Dierks Bentley Talks Balancing His Two Loves in ‘Riser’ Documentary Trailer [Watch]
Dierks Bentley has two major loves in his life: country music and his three kids. The star talks balancing the two in his new documentary trailer, 'Riser.'
The in-depth documentary followed the singer for over the course of two years. The hour-long project will air on Feb. 22. Part of the 'Riser' documentary will show the challenges of being a dad and a country star.
Explains Bentley, “The two phrases ‘touring musician’ and ‘family man’ were never meant to go hand-in-hand ... it’s just hard. It really hurts your heart to walk out the door on your kids. It’s like the two loves of your life pulling at you -- your family and your love of music."
Fans will get an insider's look at the 'I Hold On' hitmaker and his family life. From playing with his daughters on their swingset to waving at his wife as he leaves for another stint on the road, the documentary promises to get up close and personal with Bentley.
From a music standpoint, it coincides perfectly with the theme of his seventh album, which drops on Feb. 25.
"I wanted this album to be that deeper look at who I am and who I try to be, and so I guess it's the same with this film too," Bentley shares. "The first time I watched the rough edit, I actually got physically uncomfortable because it's all in there ... my whole life right there on the screen for the whole world to see."
The 'Riser' documentary is thousands of hours on tape, cut down to just one hour of pure Bentley, covering even the quietest moments from the singer's bunk on his bus. It also captures the highs and lows of his life over the past couple years, with the death of his father and the birth of his son Knox -- complete with coverage from the delivery.
"I knew Dierks was a dynamic performer and charismatic guy. But, as a filmmaker it was a challenge to try and capture a portrait of a guy with so many different aspects to his life," shares Wes Edwards, the director of the film. "He’s a guy who can bring an audience of twenty thousand to their feet and a guy you can have a beer with in a dive bar. He’s a guy that flies his own plane but uses a kitchen trash bag for luggage."
Adds the filmmaker, "I hope this documentary accurately captures the Dierks I’ve had the honor to get to know personally -- a guy with serious work ethic, love for his family and genuine respect for the people around him. But most of all, I hope we are able to convey a true artist at work."
Fans can preview a special edit of the film exclusively on CMT on Feb. 22 at 2PM ET. The full length will premiere the same day on Palladia at 9PM ET. The project will also be available for purchase in the coming weeks.
To celebrate both his new album and film, Bentley will host screenings in London, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York and Toronto. For more information on the 'Riser' film and his new album, visit the singer's website.