Brandi Carlile shares Joni Mitchell’s reaction to new song about her

A year ago, Brandi Carlile shared the stage with Joni Mitchell at the closing of the “Joni Jam” concert in Hollywood Bowl. After this emotional event, Carlile flew to New York to meet with Aaron Dessner to work on her newest project. Alone in a barn on Dessner’s property, Carlile penned a poem that became her song “Returning to Myself,” which is also the title track of her upcoming album set to release on Oct. 24. This album, Carlile’s eighth studio release, consists of ten powerful songs that explore themes such as aging, love for her family, and the significance of the First Amendment.

Collaborating with talents like Aaron Dessner, Justin Vernon, Andrew Watt, and others, Carlile was able to impart different vibes into her tracks. Her new songs will hit the road on a North American arena tour starting from Feb. 10 in Philadelphia, accompanied by The Head & The Heart. Carlile will also grace the stage at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony live on Disney+ on Nov. 8.

In a recent interview, Carlile spoke candidly about her experiences with Joni Mitchell and Elton John. Carlile shared that both Mitchell and John had been unintentional mentors to her, providing valuable insights without explicitly giving advice. Carlile acknowledged Mitchell’s untamed and unpredictable nature, referring to her as a “wild woman” in her songs. When Mitchell heard the song Carlile wrote about her, she had a humorous response, calling Carlile an “asshole.”

Discussing the inclusion of the track “You Without Me” on her current album, the singer explained that Elton John insisted on having it on both albums. The album itself was produced collaboratively by Andrew Watt, Aaron Dessner, and Justin Vernon, each contributing their distinctive sound to the project. Carlile emphasized the importance of communal efforts in creating music, highlighting the significance of everyone’s involvement in the project’s spiritual development.

Reflecting on aging and her personal experiences, Carlile addressed the theme of the album that deals with recalibration and acceptance of aging. Carlile admits to experiencing a midlife crisis but approaches it with humor and self-awareness. The inclusion of Thomas Jefferson’s 1802 letter on the First Amendment in her song “Church & State” serves as a message about the ideology’s inevitable departure and the importance of speaking truth to power.

In her song “Human,” Carlile expresses the balance between activism and personal contentment. She encourages listeners to be engaged in activism while also maintaining compassion and humanity. Through her music, Brandi Carlile continues to deliver powerful messages that resonate with her audience, blending rock influences with personal reflection and societal commentary.