Dierks Bentley at the 2012 CMA Music Festival on Sunday, June 10, 2012 in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A few years ago, Dierks Bentley went hard against country music convention by releasing a rockin' bluegrass-roots album. He decided to break the rules again.
This time around, Bentley is releasing a new four-song EP called "Country & Cold Cans" even while his last album continues to chart hit singles.
He said he cut the short album just to have a little fun with his friends. The EP will be a digital-only release available on iTunes initially.
He's supporting it with a quick three-date tour from Aug. 20-22 at the University of South Carolina, the University of Georgia and the University of Mississippi. Tickets go on sale Friday.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)