Brandi Carlile

Across an incredible catalogue of work, Americana singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile has written perceiving and perceptive songs. The Pacific Northwest native learned how to sing and play guitar and piano during her early years, translating those talents into a remarkable storytelling ability. 

Carlile released her self-titled debut album in 2006. But it was her 2007 sophomore album The Story — produced by T Bone Burnett — that began garnering more attention for her music. She turned to famed producer Rick Rubin for her 2009 album Give Up the Ghost.

Both her 2016 and 2019 albums – The Firewatcher’s Daughter and By the Way, I Forgive You – won Grammys for Best Americana Album.

Outside of working on her own music, Carlile co-produced Tanya Tucker’s 2019 album While I’m Livin’ with Shooter Jennings. The moment was milestone, as Carlile had taught herself to sing by listening to Tucker and Patsy Cline.

She also performs as part of the supergroup The Highwomen, alongside Maren Morris, Amanda Shires and Natalie Hemby. Their song ‘Crowded Table’ won the 2020 Grammy for Best Country Song. In 2021, Carlile released her autobiography Broken Horses: A Memoir.

Carlile is out and proud. In 2008, she co-founded the Looking Out Foundation with the Hanseroth Twins, who she used to play in Seattle with as a young performer. It addresses multiple needs, and $1 from every concert ticket Carlile sells goes back to the non-profit.