Title Track and "The Mountain" Tracklist Revealed

On April 12, those who follow Dierks Bentley's social media channels were given some very important news we've all been waiting for: The Mountain album will be released June 8!

That same day, those who pre-ordered The Mountain were notified of an extra special surprise: a downloadable title track!

Oh, it's an amazing week for Dierks fans, isn't it?

After we set up yet another Dierks countdown timer on our phones (54 days, 15 hours, 23 minutes as of the writing of this blog), we can now see what's been hinted at over the last few weeks. All song titles are available (and we have clips of many of them!).

As stated by Dierks' PR team, "Reaching a new creative high, Bentley co-wrote 10 of the 13 new tracks that are unified by themes of presence and positivity, and range in style from textured rock to acoustic folk, feeling both rooted and expansive at the same time."

Can I get a "Woman, Amen!"?

Here's what we know (click on the links for info about the songs):

1. Burning Man (written by Luke Dick and Bobby Pinson)

2. The Mountain (written by Dierks Bentley, Jon Randall, Luke Dick and Natalie Hemby)

3. Living (written by Dierks Bentley, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, Ashley Gorley)

4. Woman, Amen (written by Dierk Bentley, Ross Copperman, Josh Kear)

5. You Can't Bring Me Down (written by Dierks Bentley, Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsay)

6. Nothing On But The Stars (written by Dierks Bentley Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, Jon Randall)

7. Goodbye In Telluride (written by Dierks Bentley, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Scooter Carusoe)

8. My Religion (written by Jamie Kenney, Ben Burgess, Michael Pollack, Rick Markowitz)

9. One Way (written by Dierks Bentley, Jeff Hyde, Laura Veltz)

10. Son Of The Sun (written by Dierks Bentley, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, Jon Randall)

11. Stranger To Myself (written by Dierks Bentley, Ross Copperman, Heather Morgan)

12. Travelin' Light (feat. Brandi Carlile) (written by Dierks Bentley, Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite)

13. How I'm Going Out (written by Jessi Alexander, Jon Randall--a fun bit of trivia: Jessi and Jon are married!)

Collaborations on this album include songs with Brothers Osborne, Brandi Carlile, and world-renowned bluegrass musicians Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and Tim O’Brien.

When reflecting on the tracks of this album, Dierks said, “For me it’s the best of both worlds, and it feels like something new. It’s powerful but also happy, with acoustic sensibility mixed in with the big sounds I like to have for the road. They are the songs I’d play for somebody to say, ‘This is who I am right now.’"

We'll take all the sneak peeks we can get until this album is released.

With "Woman, Amen" climbing the charts and flooding the airwaves, and now "The Mountain" available through major music services (and on repeat on our devices!), our Dierks playlists have gotten that much better, with the promise of mountain-sized talent to come.

Carrie Srebro
DB Congress Chart Reporter
@corbers

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Album Review-Black: Dierks Bentley's Most Soulful Album Yet

Imagine climbing Everest in the dark, feeling your way up the arduous mountain, holding on to a rope notched with 13 beautifully-laced loops along the way.  That's how I feel listening to Black.  I can’t see a thing, but Dierks Bentley is pulling me along, making me feel one song at a time, each one taking me higher and deeper into the intelligent uniqueness of Dierk’s eighth studio album.

Take a trip with me and DB Congress Chart Reporter, Carrie Srebro, as we try to put our feelings about this body of work into words.

Black: Written by Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman and Dierks Bentley

There have been quite a few overtly sexual songs released to country radio over the past few years, which I’m personally not a fan of. What ever happened to leaving something to the imagination? But I think Dierks does a good job here of keeping it sexy but not overdoing it. I also really like the production on this song. I can see this being single #3. –Carrie Srebro (NC)

I still maintain this sensual song will replace Come A Little Closer as his signature love song.  The echo throughout positions the listener right in the moment.  Here, black is not nothing, but everything—no need to see, just feel.  I don’t wanna see a thing, I just wanna feel your love...Make my world go black.   –Ronna Clark (FL)

Watch Dierks intro the songwriters then perform "Black" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:



Pick Up: Written by Jaren Johnston, Jimmy Robbins and Andrew Dorff

I liked this song when it was pre-released, but the more I listen to the album, the more I LOVE this song. I feel like Dierks sings the hell out of this one, you can really hear his frustration. And this is a pretty universal theme, but also one that hasn’t been done a million times, either. I’d be totally fine if this were to become a single, but I don’t see it falling that way. – CS

Clever, crafty songwriting!  Dierks said in an interview that his wife “screens” his calls, so he can relate to such a relatable story—who doesn’t get frustrated or worried when the person you’re calling won’t pick up the phone! Nothing more irritating, and you just want to hear their voice no matter what. Vocally and emotionally, Dierks nailed this one. -RC

I’ll Be The Moon (featuring Maren Morris):  Written by Heather Morgan, Matt Dragstrem and Ryan Hurd

Easily one of my favorite songs on the album. Maren and Dierks complement each other nicely and both sing the song well. You can feel the heartache and sadness. It’s so pleasant to listen to.  –CS

How could a story of a secret love triangle sound so sweet and forlorn at the same time?  Easy—get Dierks Bentley and Maren Morris to sing it as a duet!  The narrative explores subject matter from a unique perspective and I hope it becomes a single and radio plays it all the way to #1.  Nobody else can match this extraordinary effort.  -RC

Watch Dierks and Jessi Alexander perform "I'll Be The Moon" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:



What The Hell Did I Say:  Written by Ross Copperman, Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins

This one has grown on me immensely since being a pre-release track. Once I listened to it in the car, I was sold, haha! I love a good song to jam to, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s super catchy, and Dierks hinted it may be a future single on SiriusXM The Highway. –CS

Ross Copperman’s oriental sounding treatment gives it a diverseness only Dierks could pull off.  And how different that the girl actually LIKED “every single word you left on my phone.”  Love the creative new verbs—Did I say we’d go shoppin, that I’d Louis Vuitton her, That I’d Rodeo Drive her slide a Tiffany diamond on her.”  Is that like new math?  Kudos to Ross, Josh and Chris.  The chorus is infectious and I find myself singing it at the top of my lungs at red lights. -RC


Watch Dierks perform "What The Hell Did I Say" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:




Somewhere On A Beach:  Written by Michael Tyler, Jaron Boyer, Alexander Palmer, Dave Kuncio and Josh Mirenda

Still not my favorite, but damn, did this song blow up and get the job done for leading off this album with some serious momentum. And in the context of the full album, it doesn’t sound out of place at all. –CS

When I heard this was the first single from the new album, I was disappointed to say the least.  Another bro song? Really?  I know Dierks has so much more depth, but I also know radio needed something for the masses.   And sure enough, SOAB climbed quickly and spent two weeks at #1 and three weeks on the Hot Country Songs chart and is still in the top ten this week—four months later!  The song has really grown on me and I sing along happily now.  And yes, it is perfectly placed as chapter five in Dierks’ book of Black. -RC

Freedom:  Written by Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman and Dierks Bentley

This song makes me want to skip along and bop to it. Obviously a theme that’s been done before, but I love how anthemic and sing-along this is. Once more people are familiar with it, this should be a highlight of the live show. Definitely single worthy. –CS

Paying homage to our US military—that flag on a soldier’s sleeve—is always a popular theme.  Makes me feel very patriotic.  That, and all the singing about all freedoms we enjoy because of those soldiers.  I can see this going over big on tour and can already hear the audience singing it at the top of their lungs.  That ticket to your favorite show/Getting’ lost in the rock n roll.  -RC

Why Do I Feel:  Written by Dan Wilson, Ross Copperman and Dierks Bentley

This is where the album kind of hits the brakes for me. Lyrically and vocally (as in, Dierks sounds good), I like this song. But I don’t like the sparse production at all. When I hear the opening piano, I immediately expect to hear Luke’s “Strip it Down” and that’s not really a comparison I enjoy making. I’ve been trying to get more into the song, but the R&B cadence and vocal style aren’t working for me. –CS

When I hear the piano intro, I hear a matureness in Dierks’ music that easily fits in today’s all-genre world.  The production is distinctly Ross Copperman-crafted.  The second verse gets all the way to me—Dierks’ voice at its gritty finest: Trying to find pain, where there’s only love…And when I get more, it’s never enough.  I love the reverberation in the melody and the subtle dobro—that works for me!  I can’t wait for the vinyl version so I can start with Side B! - RC

Roses And A Time Machine:  Written by Luke Dick and Adam James

I think I’m the only person who likes this song. It’s quirky and funky, but I find the lyrics to be self-deprecating and self-aware – the dude knows he screwed up and at least he’s able to make fun of himself. –CS

No, you’re not the only one, Carrie!  This is the old-school Dierks that we know and love!  Co-writer Luke Dick delivered this tongue-in-cheek tune at the Highline Ballroom Songwriters show May 25 and the whole room was laughing and singing along half-way through. Best regret song ever!  Great rhymes—edumacation/relations.  Is THAT what a time machine sounds like?  Cool vibe, Ross Copperman!   I can see a black hole/time travel treatment video for this song—what do you say, Wes Edwards? –RC

Watch Luke Dick perform "Roses And A Time Machine" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:



All The Way to Me:  Written by Luke Dick, Scooter Carusoe and Dierks Bentley

This song is like your favorite pair of worn in jeans. It feels so good. It’s like if Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do and Free & Easy had a baby. I love it. It just feels so… DIERKS. The production is like a nod to “old” Dierks, the lyrics are SO Dierks – really this is like a continuation of I Hold On and I just love everything about it. Super high on my list of album highlights for sure. (And I would do a lot to hear a bluegrass version of this. I bet that would be killer.) –CS

Hard to believe the same guy who wrote Roses, also penned this page right out of Bentley’s boyhood morphing into adulthood.  When I first heard this and saw the background video on Apple Music, I couldn’t help but think of Kansas Ambassador and country artist, Logan Mize (Somethin’ ‘bout starlight on Kansas/ The way a wheat field dances), yet distinctly Dierks.  This song demonstrates how deeply he feels about the influences in his life (Cass and the kids).  Favorite line: Somethin’ ‘bout me and her and how our love turned into brown eyes lookin’ up/The sound of hardwood floors on little feet.   Bluegrass version gets my vote, too!- RC

Different For Girls (Featuring Elle King):  Written by Shane McAnally and J.T. Harding

Another great duet. I think the duets on this album are my favorites of Dierks’ career so far. I know there’s a lot of brouhaha over the lyrics and the over-generalization of male behavior, but Dierks himself even said he sucks at being a “dude” when it comes to heartache, so I’m not going to read too much into it. This song sounds great, and I think this is a moment on the album where Dierks is really saying “you know, I’m raising two daughters now, and I look at these things differently than I used to.” And I also like the idea that it’s the douchey bro from SOAB having an introspective moment, too. Love this and I hope it’s a huge hit for him. –CS

A guy takes up for a girl – yes please!  This may not have been written by Dierks, but it’s true to the core of his character.  He has said many times he can relate to how girls handle heartbreak because it’s kind of like he has reacted in the past.  Remember Yeah, 'cause I've lost weight and I've lost hair/And I don't intend to ever go back there/Drinkin' and a-thinkin' 'bout a love that just wasn't true (Forget About You)?  Yeah—that was autobiographical.  Thank you Shane McAnally for thinking of Dierks for this song.  And thanks, Dierks, for thinking of Elle King’s (daughter of Rob Schneider and London King) exceptional voice.  Perfect duet and harmonies.  The unique lyrics tell an honest story of guys and girls reacting to break-ups so differently; different than any other song on the radio right now.  DFG should easily be his 15^th number one single.  Favorite line: She don’t scroll through her phone just lookin’ for a band-aid. -RC

Mardi Gras (Featuring Trombone Shorty):  Written by Natalie Hemby, Steve Moakler and Dierks Bentley

I wasn’t too sure about this one when I listened to the album the first time, but wow, has it grown on me. It is so catchy, and again, I think Dierks kills the vocal on this one. I’ve had this song in my head a lot since Friday. –CS

While the production and melody remind me of Mardi Gras, the title is a metaphor for a girl who trashed the guy’s heart just like the streets of New Orleans the day after the real Mardi Gras. The trombone sliding of Trombone Shorty is the perfect action to tell this guy-done-wrong song.  Lyrical imagery abounds, painting the perfect charade picture.  Favorite line:  Strung me right along like lights on a balcony.

Light It Up: Written by Jessi Alexander, Ross Copperman and Dierks Bentley

This is another great track. I really like the spiritual metaphors. The production is perhaps a bit louder than it needs to be here, but it’s still a really great song, and one I wouldn’t mind seeing as a single, but it’s a bit similar thematically to HOLY by FGL so they’ll probably steer clear. –CS

Loved this song since I heard Dierks sing part of it acoustically on The Bobby Bones Show.  Vocally and melodically, the chorus soars and is much stronger than the verses.  Conversely, the lyrics in the verses are brilliantly written!  I used to get numb on a whiskey remedy/But then your spirit poured in like a symphony.  It’s apparent his angel (wife Cassidy) lights ups his soul! Co-writer Jessi and Dierks sang “Light It Up” at the Highline Ballroom in NYC last week. –RC

Here's a short clip of Dierks and Jessi performing "Light It Up" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:



Can’t Be Replaced:  Written by Hillary Lindsey, Luke Laird and Dierks Bentley

Not much to say here that hasn’t already been said by basically everyone ever, but this is a fantastic song. First of all, I could talk about those dobro solos all day long. They’re gorgeous. Everything about this song is just perfectly executed. Definitely one of the best songs of his career. –CS

Whether its things or people, we all have memories of the images this song conjures up—totally saw my teen years flash before my eyes—Levi jacket, spinnin’ that bottle, Memorex mixtape and Boone’s Farm kiss.  Totally agree with the dobro solos, too—beautiful.  This may never be a single, although Dierks has said he would like it to be.  Our heart goes out to Jake who has been there with him since the beginning. -RC

If you want to feel every emotion in life, be sure to take Bentley’s Black along on your mountainous trek. It will seep into your soul, light it up and transcend you.

Ronna Clark

DB Congress Chair (FL)

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?

Dierks Goes "Black" With New Album

Always pushing the envelope artistically, with Dierks Bentley's eighth studio album Black he promises to bring more of that bold edginess, saying "I had to dig deep...and record songs that explore the shadows and edges of the heart."

He's never been one to put out a record for the sole purpose to sell records or garner radio airplay (Remember Grammy-nominated "Up On The Ridge?").

“I ask myself all the time, ‘Why keep doing this?’ If I wasn’t exploring or finding something to write about that was personal or meant something, there’d be no reason. If I was ever making a record just to make a record, or ever just like, ‘Just put something out there that someone will buy,’ I would quit. I really would.”

That's the reason we love and support our DB Congress President and will be Dierks fans for life!

It's not surprising that Black will be about his personal relationships, giving us an in-depth account of his ten-year marriage to wife, Cassidy, whose maiden name (coincidentally?) is Black.

"Some people associate red with love, but to me red is for an earlier stage of a relationship,” Bentley says. “Black is much deeper, to me. It’s certainly the sexiest color. [And] this record has a sexiness, in a well-worn leather-jacket kind of way. It’s not glossy sexy—there’s a realness to it.  A lot of it happens after dark, in the black of night.  The kicker is that my wife’s last name is Black."

Watch the Black album trailer here.  Listen to the background music.  We're thinking it's possibly from the title cut.  What do you think?  If so, we're loving the edgy sound!

"The songs on Black range from the lonesomeness of an impossible relationship to ones that describe the feeling of finding that person that makes you forget the one that broke your heart."

The Lead Single

Although not officially announced yet via DB's camp, according to All Access Music, the lead single from Black will be "Somewhere On A Beach" going for radio adds January 25, 2016.  Co-written by Jaron Boyer, David Kuncio, Josh Mirenda, Alex Palmer and Michael Tyler Spragg, we've been told the title is deceiving.  Decide for yourself--set your DVR's for The Ellen Show for Tuesday, January 19, where Dierks is expected to perform the new single. Songwriter, Josh Mirenda posted on our Facebook page that he hears it's pretty good!

We also believe all the iHeart radio stations will be giving airplay to SOAB every hour, on the half hour on Tuesday as well, based on a tweet from AJ and Ashley (K92 in Orlando):

You can also tune in via the iHeart app on Tuesday if you don't have a local iHeart Radio station, and we'd be surprised if SiriusXM's the Highway didn't debut it hourly, too! (This will easily be Dierks' most-added and highest debuting single to date!)

Black was produced by Ross Copperman (Riser producer and co-writer on Tip It On Back), who also is listed as a co-writer on the title cut, along with Bentley and Ashley Gorley.  According to Windmills Music, other registered tracks that could possibly be album cuts include eleven more from Copperman.  Check out the rest of the list here.

The Black Card

Leave it to Dierks' Red Light Management team and Kevin Grace, Manager of Digital & Content, to find a creative way to promote the new album and build excitement.  You can order your very own "Black" Card that will pay for your pre-order of the album and get you access to unreleased songs, one of a kind merch items, special discounts, bonus videos and other surprises.  You also get entry into the official All Access Black Ticket Sweepstakes to win a fly-away to opening night of the tour, hotel accommodations, a meet and greet with Dierks and the ultimate prize of two tickets to every show on the tour!

Once you receive your Black Card in the mail, it will give you a unique code that you can use to access the exclusive Black Card content. Each time Dierks releases new content to the Black Card Content Page, an email will be sent to your account updating you about the new content.  Get yours at dierks.com for $16.99.

The Black album will ship within the next couple months.  We're guessing for a mid to late March release date, to align with the ACM Awards timing, where he will co-host with Luke Bryan April 3.

On Monday, Dierks took time out of his busy schedule to chat with fans on Twitter about the upcoming album.  He replied to questions from several DB Congress reps!  Here are a few of our favorites:

Rita is a DBC Rep in Ireland

Harriett reps Dierks in North Carolina

Lilian is a DBC rep in Brazil!

Dierks is currently up for a Grammy for his collaboration with Eric Paslay on Charles Kelley's single, "The Driver."

Dierks Bentley's "Riser" Album - A Conversation Between Dierks Friends

Riser review, part two.

It's difficult to be objective when you're a Dierks Bentley fan for life. If you talk to any DB Congress member they will say they love his new album, "Riser." Of course...what's not to love? Anytime our president puts himself out there, raw and exposed, it makes us love him even more.  As an artist and songwriter, the character of the man who moves us with his music every day oozes out of every pore of Riser.  

Every lyric is truly believable, his vocal never more emotional and heartfelt.  It's as if he's giving us a peek into his very soul. In fact, "heart and soul" are threaded throughout the project both lyrically and emotionally.

Follow along below while Dierks friends discuss each track. 

Bourbon in Kentucky - Written by Hillary Lindsey/Gordie Sampson/Ryan Tyndell.

• CS:  There is nothing to say about this song that hasn't already been said: a wonderful song that most people didn't get to hear, didn't get its justice at radio, blah blah blah. Still so, so good. One of my favorite Dierks cuts in years... there are a few songs on this album that would likely make my Top 15 Dierks songs list and this is one of them.
  
• RC:  Some say I Hold On sounds like a hearbeat but to me, Bourbon's guitar riff is thump-thumping like a heart ticking away, and and the subtle, vibrating instrumentation added by producer Ross Copperman is so unique.  Kacey Musgraves lends smooth vocals to blend perfectly, resulting in a harmonizing balance with Dierks' gravelly ache. This is an extremely well-written song.  But Dierks added his own twist.  By the end, he's just over it...."so forget you." A BIG song, that radio might regret not getting behind.

Say You Do - Written by Matt Ramsay/Shane McAnally/Trevor Rosen

• CS:  And this is another one that would crash my Dierks Top 15. I absolutely cannot get enough of this song. I've been a big fan of Shane McAnally's songwriting for a while now, notably starting with Kenny Chesney's "Somewhere With You" and this one is absolutely no different - I love it. There's such longing in the lyrics and I really feel like Dierks nailed this vocally. SO well done. I would be ecstatic if this was released as a single... right now this is my favorite song on the album.
  
• RC: Besides Riser, this is my favorite song on the album.  I can't get it out of my head. Then I heard Dierks and the guys sing it live for the first time at the iHeart Radio show in NYC and when Brian Layson, Cassady Feasby and Dan Hochhalter sang the harmonies, I was blown away! Say you want this to be a single, Dierks!  Even if you don't -- say you do!

I Hold On - Written by Dierks Bentley/Brett James

• CS: I still love this song, even though it's been 13 months since I heard it for the first time. This song is like the little song that could to me - I'm proud of how well it's doing recently and I know that it will be a very, very meaningful #1 for Dierks when it gets there. IT BETTER GET THERE.

• RC: This song still gets to me.  Being a hard core fan, I know this IS Dierks.  Brett James did a good job co-writing to capture Dierks' essence.  I love the way the drums sound like a train clacking down the track and the ghost-like background vocals in the last verse really drive home the point that things from the past are here to stay in his "here and now" life.
  
• CS: Yes! I love the production on this song, and I love the album version so much more than the radio version - the instrumentation seems so much fuller and it really enriches the entire song.

Pretty Girls -Written by Jessi Alexander/Dierks Bentley/Jon Randall

• CS: While thematically one could argue that it's "bro," I feel like it loses that stigma both in the imagery of the lyrics, the depth of his vocals, and the whole mid tempo vibe of the song. It's probably in the bottom half of the album for me overall, but it's not the skipper I thought it would be based on the title and initial info that was released about the song.

• RC: Pretty Girls lyrically -- no. But I like the "Tip It On Back" melodic vibe. And it doesn't sound so bro like.

• CS: Pretty Girls was inspired by the fans! Cmon! I love it. Haha.

• RC: Oh I thought you didn't like PG. Miranda [Lambert] loves it! She wants it to be a single.
  
• CS: You know I hate bro but to me it ain't bro. These 'bro' songs lately make me feel dirty listening to them - PG to me just rings so true, and again, there's significantly more depth to the lyrics than 90% of what's being released lately.

Here on Earth - Written by Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Ryan Tyndell

• CS: I really like this song. It kind of punches you in the gut, especially if you've ever lost someone close to you (and there are so very few who haven't experienced that), but melodically and lyrically it's so well done. Definitely among the top songs on the album for me.

• RC:  The ache in his voice is so real and takes me right back to my mom's death. There ain't a piece of my soul I haven't searched.  Anyone who has ever suffered the loss of a loved one is instantly transported to that time with his vocal vulnerability.
    
• CS: I would agree with that. It's been years since I lost anybody but I still cried the first time I heard this song. And I can relate to the lines "I've read the words of the Teacher but I still struggle with what it's all worth." This song is just so honest.

Drunk on a Plane - Written by Dierks Bentley/Josh Kear/Chris Tompkins

• CS: So through the course of my listening to the album, I've done a 180 on this song. I would be totally fine seeing this as the next single. It's silly, yes, and has sort of a novelty feel and will likely have a very high burn rate - but it's well-written and clever and honestly doesn't really sound much like anything else out right now. I really enjoy the instrumentation and Dierks' vocals on this song really sold it for me - and hearing the full song helped, as well. So. Single. Go for it.
• RC: Yep - this song has #1 single written all over it! Yes, there's that alcohol thing, yet it's different and lyrics are so catchy and unique! Favorite line: "Told her about my condition, got a little mile-high flight attention." Am I the only one who tries to sit in seat "7A" on a Southwest flight?"

Five - Written by Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Ryan Tyndell

• CS:  Listening to the previews, Say You Do and Five really jumped out at me immediately and were the two I couldn't wait to hear in full the most... and after hearing them both in full that still stands - I love this one, too. Great song. Great storytelling and longing here, and again, Dierks nailed the vocals.
• RC: Love this song, but could have done without the screaming guitar. Favorite line: "Girl you never cross my mind, yeah you stay there all the time." And the hook: "but the one that came up tonight is the one I've known all my life, it's your mama's place and I heard your pretty voice say, this might sound crazy..."
• CS: I would normally agree but Ross Copperman's production on this entire album is just so solid - the guitar doesn't seem out of place to me.

Riser - Written by Travis Meadows/Steve Moakler

• CS:  So much buzz surrounding this song already! What an uplifting song. I love that Dierks' whole premise for naming the album after this song is that this song fully embodies the man he wants to be. I can totally get behind that - it's so inspiring. I'm still nervous about this as a potential single... I feel like the timing needs to be just right for it to work out, but at the very least I hope this song can see some nominations, and if not this year, then for 2015 (depending on its potential release to radio and eligibility deadlines). He really did the song great justice here.

• RC: The title track was brilliantly written by Travis Meadows and Steve Moakler; yet, it's as if Dierks penned it himself...perfect for this time of his life and perfectly weaves the story of his transformation over the last two year from his dad's death to his son's birth. He has always been a riser, steadily singing along for the last decade, not content to follow the formula, rising above the norm. Favorite line: I'm a get down low so I can lift you higher.  During the Riser documentary, Dierks supports his wife Cassidy on the way into the hospital to have baby Knox. "You're gonna do so good," he tells her. "Thank you...so are you!" she replies, resting her head on his shoulder.  Literally and figuratively this line says it all: Lay your pretty head down on my shoulder/You dont have to worry anymore." Dierks IS a lighter, a survivor. Believability 101.  Plus, I love the use of "er" to turn verbs into nouns.  Like us--we are DBC-ers! How meaningful that his dad was in the Thunderbirds charitable organization and that helped shape the idea for the Riser bird symbol.

Sounds of Summer - Written by Zac Crowell/Matt Jenkins/Adam Sanders

• CS:  I still think this could be the next single, but I really wish they hadn't used the autotune in the bridge or whatever. It just kind of sticks out like a sore thumb. I like the melody and this song sounds nice, but my husband called it a Jake Owen song and I definitely have to agree (which isn't necessarily a bad thing, per se - it's more BBJN than Beachin so there's that). But overall, I'd probably put this toward the bottom of the album for me... which isn't to say it's a bad song, or even one that I'll skip. To me, it's just filler.

• RC: In Sounds of Summer, producer Ross Copperman dubs Dierks' own voice in the background vocal. Did I imagine this or do you hear it, too?
• CS: Yep, that's Dierks doing backing. The more I listen to this song the more I enjoy it. I really like that the song is talking about the sounds of summer vs. the sights or some of the more cliche tailgates, moonlight, beer themes that have been overrunning the airwaves lately. To me, the sounds of summer would be seagulls at the beach, fireworks, the stillness of a hot summer day... it's cool that there's a song that speaks to that.

Damn These Dreams - Written by Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Jaren Johnston (The Cadillac Three)

• CS: This song breaks my heart. It's almost like it's too honest... like, painfully honest to the point where I'm like, "stop touring! Go be with Cassidy and your adorable children and be a dad!" but then I'm like, well... but he's doing what he loves so I probably shouldn't feel too guilty, right? But man. This is a great song, but it's so hard to listen to. (Kind of like Down in the Mine off Up on the Ridge. Brilliant song - but can't listen to it every time.)

• RC:  "Damn these Dreams" proves his love for both fans and family--and he's torn. its hard to look true love in the eye and leave.  

Back Porch - Written by Cary Barlowe/Jaren Johnston/Hillary Lindsey

• CS:  I'm still unsure about BP's inclusion on the album. I think if I could change one thing about the album, it would be to put another song in its place. I understand why they included it, but I wish we'd gotten something entirely new - but that might just be the greedy megafan in me.
• RC: Agreed.  I like the song, but it fits better on the Country and Cold Cans EP.

Hurt Somebody - Written by Matthew Fleener/Shane McAnally/Mark Nessler

• CS: Hello wonderful song. Hello Chris Stapleton harmonies. What a gem. I mean, what else more is there to say? 

• RC: That lonesome fiddle is somehow soothing the "hurt" in his voice.  Chris has a powerful voice (Falling For You).  I wouldn't have minded if Chris had a more prominent presence.
• CS: I love a fiddle...

• RC: And which song is Charlie Worsham playing on? LOVE him!
• CS: I know he played on Bourbon in Kentucky, according to a Billboard article that was out when BiK was at radio ... but I don't know which other tracks he played on, if at all. I'd love to know, though!
• RC:  Charlie, if you're reading this, clue us in!

-Carrie Srebro (CS) - North Carolina

-Ronna Clark (RC) - Florida 

We Can Make It in Five! DBCONGRESS.COM Turns 5 today!

Happy 5-year anniversary, DB Congress!  

Five years ago today, we launched dbcongress.com!  So much has happened since then!

We are 767 dedicated Representatives strong!  Five years ago we were just under 400--so we nearly doubled our promo power from all over the world!

Nearly half a million unique visitors viewed our 1,500+ blog posts!  Our Facebook and Twitter pages have gathered more than 4,000 followers!

All of this for one primary purpose:  Promote our president, Dierks Bentley, daily!

Your efforts have helped Dierks achieve number one songs, videos and albums.  And his Facebook page is well over 2 million and one million followers on Twitter!  Phenomenal!

Now we have an opportunity to make history for Dierks again with his new album, Riser, releasing February 25, 2014!  We're thinkin' one of the songs, "Five," (written by Dierks, Riser Producer Ross Copperman and Ryan Tyndell) is appropriate for our 5-year anniversary! It is available as a 90-second preview now on iTunes, along with all the Riser songs.

"Now you're 600 miles away and a 10 hour drive, but if you called me tonight, I can make it in five...you never cross my mind, yeah you stay there all the time."

Yep, we made it in five...years, and Dierks, you are always on our minds, and if you called us tonight, we'd be there in five!

Keep up the great work, congress! Keep requesting "I Hold On" and pre-order your Riser bundle today on dierks.com!  Tell all your friends!

*Special thanks to Stephanie Lanham, DBC Rep (MO), for creating and sharing all the great graphics over the last five years!  That's her DBC logo at the top, and check out the new blog header!  Cool, huh?  What are you thinkin', congress!  Leave a comment and join me in thanking Steph!



Ronna (FL)
DB Congress Chair

Dierks Bentley Reveals Release Date and Reason for Naming the Album, "Riser"

As hard-core fans, DB Congress reps, maybe more so than the casual fan, are consistently in a state of anxiousness, always awaiting new music from our president, Dierks Bentley!  And he is always worth the wait, and we finally have a date!  RISER will be released February 25, 2014!

"I hope the fans, when they listen to the record, I hope they hear their involvement in the record, because they really were the reason why I was able to get from one spot to the other [from his dad's death to his boy Knox's birth] and find that happiness and joy that is who I really am," Dierks admitted.

You may know that "7" is Dierks' lucky number (also the number on his Iceholes hockey jersey), so with RISER being his 7th studio album, it's sure to be  a phenomenal project, "grounded in lyrical substance with a new sonic power that spotlights Bentley's distinctive gravely voice, one of the most original and recognizable in the genre," according to the press release.

We've already witnessed a few of the songs we believe will be included, like "Bourbon In Kentucky" and "I Hold On," and if you attended Last Call Ball in June, you heard a few more, namely, the title song, "I'm A Riser," written by Travis Meadows and Steve Moakler (Read our exclusive interviews with them here and here), and "Drunk On A Plane."  At the Arizona firefighter's benefit concert, Dierks performed the personal "Here On Earth."

Other tracks that Windmills's Musical Musings says will be included are: "Hurt Somebody" (previously recorded by The Dirt Drifters), "Say You Do" and "Pretty Girls Drinking Tall Boys."

"I named the album RISER because the lyrics in that song perfectly articulate who I want to be, who I try to be," Bentley explains. "There's a lot of really intense material on this record, but there's also a lighter side that is equally important in telling the story of the last two years of my life. When I first started writing for this album, I was in a place of grief over the loss of my dad, but over the course of the next 18 months, my wife and I had our son Knox, and I ended in a place of real joy and gratefulness. Both sides of that coin are what country music has always been about, and I hope that my fans can feel how much of myself I put into this project. It's all out on the table, for sure."

Last year, we posted our exclusive interview with Ross Copperman (Tip It On Back co-writer and Riser producer), where he revealed some unique strategies and tactics to recording "Riser."

The lead single, "I Hold On," is currently at #18 on the Billboard Country Airplay radio charts. "Written by Bentley and Brett James, the track is drawing attention from other artists, critics and fans for its authenticity and emotion with Music Row calling it a "song that shakes you," and American Songwriter comparing the track to U2 with Bentley "rocking a little harder than most of contemporary country's crooners.""

Watch RISER: Making The Album:



Keep requesting "I Hold On," congress!  Let's get it to top ten for album release week!   We need a #1 debut!

DB Congress Exclusive Interview: "Riser" Songwriters - Part Two

Songwriter Steve Moakler admits at first he didn't feel qualified to write it. But when Dierks Bentley sings his song that he co-wrote with Travis Meadows, Steve says it's like a "gritty, romantic, and empowering anthem."  "Riser" is the title song from Dierks' new album due out in October. Part Two of our exclusive interviews with the Riser songwriters continues with Steve's candid answers below.

DB Congress: What was your reaction when you heard Dierks Bentley was recording your song?

Steve Moakler: I was thrilled to hear that Dierks was recording our song. Initially, I didn't let myself get too excited because I didn't want to deal with the heartbreak if it didn't end up on the record...It seemed too good to be true at first. It still does.

DBC:  What was co-writing with Travis Meadows like? Have you written together previously? What songs?

SM:  I love writing with Travis. To me, he is the most inspiring and authentic songwriter in town. It's always an honor to write a song with him. We have written a handful of songs together. The only one that I'd say holds a candle to "Riser" is one called, "Wide Open." It's on Travis's new record and I plan on recording it on my next one.

DBC: How did the song make its way to Dierks? Did he hear it? Did you pitch it?

SM: I believe our publisher Jeff pitched it to Dierk's executive producer.

DBC: What do you think Dierks’ treatment/interpretation brought to the song? Is it the same as your original or were changes made?

SM: He made it his own. His interpretation is bigger than what I thought it could be... It feels like an anthem when he sings it. It's gritty, romantic, and empowering.

DBC: Have you heard Dierks' final cut of the song? If so, how do you feel about that? 

SM: Yes, I have heard it. It blew me away. I feel humbled to have been a part of something so great.

DBC:  How much more special is having the title track than just an album cut?

SM: It’s exciting how strongly he has embraced the message of the song and wants to inspire people with it. As a songwriter, I can’t think of anything more gratifying than that. Album title or not, it’s really just an honor to have a song on his record.

DB Congress hit the streets of Nashville at CMA Fest 2013 promoting Dierks & Riser;
Steve Moakler poses with the sticker with his song's namesake

DBC: Tell us about the backstory –was the song inspired by any specific events? 

SM: Travis initially had the idea to write a song called “Survivor.”  He started improvising a bunch of brilliance and asked me what I thought. I said, “Man, I love what you’re doing, but I don’t feel qualified to write this song. I don’t feel like I’ve survived enough to really contribute.” He said, “Moakler, I was saving this idea for you. You’re so damn optimistic, and that's what makes you qualified.” So I listened to him, and then we wrote the song. It's really affirming that he thought of me with an idea like that, and I still hear the song as something to live up to. I feel empowered and hopeful every time I sing it.

DBC: Great use of the “er” turning verbs into nouns like, “a get out aliver,” “no run and hider” and of course, “I’m a riser.”  Did you guys have to dig deep for that or did it come naturally?

SM:  That came really naturally.

DBC: You’ve been described as having indie roots, whose songs you wouldn’t expect from a 25-year old who is quickly emerging as one of the best of a new generation of pop-rock songwriters.   Your 2011 album release, "Watching Time Run," includes "Play You Down" which has a country vibe.  In addition to 'Riser,' is that how you might transition your artistic talent to country music?

SM: You know, I have a lot in common with country music, but I don’t think that it’s the genre that I’ll call home as an artist at this point. I see myself more in the singer/songwriter where there is a different freedom to lean into rock, pop, and folk influences. It’s no secret that country has had a big influence on my sound and writing. I have loved being a part of the writing community in Nashville and have felt really welcomed and encouraged by everyone.

DBC: You're from Pittsburgh, PA, right? What brought you to Nashville?

SM: Since I was 14, I had dreamed about making a living writing and performing my own music. When I graduated from high school, my incredibly limited knowledge and gut instinct led me here. I was enrolled at Belmont University for two years when I first moved to town. I love Pittsburgh and I miss my family, but moving to Nashville was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

DBC:   They say everyone has six degrees of separation.  It’s interesting that you have two songs on the movie soundtrack for “October Baby.”  Jason Burkey starred in that movie, and he was also the lead actor in Dierks Bentley’s Tip It On Back video and Ross Copperman (Riser Producer) co-wrote that top 5 single.  And, you’re getting ready for a tour to Germany in July called, “Feels Like Home.”  Now you have the title cut on Dierks’ upcoming album! How well did you know Jason, Ross or Dierks prior to ‘Riser’?

SM: Wow, that's crazy! I had no idea about all those connections. I met Jason at the October Baby debut in Birmingham. He was incredibly kind and down to earth. That’s the only time I’ve gotten to hang with him though.  Ross and I had written a song together a couple of years ago, but we spoke for the first time in years when he called me up and asked me to sing the background vocal on “Riser.”  That was a really exciting phone call... Ross is also super kind and talented.  I still haven’t met Dierks. I was supposed to write with him and Travis Meadows about a month ago but it didn’t work out. I’m really looking forward to meeting him.

DBC:  How much of a chance do you feel ‘Riser’ has to get released as a single and make it to #1?

SM: haha I don’t know... People in town seem to think that it has a good chance. But the more I learn, the less I seem to know. I’m trying not to get my hopes up about it. That would be unbelievably cool.

DBC: Who else have you written for previously?

SM: Jake Owen and Andy Gibson. Kelly Pickler recorded a song of mine a few weeks ago... There’s no telling whether or not its gonna come out or not. I’m still just a rookie at this whole thing. It’s a lot of fun.

DBC: Have you talked to Dierks recently? Tell us about that conversation.

SM: I haven’t talked to Dierks yet, but I can tell you right now that I’m gonna say “thank you” in my first or second sentence.

DBC: We can’t wait to hear the entire album! Do you have any other cuts on it?

SM: I can’t wait to hear it either! I’ve been hearing great things about it. I don’t have any other songs on the record, but I’m sure that there’s no shortage of killer tunes on it.  Thanks a lot for reaching out and taking an interest in Travis and I. I appreciate the good questions.

Thank you, Steve, for answering our questions and the inspirational songwriting! We think this album is gonna be huge for Dierks!

In case you missed it, here's the video of Dierks singing "Riser" at Last Call Ball in June 2013:




Want to know more about Steve Moakler? Click here.

~Ronna Clark
DB Congress Chair (FL)

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)