On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer: Episode Featuring Dierks Bentley

Podcast Title: On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer
Host: Troy Vollhoffer
Guest: Dierks Bentley
Release Date: January 24, 2024
Duration: Approximately 28 minutes
Knowledge Cutoff: October 2023

1. Touring in Canada and Festival Experiences

Troy Vollhoffer (00:01:12):
Troy welcomes Dierks Bentley, expressing excitement about their time together in Canada. He acknowledges the challenges U.S. artists face when touring in Canada, such as border crossings and immigration processes.

Dierks Bentley (00:01:23):
Dierks shares his appreciation for Canadian fans and the evolution of the crowd dynamics over the years. He notes, "Canada's changed a lot since I first started touring up here. That a lot younger and louder."

Key Points:

• Canada has become a more vibrant and enthusiastic market for country music.
• Dierks reminisces about early tours and the quieter, more listening-focused audiences compared to the now younger and louder crowds.
• The shift in fan demographics has positively impacted his performances and festival experiences.

2. Early Career and Friendship with Jay Williams and Fielding Logan

Troy Vollhoffer (00:04:26):
Troy delves into Dierks's transition from student life to a professional musician, highlighting his friendships with Jay Williams and Fielding Logan.

Dierks Bentley (00:04:48):
Dierks recounts moving to Nashville at 19 to attend Vanderbilt University and landing an internship at the CMA Country Music Association. He discusses living with Jay Williams, who later became his booking agent, and Fielding Logan, now Eric Church's tour manager. He reflects, "We all starved together though. Go Jay."

Key Points:

• Dierks's move to Nashville was driven by his passion for music and songwriting.
• Building relationships with industry professionals like Jay Williams and Fielding Logan was crucial to his career development.
• Early struggles and shared experiences with friends helped shape his resilience and dedication to music.

3. Journey to Nashville and Securing a Record Deal

Troy Vollhoffer (00:07:51):
Troy inquires about how Dierks secured his first record deal, emphasizing the common dream of landing a deal in Nashville.

Dierks Bentley (00:07:44):
Dierks explains the "ten-year town" concept, detailing his decade-long journey to a record deal. He shares his experiences performing at local venues like the Bluebird Cafe and Broken Spoke, which honed his songwriting and performance skills. A pivotal moment was meeting Don Cook through a connection in his band, leading to a publishing deal and eventually a record contract with Capitol Records in 2002.

Notable Quote (00:11:23):
"We all starved together though. Go Jay."

Key Points:

• The importance of perseverance and continuous improvement in achieving career milestones.
• Networking and building relationships within the Nashville music scene played a significant role.
• Dierks's dedication to songwriting and authentic performances eventually led to his breakthrough.

4. Insights on Modern Country Music and Entertainment

Dierks Bentley (00:12:35):
Dierks reflects on the absence of certain roles in modern hockey, drawing parallels to the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the value of teamwork and diverse roles, stating, "There's an important role for everybody."

Troy Vollhoffer (00:13:38):
Troy suggests that modern artists may lack the grassroots experience of earning their audience's respect through club performances. He highlights the difference between intimate club settings and large stadium shows.

Key Points:

• The evolution of country music and the importance of maintaining authenticity.
• The shift in how artists build their fanbase, with less emphasis on traditional club performances.
• The necessity for artists to create an intimate connection with large audiences, similar to smaller venues.

5. Passion for Hockey

Dierks Bentley (00:16:37):
Dierks shares his love for hockey, describing how he started playing in men's leagues during his time in Nashville. He discusses balancing his passion for the sport with family life and his son's involvement in travel hockey.

Key Points:

• Hockey serves as a significant personal interest and a way to unwind from the rigors of touring.
• Dierks's involvement in hockey has deepened through his son's participation in travel leagues.
• The sport provides a sense of community and teamwork that parallels his music career.

6. Aviation and Flying as a Pilot

Troy Vollhoffer (00:21:26):
Troy brings up Dierks's unique passion for aviation, sparking a discussion about his journey to becoming a pilot.

Dierks Bentley (00:21:26):
Dierks elaborates on his aviation journey, obtaining his pilot license at 19 and returning to flying full-time after his first child was born in 2010. He shares his experiences flying various aircraft, including the CJ4 jet that transports his band. Dierks highlights the importance of his sponsorship with Textron, which enables him to pursue this passion alongside his music career.

Notable Quote (00:22:35):
"I love it. It's a great way to save time and manage touring logistics."

Key Points:

• Aviation is a significant and fulfilling hobby for Dierks, complementing his busy touring schedule.
• His progression from prop planes to jets demonstrates his dedication and expertise.
• Sponsorships play a crucial role in enabling artists to pursue personal passions without hindering their professional lives.

7. Current Projects and Upcoming Shows

Dierks Bentley (00:20:37):
Dierks discusses his latest album released in February and the ensuing tour. He mentions touring with talented openers like Jordan Davis, Molly Tuttle, and Red Clay Strays, creating a dynamic and engaging concert experience.

Troy Vollhoffer (00:23:19):
Troy highlights the unique atmosphere of Sunday night shows, where the audience is seasoned from weekend festivities, requiring Dierks to put in extra effort to deliver memorable performances.

Key Points:

• The new album marks a significant milestone, with the tour designed to showcase its tracks.
• Collaborations with diverse openers enhance the overall concert experience.
• Tailoring performances to different audience moods and settings ensures a high-energy show.

8. Interaction with Fans and Touring Insights

Dierks Bentley (00:24:53):
Dierks shares anecdotes about attending concerts as a fan, including memorable experiences with Taylor Swift and interactions with fellow musicians like Kelly Chase and Mike Salinger. He emphasizes the importance of respecting the concert experience from both the artist's and the audience's perspectives.

Troy Vollhoffer (00:26:06):
Troy appreciates Dierks's dedication and the behind-the-scenes insights he provides, acknowledging the effort it takes to balance touring with personal interests.

Key Points:

• Dierks maintains a strong connection with fans by attending concerts and understanding the fan experience.
• The camaraderie among artists fosters a supportive community within the music industry.
• Effective pre-show routines and time management are essential for delivering consistent performances.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dierks Bentley (00:01:23):
  "Canada's changed a lot since I first started touring up here. That a lot younger and louder."

• Dierks Bentley (00:04:48):
  "We all starved together though. Go Jay."

• Dierks Bentley (00:11:23):
  "We all starved together though. Go Jay."

• Dierks Bentley (00:22:35):
  "I love it. It's a great way to save time and manage touring logistics."

Conclusion

In this engaging episode of On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer, Dierks Bentley provides an intimate look into his journey from aspiring musician to country music star. He discusses the importance of perseverance, the value of building strong industry relationships, and maintaining authenticity in his music. Beyond his musical endeavors, Dierks shares his passions for hockey and aviation, highlighting how these interests enrich his life and career. The conversation underscores the dedication required to succeed in the music industry while balancing personal interests and family life. Listeners gain valuable insights into the life of a successful artist, the evolution of country music, and the significance of staying connected with fans.

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