by Claire Star
I’ve loved Seattle native Brandi Carlile’s music for the last ten years, ever since I first saw her at a Zoo Concert. Her voice can be strong and powerful, or soft and gentle depending on the song. She’s one of those rare artists who sounds better live--flaws and all--than in a recording. Not that her recordings are bad; in fact, they’re pretty wonderful. Written with bandmates Tim and Phil Hanseroth (better known as “the Twins”), Brandi’s original songs range from boisterous rock to soft folk or country, influenced by greats such as Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Simon and Garfunkel, and Crosby, Stills and Nash.
As a performer, Brandi can transfix an entire room whether alone with her own band or accompanied by the Seattle Symphony. I’ve witnessed this countless times in concerts, especially the recent one at the Paramount. There are few moments in my life when I’m as excited as the moments before Brandi walks on stage to sing, or, even better, when she and the Twins sing a song unplugged in a large venue and you can hear their voices raw. Not only is she an incredibly talented self-trained musician, she’s just so nice. Brandi is definitely one of the people I’d invite to that hypothetical dinner party where all of your inspirations gather in one room for you to hang out with.
If you’ve never heard Brandi’s music before, here are two songs to serve as an introduction. First, "The Eye," an incredible three part harmony, off of the latest album The Firewatcher’s Daughter.
As a performer, Brandi can transfix an entire room whether alone with her own band or accompanied by the Seattle Symphony. I’ve witnessed this countless times in concerts, especially the recent one at the Paramount. There are few moments in my life when I’m as excited as the moments before Brandi walks on stage to sing, or, even better, when she and the Twins sing a song unplugged in a large venue and you can hear their voices raw. Not only is she an incredibly talented self-trained musician, she’s just so nice. Brandi is definitely one of the people I’d invite to that hypothetical dinner party where all of your inspirations gather in one room for you to hang out with.
If you’ve never heard Brandi’s music before, here are two songs to serve as an introduction. First, "The Eye," an incredible three part harmony, off of the latest album The Firewatcher’s Daughter.
Then "The Story," arguably Brandi’s most famous song, played on Grey’s Anatomy and covered by aspiring singers on American Idol.
Plus, a Spotify playlist of all her albums, if you'd like to hear more!
