumblings of a new single began swirling, we definitely got excited. Last week, Dierks started the countdown on Twitter, tweeting that something was happening in 7 days. That something was what any die hard Dierks fan wanted to hear: new music. The song, "Bourbon in Kentucky," premiered at radio 2pm CT Tuesday, May 28th.

     Like all good Congress members would do, we glued ourselves to our radios, computers and car stereos and waited in anticipation for the song. "Bourbon in Kentucky" surely did not disappoint. On first listen, you knew that the song, written by Ryan Tyndell, Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson was undoubtedly a Dierks Bentley song. Yet, you could tell that there was also something fresh about it.

     With this new album, Dierks is working with a new producer: Ross Copperman. Recently, DBC had the opportunity to do an exclusive interview with him, which you can read here. The dramatic and unique beginning of the song builds like a good story both lyrically and sonically and the rock-esque guitar solo adds edge. Like DBC Rep Stephanie Lanham said on Twitter, "I've decided that if "Trying To Stop Your Leaving" and "Wish It Would Break" had a baby, it'd be "Bourbon in Kentucky."

     The song is not a fun filled ride like 5-1-5-0, but it does take you on an emotional ride: one about love and loss and that unbearable heartache it brings. Dierks in his low and raspy tone, sings sad, empty, and vulnerable. You truly feel every word in your core. Kacey Musgraves provides a soft background vocal that lets you hear the female's pain, but never in a way that takes away Dierks' lead.

     Dierks has always done slow heartache songs well, in this one for sure he has another hit on his hands. You can stream the song in its entirety at Dierks' official website. The official radio add date for the song is June 10th, but you can start to call, tweet and FB your stations to request it now. We are.

 There ain't enough

Bourbon in Kentucky

For me to forget you

No there ain't enough

Matches I can strike

To set afire the memory of you

Up goes down

Right's gone left me behind

Wheels spin 'round

Reverse stuck in my mind

There ain't enough

Bourbon in Kentucky

For me to forget you

No there ain't enough

Bottles I could break

To make 'em feel as broken as I do

Stack up every barrel

Since the day it was made

Satisfaction guaranteed to kill the pain

But there ain't enough

Kisses from a stranger

On a long wild night to ever make it alright

If it ain't you

In my arms, in my bed

Yeah to hell with all the rest

Once you've had the best, nothing else will do

What's the use

There ain't enough

Bourbon in Kentucky

For me to forget you

No there ain't enough

Bottles I could drink

To make 'em feel as empty as I do

With my mouth wide open

In a whiskey rain

I could stand there 24 hours a day

But there ain't enough

Bourbon in Kentucky

For me to forget you

No there ain't enough

Bottles I could drink

To make 'em feel as empty as I do

No there ain't enough

Bourbon in Kentucky

For me to forget you

So forget you

~Tara DBC Rep NY

DB Congress Exclusive Interview: Ross Copperman On A Journey With Dierks Bentley, Produces New "Riser" Album

Dierks Bentley says he threw away the playbook again for his upcoming album, "Riser."  

“I’m working with a different producer, different engineer. Just different songs, man, and it feels really fresh," Dierks tells KMLE. “I’m always trying to search for some new angle,” he said of the writing and recording process. And so for Riser, “just because of where my life is right now, with my dad passing away, and getting a little older, there’s more depth I can dig into. So it kinda has that layer on top of the other stuff.”

That new producer is Ross Copperman (plaid shirt above, Dierks is to his right).  You'll remember him as a co-writer on Dierks' Top Five single, "Tip It On Back." 

Ross' own songs can be heard on television shows like "The Vampire Diaries" and the new ABC show, "Nashville."  We're very excited he agreed to yet another exclusive DB Congress interview with us, giving us a lot of great insight into the production of "Riser!"

DBC: Since our first interview with you about co-writing “Tip It On Back,” you’ve been a busy guy! Co-writing, producing, recording your own songs…which of the three is your favorite and why?

RC: I actually need all 3 to keep myself creative. It's nice to be able to spend a week writing, and then spend a week in the studio. I try my best to keep it balanced so I can give everything 100 percent.

DBC: Congratulations on your recent nomination for Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year from Music Row! The award honors a songwriter who for the first time wrote or co-wrote a Top 10 song (“Pirate Flag,” recorded by Kenny Chesney and “Tip It On Back,” recorded by Dierks Bentley). How do you feel about that?

RC: Being nominated for Breakthrough Songwriter is a huge honor for me. It's the kind of thing I've worked hard for over the past 8 years. It's humbling to be in the same category with some of my good friends and talented artists/writers.

DBC: Your own songs as a pop-rock artist, “Holding On and Letting Go" has been featured all over television the last few years: CSI: NY, The Vampire Diaries, The Biggest Loser, and in earlier years you and your songs were heard on ER, Ghost Whisperer and One Tree Hill. What did that exposure do for your career?

RC: I like to write for tv/film as often as I get the chance. Unfortunately I haven't had that much time to focus on it the past few months. I've actually been tied up working on the tv show, "Nashville." Looking forward to doing more work on season 2.

DBC: How did your “producer” role for “Riser” come about? Did Dierks call you? What did that conversation sound like?

RC: Arthur Buenehora (executive producer) and Dierks decided they wanted to try something different for this record. They stepped out on a limb with me and took a chance. This record was a collaboration at it's finest.  We all really had a strong vision for "Riser," and it's been an incredible journey.

DBC: What does a producer really DO?

RC: Find the songs. Book a studio/engineer/band. Mix. Master.

DBC: How different was it for you producing a country album?

RC: I try not to think about albums in that way. I don't like to be restricted by genres."Drunk On A Plane" actually has an 808 kick drum and a fiddle.

DBC: We love the fiddle, but what the heck is an 808 kick drum? 

RC: An 808 is a kick drum that's been mainly used in Hip-Hop and Pop, but lately it's been creeping into country music.

DBC: What project (as a producer) are you most proud of?

RC: Riser- Dierks Bentley

DBC: We’ve seen a list of possible songs for the album and eight of them you co-wrote with Dierks. How was working with Dierks different from a production standpoint vs. co-writing with him?

RC: Dierks is a dream to work with. Writing with Dierks is great b/c he really brings it. He's a phenomenal lyricist. It's cool b/c I get to work on the track while he's back there thinking of genius lines. In the studio he owns it as well. He likes to get out on the floor with the band and sing scratch vocals of every song going down live. Most artist's don't like to get their hands dirty. Dierks is just a good dude. Honor to work with him.

DBC: Which of those songs that you co-wrote with Dierks and others made the album or do you hope makes the album? (Boom, Damn These Dreams, Five, Here On Earth, Something Worth Saving (that also included Pirate Flag co-writer David Lee Murphy), ‘Til You, Walking a Wire, Wanna Know How You Feel).

RC: I'll let it be a surprise for when the album drops.

DBC: How "hands on" was Dierks in the production process as compared to other artists you have produced.

RC: Dierks gets right up in the process with me. He spent many days and nights at my studio adding parts, whether it be a guitar part that he came up with, or a BGV [Background Vocal]. He really took the songs to the next level. He's got great vision and clarity.

DBC: We are really interested in all the different venues you and Dierks recorded in, vs. the traditional studio. We understand some songs were recorded live with the band “as the musicians laid down the tracks.” Does that mean THE band --Cassady Feasby, Dan Hochhalter, Brian Layson Steve Misamore and Tim Sergent? If so, we could not be more excited! They are one talented bunch on stage!

RC: Most of the record was tracked at Oceanway A, which is a legendary studio. In my opinion it's the best drum room in Nashville. The band was actually Craig Wright on drums, Lee Hendricks on Bass [both from Eric Church's tour band], Jedd Hughes on Guitar, Dan Dugmore on Steel, and Bryan Sutton on Acoustic. There was a song called "Here on Earth," that we wrote and cut Dierks' final vocal on his bus Goldie.

DBC: Sounds heavenly! We hope it makes the album!

DBC: Tell us about the song(s) recorded on Dierks’ tour bus—as in “Old Goldie?” There’s not a lot of room on a bus, did you record those acoustically?

RC: I had a few guitars out there on the bus and I programmed the rest. We ended up recutting drums and bass in the studio, but I kept Dierks' vocal from the bus. I always believe that you never sing a song as good as you do when you just finish writing it. Dierks wanted to go eat lunch but I asked him to give me one scratch vocal first, and luckily we did it b/c that became the final vocal.

DBC: Still others were cut at your house with you “at Dierks side, pushing him to some of his most emotional, and seasoned, performances,” according to the press release. What songs did you record at your house? We’re guessing, “I Hold On” was one of them, given the personal meaning to him after his dad’s death.

RC: All the rest of the vocals were cut at my studio. Dierks felt really comfortable at my studio b/c we were cutting vocals in the same room. There was no glass separating us. Jake came to the studio most of the time and just sat at my feet while we cut the vocals. I've got my vocal chain dialed in to where it sounds very inspiring for the artist to sing.

DBC: What do you mean by "vocal chain dialed in?"

RC: I used a very specific vocal chain when recording vocals. Vocal Chain = microphone, preamp and compressor.

From the press release: 

“It’s not even really a studio,” Dierks says of Copperman’s set-up. “It’s just kind of a corner of the house he’s taken over, so there was a kind of intimacy to the vocal process. It was important to get out of the studio and sing in different places, and to do it with other people in the room. That way, you have an audience and you get a sense of what’s working, what’s not working, when it’s feeling good, not feeling good. It brings a little more emotion and energy out of your voice.”

DBC: The excitement is building for the new single, “Bourbon In Kentucky,” co-written by Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson and Ryan Tyndell, hitting airwaves May 28 [the preview clip was released this morning from Rolling Stone]. How did you approach producing this song and what role did you play in selecting it for the first single from the album?

RC: The demo on this song was magic. It was a great road map to build on for the actual record. The decision for this to be the first single was unanimous at the label. Everyone chose it. Very excited for everyone to hear it.

DBC: Have you read our Travis Meadows interview (co-writer for the title track, “I’m A Riser?" What were your thoughts when you first heard the song and how did you help Dierks interpret that through his own vocals? Are you a riser?

RC: I knew that this could be a big song. I was moved when I heard the demo that Travis was singing. I believed every word he said and I wanted to capture that in Dierks. D really owned this lyric and made it his own. We are all Riser's.

Thanks for all your insightful, honest answers, and helping paint the picture of the recording and producing process, Ross! We are looking forward to an emotional body of work when Dierks releases "Riser" in the fall!

~Ronna Clark

DB Congress Chair (FL)