“I did not want to record a bunch of songs about travel and highways,” says the musician about the writing process for her newest CD, “Give Up the Ghost.” “Those types of songs are a little too carefree and self-indulgent,” she adds by phone from a tour stop in Iowa. “I wanted to transcend the bus, and the road, and all the daily routines because ultimately; it isn’t all that relatable.”
Instead, the 29 year old singer/songwriter has produced a collection of songs relevant to anyone who’s ever lost a friend, been in love, or missed someone.
“If you write about your immediate feelings or your immediate environment, it is sort of temporary,” says Carlile. “There’s something permanent about looking deeper into what’s inspiring those feelings. That’s the concept behind calling the album “Giving Up the Ghost.” It’s about really digging beneath the present moment and writing about something outside of it.”
Next Monday, October 4th, fans can hear Carlile’s new songs when she performs in concert at Rams Head Live! in Baltimore.
Brandi Carlile released her first CD when she was just 23. The musician’s self-titled debut received enthusiastic reviews, and in 2005, Rolling Stone Magazine named Carlile as one of the year’s “Artists to Watch.” Her second album, “The Story,” was produced by T Bone Burnett and featured three songs prominently featured on TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy” at the height of McDreamy mania. The exposure certainly helped boost the musician’s profile, but how does Carlile intend to maintain that level of popularity?
“That’s what touring is all about,” she maintains. “You come into a town and play a bar, and the next year you play a bigger hall, because one person from that bar brought ten friends,” she says. “That’s how you are able to maintain a career; that loyalty of people coming back and spreading the word. It creates a relationship that I think is really special.”
Among the artist’s growing legion of fans are a few famous faces. Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls was an early Carlile supporter, and Elton John was so impressed with the singer/songwriter, that he became somewhat of a mentor to her.
“I can’t wrap my head around the idea that Elton John likes me, but I can say that he probably knows what an impact he’s made in my life, and he has stepped up to that responsibility in a way that’s really above and beyond the call of duty,” Carlile stresses. “He’s sat me down and given me advice, and never ceases to amaze me with his time and energy.” Elton John collaborates with Carlile on the track, “Caroline,” from “Give Up the Ghost.”
In a landscape where many female artists are marketed to conform to a certain stereotype, Brandi Carlile has managed to challenge conventions. She has a big, emotive voice, and is not afraid to use it.
“When I’m on stage, I like to project,” says the musician. “I like for my voice to be loud and my stance to be strong. I think that in real life, women can be all kinds of different people,” she continues. “You can be a businesswoman or an athlete, you can be feminine or masculine, demure or forward, but in the music industry, it’s only looked on as appropriate to behave in a certain way. I want to defy those boundaries.”
For someone who’s released three albums in just five years, it’s surprising to hear that Carlile isn’t a big fan of making records.
“Often times going into the studio is just a way to keep on touring,” she admits. “That hour and a half to two hours I’m on stage is the best part of every one of my days,” she continues. “Picture a really big pivotal moment in a person’s life like a wedding, or a really big birthday. That’s my life every night when I’m on tour.”
Many artists acknowledge that stepping away from that attention is an adjustment, and Carlile is no exception.
“Last time I took a break, I was kind of depressed and I was telling Amy Ray about it, and she told me that I needed an applause tape,” Carlile recalls with a smile. “She said every time you do the dishes, or make the bed, just hit the play button. But it’s not an ego thing,” Carlile emphasizes. “It just feels like performing is what I was made to do, so when I’m not doing it, I feel like half of myself.”
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