Q&A: Dierks Bentley Raises A ‘Mountain’ With Inspiration And Gratitude

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Dierks Bentley

This is part one of a two-part series with MusicRow Magazine’s Sherod Robertson and multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley. Read part two here.

Over the last 15 years, Dierks Bentley has built a reputation as an authentic artist who often takes fearless stylistic detours with his music. He continues that journey with his highly anticipated ninth studio album, The Mountain, set for release by Capitol Records Nashville tomorrow, Friday, June 8.

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. With his production team of Ross Copperman, Jon Randall Stewart and Arturo Buenahora, Jr., Bentley ventured to the Rocky Mountains to record the project at Studio in the Clouds last November.

MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson met up with Bentley at his writing room at Nashville’s Hutton Hotel recently to talk about The Mountain and how this project grew from a seed of inspiration to a meaningful musical mountainside.

Why did you write and record The Mountain in Telluride, Colorado, instead of Nashville?

About this time last year I really had no idea what I wanted to do for the next album, or what I wanted to sing about. But I knew I wanted it to be something that I was inspired by. I played the Telluride Bluegrass Festival June 15th, 2017 and that was the spark. I knew I wanted to do something about the West—I’m from Arizona—I just didn’t know if that meant sonically or lyrically or conceptually.

I wanted to capture that vibe of the mountains and musicianship somehow in the songs. I knew I couldn’t translate that verbally so I brought six songwriters back out to Telluride in August and wrote a majority of the record there. We all lived in one house together right off Main St. It was like the Colorado fraternity house or something… Well Natalie Hemby was there, so it was a coed fraternity house, but it was so fun. And then I went back out with the musicians in November and recorded it.

How was that process different than working in Nashville?

Being outside of Nashville is really helpful towards being focused. At home, when 2:30 p.m. rolls around, I’m thinking about school pickup, or playing hockey with my son Knox in the driveway. So a lot of times, my co-writers have to conform to my schedule. During the winter I was trying to get in touch with the seasons where everything’s dying around me, so I try to kill parts of me I don’t like. So I work out super early from 5 until 6, and by 8 o’clock in the morning I’m ready to write, because my energy’s done by 1 p.m. Being out of town there isn’t that schedule and it is more relaxing.

And on Music Row, there’s more going on than just people creating songs. There’s a business happening. I feel like taking songwriters outside their normal routines and getting them somewhere else is good for them too. It’s good for your soul.

How would you describe the overall theme of this project?

I’d probably use the words “inspired, gratitude, and thankful.” The overall theme to me, is it just feels good. On the road the last two years, I spent a lot of time with my fans at meet and greets. I open my heart up so I can hear their stories, for example, about what “I Hold On” means to someone whose brother is dying of cancer. I hear a lot of heavy stories, but I also see a lot of perseverance. So I’m really inspired by my fans. And then after the Las Vegas shooting… it’s just a lot of heaviness. So I need to let go. I need to recharge.

Looking back on the mountains that are around me and thinking about the mountains that people are having to climb in their own personal lives, it felt like a pretty cool metaphor. It wasn’t something I realized I was writing about until later on.

The album itself led to a festival called Seven Peaks Music Festival in Colorado, and so many things have been manifested from that initial idea.

This album does not have a song in the same lane as “Somewhere on a Beach” and “Drunk on a Plane.” Was that intentional?

Some of those type songs just didn’t fit this vibe. And maybe some fans won’t understand that. But at the end of the day, it has to feel like an album to me.

This whole project is about digging deeper and finding stories that give meaning to your own struggles and help inspire you. And to me that takes you higher than a song like “5-1-5-0.” In my live show, “I Hold On,” brings the connection with fans so much deeper. There are different ways to reach your fans. There’s a direct route, which is an obvious hit, happy, fun song. Or there’s a back door way, which sometimes can have a little bit more of a lasting meaning.

The first track on The Mountain is “Burning Man” featuring Brothers Osborne. How did that collaboration come about?

Luke Dick and Bobby Pinson wrote the song, but it feels autobiographical. The first time I heard it was when my buddy Arturo Buenahora played it for me when we were making the Black album. And I was like, “God that’s a great song.” I tried recording it here in Nashville with a couple of folks and it just didn’t feel like I hooked it. But out in Colorado, I felt like we nailed the track.

I’m gearing up for a tour; it’s like going to summer camp with LANCO and Brothers Osborne. So the fact that we get to sing it every night is amazing.

Dierks Bentley on the opening night of his Mountain High Tour.

“My Religion” is such a different song for you. Your vocals are out front and the piano is in the back. It is so powerful. What made you decide to record it?

There’s one song on every record that Mary Hilliard Harrington, my manager, encourages me to record. She loved “Somewhere on a Beach” and I wasn’t too sure about it. And she loves “My Religion.” Lyrically it’s a little different than some of the stuff on Music Row.

It’s my first song with just me and a piano on a track. It freaked me out. I know I love the song, but I don’t know how I feel about me singing the song. I relate to the lyrics and love the idea: that hook of loving you’s not my decision, it’s my religion. I mean, that is my religion—my wife, my family, my connection with the fans.

But I like having a song on the record that I’m not totally comfortable with yet. That means that it has the chance to grow on me.

How did you decide the track sequence?

What really surprised me overall about the record is how it just sequenced itself. I took a piece of paper and cut all the names and put them on the door with sticky tape so I could move them around, and the order manifested itself.

I knew “Burning Man” would be a great way to start off, and then “The Mountain” really sets the tone of the record. “Living” is the way I feel about life—taking chances, going for moments and really making the most of them. The gratitude of “Woman, Amen” and “You Can’t Bring Me Down,” those songs make you feel good, and are the meat of what the album it about. And that continued with the rest of the songs. All the songs came together to tell a story—about the journey of myself and this record.

Michael Ribas Joins First Tennessee Bank

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Michael Ribas has joined First Tennessee Bank as Mortgage Loan Officer responsible for originating residential loans in the Middle Tennessee market. Michael will work alongside the Music and Entertainment team in First Tennessee’s Music Row office and will report directly to the Senior Consumer Lending Director, Kenneth (Ken) Kavanagh.

“Michael has a proven track record and ensures borrowers have the best financing experience possible. Michael is also a familiar face on Music Row, with over eight years of experience helping Tennesseans achieve their dream of homeownership. He specializes in providing Residential loans to buyers in the greater Nashville market, including musicians, professionals, and first time buyers,” said Ken Kavanagh.

“Michael is a strong partner, delivering on our Group’s overall promise to deliver the best client experience to the Music Industry,” said Andrew Kintz, leader of the Music Industry Group.

Ribas graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Economics and is involved with the Vanderbilt Alumni Committee. His hobbies include playing tennis and spending time with his wife and two children.

k.d. lang To Receive Americana Trailblazer Award

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k.d. lang will be the recipient of The Americana Music Association’s 2018 Americana Trailblazer Award. The honor will be presented to lang at the 17th annual Americana Honors & Awards, which will be held on Wednesday, September 12 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

lang will also play a headlining show at the Ryman on Sunday, Sept. 16 as part of her “Ingénue Redux” Tour in celebration of that landmark album’s 25th anniversary. The ”Ingénue Redux” show is a separate ticketed event and will go on sale to the general public June 14 with tickets available for purchase here. AMERICANAFEST Conference Registrants and members of the Americana Music Association will receive a special pre-sale opportunity via email that will begin on Wednesday, June 13. 

“We are beyond excited to honor k.d. lang at our hallmark event of the year,” said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “Her unwavering artistry has set a new standard for any musician of this current generation, and we are humbled to honor that legacy.”

Canada native lang has had a distinguished career that has included collaborations with everyone from Tony Bennett and Roy Orbison to Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, and Loretta Lynn. She sang at the closing ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and at the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. lang has contributed music to the soundtracks of several films, including Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and Happy Feet. lang has also appeared in a number of films, including Salmonberries, The Black Dahlia, and Eye of the Beholder. In 1996, lang received Canada’s highest civilian honor, the Order of Canada, and her pioneering career serves as a touchstone for any artist who aspires to pave his or her own lane while challenging the one-size-fits-all norm in the music industry. Most recently she collaborated with indie artist Neko Case and singer/songwriter Laura Veirs to write and record the album case/lang/veirs, which was released in June 2016.

Walker Hayes And Family Grieve Loss Of Newborn Child

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Walker Hayes and his wife Laney shared on Wednesday evening (June 6) that they are mourning the unexpected loss of their newborn daughter.

“It is with great sadness that Laney and I share with you the news that our sweet Oakleigh Klover Hayes was born this morning at the hospital and now is safely in heaven,” Hayes shared in a statement on social media. “Thank you for honoring our privacy as we grieve.”

Oakleigh Klover Hayes would have been the couple’s seventh child. She was born and died on June 6.

Walker has canceled his immediate upcoming concert appearances. In December, he released the album Boom on Monument Records. The album includes the singles “You Broke Up With Me” and his current single, “Craig.”

CMT Music Awards Winners

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Blake Shelton led the evening with two CMT Music Awards wins on Wednesday (June 6), including Video of the Year and Male Video of the Year, both for “I’ll Name The Dogs.”

Shelton was the only double winner of the evening, while winners in other categories included Carrie Underwood (ft. Ludacris), Florida Georgia Line, Backstreet Boys, Dan+Shay, Little Big Town (who also hosted the awards show), Carly Pearce, Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina.

See below for a full list of winners.

2018 CMT Music Awards (winners in red):

Video of the Year 
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. 

Blake Shelton, “I’ll Name The Dogs”
Brett Young, “Mercy”
Luke Combs, “When It Rains It Pours”
Kane Brown feat. Lauren Alaina, “What Ifs”
Thomas Rhett, “Marry Me”

Male Video of the Year
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

Blake Shelton, “I’ll Name The Dogs”
Dustin Lynch, “Small Town Boy”
Jason Aldean, “You Make It Easy”
Jon Pardi, “Heartache On The Dance Floor”
Luke Bryan, “Light It Up”
Thomas Rhett, “Marry Me”

Female Video of the Year
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist

Carly Pearce, “Every Little Thing”
Carrie Underwood feat. Ludacris, “The Champion”
Kelsea Ballerini, “Legends”
Lauren Alaina, “Doin’ Fine”
Maren Morris, “I Could Use A Love Song”
Miranda Lambert, “Tin Man” From 2017 ACM Awards

Duo Video of the Year
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists

Big & Rich, “California”
Brothers Osborne, “It Ain’t My Fault”
Dan + Shay, “Tequila”
Florida Georgia Line, “Smooth”
High Valley, “She’s With Me”
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, “Speak To A Girl”

Group Video of the Year
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists

Lady Antebellum, “You Look Good”
LANco, “Greatest Love Story”
Little Big Town, “When Someone Stops Loving You”
Midland, “Make A Little”
Old Dominion, “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart”
Rascal Flatts, “Yours If You Want It”
Zac Brown Band, “My Old Man”

Breakthrough Video of the Year
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)

Carly Pearce, “Every Little Thing”
Danielle Bradbery, “Sway”
Devin Dawson, “All On Me”
LANco, “Greatest Love Story”
Russell Dickerson, “Yours”
Walker Hayes, “You Broke Up With Me”

Collaborative Video of the Year
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists

Bebe Rexha feat. Florida Georgia Line, “Meant To Be”
Carrie Underwood feat. Ludacris, “The Champion”
Cole Swindell feat. Dierks Bentley, “Flatliner”
Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton, “Say Something”
Kane Brown feat. Lauren Alaina, “What Ifs”
Thomas Rhett feat. Maren Morris, “Craving You”

CMT Performance of the Year
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

Andra Day, Common, Little Big Town, Lee Ann Womack and Danielle Bradbery, “Stand Up For Something” (From 2017 CMT Artists of the Year)
Backstreet Boys and Florida Georgia Line, “Everybody” (From CMT Crossroads)
Charles Kelley, Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker and Derek Trucks, “Midnight Rider” (From 2017 CMT Music Awards)
Earth, Wind & Fire and Lady Antebellum, “September” (From CMT Crossroads)
Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town, “I Won’t Back Down” (From 2017 CMT Artists of the Year)
Keith Urban feat. Carrie Underwood, “The Fighter” (From 2017 CMT Music Awards)

Country Artists Tackle Classic ’80s Tunes To Support Alzheimer’s Association

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Singer-songwriters Darius Rucker (L) and Brad Paisley perform onstage during Nashville ’80s Dance Party benefiting The Alzheimer’s Association at Wild Horse Saloon on June 3, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association )

Several country artists showed up in their ’80s best, for the second annual Dance Party to End Alz on Sunday, June 3 at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. Hosted by Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Blair Garner, the sold-out event raised more than $340,000 for Alzheimer’s Association care, support and research programs.

Brad Paisley offered renditions of ‘80s classics “Boys of Summer” and “Hot for Teacher,” while Chris Young tackled “You Dropped a Bomb on Me.”

Darius Rucker made a surprise appearance, joining Paisley on “Purple Rain,” while Nashville star Charles Esten offered “With or Without You.”

High Valley, Chris Young, and Blair Garner backstage at the ’80s themed Dance Party to End ALZ

Chase Bryant brought a soulful groove on “Superstition” and “Dirty Diana,” followed by Ashley Campbell‘s light-hearted romp on “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Jamie O’Neal‘s commanding voice was more than capable on “Flashdance”; Lindsay Ell channeled her inner rocker on “Another One Bites the Dust,” while Emily West paid tribute to Whitney Houston on “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”

Duo High Valley offered the Wang Chung ‘80’s anthem, “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” while Radio Romance offered Alabama’s ‘80s country hit, “Mountain Music.” Country newcomer Jay Allen shared his very personal story about his mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis before performing “Blank Stares,” a song inspired by her.

Accompanied throughout the evening by the Matte Gray Band, all artists took the stage for the group finale, a rousing take on “Thriller.”

NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 03: Brad Rempel (L) and Curtis Rempel (R) of musical duo High Valley perform onstage during Nashville ’80s Dance Party benefiting The Alzheimer’s Association at Wild Horse Saloon on June 3, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association)

During the program, host Kimberly Williams-Paisley was joined on stage by her friend, Academy Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden. Both women have chronicled the stories of their mothers’ lives after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in best-selling books and they shared touching thoughts with the audience about the urgent need to support the Alzheimer’s Association to change the course of this disease for the millions affected.

“I’m here tonight because of my mom who had Alzheimer’s and my entire family who went through the experience with her. We lost my mom 2016 and since then I’ve connected with so many people affected by this disease,” Kimberly Williams-Paisley shared. “Unfortunately, people with Alzheimer’s and those around them feel the stigma associated with this disease, and that keeps people from having important conversations and sharing their story to bring Alzheimer’s and other dementias out of the shadows. Together, all of us here in this room – each and every one of us – we are changing the world by imagining a world without Alzheimer’s disease and by supporting the Alzheimer’s Association.”

All proceeds raised through the Nashville Dance Party to End Alz support Alzheimer’s Association research programs.

Musician Charles Esten performs onstage during Nashville ’80s Dance Party benefiting The Alzheimer’s Association at Wildhorse Saloon on June 3, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association)

Florida Georgia Line, Jason Owen Take Top Honors At ‘Billboard’ Power Players Event

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Pictured (L-R): Brittney-Marie Cole Kelley, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelly and Tyler Hubbard, and Hayley Hubbard.

Nashville’s leading executives and artists were honored last night (June 5) as part of Billboard’s Nashville Power Players event, which took place at the Hutton Hotel.

One of the highlights of the evening included Shania Twain honoring Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen as Billboard Magazine’s Power Player, Executive of the Year. Owen previously worked with Twain when he headed Artist Development and Marketing for Universal Music Nashville, and then brought Twain on as a management client when he started Sandbox Entertainment.

Owen’s Sandbox Entertainment is home to Little Big Town, Faith Hill, Kacey Musgraves, Midland and, most recently, Kelsea Ballerini, among others.

“I trust Jason to listen to my worst most vulnerable demos. I am not surprised you’re here tonight, I’m really not. I wouldn’t miss this night for the world. I’m the lucky one.” Twain said. “A lot of people are surprised to see how forward thinking Nashville is, but I’m not, I’m never surprised by that; we stand up for each other, we protect each other and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”

“Our executive of the year, Jason Owen….is a champion… of his artists, of this community and of country music as an industry. He is a leader. Unafraid to speak his mind and stand up for what he believes in, Jason has changed the way the world thinks about country music. He is an innovator,” added Ross Scarano, Vice President for Content at Billboard.

Florida Georgia Line was honored with the Trailblazers Award, for their work in incorporating different styles into their music, as well as their high-profile collaborations, and songwriting. FGL’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard have also invested in the Nashville community, with the restaurant FGL House, as well as opening the business hub Meet+Greet, clothing store Tribe Kelley, and the publishing company Tree Vibez Music.

“Though utterly respectful of the country music that they grew up on and love, Brian and Tyler [Florida Georgia Line] have been fearless in their refusal to adhere to outdated notions that try to place strict limitations on the genre,” said Melinda Newman, West Coast Editor at Billboard.

“Since 2012, this has been an unbelievable journey that we couldn’t have even fathomed,” Hubbard said, referring to their record-breaking debut single, 2012’s “Cruise.” “We thought we were going to be doing big things and we believed it and we dreamed it, but this is just beyond our wildest dreams.”

Additional honorees highlighted in this year’s Country Power Players list include Chairman/CEO of Sony Music Nashville, Randy Goodman; GM of Pearl Records, Lesly Simon; President/ Executive Producer at Lion’s Heart Entertainment, Rac Clark; Executive Producer of the CMA Awards, Robert Deaton; Country Music Curator at Amazon Music, Emily Cohen, and many more.

“We’re all on the brink of a time where this genre can do so much for so many people,” Owen said in closing. “Someone once said that the best way to predict the future is to create it — so let’s go.”

For a full list of Billboard‘s Country Power Players for 2018, visit billboard.com.

Pictured: Midland and Scott Borschetta at the 2018 Country Power Players event on June 5, 2018.

Pictured (L-R): Lou Taylor and Leslie Fram.

Shania Twain

Pictured (L-R): Devin Dawson and Leah Sykes.

Pictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern, Ali Harnell, Virginia Davis and Janet Weir.

Kelsea Ballerini

Jason Owen

Bobby Bones

Pictured (L-R): Jimmy Harnen and Scott Borschetta.

Pictured (L-R): Ryan Hurd and Janet Weir.

Hunter Hayes

New West Records To Issue Deluxe Version Of Jason Isbell’s ‘Sirens Of The Ditch’

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New West Records is set to release Jason Isbell’s Sirens Of The Ditch (Deluxe Edition) on July 13. Originally released in 2007, the album was co-produced by Isbell and his former Drive-By Truckers bandmate, Patterson Hood.

Sirens Of The Ditch was recorded at FAME recording studio in Isbell’s hometown of Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Isbell is joined by Brad Morgan of the Drive-By Truckers on drums, and former Drive-By Truckers member, Shonna Tucker on bass. Several musicians pop in for cameos including the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section players David Hood (Patterson’s father) and Spooner Oldham on “Down In A Hole,” John Neff of Drive-By Truckers on “Dress Blues,” and Patterson Hood on “Shotgun Wedding.” Sirens Of The Ditch (Deluxe Edition) features four previously unreleased songs from the original sessions at FAME, bringing the new, expanded track listing to 15 total songs.

Sirens Of The Ditch (Deluxe Edition) will be available across digital platforms, on compact disc, as well as 180g vinyl. There will also be a limited, clear vinyl LP version available at independent retailers as well as a limited, split brown & cream colored version exclusive to Vinyl Me Please.

Sirens Of The Ditch (Deluxe Reissue) Track Listing:
1. Brand New Kind Of Actress
2. Down In A Hole
3. Try
4. Chicago Promenade
5. Dress Blues
6. Grown
7. Hurricanes and Hand Grenades
8. In A Razor Town
9. Shotgun Wedding
10. The Magician
11. The Devil Is My Running Mate
12. Whisper (Previously Unreleased)
13. Crystal Clear (Previously Unreleased)
14. The Assassin (Previously Unreleased)
15. Racetrack Romeo (Previously Unreleased)

Cary Ryan Promoted To VP Role At Sony Music Nashville

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Cary Ryan

Cary Ryan has been promoted to Vice President, Release Planning and Production for Sony Music Nashville. Most recently Sr. Director of Release Planning and Production, in February 1996 Ryan joined Arista Nashville, now one of three label imprints making up Sony Music Nashville.

“I am truly grateful to be recognized with this promotion. Over the course of my career I’ve had the honor of working on many projects for some incredible artists and with excellent label executives and co-workers,” responds Ryan. “I look forward to continuing to be a part of music reaching people and the challenges and opportunities to that end.”

For the past 27 years, Ryan has been involved with inventory management and production in the music industry. In his new position, he will continue to oversee the Release Planning and Production department and direct the scheduling, production and distribution of products through the physical & digital supply chains for Sony Music Nashville.

Ryan is a 1990 Graduate of Belmont University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Music Business major. Originally from Owensboro, Kentucky, he has lived in Nashville for 30 years. He is married to Anita Howell Ryan and has three children.

Craig Campbell Hosts Sixth Annual Cornhole Challenge To Fight Cancer

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Pictured (L-R): Morgan Mills, Tegan Marie, Craig Campbell, Mindy Campbell, Lindsay Ell, The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston, Locash’s Preston Brust And Chris Lucas Back Row (L-R:) Brett Kissel, Nascar’s Scott Lagasse, Jr., Taylor Phillips, Jerrod Niemann, Brett Young, Dee Jay Silver, Walker Hayes, The Cadillac Three’s Kelby Ray And Russell Dickerson Photo Credit: Sweety High

Craig Campbell hosted his 6th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge on Tuesday (June 5) to benefit Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC). 

Taking place outside Nashville’s City Winery, the fun-filled day included celebs like Campbell and his wife Mindy, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, Walker Hayes, Brett Kissel, NASCAR driver Scott Lagasse, Jr., LOCASH, Tegan Marie, Morgan Mills, Jerrod Niemann, Taylor Phillips, Dee Jay Silver, The Cadillac Three and Brett Young. Fans bid for the chance to play against the stars in tournament fashion, with Craig Campbell ultimately taking home first place.

Campbell will appear tonight at City Winery with the One Million Strong Dinner gala, where the total amount raised from this year’s event will be officially revealed. Having lost his father to colorectal cancer at 11 years old, the dedicated family man is one of FIGHT CRC’s national spokespersons, and has previously raised more than $300,000 for the cause. 

On Friday, Campbell will release his highly-anticipated SEE YOU TRY EP, and appear on Sunday at CMA Music Fest as the last artist to perform this year on the Chevy Riverfront Stage.