Dierks Art that Lasts Forever

On July 13, DB Congress member Rebecca Scott posed a great question to the Facebook page:

As someone with numerous tattoos adorning my body, I find this to be a perfect question, as I, too, have considered which Dierks lyric or image I should get. I was so excited to see I'm not the only one who feels this way!

DBCers shared their photos and inspiration in response to our question of, "Got Dierks [ink]?" Here is some of the art you shared!

Sandra Bowers Grubb shared, "In Sept. 2012, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and the song "Every Mile A Memory" became my Walk Team name because "Every Mile I Walk is a Memory." The orange ribbon on the butterfly represents MS. Fast forward to 2014 and "Riser" was release, then that one became my anthem. This tattoo reminds me every day that I am a Riser and that I am a fighter, a survivor."

Nicole Snell said, "Here’s my Riser bird/long trip alone db! I wanted a Riser bird as a tattoo because of how much the song Riser means to me, but I wanted to make it unique, and something else I love about Dierks, and so I decided on the db symbol from the Long Trip Alone album. I love that song and album a lot, and always loved that db symbol so I thought it was perfect! I decided I HAD to get a tattoo of him in some way, after all these years of following him around 😉 It’s a perfect tattoo to show me everyday that I’m a Riser, and I get asked all the time what that symbol is and people get to learn about Dierks that way haha"

Elise Benjamin Taylor shared, "My “Riser” tattoo. There are several reasons behind this tattoo, because I’m a Riser. But mostly because my Dad was a Riser and taught me to be one too. His final days were fighting stage IV lung cancer and he fought like a “Riser”. He had a tumor on his spine and we all knew that when it grew he would lose his ability to walk. So up to that point every single day my Dad got up and would work on his farm. Every. Single. Day. Through radiation and chemo he never stopped. He just kept fighting. During this time, my mother in law was also diagnosed with stage IV cancer, and I lost several friends to cancer, other illnesses, accidents and suicide. There were days I was so depressed I didn’t want to get out of bed, but I did, every single day. The song and the album “Riser” helped me through these hard times. “I Hold On” and “Here On Earth” also have so much special meaning. “Riser” will always be my favorite album."

Kathy Butler shared, "It's the LTA db symbol w/ lyrics that have a lot of meaning to me."

Meredith Mauer shared, "I got this tattoo while in Nashville, on an impromptu trip to see Deirks at the Station Inn with Kathy Butler. When Riser came out, it resonated with the with me on several levels. At the time, I was struggling (and still am) with some health issues and the recent loss of my best friend, who was KIA in Afghanistan. This was MY SONG! I incorporated the American flag into the Riser bird, and placed it on my wrist so it would fly proud when my arm was raised above my head. Funny side story to this: after the show at the Station Inn, we got to talk to Dierks and he signed some Hashprints for some fellow DBC members who weren't able to make it to the show. When he saw my tattoo, he did a double take and asked if it was real. He said he asked to send a pic of it to him, which Kathy did for me. I MAY have had a few beers that night, so I proceeded to tell him the story of the flag placement on my tattoo. Then, I went on this long spiel about the history of the way the military carries the flag. Poor guy! 😂😂. My tattoo was also featured in the DBTV video from that night. It was a great night with a lot of laughs."

Cecia Guidry Benoit shared, "I incorporated a few things into my tattoo. There’s the RISER bird because this song means so much to me. The palm trees symbolize “Somewhere On A Beach.” (Dierks is obviously my favorite and the beach is my happy place.) The stars and lightning represents my favorite band, The Cadillac Three, which also represents the Tennessee state flag. All of these things are all inside of a music symbol. I guess you can say it’s kind of a collage of all of my happies! ☺️"

Leanna Gasiewicz shared, "I got this after I called my wedding off, 'my faith your love our freedom is what keeps me going strong' and nothing can hold me back!"

Kelsey Hodges shared, "Had this for about 7 years now, ready to [get] something "mountain" themed soon."

Kimberly Fischer shared this photo. No caption needed!

Elena Lotten shared, "My husband had Dierks sign his arm at a meet and greet and got it tattooed the next day!!!"

Stefanie McNelis Alyssa shared, "😘😘 Upper left corner picture you can see we have “every mile a memory.” Very meaningful ❤️ that was a weekend of 3 shows in 3 or 4 days. Bloomington IL - Franklin WI -Chicago IL. It was Franklin, Wisconsin, where it was POURING down rain during “Home”... it was amazing to say the least! Every time I hear that song I am reminded of that experience."

Stacy Sievers shared, "I have this one on my left leg, I'd like to someday get a song lyric around it!"

Cassie Robinson shared, "I had him write out grateful for me last month ❤️"

If you have Dierks ink, we'd love to see it! Please share in the comments!

Jessica Borrelli

DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Behind the Scenes at GMA's Block Party, Featuring Dierks Bentley

The summer of 2017 held countless barbecues and block parties for DB Congress reps around the country. But there is one block party that brought a few DBC reps together and had the entire nation looking in--and it featured our president, Dierks Bentley.

Dierks knows how to party 🎉 Thanks for an amazing Block Party morning with us in Texas! @dierksbentley #DierksOnGMA 📷: @thetonymorrison/ABC

A post shared by Good Morning America (@goodmorningamerica) on Oct 17, 2017 at 10:34am PDT

On Tuesday, Oct. 17, Good Morning America with King's Hawaiian hosted a Summer Block Party in Austin, Tx. The location was selected as the host site as a result of a contest that was announced in May. Thousands of photo and video entries were submitted, all vying for the chance to host a summer concert with Dierks Bentley, right in their neighborhood. While a DBC member wasn't selected, a handful of reps had the opportunity to attend. It was a morning they will never forget (and the lost sleep was completely worth it).

GMA host Ginger Zee, when gearing up for the show, even had the chance to talk with DBC reps in the audience.



Here is a behind-the-scenes look from Texas DBC Lobbyist Meredith Mauer:

"[Attending the block party] was unplanned and unexpected on my part, so when I found out at 10:30 p.m. the night prior that this was happening, I made the decision that I was just going to be pulling an all-nighter!

What a great experience! Thanks to those that made it happen! #GMABlockParty with @dierksbentley

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on Oct 17, 2017 at 6:38am PDT

"I downed a couple cups of coffee, threw on my jeans, boots, Riser hat, and DB Congress sweatshirt before heading out the door for my 2-hour drive. When I reached the neighborhood where the block party was taking place, the whole place looked pretty much asleep. I parked my car, then headed to the stage area on foot, walking by a sleeping [Dierks Bentley] Goldie Bus. It was literally set up in the middle of the street, with homes on both sides. Production equipment and tents were set up in front yards, and there were maybe a dozen people present when I got there. ... Over the next couple hours, I watched a few more people trickle in and listened to the production meeting in front of the stage, so I was able to get a general idea on how this was going to play out.

"The area in front of the stage was set up for VIPs on the left, first responders in the center, and ADA accessible on the right. The area directly behind was for the first 200 people in line with wristbands. The area behind them was pretty much general admission with wristbands. Those who live on the street were given lawn passes, which allowed them to watch the concert from the lawn on the left side of the stage. I'm not exactly sure how many showed up, but I did hear someone mention 1,000 people were expected.

"Once 5 a.m. rolled around, it didn't take long for the crowds to start flooding in. King's Hawaiian sponsored the block party, and provided a fun area for concert goers to grab a water, a sandwich made with their yummy rolls, a t-shirt, sunglasses, and some game fun, such as a giant game of Jenga. Standing on the lawn with those who live on the street, I spent some time talking to a few. I didn't realize that at one point I was standing next to Scott and Ashley Cooper, the winners of the block party. I learned that the block got to enjoy watching Dierks and the guys do a soundcheck the day prior, and Dierks spent some time with the Coopers.

"Once GMA started on the East Coast, things started happening. Without a doubt, it was a production put together for live TV. There was a crew of about 10 people there from GMA New York. There was a live teleprompter attached to the camera near me, and I watched it scroll as Robin Roberts was speaking in NY. ... Before coming to the stage, Dierks was escorted into the crowd to do a quick live shot in the middle of the crowd, saying "GOOD MORNING, AMERICA!"

Honoring the first responders was my highlight of the morning. And this guy's face agrees! 💛💛 #GMABlockParty with @dierksbentley

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on Oct 18, 2017 at 4:11am PDT

From there, they took him to the King's Hawaiian party tent, and did another live shot of him playing Jenga with a child from the crowd. Meanwhile, our guys from the band came up on stage for a short soundcheck. From the look on Cassady's face, it looks like they may have just crawled out of bed on a cold, dark morning!

I think it was an early morning for someone, @captchet 😉 #GMABlockParty

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on Oct 18, 2017 at 7:22am PDT

"They warmed up with "I Hold On," with Carlos strumming along using Dierks' guitar. Those of us in the lawn were able to participate in a number of live shots, from the weather with Ginger Zee to Dierks passing between us on the way to the stage. Of course, what was live on television took a few minutes prior to set up. I only participated in the live shot of Dierks heading to the stage. I was standing closest to the stage with my DB Congress sweatshirt on!

This is why no one saw me in the crowd. I was in the lawn next to the stage. #representing @dbcongress #GMABlockParty #DierksonGMA

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on Oct 18, 2017 at 3:10am PDT

"Dierks played five songs. He performed "5-1-5-0" while it was still dark out, then talked to the crowd a little bit about his time in the neighborhood. About 18 minutes later, he got on stage and joked about being so cold (it wasn't, really) and the irony of his next song "Somewhere on a Beach" for a GMA live performance. At least the sun was coming up at this point!

Down time #GMABlockParty with @dierksbentley

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on Oct 18, 2017 at 3:58am PDT

"He then joined the first responders in front of the stage for some pictures, selfies and a live shot. They were some excited fans! It tickles me to see others appreciate the great guy Dierks is! Soon after, Ginger did a live interview with Dierks from the stage where he praised the first responders, mentioned the tragedy in Las Vegas, talked about the movie "Only The Brave."



"Dierks then performed "Black" live.

Ben being awesome, as usual. #GMABlockParty with @dierksbentley @bhelson

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on Oct 18, 2017 at 7:33am PDT

"For the next live shot, they brought the Coopers, their neighbors and the first responders on stage. He performed one more song for the crowd, "Riser," then was whisked away to catch his shuttle to NY for his appearance on Fox News with Dana Perino.

"As the crowd dispersed, I waited to walk back by the buses to my car. I was glad to find my car wasn't towed, and drove off to find my next cup of coffee for the drive home. It was definitely worth the all-nighter!"

THANKS AUSTIN! @dierksbentley #DierksOnGMA

A post shared by Good Morning America (@goodmorningamerica) on Oct 17, 2017 at 6:37am PDT

(You can watch the entire concert here.)

With recent (potential award) buzz about Dierks' hit song, "Hold the Light" for the movie "Only the Brave" and his advocacy for first responders in light of the Las Vegas tragedy, more and more people are learning about the man we already know and love. This was one more way for the DBC and the country to see him in action. What an unforgettable morning!

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

"What The Hell Did I Say" Hits The Airwaves Monday (Plus A NEW Music Video!)

The fourth single to be released from Dierks Bentley's Black album, What The Hell Did I Say, is sure to climb the charts in a hurry. Can this summer anthem continue the trend and hit No. 1 like the three singles to come before it?

Having the time of my life y'all on this What The Hell tour. Thanks everyone that came out to bristow VA tonight. @cswinde2 @whiskeyjam

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Jun 9, 2017 at 8:41pm PDT

"We named the tour after this song hoping that it would be a single this summer because it perfectly captures the anything-goes spirit out there this year," Dierks explains.

Mission accomplished.

Though not a song penned by Dierks himself, it was written by the team who, with Dierks, wrote his single Drunk On A Plane--Ross Copperman, Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins. He knew he needed to have it on the album.

"I've learned over the years of making records that ... it's okay to have some of those fun songs on there," he shares.

It certainly brings a care-free spirit to the album and the tour, not to mention the social media craze with #WTH.

A song filled with regret, and a potential hangover, WTHDIS follows a man who clearly blacked out the night before. Waking up to a call saying "I loved every single word you left on my phone" leads the caller to try to determine "what the hell" he said last night.

The momentum-carrying intro practically begs the subject of the song to get it into gear to figure out what happened. The baseline teases of potential trouble in what he said. The chorus slams into the frustration (and humor) of not being able to remember. By the time you hit the bridge, you really start to get concerned (did he propose? promise expensive gifts?). While you never reach the answer, the journey is a sobering one set to a party song tune.

"My fans are really patient on this record [Black]," Dierks said in a recent media event. "We've taken a lot of twists and turns: Somewhere on a Beach was different. Different for Girls was different for me. And then Black, for that to go No. 1, it's not the typical song that does that. [My fans have] been really patient allowing us to do stuff. So to come back with a song that's a real down-the-middle, fun party song--it's kind of a good summer song, and I'm excited about it."

The new music video, filmed last month in Tampa on the WTH tour, was released at midnight EST. Watch it here:



You can help get this song to No. 1 by requesting it from your local radio station! Let's see how fast we can get this song up the charts and leave radio listeners saying, "'What the hell' was that song? Let's 'dial it up again'!"


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)

Somewhere On A Beach is Splashy Debut

As devoted Dierks Bentley fans we have waited for new music for almost two years and after days of anticipation starting with the album announcement, we finally got our fix.

The first single from Dierks’ upcoming album, Black, is a perfect get ready for summertime song. “Somewhere On A Beach” continues the story of “Drunk On A Plane,” finding out what happened after he landed on the island. 

The mid-tempo song has a bluesy feel and tells of finding a new love (Bentley has said that the song reminds him of his wife) after being left at the altar. It’s a brimming with sunshine tune that tells the initial part of the story that is said to be told in Black, exploring all facets of a long term relationship including the “shadows and edges of the heart.” 

“Somewhere On A Beach," only the third single not co-written by Bentley (Say You Do and Riser), has all the makings of a radio hit, and leaves us wanting more from Black, including those songs with depth and thoughtfulness that Dierks does so well.

Here's an excerpt from The Bobby Bones Show where Dierks explained SOAB:

"[Black the album] follows all the ebbs and curves of a long-term relationship and the stuff that goes with it…being drunk on a beach and finding that someone…I remember when I met my wife [Cassidy Black] it was like such a good feeling knowing that all the other folks before her, they kinda did me wrong in different ways, and people I lost weight over, and lost hair over, and just thought I’d never get past that person, and when you find the right one it’s such a great feeling, so all the way from Somewhere On A Beach to a song called Suspicions."

There are mixed feelings about the song being released as the lead single.  Some absolutely love it :

From iTunes reviewer ZakW15:  "This song is going to sky rocket off the charts. AMAZING song. Can't wait for it to top charts and the Black album to come out."

Some not so much:

From iTunes reviewer Dayanks: "This is terrible.  I never thought I'd say that about one of his songs. But this is just awful. It sounds like a Sam Hunt leftover. Dierks is better than that. I hold out hope for the rest of the album."

Love it or hate it, devoted hard core Dierks fans vow to learn the lyrics, sing along at shows and may even promote it to radio--but it may not need much help.  SOAB only went for official adds today and has already landed at #29 on the Billboard chart, his highest debut ever. It bows at #39 on Mediabase (they tally based on points vs. audience as Billboard does), and earned Dierks his most first-week adds in his career, with 99 stations today! The iHeart hourly airplay on Tuesday, January 19 gave it a big boost, not to mention The Ellen Show debut performance:




Creative marketing made fans question if Dierks gave out his phone number by mistake again:

But it was no mistake! Call the number and you hear Dierks saying leave a message--tell him what you think of Somewhere On A Beach!

Possibly the best indication the song is going to be successful and likely his 14th number one is the fact that it found it's way to the top of the iTunes chart--his first one ever!

We wish all his singles were this easy for radio to play!

Download "Somewhere On A Beach" now on iTunes, or order your Black Card on dierks.com to preorder The Black CD and get access to unreleased songs, one of a kind merch items, special discounts, bonus videos, and other surprises.You also get Entry (1) into the official All Access Black Ticket Sweepstakes* to fly 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.


Somewhere On A Beach
Co-written by Jaron Boyer, David Kuncio, Josh Mirenda, Alex Palmer and Michael Tyler Spragg

Bet you think I'm sitting at home, no.
Bet you think that I'm all alone, no.
Bet you think I'm missing you and wishing you would call my phone,
Hell, no!

I went wheels up on a runway
And that ticket was a long way

I'm somewhere on a beach
Sipping something strong,
Got a new girl, she got it going on
We drink all day, and party all night
I'm way too gone to have you on my mind
She got a body and she's naughty,
and she got me like you ain't never got me.
I'm getting sun, getting some, and I ain't slept in a week
Yeah, I'm somewhere on a beach.

Heard you called my boys,
Heard you called my folks
They said you drove by my house real slow
You can check any spot, roll down every road
But girl, I ain't even close

I wish it could've worked out
But I'm gettin' over you now,
On a beach towel
With my shades on
My drink's up
And the sun's out
Huh! somewhere on a beach!

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."