Dierks Bentley’s Focus: Family, Music, and a Legacy of His Own Making

Dierks Bentley is currently seeking a stable phone connection. The acclaimed singer-songwriter is speaking from a Florida beach, dealing with some frustrating technological difficulties. This minor inconvenience is a small price to pay for precious time with his family during a brief break in his tour.

At 49, Bentley places a higher value on time with his wife and three children than on his extensive country music career, spanning over two decades. His commitment to family extends to his unique approach to touring, even piloting his own plane to transport his band, prioritizing everyone’s timely return home. He emphasizes that balancing family and career is challenging, particularly when prioritizing family deeply.

Bentley’s latest album, *Broken Branches*, reflects on a different stage of his journey. This eleventh studio album explores the motivations of young musicians who move to Nashville to pursue their dreams.

Since relocating from Arizona to Nashville in the mid-1990s, Bentley has established a remarkably consistent career, achieving eight number-one albums and 22 number-one singles. He has created a unique sound, blending traditional bluegrass with anthemic rock influences. While he hasn’t achieved mainstream crossover success, *Billboard* magazine recently recognized him as one of the 20 most significant country artists of the 21st century.

The album’s themes prompted Bentley to establish the Broken Branches Fund, a collaboration with the Music Health Alliance, to provide mental health resources to the music industry. He highlights his band’s access to healthcare during tours and aims to raise awareness and support for mental well-being within the community.

Before returning to his children, Bentley discussed aspiring country musicians, the emotional demands of a musical career, and his personal definition of success: He believes work-life balance is simply life itself, and success lies in navigating it effectively.

An Interview with Dierks Bentley

Interviewer: Did you approach this album with a specific goal in mind?

Bentley: I allowed the songs to guide the album’s creation. The song “Broken Branches” provided a central theme—the idea that every Nashville musician is a unique branch of the family tree. This concept inspired the album’s structure.

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Interviewer: How did that influence your direction?

Bentley: I reflected on my 19-year-old self, arriving in Nashville, experiencing its highs and lows, heartache, and the search for faith. These themes, common in country music, led me to explore the experience of leaving home to pursue a dream.

Interviewer: You wrote fewer songs on this album than usual. Was this intentional?

Bentley: I’ve always prioritized the album’s overall structure. While I write many songs, I also seek out others that contribute to the album’s coherence. I am less concerned about authorship and focus on finding the strongest songs for each project.

Interviewer: You’re known for clever wordplay. When you discover a striking phrase, like “Cold Beer Can” or “Jesus loves me but she don’t,” what’s the feeling?

Bentley: Nashville songwriting involves meticulous crafting and wordplay. The song “Jesus Loves Me” exemplifies exceptional Nashville songwriting. Utilizing songs I didn’t write allows me to appreciate their quality, highlighting the skill of other songwriters.

Interviewer: What inspired your mental health initiative?

Bentley: It’s connected to the “broken branches” theme. The country music life involves leaving loved ones behind, leading to potential isolation and challenges. This initiative aims to support mental well-being in the industry.

Interviewer: Is the country music community embracing discussions about mental health?

Bentley: Absolutely. Younger artists are very open about their emotions on social media. This contrasts with my generation’s less open approach. My therapy has been music, but today’s artists face additional pressures related to constant online content creation.

Interviewer: *Billboard* recently listed the top 20 country artists of the century…

Bentley: I made the list at number 20! While I appreciate the recognition, my priorities are my family and fan experience. My children are my number one priority.

Interviewer: You don’t dwell on your legacy?

Bentley: No. I’ve enjoyed a long career and am happy to see newer artists get their opportunities. I’m grateful for every moment and continue creating music.

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