Burning Man Music Video Is Fire!

It's no surprise a music video with a song title of "Burning Man" would be filmed someplace hot, but even Arizona native, Dierks Bentley, wasn't prepared for what the Palm Springs, Calif., desert held for the video team in the July heat. 

"I’m from Arizona, and this was hot. I felt bad for everyone involved,” Dierks said when reflecting on the video shoot.

Several members of the crew experienced heat stroke, vehicles got stuck in the sand; there was even a rattlesnake tamer with them at all times. 

But ... anything less and this video wouldn't be fitting for the song itself. And the video turned out exactly how they wanted it.

After the sun went down, though, the energy shifted, and the team soaked up the desert air. With the stars out and nothing else in sight, the other side of the burning man came to light.

“We went absolutely crazy,” Dierks said. “It felt so good—we had the music cranking, we were in the middle of nowhere and the stars were coming out. The fun we were having was true to a fault, we didn’t have to fake that at all.”

Joined by Brothers Osborne duo--T.J. and John--"Burning Man" is a reflection on Dierks' life, where he's come from and where he wants to be.

"I live in these two completely different worlds,” Dierks said. “I’m in my house in Nashville right now and I’m about to fly to San Francisco to do a show. And it’s not just physical, but also mentally I am always switching gears and trying to be successful in both of them. One day I’m doing something with [my] four-year-old with a bunch of their moms and the next I’m on stage ... I’m knee-deep in adulthood. I thought it would be fun to sing [this] with someone who doesn’t have three kids and isn’t as far along as I am or as old as I am.”

Directed by Wes Edwards (who also directed "Black," "5-1-5-0" and "Riser"), the video pulls in elements that Dierks fans will recognize from his career journey. It includes footage from every era of his music career, clips of his family, even a subtle nod to his Riser logo. 

Dierks' heart, passion, contemplation, and joy radiate throughout the video, continuing the 2018 trend we've seen from Dierks in his introspective year. 

"I wanted [this video] to be about my own journey in music--how many nights I’ve been on stage and the years I’ve put into this—who I am," he said. He added in a different interview, “This song is a personal reflection and it was important to me that you feel that with the video."

Jessica Borrelli

DB Congress Rep, WA

@AllTheWayToMe

Black: #1 in Our Hearts, and Now on the Charts!

One year after the release of what is considered to be Dierks Bentley’s “most fully-formed release of his career,” the title track, Black, has made it to #1.

Dierks secured his 16^th career #1 single when Black topped the Mediabase radio chart on May 30. It’s also been climbing Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, reaching #2 this week. Following the Platinum Certified and award-winning singles Somewhere on a Beach and Different for Girls from the same album, Black has already been certified Gold.

“Every single we’ve put out this year has been a really important piece of the story of this album, but Black is the one that’s really the cornerstone of the whole project, and it’s about my wife,” Dierks said. “Watching this one rise to the top of the chart is extra sweet.”

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Jan 13, 2017 at 10:13am PST

The album came together around this title track. According to Dierks, “I wrote the song Black and felt like it was the centerpiece of what the album could be: exploring relationships. It’s kind of dark and moody and sexy, and it’s also my wife’s maiden name, Black, so it has some personal layers to it for me. I felt like it was something I could really go deep on and build an album around.”

Not only is the song itself getting the recognition it deserves, but the video is climbing the charts, as well. The CMT Hot 20 Countdown, as of June 3, has the Black video in the #2 position.

We agree with The Boot in their assessment of the video: “It’s hard to decide what’s more breathtaking: the vast Icelandic scenery or the woman at the center of the clip … who just so happens to be Bentley’s wife, Cassidy!”

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Jan 13, 2017 at 5:32pm PST

Well, we’d add Dierks to the “breathtaking” description, too.

“I had the idea of putting my wife in the video, which is totally taking her out of her comfort zone, but I just couldn’t imagine doing a video for this song without her in it and she reluctantly agreed. But then totally nailed it,” Dierks said. “It wouldn’t have been genuine without her.”

Filmed in picturesque Reykjavik, Iceland, (during a storm, no less), with director Wes Edwards, the video goes on a journey with Dierks as he follows Cassidy through the breathtaking landscape, finally reaching her at the video's end. At face value, it's sexy and beautiful; when you look at it knowing the relationship it’s describing, it becomes intimate, mature and full of trust.

There’s no question why this video is climbing the charts.

There’s still time to get Black to #1. Request it on your local radio stations and vote for the video!

*Update: Since writing this blog, Black reached #1 on the CMT Hot 20 Countdown, as of June 11!

**Bonus: Read Cassidy's interpretation of Dierks asking her to be in the video!

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Dierks Bentley: "Black," The Video

Part 4

"Come A Little Closer" just lost it's longstanding crown of Dierks Bentley's career love songs to newcomer, "Black."

The fourth and final video in the series of songs leading up to the album, the title track is intoxicatingly sexy, but the mystery continues when the girl walks out on the sleeping lover.  Is she going to turn herself in? Is the boyfriend really dead?  Is she trying to spare the other guy from being involved? You'll have to draw your own conclusions, as director Wes Edwards keeps you guessing in the black and white (to match the theme of the album) conclusion to the mini-series.

My wife said, 'I thought this was supposed to be a love song,'" recalls the singer-songwriter, who titled his album Black as a nod to wife Cassidy's maiden name. "I said, 'Black' is the love song. And she said, 'But it's not a love song. . . it's an in-the-moment love song.'"

Black

Written by Dierks Bentley, Ashley Gorley and Ross Copperman

The moon outside too bright
Those blinds
Yeah let's just keep em closed
You know my hands they know where to go
To find your fingertips
Trace em back to your lips
Take you on a trip
Flip that switch

Make my world go black
Hit me like a heart attack
Knock me flat on my back yeah
Just keep doing that
That thing you're doing there
Brush me with your hair

I swear, I don't know how long that I can last
Make my world go black
Make my world go black

Like your dress on the floor
Yeah the one you don't need anymore
Black like a sky with no stars
Just find me and fall into my arms

And make my world go black
Hit me like a heart attack
Knock me flat on my back yeah
Just keep doing that
That thing you're doing there
Brush me with your hair
I swear, I don't know how long that I can last
Make my world go black
Make my world go black

I don’t want to see a thing
Baby I just want to feel your touch
Feel your rush
I don’t want to see a thing
I just want to feel your love
Make my world go black
Hit me like a heart attack
Knock me flat on my back yeah
Just keep doing that
That thing you're doing there
Brush me with your hair

I swear, I don't know how long that I can last
Make my world go black
Make my world go black


I don't wanna see a thing
I just want to feel your touch
Feel your love



Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/premieres/dierks-bentley-black-video-20160513#ixzz48f0w1dtW

Dierks Bentley: "I'll Be The Moon," The Video

Dierks Bentley's Black is due out May 27 and fans are being treated to a sneak peek of the album via a four-video series (shot by Ryan Silver and directed by Wes Edwards), releasing every few weeks exclusively through Rolling Stone Country.

Dierks' current single, "Somewhere On A Beach," is surfing up the charts--riding the waves faster than any other single in his career--landing in the Billboard top ten in just as many weeks.  The video veers toward fun revenge with a whole lot of humor and has been voted into the CMT and GAC Top 20 video countdowns since the first week!

We interrupt this beach report to bring you back to Dierks songs with depth.  Enter the first video in the mini-movie series leading up to Black, "I'll Be The Moon," a dynamic duet with "My Church" Maren Morris.



While Dierks reportedly wrote about half the tracks on Black, he didn't write IBTM, telling Entertainment Weekly, "God, that song is so good! I had it on hold for like a year.  I just kept checking back in with my publisher to let them know that I was crazy about that song.”

Written by Matt Drag, Ryan Hurd and Heather Morgan, deceit never sounded so raw by way of Bentley's provocatively vexing vocals.  "I don't wanna be a liar, I don't wanna be a fool/ I don't wanna be a secret, but I will if you want me to/You can leave me in the dark if that's all I get from you/He can be the sun, I'll be the moon."

The co-writers said it best in their Instagram posts:

"I've been waiting... for this day to arrive and for this to be real.  Thank you @DierksBentley for exploring all sides of the heart...being the true artist that you are and not putting limits on your art..." via @heathereleven

"Thank you @DierksBentley for cutting a song we never thought would see the light of day...Thank you for taking chances...Thank you to @rosscopperman for producing this thang and makin it sound real nice like..." via @mattdrag

"...didn't think anyone would ever sing it because of what it's about.  Thank you @dierksbentley for making it ache like its supposed to and for being an artist that takes chances in a format that makes it really hard to sometimes...it's beautiful...so proud to be a part of #black..." via @ryanhurd

No word on whether Moon will be the next single, but it gets our votes!  The next video in the series will be released April 15 via RSC.

If you're a Black Card holder, you can download "I'll Be The Moon" for free at dierks.com/blackcard or buy it from itunes now.

Don't forget to watch Dierks co-host the ACM Awards tomorrow night (April 3 on CBS) with Luke Bryan.  And while a win for Video of the Year is off the table (awarded to Eric Church), we still hold out hope for his first ever Male Vocalist trophy!  This is a year of firsts for Dierks, right?

Exclusive DB Congress Interview: Behind the Scenes with "The Mom" in Dierks Bentley's "Riser" Music Video

Single mom, Nicole Staggs, became inspired for her leading role in Dierks Bentley's "Riser" music video after meeting real-life riser mom Amy Thomas on location. "I gave her a hug and told her what an inspiration she was. Especially being a single mother, as well. I was very grateful I could spend that time with her and really get a sense of who she was."

The Travis Meadows/Steve Moakler penned song, portrayed in video form, takes a hard (black and white) look at a very real situation and how to be a fighter, get out aliver, a riser--survivor.

We asked Nicole to share with us some behind the scenes stories, how she landed the role of "the mom," and what being a Riser means to her.


DB CONGRESS: Back in 2007, you won big on the TV game show, “Don’t Forget The Lyrics.” Did you ever imagine you’d be acting in a music video eight years later?

Nicole Staggs: Omg...I sure did! That was so fun! I have been in a handful of videos since then. The year after I did "Don't forget the lyrics," I shot "Waiting on a Woman" by Brad Paisley. That was another video I was very honored to be a part of, playing the late, great, Andy Griffith’s wife. He passed that next year, so the video was even more special to me.


DBC: You’re also a model. Tell us about some of your work. What other acting roles have you played or any upcoming?

NS: I have been modeling since I was 20 years old and that lead to acting. I've done lots of runway (Dillard's, Belks, Victoria Secret Regional, etc.) and print (Zappos, Swisher Sweets, Dillard's, etc.). I have also done commercials (TN Lottery, Buffalo Trace, Walmart, Ford, Cool Springs Galleria, etc.) and have been featured in some TV Shows (Nashville, Boston Public, The George Barris Show, It’s a Miracle, etc.).

DBC: Nashville! Love that show--what episode/role did you play?

NS:  I was initially brought in for the pilot, to audition for the host of the Blue Bird, which was an ongoing, speaking role.  I made it down to the final audition and it was between myself and another girl. She got the part.  Then I was called in for "Sophia Roxanne"...a backup singer. This was potentially an ongoing role, but my part was cut short and I didn't shoot anymore for that.  I was called in once again for the Mayor's mistress, but I didn't book that either!  So, I'm hoping to change the rules and 4th time be a charm?!!  Lol! I think it was season 2?!  

DBC: Can you talk about landing the role in the Riser video and a bit about the interview process? Did you do anything unique to show you would be perfect for the role of the mom?

NS: My agent called me for this audition. I listened to the song before I went, but I had no idea what the video was going to be about until I showed up at the actual audition, so I wasn't really prepared. Wes [Edwards], the director, asked me what one of the hardest things I've ever gone through was, and I talked about my son, his diagnosis of autism, and getting to where he is today. I know my passion and emotion were very apparent when talking about my amazing son. He inspires me every day...both my babies do!


DBC: What were some of the challenges in filming? Any behind-the-scenes stories you can share?

NS: Having to change clothes for every scene! Because we were mostly shooting in parking lots and in the car, changing was a little bit of a challenge! Luckily I grew up playing soccer and am pretty good at changing tops without exposing myself. The crew had a pop up/portable changing room and they would throw that up in parking lots, as well! That was pretty comical!

DBC: Two weeks ago we interviewed Emma Vance, who played the role of your daughter in the video. What was it like working with her and the little boy? Are you a single mom?

NS: Emma was great to work with. She was very sweet and very grown up for her age! Bentley (little boy) was so precious! He was such a little trooper. Because we had to drive around for two full days to many different locations, I was responsible for both of the kids while they were away from their parents and that made nurturing them very easy. Real emotions came out...especially with Bentley getting hungry, tired, or antsy, and my motherly instincts kicked in. I am a single mother of a little boy and girl, so it was easy to pretend Emma and Bentley were mine. Emma was also such a big help with Bentley! It really seemed like she was his big sister!

Nicole and her real-life kids

DBC: How perfect that the little boy’s name just happened to be Bentley! What a coincidence!


DBC: Were you a Dierks fan before this? What’s your favorite lyric in the song “Riser” and why?

NS: I’ve always loved Dierks' music, but this one is definitely my favorite! "When I don't know what I'm doin’ I can fake it...I'll pray ‘til Jesus rolls away the stone" is my favorite verse in the song. That resonates so much with me, because I was there. I never wanted my kids to see me worried, sad or upset, so I always faked it around them when I felt that way....and I prayed a lot! Still do!


DBC: What scene in the video took the longest to make—how many takes? Did you capture any scenes in just one take?

NS: Honestly, none of the scenes took too long to shoot. Wes had cameras rolling on us 3 a lot, even when we weren't shooting specific scenes, so he could capture as much raw emotion as possible.


DBC: Did you meet the real life single mom Amy and her kids? What was your first impression?

NS: I did meet Amy and her kids on the first day of shooting at Safe Haven! When we were introduced, I gave her a hug and told her what an inspiration she was. Especially being a single mother, as well. I was very grateful I could spend that time with her and really get a sense of who she was.


DBC: One of your friends said “she really poured out her soul in this representation of a single mom” and we agree! You clearly displayed just about every emotion without saying a word—from worry to fear to determination to joy. From where did you draw your inspiration?

NS: Thank you! Being a single mother of two children, it was not too difficult for me to imagine being in Amy's shoes. While I was fortunate enough to have a home and a job after my divorce, there were still definite struggles that I faced, starting my life over. Thinking about those struggles, while not having a place to live or money to provide for my kids, really put things into perspective for me and allowed my real emotions to take over. I know how incredibly fortunate I was to have what I did. Amy was certainly my inspiration for this role and is truly the epitome of a riser!


DBC: Another friend gave “Kudos to Dierks for the song and kudos to you for bringing it alive and helping to make it real.” Did you get to meet and talk to Dierks? If so, can you tell us about that conversation?

NS: Unfortunately, I did not get to meet Dierks. He shot his part on a different day.


DBC: The song and video are serious in nature, but were there any funny moments you can tell us about?

NS: We definitely laughed a lot about how freaked out I was, shooting at the motel. I am super ocd when it comes to germs and this motel room was probably the filthiest room I've ever seen. I had my hand-sanitizer out and rubbing it all over myself and the kids! We also put one of the crews blanket down on the bed, before Emma sat down on it! Luckily it was the last shot of the day, so we all went straight home and showered! Lol!

DBC: Where were you when you saw the finished video? What surprised you the most?

NS: A director friend of mine saw it on The Guardian website and texted me about how great it was. I was at home and watched it on my iPhone! I think what surprised me the most was this being the first time ever that I watched myself on TV and didn't pick myself apart. This was the least glamorous role I've ever done (absolutely no makeup, no hair, no sleep, etc), yet I loved every single bit of it. It was so raw and real and I'm incredibly proud to have been a part!

DBC: Favorite scene and why?

NS: The same scene as Emma...when we were parked in the church parking lot and I look up to the cross…such a powerful message of faith and how God gets us through everything.


DBC: What does being a Riser mean to you?

NS:  A "Riser" to me, is someone courageous, strong, brave, determined and selfless. It's someone who does whatever it takes to get through the hard times and never gives up.

Director Wes Edwards said he "really wanted to do something that felt genuine and honest and a real story of a real riser."  You did it, Wes!  Nicole, Emma and Bentley were very convincing!

Watch the behind the scenes video here.

Riser, the single, is inching up the charts.  Please continue to request your local country radio plays this important, inspirational song!

Dierks Bentley Shines In "Say You Do" Music Video

Dierks Bentley's third single from CMA nominated Album of the Year, Riser, doesn't go for radio adds until 10/6, but the video for "Say You Do" made a smokin' hot entrance online today - 9/22.

Written by Matt Ramsay, Shane McAnally and Trevor Rosen, Dierks sings the song with such strong emotion, it's as if he wrote it himself.  In the video, filmed in Canada, he plays the main character with powerful want and hurt and yearning on his face and in his voice, all the while leaving the viewer wondering how in the world anybody would not 'say they do.'

Director Wes Edwards (Tip It On Back, 5-1-5-0, I Hold On) does it again, and will have you begging for more."Today is all about tryin' to capture the loneliness, the yearning, the conflict of the song, and it's all focused on Dierks...no actors," he told ETOnline, who posted behind the scenes footage of Dierks on the set of filming the video.

"I think it's pretty evident there is a hardcore yearning going on in this song, and personally, it's something I've experienced in the worst ways in past relationships," Bentley tells ET. "The song is about wanting something so badly even if it's not good for you, just wanting that love back, which is something I think everyone can relate to at some point in their life."

Ok, we'll go ahead and say it.  Our president is pretty smoking hot in this video!  We don't mind a little smoke getting in our eyes!  No, we're not bending the truth! See for yourself!




View exclusive photos on the "Say You Do" set from US Weekly here.

Happy 'Drunk On A Plane' Video Day! Dierks Bentley Pilots a "Riser Air" Flight

Dierks Bentley boarded a plane to film his music video for his latest single, Drunk On A Plane, that's skyrocketing up the charts (#11 on itunes!). He took on dual roles as mustached Captain/pilot and he plays himself as a guitar-playing passenger, complete with fan girls taking selfies with him.

Dierks says the video was shot in California "in this crazy warehouse that has all these old planes torn down and put back together so we can shoot airplane footage. Since the day I wrote this song, I've been thinking about this video...,"   directed by Wes Edwards (5-1-5-0, Tip It On Back).

All of DB's band members except one (we missed you Dan!) are featured: Steve Misamore (drums) plays the co-captain/pilot; Tim Sergent (steel) is a passenger with spiked-hair Brian Layson seated next to him. Then there's Sergei Mariposa the flight attendant, aka bass player, Cassady Feasby, who nearly steals the spotlight!

The story line follows the lyrics of the song, making it come vividly to life up in the clouds! The gilted groom, comedian/actor Jeff Dye (Comedy Central, Extreme Makeover Home Edition), tapes a picture of his ex to the seat back right beside him, but he finds new love with passenger actor Emma Fitzpatrick (The Social Network) after getting drunk on a plane.

The Riser Air flight takes a nose dive when the pilots (aka, Dierks and Steve) turn on the auto pilot to join the fun in the cabin. But when pilot Dierks gets knocked out from a falling suitcase, the real Dierks saves the day! In a preview video, Dierks was practicing his role to take over the plane by rehearsing in the mirror: "You're good enough, you're strong enough, you can land this plane."

Check out the video below and vote for it on CMT and GACTV!

 

Dierks Bentley Gets "Drunk on a Plane" from Dierks Bentley      

Dierks Bentley: Touring Musician and Family Man in "RISER", a one-hour documentary film on CMT Feb. 22

02/03/2014

DIERKS DOCUMENTS MOST INTIMATE MOMENTS IN UPCOMING FILM DIERKS BENTLEY: RISER

Over the course of his career, Capitol Records’ award-winning singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley has given fans behind-the-scenes access on the road, in the studio and even at home. But never before have fans seen him like they will in DIERKS BENTLEY: RISER, a film documenting the ups and downs following the death of his father through the birth of his first son - the story that inspired his upcoming seventh studio album RISER.  Fans can preview a special edit of the film exclusively on CMT on Feb. 22 at 1:00P CT, and the full length will premiere the same day on Palladia at 8:00P CT.  The project will also be available for purchase in the coming weeks.

“The two phrases ‘touring musician’ and ‘family man’ were never meant to go hand-in-hand…it’s just hard. It really hurts your heart to walk out the door on your kids. It’s like the two loves of your life pulling at you – your family and your love of music,” said Bentley. “I wanted this album to be that deeper look at who I am and who I try to be, and so I guess it's the same with this film too.   The first time I watched the rough edit, I actually got physically uncomfortable because it's all in there…my whole life right there on the screen for the whole world to see."

Director Wes Edwards and multiple film crews shadowed Bentley over the course of the last two years, logging thousands of hours of tape, which were edited down by The Moving Pictures Boys (Nashville Docujournal, The Country Club Film) to the most pivotal moments.  The film covers everything from the most quiet, pensive moments from Bentley's bunk on the tour bus to the rush of excitement in the delivery room for the birth of his son Knox, and it's all set to the soundtrack of the album that these events inspired.

"I knew Dierks was a dynamic performer and charismatic guy," said director Wes Edwards.  "But, as a filmmaker it was a challenge to try and capture a portrait of a guy with so many different aspects to his life.  He’s a guy who can bring an audience of twenty thousand to their feet and a guy you can have a beer with in a dive bar.  He’s a guy that flies his own plane but uses a kitchen trash bag for luggage.  I hope this documentary accurately captures the Dierks I’ve had the honor to get to know personally - a guy with serious work ethic, love for his family and genuine respect for the people around him.  But most of all, I hope we are able to convey a true artist at work."

People has the first look of the film and fans can watch the trailer here:

 

Bentley will release his seventh studio album RISER on Feb. 25. To celebrate both the new album and film, he will host screenings over the course of the next few weeks in London, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York and Toronto.

See more here.

Dierks Bentley Tells His Story Through Music Video for "I Hold On"

Dierks Bentley's new video for his top 30 single, "I Hold On," tells a story of faith, love and freedom.

It's Dierks' own personal story, complete with antics with the guys in the band on the road, his bus, his truck (although Big White is a Chevy and it's clearly a Ford in the video), his guitar that's "had [his] back in a million bars," a hockey game, his love for his wife and baby and remembering his dad in heaven. You'll find fast signs of freedom in the form of subtle American flags sprinkled throughout. Director Wes Edwards ("5-1-5-0" and "Tip It On Back" videos) has captured the essense of DB's humble and grateful nature.

There's even a split second nod (although probably not intentional) to us--the DB Congress. See if you can spot our "sign" as you watch the video below.

Press Release from The Green Room PR (October 29, 2013):

Critics Point to the "Poignancy" and "Intensity" of the Lead Single From Dierks' Upcoming Studio Album RISER 
 

Dierks has teamed up with CBS to premiere the music video for his emotional and autobiographical new single “I Hold On” across multiple CBS properties.  Today, omg! Insider will take fans behind the scenes of the shoot for a sneak peek of the video before it officially premieres tomorrow morning across CBS digital properties including all CBS country radio stations’ websites, Radio.com, MetroLyrics.com and ACMCountry.com.
 

Shot in Nashville, TN and over a weekend of tour dates in Texas, the new video was directed by Wes Edwards and follows a young musician balancing his climb in the music business with keeping a firm grip on the values he holds close.  According to Music Row, the lead single from his forthcoming studio album RISER is a "song that shakes you" and Bentley "delivers with conviction."
 

“It was really important to me that this video capture the story of this song…my story.  But it also needed to take on the more universal themes that the choruses cover,” said Dierks. “The lyrics were written from such a real and emotional place, and I put a lot of pressure on making sure this video held up to what Brett James and I wrote that day.  I hope when people listen to it, they raise their beers up, but this time for the bigger idea of what we all stand for as country music fans…faith, love and freedom."

We are so looking forward to the new album, Riser, and continue to promote this single to radio!  Let's get it to #1, congress!

Exclusive DB Congress Interview Part 2: Behind The Scenes of Dierks Bentley's Tip It On Back Video

In a 2-day shoot filmed outside of Athens, Georgia, Dierks Bentley's video for his current single, "Tip It On Back," features a couple (Sarah Ames and Jason Burkey) struggling to keep the family farm.  They go out on the town to 'let it all go' at - where else - a DB concert.  Director Wes Edwards and Producer John Burke (5-1-5-0) captured a surreal sequence of them reminiscing about their childhood.  Read our interview with Wes HERE.

Thanks to our DB Congress Chart Reporter, Carrie, we know the song is #21 this week on Mediabase and #23 on Billboard's "airplay" Chart.  Two of the three songwriters told us their thoughts on the video:

"I absolutely LOVE the video!!! It's fantastic and I really hope that helps push the song into the top 20." - Ross Copperman

"The video is pretty much amazing. Me and my wife and daughter huddled around the computer and watched online.   It was eerie how similar the feelings the couple in the video went through were to some of the feelings we have been through.  It feels like my life.  It's got the tough days and the fun nights when we blow off steam.   I love the end, tipping on back the for sale sign. If you can't tell I'm pretty over the top happy!!  Unreal cool."  -Jon Nite

An American Idol Hollywood contestant (Sarah) and an actor in the 2012 motion picture, October Baby, (Jason) shared their experience on the set of "Tip It On Back" with us through this exclusive interview.

♫  ♫  ♫  ♫  ♫  ♫

Jason, we know your background is in film, television, commercials and theatre. Which film or TV show do people most recognize you from? You’re from Atlanta, right?

The film people might recognize me from is a movie called OCTOBER BABY. It was #8 in the box office when it opened in theaters March 23rd and can now be found on DVD everywhere in Walmart and in Redbox. I'm originally from Chicago.

Sarah, your Twitter profile says “you can catch me singin’” in Nashville, TN. Tell us about your musical journey. Is acting also in your background?

I’ve been singing ever since I was really little and began to take it more seriously as I got older. I spent two years in the USC Thornton School of Music Popular Music program, and it was during that time I participated in American Idol Season 10, but was cut during Hollywood Week. It was at USC that I really began to write songs and do my own shows. I then decided to leave USC and move to Nashville. For the last year and a half, I’ve been in Nashville writing, meeting new people, and singing! Acting is definitely in my background as well, as I have taken acting classes inside and outside of school since middle school and have been in many plays and musicals.

How were you chosen to be in the video?

Sarah: My agent in Nashville called me to the audition. I auditioned for the director and then he chose Jason and I!

Jason: I came in to audition for the role. Apparently I did something right!

What did you think won you the part?

Sarah:  I auditioned, and Jason happened to be auditioning after me. After Jason auditioned, the director ran out to catch me and called me back into the audition room with Jason. He then had us do some scenes from the video. I think Jason and I had the look the director wanted for the video, and we had chemistry during the scenes.

Jason:  I think the chemistry that Sarah and I showed in the audition may have been a deciding factor.

Did you know each other before the video? If not, what did you do to get comfortable with each other to be “husband and wife”?

Sarah: We didn’t know each other before the video. As an actor, you have to be ready to put yourself into any character, whether or not you know the other actor in the scene. Jason and I got to know each other a bit before we shot the video because there was some down time between shots.

Jason:  No. We met at the audition and then again once we got on set. Sarah is a fun, laid back girl so I think our personalities clicked; made it easy to pretend like we liked each other on camera.

How did you gear yourself up for the emotions you portrayed so well throughout the video?

Sarah: I just really put myself into the mindset/situation of the character and let it flow naturally. I understood that their love was stressed by hard times, and I really put myself there and tried to let those feelings go.

Jason:  Just lived in the moment. Wes gave us clear direction for each scene so we knew exactly what had to be done and where our characters were emotionally throughout the video.

How much did you know of Dierks and/or his music before getting the job?

Sarah: I definitely knew about Dierks and his music before getting the job. I love his music—really talented guy.

Jason:  I knew of his music pretty well before doing the video. I dig his songs.

Did you know the song (Tip It On Back) prior to being in the video? If so, what were you doing when you first heard it?

Sarah: I actually hadn’t heard “Tip It On Back” until I found out about the video—I should have known the song! It’s a great song.

Jason:  I did not hear of the song before doing the video and the first time I heard it was onset. It was in my head for the next week at least after that.

Have you been in any other music video? If so, how did the TIOB experience compare?

Sarah: I have been an extra in a couple other music videos, but this shoot was by far my favorite. Everyone was so great to work with.

Jason:  I’ve done a handful of other country videos. This particular shoot was great because it was a two day shoot and it was in Athens which was a fun town to film in. We had a great crew to work with as well which made it a blast.

Did you find the video treatment uplifting or sad?

Sarah: I think it is both sad and uplifting. The video is a progression of emotion—from sadness, to its release.

Jason:  I found it to be hopeful. It was a very real look at how financial pressure can effect a relationship, no matter how strong it is. I also liked the carefree nature of the song; not letting life’s worries get the best of you.

What surprised you the most about filming the video?

Sarah: I was really impressed by how nice Dierks was to Jason and I, as well as the extras. I had always heard that he was a nice guy, but he was super appreciative, down to earth, and friendly.

Jason:  I think I was surprised at how many Georgia students showed up to be extras in the concert scene. They brought a lot of energy to the set and seemed to really enjoy the whole experience.

What was it like to work with Dierks? Can you share some of your conversations?

Sarah: Dierks was great to work with. He was positive, funny, and appreciative. Dierks and I crossed paths in the theater and he knew my name, shook my hand and personally thanked me. He said he saw my audition tape and thought I did a great job and was happy to have me there. Really nice of him!

Jason:  Dierks is a standup guy. Very nice and genuine. I remember he made his way through the crowd and approached me to say hello and tell me how much he enjoyed my audition tape. I was honestly shocked that he even watched it. I like how involved in his own career he is and that he takes time to connect with people. Those are rare qualities to find in someone who’s as well known as he is. It was refreshing.

We know the concert portion of the video was filmed at the Georgia Theater? Where was the rest of the video shot?

Sarah: The first part was shot at the Georgia Theater. The second part was shot on a farm outside of Athens. It was beautiful and the family living in the house was so sweet.

Jason:  We filmed at a farm house on a beautiful piece of property belonging to a very nice family who loved having us there. It was a great location.

Was that real beer in your cups? How many “takes” did that scene take? ;)

Sarah: Yes, that was real beer! There were countless “takes” taken throughout the shoot—too many to count! Dierks’ performance shots took around 3 hours. Jason and I were still filming our scenes in the theater when Dierks left.

Jason:  We spent an entire day in the Georgia Theater. Couldn’t even  begin to tell you how many takes we did! haha

Were you a part of the audience when Dierks did his “stage dive?” Or were you edited in later?

Sarah: We were in the audience!

Jason:  Yes, Sarah and I were standing in the middle of the crowd when he dove. It was pretty cool.

Jason, did you hammer that sign into the ground yourself, or was that a stunt double? (haha) Admit it, your favorite part was pulling it out of the ground at the end of the video as if to “tip it on back.”

That was all me! No need for a stunt double. I spent a solid few hours hammering that thing in. It was a great workout actually.

Was there a “script” ahead of time or were you “directed” on site?

Sarah: We were directed on site, but we did have some idea of what we had to do ahead of time.

Jason:  There was a treatment that we read over to understand the story, but pretty much we were directed on set.

What was your favorite memory of the day? Funniest moment?

Sarah: Meeting Dierks was great and spending time on the farm was really fun. It’s difficult for me to recall the funniest moment—maybe Jason remembers one!! I do remember the cows on the farm being pretty funny to watch. We saw a calf that had been born the day before we got there!

Jason:  Oh thats a tough one... My favorite memory was probably going to Dierks’ show after we got done filming at the Georgia Theater that night. He performed for the students there in this impromptu show; that was definitely a good time.

We learned a little about the behind the scenes story from Jenny Sue, who did your make up. You both looked great! What was that like working with your own make-up artist? 

Sarah: Thank you! Jenny is so sweet and so great to work with. She was always there for touch ups during shots. It was so nice to not have to do my own make up-- I could just relax while she worked her magic!

Jason:  Jenny Sue had her work cut out for her! It takes a lot to make me look decent for camera. She did great!

Photos below are from Jenny Sue's blog.

Sarah Ames and Jason Burkey on set; make up by Jenny Sue

Jenny Sue, Sarah, Jenny's boys shown in the video, and Jason

How do you feel the final video turned out?

Sarah: I’m really happy with the final result. I really think it turned out well and captures the essence of the song. Wes Edwards did an amazing job with this video, as always!

Jason:  It turned out exactly as I envisioned. I think its great!

Did you have a party for the crew after the video was all done?

Sarah: No, not a party! We had been filming since 7 am on the final day, so by 4 pm, we were tired and needed to drive back to Nashville!

Jason:  We did celebrate a bit by going to the Dierks show. Again, it was a solid crew to work with so we had a lot of fun working together for those two days. Good memories!


In DBTV Episode 80, go behind the scenes with Dierks and the crew as they film the video for "Tip It On Back."




Watch the official video for Dierks Bentley's, "Tip It On Back."

Get More: Tip It on Back, Dierks Bentley, Dierks Bentley Videos

Be sure to VOTE for the video on CMT and GACTV Top 20 EVERY DAY!

You can follow Sarah, Jason and Wes on Twitter at these links:

https://twitter.com/SarahAmes

https://twitter.com/jgburkey

https://twitter.com/wesedwards