Brandi Carlile
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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.
- Full name: Brandi Carlile
- Born: June 10, 1981
- Hometown: Ravensdale, Washington
- Fun facts: Carlile was the most nominated female artist at the 61st annual Grammys Awards.
- Genre: Americana, Alt-Country
ESSENTIALS•The Best Brandi Carlile Songs
Singer, songwriter, speaker, producer, artist, activist, author - Brandi Carlile is a force of nature. Bob Harris selects her Top 10 songs for this definitive list.
LONG READ•Brandi Carlile and the Art of Kintsugi
To read Broken Horses is to witness the human version of kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing cracks with gold. Through her stories, Brandi examines the beauty of her own brokenness and, in that revealing, she allows us to view our own flaws in the same tender-hearted way, so that we too might heal our wholes.
STAFF PICKS•Brandi Carlile - In These Silent Days
This is a stone-cold, instant classic – one that should cement Carlile and her collaborators at the forefront of the warm embrace of mainstream Americana.
ESSENTIALS•The Best Austin City Limits Performances
Since its launch in 1974, Austin City Limits has held a special connection to country music. Beloved by artists and fans alike, the show is known for authentic music presented in live and uncut performances.
ESSENTIALS•Records of the Year 2021
The top 20 country, Americana and roots records from 2021, as voted for by Holler staff and contributors.
PODCAST•Holler Weekly Ep.03
ACM predictions, country-turned-movie stars and 2021 festivals - whatever the big country news is, we've got it covered at Holler Weekly. Plus, we delve into Amanda Wicks' In Conversation feature with Rhiannon Giddens.
ALBUM REVIEW•The Secret Sisters - Saturn Return
Alabama duo Laura and Lydia Rogers channel soul straight from the heart on their fourth album - one full of celestial, hypnotic goodness.
STAFF PICKS•Jason Isbell - Georgia Blue
Joined by a handful of like-minded musicians, 'Georgia Blue' sees Isbell cover a selection of songs by Georgia-hailing artists. It's a delightfully loose, expertly played and above all sincere 13-track set that checks every box for a project of this kind.
OPINION•Americana Awards 2021: The National Need for Healing
Marcus K Dowling explains how the awards were a bittersweet attempt by an industry representing a nation to again celebrate its once proudly indomitable spirit.
Brandi Carlile Wins Artist of the Year at the 2021 Americana Awards
Check out the full list of winners, which include Sturgill Simpson, Charley Crockett, John Prine and more.
Brandi Carlile's New Album 'In These Silent Days' is Due in October
Get excited — and watch the video for 'Right on Time', directed by Courteney Cox.
Brandi Carlile Concert Raises Over $100K for Roots Music Non-Profits
The proceeds will benefit the Rainey Day Fund and Color Me Country.
Brandi Carlile’s ‘Broken Horses’ Tops The New York Times Best Sellers
In addition to the hardback a very special audiobook edition of the memoir, narrated by Carlile herself, will be released next Tuesday, April 20.
Taylor Swift Makes Grammy Awards History: Full Report
Miranda Lambert, The Highwomen and Billy Strings all win big on the star-studded night.
Brandi Carlile Confirms Ryman Auditorium Live Stream Concert
This will be Carlile’s first full band show in over a year. The show is set to take place at the ‘Mother Church of Country Music’ on March 28th at 7pm CT.
