Dierks Takes The Ridge To The Station Inn

Dierk Bentley started sneaking in to The Station Inn  (internationally known as the place to go in Nashville, Tennessee to hear Bluegrass and Roots Music), when he was 19 years old.  DB Congress rep, Emily Leisgang (TN), thought that was a cool connection since she was only 19 on her first time to the Station Inn to see Dierks perform.

That was just a few nights ago, when he took Up On The Ridge--his 2010 bluegrass album to the historic venue. "It was just awesome to see him in that kind of setting. As much as I love seeing him on a big stage it was really awesome to see him in a smaller setting and just have a ton of fun with it," Emily tells us.

Dierks teased earlier in the day that he was "just hanging out with some of the best pickers in town/the world. jon randall and @sam_bush. no big deal. ha!"  Later that night they joined him on stage!

"playing the greatest stage in MY world... the world famous @stationinn. got a mad man on my left @sam_bush!"

Emily was joined by fellow DBC rep, Ashley Wardrip (TN) and together they captured some of the special moments on video. (see below).

"We waited a bit after the show and Dan [Hochhalter, Dierks' fiddle player] was waiting on him, too. Dierks came out and talked to Dan for a bit and then came right over to us and asked if we wanted a picture with him. I asked about a Riser release party and he said he hadn't even thought about it because he was so focused on this show and making that night perfect," said Ashley.

Photo Credit: Ashley Wardrip

Draw Me A Map (by Emily)




Down In The Mine (by Ashley)




Senor (by Ashley)





You're Dead To Me (by Ashley)




David Mattingly, DBC rep from Kentucky, made the drive to Nashville and offered his perspective:

"Dierks wanted to do an Up On The Ridge show, so he invited Sam Bush (mandolin) and Jon Randall Stewart (guitar) to play. They both helped write/perform on the Ridge album. Mike Bub (bass) and Scott Vestal (banjo) are known bluegrass musicians with credits a mile long. Jessi Alexander was there also, Jon's wife. She wrote 'The Climb' and 'I Drive Your Truck' (Lee Brice). She helped sing back up on a few songs. Jessi and Jon have a bluegrass band called "18 South" and play The Station Inn often.

Dierks was in a great mood Wednesday night.  He joked from the stage all night and it was fun to hear the other musicians tell stories of Dierks when he first started coming to The Station Inn.

A few of Dierks' regular band members were there as spectators--Tim Sergent and Dan Hochhalter.  We got some good chat time with D afterwards. He's so genuine and thanked us for coming out. They played almost all of Up On The Ridge songs and many other bluegrass tunes as well. Great to talk with Tim and Dan. RISER was the topic and its gonna be great!"

The next day, Dierks tweeted he was donating all the money from the performance to a worthy cause:

"btw, donating all the door money from our @StationInn Up On The Ridge jam last night to @2HarvestMidTN. about $4,000. total blast! thank you"

Sounds like an incredible night, and just like our favorite artist to give it all he has to give! Thanks to Emily, Ashley and David for sharing their experience!

Dierks Starbucks Pick of the Week!

A few weeks ago, Dierks Bentley's "Draw Me A Map" was the Pick of the Week at Starbucks! Even though I go to Starbucks every morning, I long ago stopped picking up the free itunes POTW cards since they never featured country artists. But then one day on Twitter, I saw a tweet from Arizona Harley that DB was the POTW! I drove to my local Starbucks the next morning and all the cards were gone, so I asked the manager, Ariel (yes, we're on a first name basis and my name to her is Grande Skinny Caramel Latte). She started to pull out a supply to refill and it was some other band. I said, "No, I want the one from last week for Dierks Bentley." She said "Yeah, those went fast, but hold on..." She went to the back room and came back with one in her hand. "You can have mine," she said. Well that just made my day--and affirmed my loyalty to Starbucks! I told her it wasn't like I didn't have several copies of the album, but this would be a great souvenir!

For those who didn't get one, here's the code that doesn't expire until January 28, 2011: 6TEWLYXEEJ9P. Go to itunes.com now!

Draw Me a Map: Is Your Station Playing It?

Week 11: "Draw Me a Map" statistics:

Billboard: Moved up 1 spot to #36, with a slight audience gain of 17,000.
Mediabase: Fell 2 spots to #37, with an audience loss of 6,000 (though this chart is based on points).

(Keep in mind that different stations report to each chart panel, though there is some overlap.)

Last night, my husband uncovered some very enlightening and interesting information regarding Draw Me a Map and the stations that are and are not playing it. Each radio station is part of a market, and markets vary in size based on the amount of people -- audience -- listening. Generally speaking, the larger your city, the higher your audience. Different times of day have varying sizes of audience, too. Commute times are generally higher than overnight, for instance. So the time of day a song is played has a lot to do with how many people are hearing the song overall. Right now, the majority of Draw Me a Map's plays are late at night, or very early in the morning -- the lowest audience times. But not only that, it's not receiving ANY play in some very significant and very large markets.

Calling ALL Reps in Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Philadelphia, PA; Boston, MA; Miami, FL; Phoenix, AZ; and Minneapolis, MN: You represent the Top 20 markets that are either NOT playing the song AT ALL (no adds), or are only playing it once or twice per week. 1 morning or afternoon commute spin in your markets is roughly equal to 4 spins at any time on any other station. Not only that, but you're also in influential markets. An add at KKGO in Los Angeles, and actual airplay there, could prompt other stations that are holding out to follow suit. We need the adds and we certainly need the spins! And the easiest market to hit should be Phoenix -- after all, it is our President's hometown (I will be emailing Tim & Willy for sure -- they once made me sing on air, so they owe me one)!

We have our work cut out for us, Congress, but we can certainly get this done. Call, email, tweet, comment on facebook -- whatever it takes to get the word out there. Thankfully, some help is on our side: live performances on Good Morning America and the CMAs next week will hopefully get more people listening, the video is at CMT and GAC, and a win on the CMAs would be a big boost as well (fingers crossed!). Essentially, casual fans don't know the song is out there right now -- we need more people listening, liking, and asking for it. If Draw Me a Map can get to the Top 30 before Thanksgiving, it's more likely to survive the Holiday music onslaught.

On a sidenote, "Up on the Ridge" is still doing well, now up to 165,000 units sold. Last week it saw a 9% jump in sales to overtake the top of the Bluegrass Albums chart, and I think his "residency" in NYC and his appearance on Regis & Kelly helped prompt that boost. Imagine what a CMA win could do! There is still interest in the CD, and there should be equal interest in the music coming off that CD. Let's keep it up! (Thanks to DBC Rep Janet in San Diego for the UOTR info!)

PS. If you'd like to know if your specific station(s) is playing or has added Draw Me a Map, just comment on this post and I'll let you know! :)

~ Carrie S. (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)

Dierks in NYC Day 3: Joe's Pub - Oct 20

Songwriter's showcases are always interesting to go to. I was really excited to hear that one of these would be part of Dierks Bentley's NYC residency! For this one, Dierks invited Jon Randall Stewart, Jessi Alexander and Jim Beavers.

Joe's Pub was the perfect setting for this show. The building is so small and intimate that you almost miss it walking by outside. Inside there are tiny tables set up all around the stage, some couches and then a bar area behind that. The lighting is pretty low and like most small venues made for songwriter's showcases, the biggest rule is no talking while the artists are performing.

The show was pretty casual straight from the beginning. When you get Dierks and Jim Beavers in the same room, there are guaranteed to be some laughs. They have a great banter between them on stage. Up On The Ridge producer, Jon Randall Stewart and Jessi Alexander seemed to anchor down the more serious part of the evening...probably a good thing they were between Dierks and Jim! Each songwriter took a turn telling the story behind each song and then giving their rendition of it. The songs ranged from unreleased originals to ones made famous on radio by artists such as Billy Currington, Gary Allan, Reba and even Miley Cyrus (Jessi co-wrote Miley's country crossover, 'The Climb' and performed an amazing version of it).


My favorite part was when Jim did his song 'Diamonds Make Babies,' a really funny song about how getting married leads to having children. He did a little poking fun at Dierks before that one since he has baby #2 on the way. Now that I think of it, there were quite a few songs about babies/children/married life. Another highlight was hearing Dierks and Jon perform 'Draw Me a Map' together...so good acoustically!

Once the show was over, the tailgaters were gathered outside and continuing the party. Low and behold, out of the venue comes Dierks to join in on the party and get his picture with "Will Ferrell." Before it got really crazy, he hopped in a cab (with a random fan trying to join him...bad idea) and left the crowd to dance to his biggest hits. A little bit later the party was shut down by the NYPD...only to be continued the next night in Brooklyn!

~Stephanie
DBC Missouri rep and Historian

Thanks for sharing your in-person experience, Steph! Later, Dierks tweeted the following:

"will ferrell @funnyordie is following me around.. tailgating and playing my songs outside Joe's pub!"


*Edit: Just found this video clip on YouTube:



One more blog to come in this series...Day 4: Brooklyn's South Paw with The Punch Brothers!

Contest: Win A Dierks Autographed CD!

Wanna win a @DierksBentley autographed CD of his Up On The Ridge album? Help us get the current single, Draw Me A Map, to the Top 30 on Billboard! Just vote for Dierks by requesting the song via phone, Facebook, Tweeting your favorite DJ or radio station, or clicking "map" on their website's countdown, posting on YES.com, texting, or email!

Then just email a copy of your request to ronna@dbcongress.com or tweet us at @dbcongress, or leave us a note on Facebook and let us know the who's, how's and when's!

We'll enter you in a drawing to win one of four CD's (autographed by Dierks himself!) when DMAM reaches the Top 30! With your help, congrass, we should be able to achieve our goal in a few weeks! It's at #34 right now.

Ready? Set? Go! Hit the campaign trail now!

Watch Dierks Draw Me A Map on Regis and Kelly Live!

Dierks Bentley performed live on Regis and Kelly yesterday with The Punch Brothers and he even got a little "stand up" time! Watch as they talk after he sings about writing the song, the album, his 3 CMA nominations and harmonizing with Chris Thile!

Dierks just finished a 4-night run in New York City, including a stint with The Punch Brothers at Brooklyn's South Paw.

Holding the "Map" Steady

This week, Dierks Bentley's latest single "Draw Me a Map" holds steady on the charts, at #34 on Billboard, and #36 on Mediabase. It's now on 182 of approximately 220 stations, so it seems as though more stations are in fact playing it, I just don't think they are "quality" spins (meaning a lot of it's current airplay is likely in the overnight hours, rather than during the morning/evening drives and workday). However, in spite of not moving on the charts this week, it *is* still seeing modest growth in both its audience and spins, which indicates that radio hasn't quite given up on this one.

Billboard's update includes the Callout America chart, which is a music opinion chart similar to that of RateTheMusic.com (though RTM only panels people online). The difference, so far as I can tell, is that RTM gets opinions on the top 30 songs on Mediabase (so start looking for "Map" on your surveys soon!) whereas Callout compiles a list of the top 35 songs based on opinions. Last week, "Map" was #31, and this week, it moves to #27, with only .9% of the sample (450 persons) saying they "strongly dislike" the song. Roughly 51% said they like the song, and 35% are "neutral" on the song -- which could indicate that they aren't that familiar with it. "Map" is already higher on this chart than "Ridge" was, and I suspect that as more and more people become more familiar with it, it should go higher. Many program directors use charts like Callout America to get the "pulse" of what listeners want (though, personally, I think they could use it a bit more), and can use it to help determine what new music to play, etc. I'm optimistic that the higher "Map" can go on the Callout chart, the more it will help the song climb the charts as well.

Keep pushing for the Top 30, Congress. I'm fairly certain we should get there within the next few weeks. Aside from the fact that the song will then get more exposure on syndicated countdown shows, it will also be a part of the RateTheMusic surveys, and should get more exposure just by being a Top 30 song (the current difference between between #34 and #30 is 1.5 - 2 million people). We are oh-so-close!

~ Carrie S. (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)

Draw Me A Map - Story Behind the Dierks Bentley Song

Dierks Bentley, 'Draw Me a Map' -- Story Behind the Lyrics
Posted Oct 14th 2010 9:00AM by Lorie Hollabaugh (theboot.com)

Dierks Bentley and Jon Randall Stewart have been buddies for almost 15 years. They write songs together, hang out together with their families, and share a strong, mutual love of bluegrass, which led to their latest collaboration, Dierks' acclaimed CD 'Up on the Ridge.' The Boot caught up with Jon Randall, the producer of 'Up on the Ridge' and co-writer of several tunes on the album, to find out the inspiration behind Dierks' latest single, 'Draw Me a Map.'

We were just throwing around some ideas and I can't remember how we came up with the words "draw me a map that leads me back to you" at first ... maybe we were talking about traveling, I don't know. But we approached it from this groove that we both really love, it's by that band the Shins ... it's almost a bluegrass groove, but it's the way that that acoustic drives that whole track, and we started playing around with that. We needed something in that slot on this record, we didn't have anything like it. So we just started playing with these melody ideas, and Dierks threw out the first line and, there you go, you just start writing. It's kind of like we wrote ourselves into that chorus. And it sounds like Dierks.

That line could be funny, really, but when you put it in a serious context and make a love song out of it, it's pretty strong. I think it works from both sides, too. I think guys really relate to that, that, "Hey, what did I do? I don't even know what I just said?" But I think women want to hear that, too. They want to know that you're trying. What I like about it is most ideas have already been written. But I hadn't necessarily heard this idea before. Maybe it has been done before, and I'm sure someone's approached it, but I thought it was a really different angle for a song.

Watch Dierks & Dan 'Draw Me A Map' Video

Watch Dierks Bentley and Fiddlin' Dan Hochhalter, featured in this Yahoo music video: "Draw Me A Map: Ram Country Exclusive." The video was filmed at the South Coast Winery in Temecula, California.

Fiddlin' Dan tweeted the video link today with this caption: "@dierksbentley, myself, and a bunch of grapes....."

Dierks Sells Out 4 Nights of New York City!

Dierks Bentley will take New York City “UP ON THE RIDGE” with four SOLD OUT nights of his first-ever residency (Oct. 18-21) and a performance on Live! with Regis and Kelly airing, Oct. 21 where he’ll perform his latest single, “Draw Me A Map.”

Each consecutive night of the intimate residency will showcase a different aspect of Bentley’s award-winning career in four different venues across the city:

10.18.10 Bowery Ballroom
10.19.10 City Winery - Featuring the Del McCoury Band
10.20.10 Joe's Pub - Songwriter Night
10.21.10 Brooklyn-South Paw - Featuring the Punch Brothers

(Dierks and Del McCoury Band)

Although the run is sold out, Sirius/XM will give fans across the country the opportunity to listen in as they stream each show on both The Highway and Bluegrass Junction channels.

Fan Clubbers may remember an exclusive fan club video on dierks.com of Dierks busking on the streets of NYC, singing "Ramblin' Fever," posted a few months ago.

I know a few DB Congress reps setting up residency in NYC themselves to see our president! Are you one of them?

~Ronna
DB Congress Chair

"Draw Me a Map" Rebounds

In its 7th week on the charts, Dierks Bentley's latest single "Draw Me a Map" rebounded some on the charts, moving up 5 spots on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart to #36! Unfortunately, even though it gained in both spins AND audience, it fell 1 spot to #40 on the Mediabase chart (it was leap-frogged by the latest single from Toby Keith).

You might remember that last week I mentioned how few stations it was receiving airplay on, and there is good news on that front this week, as well: On Billboard, it received "Breaker" status, meaning that it is now on 60% or more of the reporting panel's stations. Not only that, but it also made Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40 countdown on Sunday evening (after the chart run), which resulted in a substantial boost in spins, audience, and stations playing! This week, Kix Brooks' American Country Countdown will pick up the song, as well (it's one week behind Bob Kingsley's CT40 Countdown). As of today, "Draw Me a Map" has been picked up on 150 of 228 stations -- amazing what a countdown show can do! I think the best thing about the countdowns is they are often played in markets where a new song hasn't been picked up for regular rotation yet, so it helps introduce newer music to new audiences as well.

I actually had an interesting email exchange with one of the local DJs in Charlotte, NC after I wrote my blog last week. I emailed him to ask when "Map" would be added to voting for the local countdown. He responded to say he didn't know, and he wasn't sure who else in the country was playing it. I thought that was really interesting, because at that point, it was only on about 90 of the stations (3 of which are in NC) -- but now that it's on 150, it should be on there soon. He did say he was passing the information on to the Music Director so ... *fingers crossed!*

I do have a couple of links for you guys, as well, which you might have already seen on Facebook or Twitter, but it doesn't hurt to post them again, right? Click here to vote on US 99.5 in Chicago's New Music Challenge -- it's Dierks vs. Jerrod Neimann! And click here to vote on 20 new songs -- "Map" included -- on Nashville Country Club's site. (Hint: When you get to "Map" make sure you say you love it and you don't hear it enough!)

Next week, I expect more positive movement, if only due to songs moving to recurrent status nearer the top of the charts. That opens up audience, and hopefully with our continued Congress efforts, we'll be able to get some of that audience to "Map!" The following week should be even better, with the addition of at least one new countdown show. Keep calling, voting, tweeting, and emailing!

~ Carrie S. (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)

"Draw Me a Map" Slips Some, Moves Some

It was a rather strange week on the charts for Dierks Bentley's latest single, "Draw Me a Map." It saw growth on both charts in terms of audience and spins, however, fell back 1 spot to #41 on Billboard, and moved *up* four spots on Mediabase to #39.

The song has been among the most-added at radio for the past three weeks (averaging about 6 per week), but is only on 58 of Mediabase's 128 stations, and is on 104 of approximately 225 country stations nationwide. Yes, that means that LESS THAN HALF of the country music stations in the United States are playing "Draw Me a Map" at least twice per week. That is simply unacceptable. We really need to ramp up our efforts, Congress. We have Reps in each and every state -- each of us needs to commit to contacting at least ONE station in each state and asking for the song, every day, until it's added and played. You can call the station. You can email the DJs. You can get them on Facebook or Twitter. Anyway that you can *directly* contact a station, use it!

Keep voting on your local countdowns, as well. It's #6 on WMZQ's Hot 9 @ 9 as I type this (listening on the computer, thanks to all of you who have been voting!) -- where is it on your local countdown? Every spin counts, and the countdowns are the easiest way to ensure a spin. See the DB Congress Current Campaign page for links and more ideas to spread the word about the song.

We're the DB Congress for a reason. Let's be heard!

~ Carrie S. (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)

"Map" Draws Closer to Top 40

In its 4th week on the charts, Dierks Bentley's latest single "Draw Me a Map" creeped ever-so-close to the Top 40, coming in at #41 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, and #44 on the Mediabase chart. As its trend has been, the small-market charts continue to outpace their "big sisters," and it came in at #29 (!) on Billboard's Indicator chart, and #31 on Mediabase's Activator chart.

The next few days will tell whether a prestigious Songwriter/Artist of the Year award from ASCAP (congrats, Mr. President!) will help garner additional plays and interest in Bentley's latest single, but I'm confident that either way, "Map" will draw its way into the Top 40 next week. After that, our sights must be set on the Top 30 to get the song added to Rate the Music surveys, Callout America surveys, and various syndicated countdown shows.

Slow and steady wins the race to the top of the charts for us, Congress. Continue to create demand!

~ Carrie S. (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)

"Draw Me a Map" Continues Modest Chart Growth

In its third week on the charts, "Draw Me a Map" moved one spot closer to the Top 40, up to #43 on BIllboard's Hot Country Songs. In its second week on the Mediabase chart, it moved three spots to #45. It also saw growth on the small-market charts: up to #31 on Billboard's Indicator (where it is top-10 for most-added, increased audience, and increased plays) and up to #33 on Mediabase's Activator chart (where it's also amongst the 10 most-added).

Although the song is seeing rather modest growth, the reviews have been nothing but complimentary. Over on Urban Country Blog, writer "UC" says "Hopefully 'Draw Me a Map' will enjoy the commercial success it deserves" while also saying that they hope Dierks stays within the Bluegrass genre. Roughstock.com gave "Draw me a Map" 5 stars, and reviewer Bobby Peacock says that for a while, he thought that Bentley's lead-off single "What Was I Thinkin?" set the bar too high, "but "Map" has managed to raise it. Radio may not take a liking to it, but fans should quite easily." And writer "Occasional Hope" on the "My Kind of Country" blog simply says that DMAM is "certainly one of my favorite singles of the year."

Now that the onslaught of new music from Country's heavy hitters has subsided somewhat, quite a few songs will start moving to recurrent status, which will help "Map" continue to "draw" its way up the charts. Not only will those songs fall off the chart, automatically equaling growth, it should allow for radio to start playing a different mix of music as well, and I foresee "Map" getting a healthy push as program directors look for something new to play.

The best way for them to think of "Draw Me a Map" is for us to keep requesting it, keep voting on local countdowns (WYCD Detroit's Top 7 at 7 and WMZQ's (Rockville, MD) Hot 9 at 9 for instance), and demanding that it be played, no matter how it gets played. Keep up the great work!

~ Carrie S. (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)

"Draw me a Map" Sees Healthy Chart Jump

In its second week on the chart, Dierks Bentley's "Draw me a Map" jumped a healthy 16 spots on the Billboard chart to come in at #44 this week, with an audience gain of just under 700,000. On Mediabase, it made its official debut at #48 (up from #66 last week). The smaller-market charts continue to outpace their "big brothers," though: on Billboard's Indicator chart it moved 3 spots to #34, and on Mediabase's Activator chart it's up to #35 from #46 last week.

7 new Mediabase-panel stations added "Draw me a Map" this week, and 15 Billboard Indicator stations added it as well. It looks like adds will continue to be fairly modest, but if it sees audience growth similar to this past week, it's quite possible our Prez will have a Top 40 song on his hands, which should get it some more adds and growth, and more Congress members should be able to hear it and thank their local stations!

Keep up the great work, Congress! I know you're creating that demand and asking for the song. Hopefully some CMA nominations tomorrow will help prompt some unexpected adds and plays this week!

~ Carrie S. (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)

"Draw me a Map" Makes its Debut

“The wistful ‘Draw Me A Map’ ranks
among Bentley’s most poignant ballads,

with its aching lead vocal performance.”
- Paste

"’Draw Me a Map’ finds Bentley softly pining for a route

back to his lost lover's doorstep, those clarion pipes
sounding more genuine than ever.”
- Washington Post

"All in all, it’s one of the most earnest and tuneful “I’m sorry’s” you’ve ever heard. “Help me find the road you’re on,” he sings, “I just need directions home.” If this clueless cad has a chance at patching up his woman’s heart, a gently-rolling melody and a gentleman’s apology is a fine place to start."
- The 9513 (Thumbs Up Review!)

With two weeks of early radio adds under its belt, Dierks Bentley's newest single "Draw me a Map" makes its debut on the Billboard Chart, coming in at #60. It's just on the outside of debuting on the published Mediabase Chart (at #66 this week), and should make its debut there next week. As with "Up on the Ridge," though, "Map" is getting quite a bit of its early help from the two smaller-market charts: On Billboard's Indicator chart, it actually debuted last week at #57 -- and this week it jumped TWENTY spots to #37! And on Mediabase's Activator chart, it debuted this week at #46.

Although it officially went for adds on Monday, it was the 5th most-added song on Mediabase's panel (15 adds), 6th-most added on Billboard's panel (10), and it was the 3rd most-added on Billboard's Indicator panel (which now includes satellite radio) with 18 new adds! Make sure you're calling your radio stations to ask for this great, critically-acclaimed song! Vote for it on your local countdowns! Get on Yes.com! Creat demand! And if your station is one of the ones that's already picked it up, make sure you're saying thank you, too.

Let's draw our Prez a map ... straight to #1!

~ Carrie S. (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)

Dierks On The List To Look Out For

Jessica Cornett put Dierks Bentley on a list years ago--for those to be on the lookout for--after seeing him open for Del McCoury at The Station Inn. She has an interesting interpretation of the new single, Draw Me A Map.

New Music Monday: Dierks Bentley - Draw Me a Map
August 16th, 2010 11:26 pm

Back before he was making a scene filling arenas and making music videos on tv, Dierks Bentley was performing gigs at the legendary Station Inn in Nashville, TN. It was during one of those nights that I first learned of this talented artist. He was opening up for the Del McCoury Band. I quickly took note of his name and put it on a list of those to be on the lookout for. It wasn't two months later he was asking "what was I thinking" on CMT.

Fast forward several years of albums, concerts, and an induction to the famous Grand Ole Opry, Dierks Bentley would soon go back to his roots. He would infuse bluegrass with country with his own twist.

The second release off of Dierks' latest album, Up On the Ridge, is "Draw Me a Map." It features the background vocals of Alison Krauss. The heartfelt tune can take on several meanings. One of those would be losing someone you loved deeply who has left the relationship. You want to know what you did to bring them back to you and hopefully make things work for the better.

A few can relate to the song if someone in their life has passed away and you are needing direction to live without them. You hope one day to join them in the heaven's above.

What works for Dierks Bentley and "Draw Me a Map" is that his song presentation is with simplicity and meaning. He excels in portraying the message into a deeper emotion.

Be sure to call, email, tweet, text and facebook your local DJs and on yes.com and request Draw Me A Map every day!

~Ronna

Bentley's Acoustic Version of Draw Me A Map

Dierks Bentley jokes with his guitarist, Brian Layson, that he'll let him sing Alison Krauss' part in this acoustic version of Draw Me A Map:



"The fans have been asking for 'Draw Me a Map' ever since we released the album," Dierks says. "I can't wait to hear it through my truck speakers!"

Start requesting, congress! Several fans have already heard it on their local radio stations! If you request it and/or hear it, come back here and post the date, time, radio station and city/state in the comments! Thanks!

"Draw Me a Map" Announced as Next Single

The above full-page ad was featured in both Billboard and Country Aircheck's weekly updates yesterday. (Click on the picture to see a larger version.) It's official: "Draw Me a Map" will be the next single from the critically-acclaimed CD "Up on the Ridge." It was sent to radio yesterday, and the official add date is August 23rd.

I don't know about you, but I am unbelievably excited that this is the next single. I think it's going to perform well at radio, and should certainly outperform UOTR. That being said, it's being released during a virtual barrage of new music from Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, and the Zac Brown Band, so don't be surprised or discouraged if the song experiences very slow growth at first. With the sheer number of heavy hitters breaking new songs at radio, the charts will be in a strangle hold for the next few weeks until they peak and move off the charts. Only at that point will newer music from Country's apparent "B list" be truly picked up and promoted. But I'll be here to keep everybody updated week to week!

And just to give a quick chart update for the album itself, Up on the Ridge has been #1 on the Bluegrass Album Chart since its release in June, and it's holding steady at #7 on the Country Album Chart. I don't have exact album sales information, but it seems to be holding its own and the sales remain steady 2 months after the release. (Of course, we all know that when it wins the Grammy for Album of the Year it will sell like crazy!)

Let's get ready, Congress! The song went to radio yesterday -- start asking for it and creating demand! I'll be back next week with adds information!

~ Carrie S. (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)

Dierks Made Me Feel Two Inches Tall!

Our guest blogger today is DBC Iowa Rep and Cabinet Member (Director of Promotions), MonaP! This is her review of Dierks Bentley's show last night at Harrah's Casino in Council Bluffs, IA.

I was really slow getting out of the house even though I had a 3 hour drive. I wasn't really planning on meeting up with anyone, as you [may] know I haven't been online much. I figured I would wind up back a ways from the stage, and then would lose that spot while attending the M&G. My own fault. To be honest I almost didn't go at all. Anyway, I arrived around 2:30pm to find a very short line. And familiar faces! I run into a few other fan club members regularly in the IA area--Doug, Lori, Holly and Kristen. Our own DBC Stephanie was there, too!

It was a hot and humid 89 degrees. We sat under the tent set up for the merch tables until they starte setting up the tables and then it was in the sun! I stopped by the merch tables to look for new shirts and saw two I didn't have. Josh asked about my shirt. I was wearing the UOTR shirt with the album cover photo on it. I had ordered it online in June. He didn't have this style.

Gates opened at 6 pm and we all got in the front row. I had never been to this venue but I kind of like it. It is a small venue but open and well laid out. Holly and I stood pressed to the gate until it was time to go back for the M&G at 7:30.

We went back and Dierks was so awesome. How can he remember so much!? While waiting in line I realized I hadn't remembered a card for Dierks like I usually always do. Couldn't believe I forgot. Anyway, I reminded him of my name and then he knew who I was. My last M&G was 363 days prior yet he mentioned I had got my haircut. It is about 3-4 inches shorter now. Wow!

Got my picture and he signed my little photo album I always take everywhere with me. He asked if liked the new album. OF COURSE, I LOVE IT! I went over and stood with others and he greeted the next person in line. Right after saying hi to that person, he turned around and looked at me and asked "Where's the shirt?" All I could say was "I just didn't wear it tonight." I honestly felt like I let him down! To make it worse, after the group photo and the brief Q&A, he hugged me goodbye, thanking me for my work supporting the fan club! I honestly felt 2 inches tall!

I wasn't too impressed with the sound check for the opening act. The Dirt Drifters are a small group, first album you know...just getting started. They were so much better than their sound check. I enjoyed several of their songs. Planned on getting their CD but they were sold out by the time Holly and I went to the merch table. They were up there signing autographs and such.

We got their website info while asking about the CD. Holly brought them up on her phone and we watched a funny YouTube video. So we went back over and she told them we enjoyed the video. Their manager asked "You got your camera? Go behind the table and I'll take your picture!" He was really nice just as they all were. I really liked the song Married Men and Motel Rooms.

Dierks came out around 9 pm and played until about 10:30. He played all of the singles, LOLLTD, EMAM, SFASD, F&E, WWIT, TTSYL, CALC, IWMYCYE, Sideways, FTF, and my personal favorite--Long Trip Alone. During the short bluegrass section he did My Last Name and Draw Me A Map. DMAM and UOTR were the only songs from the new album. The only cover song he did was George Strait's, All My Exes. At the end of that, he segued into HAID. Did it beautifully! DMAM and So So Long were the only non singles he did.

Typical Dierks energy. The stage is quite small for a man who loves to run all over. But he made full use of it. As usual, he connected with the audience like I have never seen any other do. Not that I have seen a lot of shows, but...it was an awesome show.

He did one thing at the very end before he left the stage that made me curious. He walked back over to his own set list which had been taped down on all four sides instead of top and bottom, peeled it up and took it with him. To prevent fights? Hmmm...

Here are a few photos. The one of Dierks making the face while playing his accoustic, Brian Layson was showing his skills and then Dierks walked up and comically tried to do it. There was a funny bell sound while he was picking. I just love his sense of humor.



Thanks for sharing your experience, Mona, and Happy 3-year DBC anniversary TODAY! I think you should feel 10-feet tall that Dierks remembered you are the originator of the DB Congress T-Shirt!

~Ronna