Dierks Bentley’s Focus: Family, Not Fame

Dierks Bentley is currently enjoying a brief respite from his tour, spending precious time with his family. The acclaimed singer-songwriter values this family time above his extensive career in country music.

Bentley prioritizes his wife and children over his two decades of success in the industry. He even pilots his own plane to transport his band, maximizing time at home. He emphasizes the difficulty of balancing career and family life, particularly when prioritizing family well-being.

His latest album, Broken Branches, reflects on the experiences of aspiring musicians moving to Nashville. The album delves into the challenges and emotional complexities of pursuing a music career.

Bentley’s remarkable career includes eight number one albums and twenty-two number one singles. His unique sound blends traditional bluegrass and anthemic rock influences. Although he hasn’t achieved massive crossover success, Billboard recently acknowledged him as one of the top twenty country artists of the 21st century.

Inspired by the album’s themes, Bentley established the Broken Branches Fund, a mental health initiative for the music community, in partnership with Music Health Alliance. This program aims to improve access to healthcare and mental health resources.

In an interview, Bentley discusses his approach to songwriting, album creation, and his perspective on success. He explains that his family and fan experience are his primary measures of achievement, not accolades or legacy.

An Interview with Dierks Bentley

When asked about his album’s direction, Bentley stated that the songs guided the creative process. The song “Broken Branches” provided the central theme, exploring the shared experiences of musicians leaving their families to pursue their dreams in Nashville.

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Bentley shared his reflections on his move to Nashville at nineteen, highlighting the emotional highs and lows, the spiritual searching, and the universal themes present in country music narratives.

He discussed his songwriting process, emphasizing the importance of creating a cohesive album rather than solely focusing on his own compositions. He prioritizes selecting the best songs for the album, regardless of his personal involvement in writing them.

Bentley discussed his songwriting style and the memorable phrases he creates. He described the skill involved in crafting impactful country lyrics.

He explained the inspiration behind his mental health initiative, connecting it to the album’s theme of broken branches and the isolation often experienced by those pursuing careers in the music industry.

Bentley noted the increased openness surrounding mental health discussions within the country music community, particularly among younger artists who openly share their struggles on social media. He contrasted this with his own generation’s approach to stress and mental health challenges.

Upon learning of his inclusion on Billboard’s list of top country artists, Bentley expressed gratitude but downplayed its significance. He prioritized the fan experience and his family’s perception of him over career achievements and legacy.

He reiterated his lack of focus on legacy, emphasizing his contentment with his career and his desire to continue making music. He likened his career to NASCAR, aiming for continued success and competition.