Brandi Carlile is an Oscar-nominated, 11-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, performer, producer, author, and activist, widely regarded as one of the most respected and influential voices in modern American music. Blending folk, rock, country, and Americana, Carlile’s work is defined by emotional honesty, powerful storytelling, and a singular voice that resonates across genres and generations.
Raised in rural Washington state, Carlile began performing as a teenager before forming her longtime creative partnership with twin brothers Phil and Tim Hanseroth. Together, they built a career rooted in craft, connection, and independence, eventually breaking through with albums such as The Story and Bear Creek before reaching new heights with By the Way, I Forgive You and In These Silent Days.
Carlile has released eight studio albums to date, including Returning To Myself, which debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 and drew widespread critical acclaim for its reflection on identity, memory, and resilience. Her songwriting often explores themes of love, family, justice, and belonging, delivered with both vulnerability and strength.
Beyond her own recordings, Carlile is a highly sought-after producer and collaborator. She has earned Grammy wins for her work with Joni Mitchell and Brandy Clark, collaborated with artists including Elton John, Dolly Parton, Soundgarden, Sam Smith, Alicia Keys, Hozier, Noah Kahan, P!nk, and The Highwomen, and contributed music to film and television projects such as Ted Lasso and Barbie The Album. In 2025, she received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for “Never Too Late,” co-written with Elton John, Bernie Taupin, and Andrew Watt.
Carlile is also a #1 New York Times bestselling author and a committed activist. She co-founded the Looking Out Foundation, which has raised more than $9 million for grassroots causes supporting human rights, education, health, and community initiatives. Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility, artists’ rights, and social justice is deeply intertwined with her music and public life.
Equally at home on arena stages and intimate acoustic settings, Carlile continues to evolve as an artist while remaining grounded in the communal spirit that has defined her career. She lives in rural Washington state with her wife and two daughters.
