Dierks Bentley talks free-flowing identity ahead of 'Black' release

NASHVILLE, May 27 (UPI) -- Country singer Dierks Bentley wants his music to express his many "versions" of himself.

Speaking with Rolling Stone about the release of his concept record Black -- out Friday -- Bentley said "I think I've claimed the right to be any version of me that I want to be."

The 40-year-old explained to the outlet his upcoming album will explore the unspoken darkness behind other people's "happily-ever-afters."

"[Black] is the other side of the story," he said, "the things we don't talk about as much."

After discussing his aspiration to continue to explore "uncomfortable" themes, Bentley reiterated his hope to remain himself -- whatever that may be.

"I want to be free to be any version of me I feel like being. I don't want to be McDonald's that serves the same food every time. Although that is frankly what works in this business, being a brand. I'd rather be a brand that is known for 'What's he putting out next?' Even though it may not be doing myself any favors with being as popular as I can be, it helps me continue to be interested and invested in what I do," he said.

Earlier this week, Bentley released his latest single -- a duet titled "Different for Girls" featuring Elle King.

"'Different For Girls' definitely has a little bit of a different theme to it. Just looking at the world from a different perspective, a more mature perspective," Bentley said in a press release about the song's content at the time.

"I just think that there [are] some double standards that exist, and the song kind of draws attention to that. And at the same time, it recognizes that guys and girls do handle break-ups and heartaches a little bit differently," he added.