ShareThisBy RONNA RUBIN
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Don't expect to see country star Dierks Bentley make the transition to the big or small screen anytime soon.
"I have no desire to really do any acting," he says. "My favorite part of the video process is when it's done. There's the fear of knowing you've got one or two days to do this video and it will be around for all time. Fear usually makes you a good actor."
While the 30-year-old doesn't necessarily enjoy making music videos, he certainly enjoys watching them and stops by GAC's "My Music Mix" on Nov. 13 at 9 p.m., ET/PT, to chat with host Nan Kelley about some of his favorite clips.
At the top of his list is "Better Life," a clip by his friend, Keith Urban. "I thought it was one of the best videos of last year," Bentley says. "In fact, after seeing this video I selected its director, Chris Hickey, to do 'Settle For A Slowdown' for me."
He also is moved by LeAnn Rimes' "Probably Wouldn't Be This Way" and says, "This video is an example of someone who should be acting in her videos. She is both a really great actor as well as a great vocalist."
What he feels he lacks in the acting department Bentley makes up for in the songwriting department. "Long Trip Alone," his brand new LP, features 11 songs that reflect the singer's growth, both professional and personal. "For one thing, I got married last year," he says. "Other songs are very inspired by new feelings _ good thoughts and bigger ideas _ but also different tensions and pressures. Balancing it all has made for some songs that have a little deeper meaning.
"The great thing about country music is it truly reflects life. There's the sinning mixed with the asking for forgiveness. There's all this balance and I think with an album you should reflect all sides of life."
Always outspoken on his love of and respect for bluegrass music, Bentley features bluegrass band The Grascals on "Prodigal Son's Prayer," a track that also features backing vocals from inmates at a Tennessee correctional facility.
You could say that Bentley earned his performance stripes while starring as the opening act for two George Strait tours and three Kenny Chesney tours. Now it's his turn to be the headliner and his current tour will take him to 38 cities.
"Everything revolves around being on stage and the busier it gets, the more important the show is to your sanity."
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This week's GACtv.com Country Q & A comes from Adam in Mobile, Ala.:
Q: Does Reba write songs or does she just stick with singing, acting and hosting?
A: Reba McEntire is like George Strait. Her strength is finding good songs to record, but not writing them. Both George and Reba tried their hand at writing early in their careers, but neither of them managed to write themselves a hit song. They leave that up to Nashville's songwriting corps.
Dierks Bentley tour dates:
Nov. 9, Oil Palace, Tyler, Texas
Nov. 10, American Airlines Center, Dallas
Nov. 11, Bell County Expo Center, Belton, Texas
Nov. 12, American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nov. 16, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
Nov. 17, La Crosse Center, La Crosse, Wis.
Nov. 18, Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill.
Nov. 24, Five Flags Center, Dubuque, Iowa
Nov. 25, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minn.
Nov. 26, Sioux Falls Arena, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Nov. 28, Adams Event Center, Missoula, Mont.
Nov. 29, Idaho Center, Nampa, Ida.
Nov. 30, Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Ore.
Dec. 1, Everett Events Center, Everett, Wash.
Dec. 3, Toyota Arena, Kennewick, Wash.
Dec. 4, Jackson County Expo Park, Medford, Ore.
Dec. 5, Oracle Arena, Oakland, Calif.
Dec. 6, Gibson Amphitheatre, Universal City, Calif.
Dec. 7, Dodge Theatre, Phoenix, Ariz.
Dec. 8, House of Blues, Las Vegas
