In a remarkably candid and wide-ranging interview, acclaimed singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile has shared intimate details about her life, career, and personal philosophy. The 44-year-old, eleven-time Grammy award winner, currently riding high on the success of her collaborative work with Elton John, revealed she is in a profoundly happy period.
A Life in a Sweet Spot
When asked about her happiest moment, Carlile was unequivocal. "I'm the happiest right now," she stated. "I can see that I'm in a kind of sweet spot: my parents are alive, my kids are little, my wife is hot and my body doesn't hurt." This refreshingly honest assessment highlights a period of personal and professional contentment for the artist, whose eighth studio album, 'Returning to Myself,' was released last month.
Beyond her family life, Carlile also treasures the log cabin she has called home since she was 21 years old, describing it as her most valued possession. However, this sense of self-assurance extends even to her self-image, where she delivered one of her most memorable lines.
Defying Conventions and Embracing Self
In a witty remark that playfully critiques societal pressures, Carlile declared, "I actually like the way I look, which I think is against the law in the UK." This bold statement underscores her hard-won confidence and serves as an empowering message about self-acceptance.
This confidence, however, has been tested. Carlile openly discussed a low point in her career: suffering a panic attack on stage in her 20s. The experience of leaving the stage and hearing the audience's angry reaction remains her most embarrassing moment, a vulnerability that contrasts with her current poised public persona.
Reflections and Role Models
Carlile did not shy away from confronting her past mistakes, expressing deep regret for having bullied other children in school. "To repay those things karmically, I will watch my kids' hearts like a hawk for signs of hardening or any distortions of empathy that they might develop," she vowed, showing a commitment to breaking negative cycles.
When looking for inspiration, her admiration is reserved for music legend Elton John, whom she describes as a "fearless bitch with a huge heart." The two have developed a close creative partnership, releasing the album 'Who Believes in Angels?' this year and earning an Oscar nomination for their song 'Never Too Late.'
The interview took an emotional turn when Carlile revealed she cried just last week after a conversation with her daughters about marriage equality. Her eldest daughter feared that if the Supreme Court overturned the relevant ruling, "she wouldn't have parents any more." This moment left Carlile feeling both angry with her country and ashamed she hadn't anticipated her child's fear.
When all is said and done, Brandi Carlile hopes to be remembered as "human, evolving and faithful," a fitting epitaph for an artist who continues to grow both personally and professionally while staying true to her core values.
