Bourbon, Brotherhood, and the Broken Roads That Lead Us Home: Dierks Bentley on Country Music’s Heartbeat.

May 7th, 2025

Country music has always had a way of telling stories rooted in grit, heart, and tradition — and Dierks Bentley’s latest album, Broken Branches, is no exception. Ahead of his anticipated South Florida tour stop, the country phenom sat down to discuss the inspiration behind the record, his evolution as an artist, and the rising stars he’s proudly bringing along for the ride.

A Title with Meaning

The phrase Broken Branches isn’t just poetic; it cuts to the heart of Bentley’s experience in Nashville. “I first heard that title and thought, ‘Wow, this really says a lot,’” he shared. “It’s about the people who came to Nashville chasing something different — folks whose families maybe thought they were crazy for chasing country music. That’s me. That’s so many of my friends. We’re all broken branches off the family tree.”

That metaphor didn’t just shape the album’s name — it anchored its entire direction. From small-town values and faith to life on the road and whiskey-soaked reflections, Bentley uses Broken Branches as a lens to reflect on the unconventional path that’s defined his life.

Evolution with Echoes of the Past

While the album feels personal, longtime fans may hear something familiar in its sound. “Some people have said this record reminds them of my earlier stuff,” Bentley said. “There’s definitely a nostalgic thread, looking back on how I got here. But it’s also grounded in where I am now — with a little more perspective and appreciation for the ride.”

That appreciation extends beyond his own journey — Bentley has made a point to spotlight other artists, allowing their voices to shine on his record.

Dierks Bentley. photo by Robby Klein

Letting Others Share the Mic

Of the 11 tracks on Broken Branches, four feature collaborations with other artists — a deliberate choice. “I’ve always loved collaborating,” he said. “It brings something fresh to the music. On my last record, it was Hardy. This time, it’s folks like Stephen Wilson Jr., who’s this super cerebral songwriter with a raw country soul. He’s one of the most interesting guys in Nashville right now.”

The album also features appearances from Riley Green, John Anderson, and Miranda Lambert — the latter marking their first true duet after years of friendship. “It’s crazy it took us this long, but this song just worked,” Bentley said of the Lambert collaboration.

He sees the rise in country collaborations as a positive trend — one borrowed from pop music. “It just makes the song more interesting. You add another voice, and suddenly, it goes to a whole new place.”

Touring with Purpose

Bentley’s upcoming tour stop in West Palm Beach is more than just another date — it’s a highlight. “It’s one of our favorite runs of the year,” he said. “We always look forward to being down there. It’s such a great energy.”

Part of what makes this tour special is the rising talent on the bill. “Zach Top is a monster,” Bentley said emphatically. “If people don’t know him yet, they’re about to. He’s got that authenticity everyone loves in country music, the voice, and the chops to back it all up. I honestly think he’s the future of the genre — could be bigger than Morgan Wallen.”

Also on the tour is the band Van Lathan, who Bentley says will be brand new to most fans — “and that’s the best part. I love giving artists their first real platform.”

Dierks Bentley. photo by Robby Klein

Full Circle Moments

Watching these new artists reminds Bentley of his own start in Nashville two decades ago. “It takes me back — all crammed into one bus, chasing the dream. That’s the fun part, watching them grow and get better with each show. I get to be a fan and play my own set. Win-win.”

Even with a new album, Bentley is careful about how much unreleased material he plays live. “I try to keep the focus on the hits and make sure fans are having the best experience. I’ll throw in a few new tracks, but it’s about keeping the energy up.”

A Taste of Home

Bentley also recently launched his own bourbon, Row 94, named after the year he arrived in Nashville. “Drinking whiskey always takes me back to listening to Hank Jr. and that early fire I had,” he said. “I’ve wanted to do my own bourbon for years, especially since we opened Whiskey Row bars in 2012.”

The process was a labor of love — from tasting and sourcing to finding the right partner in Green River, one of Kentucky’s oldest distilleries. “We wanted to keep it high-quality and affordable — under $40. That was important for the fans.”

He’s taken Row 94 on the road with him, doing in-store signings across the country. “It’s been incredible. People show up not just for the whiskey — they want to catch up, take a picture, say hi. That kind of personal connection is rare, and I love it.”

Rooted and Reaching

With Broken Branches, Bentley continues to bridge country’s storied past with its evolving future — and he’s bringing a new generation of artists along with him. Whether he’s in the studio, on stage, or shaking hands over a bottle of bourbon, one thing’s clear: Dierks Bentley hasn’t just stayed relevant — he’s remained rooted in the heart of country music.

Check out Dierk’s South Florida at West Palm Beach’s iThink Financial Amphitheater on June 7th