Bands come and go, that’s just how the music industry works; we love an artist one day and forget about them the next. However, there is always that one artist that stays with you and writes lyrics that seem to speak to you. For me, that artist is Brandi Carlile. Being the Brandi fan that I am, I can only assume that you too are a fan, or that you have not heard of her (there are no other options). If the latter is the case, let me introduce you.
Brandi Carlile is an alternative country and folk rock singer. The band is made up of Brandi on vocals with the twins, Phil Hanseroth on bass and Tim Hanseroth on guitar. The group began in Seattle and still calls it home to this day. Between 2005 and 2015 seven albums have been released with the most recent one being The Firewatcher’s Daughter. Now you have the facts, but why do we love her?
1.Raw Power
A group of three may seem small but the collective talent among them is unimaginable. In 2014 Brandi and her band went on what they called the Pin Drop Tour. There were no amps, no microphones, only the pure magic of her voice. There are times I wonder if artists today get caught up in the lights and fashion of music, forgetting about what really connects an audience to an artist. Lyrics and passion behind the words, that’s all it takes. Look up one of her songs and see for yourself. If you’re new to her, I recommend the following tracks:
-The Story
-Raise Hell
-I Belong to You
2. Gay Rights
Brandi Carlile is openly gay and married to Catherine Shepherd. Being openly gay and a successful musician in itself speaks support to the gay community. In a New York Times article by Jon Pareles, Brandi was said to bring attention to gay rights, confessing to her fans “I never thought in my lifetime that it would be O.K. for me to have a wife and a daughter.” Brandi does not hide who she is but instead, embraces it. By doing this she allows others to do the same; it’s no wonder she is a role model to many.
3. Family
Brandi and her group are much more than musicians, they are a family. While on tour, their bus includes band members, spouses and children combined. There is a picture taken of Brandi dancing on stage with her child on her shoulders. This goes to show just how much family means. “Family” isn’t just a metaphorical term for their bond, it’s literal too. Through a Rolling Stones article by Andrew Leahey, I discovered Phil Hanseroth is married to Brandi’s sister making the connection between the group that much stronger. There is a bond between the members of the band that is rare. Watch the music video for Wherever is Your Heart and you’ll see exactly what I mean (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYvwRpqidvY). They goof around, make bonfires, cook and sing. Together, they make a home.
4. Philanthropy
In 2008 Brandi started the Looking Out Foundation. $1 from every ticket sold is donated to this foundation and used towards current social issues. It’s more than music to Brandi Carlile’s band.
http://lookingoutfoundation.org/about/
5. Fans
I asked a friend to share her opinion on Brandi Carlile. Here are her thoughts:
Have I convinced you, are you too a Brandi Carlile fan?
*Above photos were taken from the official Brandi Carlile Website: brandicarlile.com*