Dierks Bentley is renowned for his ability to stay attuned to the evolving landscape of mainstream country music. His track record of collaborating with emerging talents is impressive, featuring artists like Billy Strings, Hardy, Breland, and the Brothers Osborne. Bentley’s latest collaboration with Stephen Wilson Jr. on the song “Cold Beer Can” further showcases his commitment to innovative country music.

About ‘Cold Beer Can’

Co-written with Luke Dick and Jon Randall, “Cold Beer Can” features an intriguing blend of alt-country verses and a catchy, mainstream chorus. Interestingly, the song transcends its title; it focuses not on the beverage itself, but on the deeper connections that arise from sharing a drink.

Bentley highlights this twist: “You look at the title, ‘Cold Beer Can,’ and you go, ‘Oh, it’s like a Nashville country lifestyle song,’ but then you see his name on there and go, ‘It’s probably not the usual Nashville country song.’ Everything he writes is so left of center.”

Wilson, who contributes distinct percussive guitar work to the track, emphasizes the song’s essence lies in its message about community and connection. “Nothing breaks the ice like a cold beer can,” he remarks, stating that the drink merely serves as a catalyst for human interaction, with the real bonding happening through shared experiences.

Shared Experiences and Themes of Loss

Both Bentley and Wilson’s connection extends beyond music, rooted in their experiences of loss. Bentley lost his father in 2012, a profound event that inspired his 2013 hit “I Hold On.” Similarly, Wilson channeled his grief over his father’s passing in 2018 into his songwriting, notably through tracks like “My Father’s Son” from his debut double album, Son of Dad, released in 2023.

Finding New Voices in Country Music

Bentley discovered Wilson’s work through a personal initiative to explore artists breaking away from the mainstream mold. Alongside Wilson, he also appreciates the uniqueness of other artists like Red Clay Strays and Hardy. However, Wilson remains humble about his rising prominence, stating, “At the core of everything, I’m just a songwriter. I somehow became a singer. That was not part of the plan.”

Upcoming Collaborations

Bentley is enthusiastic about collaborating further with Wilson, hinting at another track titled “Something Worth Fixin’,” which he describes as a notable addition to his upcoming album. He believes that the theme of fixing things is universally relatable, explaining, “In life there are a lot of things worth fixing.”

“Cold Beer Can” touches on the theme of repairing relationships and everyday challenges, suggesting that sometimes, a simple solution can emerge from life’s hardships. Wilson summarizes this sentiment aptly: “Life is hard, but sometimes there’s an easier solution.” Bentley concludes with the notion that “there’s just something about how beer fosters community.”