Interview with country singer Dierks Bentley
You are playing so many different venues these days to so many different types of crowds, from Stagecoach to Lollapalooza. How and why do you think this has happened to you instead of so many other acts who appeal to more than one demographic?
In the beginning, we made a commitment to do things our way. We did crazy tours: 41 shows in 45 days, lots of rock bars, just trying to push the envelope. We wanted people facing the band, paying attention, not dancing. And we’d have the local crew looking at us like, “You sure you’re in the right place?” We just shattered the bias. It was us all wanting to play different types of places. And personally, I had always wanted to play Bonnaroo. We just did it and our music took care of the rest, winning over people. It’s about not getting too comfortable playing in certain places.
Do you still tour 300 days a year?
We don’t anymore. We’ve got four semi trucks, two buses now. Our crew gets exhausted, up at 8, in bed at 3 am. With bigger venues you can really only play weekends, too. You get just as many people [seeing you], it’s just not as intense. It’s just as busy now, though, as it was then.
How are festivals and touring different for you?
I really love festivals, but the variety of touring feels great. I like being in control of our tour, but this time of year, after a long tour [over 100 days], I’m looking forward to being outside—the feel, the atmosphere.
I just interviewed Reel Big Fish, who played Lollapalooza a couple years back, and they told me there is a tent for musicians to jam in backstage. I’m thinking you playing guitar, doing a duet with Mason Jennings, with Zach De La Rocha and Trent Reznor doing backups, Kanye doing the choruses, G Love on harmonica and Wilco taking care of the rest of the music. Who would you want to play with this year?
Trent Reznor! I’m a huge fan of Nine Inch Nails. Just to meet him will be great, let alone something musical. The Whigs, National, Brand New, Noah and the Whale—I really like what they do. The Black Keys, Radiohead—It’ll just be fun to be a part of the whole deal. Like Austin City Limits, it’s just a great place to meet people.
Why did you choose the Fillmore for your DVD?
It was just the vibe of the building. It feels like a big rock bar. We had played there and thought it was perfect. The period where we were as a band right then was captured by [the DVD].
How do you describe your live show?
Well, I really believe in our show. The set lists I come up with every night. If you stick around for the whole thing you’ll find something that you love. If you’re 8 or 80, there’s bluegrass, Johnny Cash covers: something for everyone in the room. Pushing boundaries, keeping it fresh, testing yourself, and playing for folks who don’t know the songs.
You sing and play guitar, and there’s a lot of AC/DC style rock played at the end of your show. Would you rather be a Bon Scott or an Angus Young?
I do love playing guitar, I’m just not good enough. I will always just act like one of the guys in the band—I am. The three of us are across the front, kind of a nickel defense, three in front, two in back. I’d rather be the Bon Scott, but I’m just not good enough.