We Can Do Hard Things Brandi Carlile Has Returned to Herself
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Oct 23, 2025 
Brandi Carlile, an eleven-time Grammy-winning artist and activist, opens up about her deeply personal new album, Returning to Myself. She shares the serendipitous journey of writing in a barn and the loneliness necessary for her creative truth. Brandi reflects on the beauty of vulnerability, the duality of intimacy and mystery in relationships, and embraces aging with grace in her songs. With themes of joy amidst destruction and the importance of connecting with one another, she reminds us to cherish our brief time together.
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Song Sparked By A Soccer Moment
- "You Without Me" began when Brandi watched Evangeline step into a different role at soccer practice.
- That small moment sparked the song about who we become separate from our caregivers.
Flight Moment Shaped A Song
- "War With Time" traces a coming-of-age moment when Brandi first flew and watched media sensationalize a plane landing.
- The experience taught her how destructive and healing collective narratives can be.
Beauty Amid Destruction
- The song "Human" emerged from witnessing destructive events like wildfires and the fragile beauty they reveal.
- Brandi urges embracing small human joys amid large-scale suffering to stay soft and alive.