Brandi Carlile

Biography

Brandi Carlile, born June 1, 1981 in Ravensdale, Washington, is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and producer whose music spans folk rock, Americana, alternative country, and classic rock[1][2]. Raised in a musical family—her mother was a local country singer—Carlile taught herself to sing and began performing country songs on stage at age eight, later learning guitar and piano as a teenager[2][4][8]. She dropped out of Tahoma High School to pursue music full-time, starting as a backup singer for an Elvis impersonator before busking and performing in Seattle clubs[2][4][7].

Carlile's career took off after signing with Columbia Records in 2004, releasing her self-titled debut album in 2005 to critical acclaim and earning a spot on Rolling Stone's '10 Artists to Watch in 2005'[1][4]. Her breakthrough came with the 2007 album 'The Story,' produced by T Bone Burnett, which showcased her powerful vocals and emotive songwriting[1][4]. Carlile's band, featuring twin brothers Phil and Tim Hanseroth, has remained her core collaborators since her earliest recordings[1][4]. Over the years, she has released several acclaimed albums, including 'Give Up the Ghost' (2009), 'Bear Creek' (2012), 'The Firewatcher's Daughter' (2015), 'By the Way, I Forgive You' (2018), and 'In These Silent Days' (2021)[1][4]. Her work has earned her eleven Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and an Academy Award nomination[1][2].

Carlile is celebrated for her honest, genre-blending musical style, drawing on influences from classic rock, folk, and country[1][3][6]. She is also known for her activism, founding the Looking Out Foundation to support humanitarian and social justice causes[5]. In 2019, she formed the supergroup The Highwomen with Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, and Natalie Hemby, further cementing her legacy as a champion of women in music[1].

Fun Facts

• Brandi Carlile taught herself to sing and play instruments, performing on stage by age eight and busking in Seattle as a teenager[2][4][8].
• She dropped out of high school to pursue music full-time, starting as a backup singer for an Elvis impersonator[2][4].
• Carlile is openly gay and married Catherine Shepherd in 2012; they have two daughters[2].
• She founded the Looking Out Foundation, which has raised over $4 million for grassroots causes[5].

Associated Acts

• The Highwomen

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Elton John - Musical idol and stylistic influence; Carlile cites Elton John's classic 1970s albums as formative to her sound. (Duet on 'Caroline' (Give Up the Ghost, 2009)) [2009–present]
• T Bone Burnett - Producer and mentor; produced Carlile's breakthrough album and helped shape her authentic sound. (Producer of 'The Story' (2007)) [2007]
• Melissa Etheridge - Stylistic influence; Carlile's vocal style and songwriting have been compared to Etheridge. (Influence on 'The Story' era) [2007]

Key Collaborators

• Phil Hanseroth - Band member, co-writer, and longtime collaborator; forms the core of Carlile's band. (All studio albums) [2004–present]
• Tim Hanseroth - Band member, co-writer, and longtime collaborator; forms the core of Carlile's band. (All studio albums) [2004–present]
• Amanda Shires - Bandmate in The Highwomen; co-writer and performer. (The Highwomen (2019)) [2019–present]
• Maren Morris - Bandmate in The Highwomen; co-writer and performer. (The Highwomen (2019)) [2019–present]
• Natalie Hemby - Bandmate in The Highwomen; co-writer and performer. (The Highwomen (2019)) [2019–present]
• Tanya Tucker - Co-writer and producer; Carlile co-wrote and produced Tucker's Grammy-winning album. (While I'm Livin' (2019)) [2019]

Artists Influenced

• The Highwomen - Carlile's leadership and songwriting have shaped the group's sound and mission to elevate women in country music. (The Highwomen (2019)) [2019–present]
• Adele - Adele covered Carlile's song 'Hiding My Heart,' citing Carlile as an inspiration. (Cover of 'Hiding My Heart' (2011)) [2011]
• Pearl Jam - Covered Carlile's songs, reflecting her influence on contemporary artists. (Cover Stories (2007)) [2007]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. The Story
2. Swing For The Fences
3. You’re Gonna Go Far (with Brandi Carlile) (Stick Season (Forever))
4. Who Believes In Angels?
5. Thousand Miles (feat. Brandi Carlile) (Endless Summer Vacation)
6. The Joke
7. Heart's Content
8. Crowded Table (The Highwomen)
9. Damage Gets Done (feat. Brandi Carlile) (Unreal Unearth)
10. Highwomen (The Highwomen)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #alternative-country, #americana, #country