11 Things You Didn't Know About Brandi Carlile: Her Latest Album 'Returning To Myself' And 2025 Tour Details

Brandi Carlile is not just a singer-songwriter; she is a musical force of nature, a celebrated producer, and an 11-time Grammy Award winner who continues to redefine the Americana and folk-rock landscape. As of late 2025, her career has reached a new zenith with the release of her eighth studio album, *Returning to Myself*, and a massive international trek, "The Human Tour," cementing her status as one of the most important and influential artists of her generation. This article dives deep into her latest projects, her incredible journey, and the key collaborations that have defined her unique sound. Born in Ravensdale, Washington, Brandi Carlile has leveraged her powerful, dynamic voice and deeply personal songwriting to build a career marked by both critical acclaim and passionate fan loyalty. Her ability to seamlessly blend genres—from country and folk to rock and pop—makes her a rare artist, one who is as comfortable producing a legend like Joni Mitchell as she is headlining sold-out arenas across the globe.

Brandi Carlile: The Definitive Biography and Profile

Brandi Carlile's story is one of raw talent, relentless touring, and a fierce commitment to authenticity, all of which have culminated in her current status as a true music icon. Her career has been a steady, organic ascent, driven by her core band members and collaborators, the twin brothers Tim and Phil Hanseroth, who are integral to her sound and her life.

• Full Name: Brandi Marie Carlile
• Born: June 1, 1981
• Hometown: Ravensdale, Washington, U.S.
• Genre: Folk Rock, Americana, Country, Pop
• Primary Instruments: Vocals, Guitar, Piano
• Key Collaborators: Tim Hanseroth (Bass/Vocals), Phil Hanseroth (Guitar/Vocals), Joni Mitchell, The Highwomen, Elton John, Brandy Clark.
• Grammy Awards: 11 wins (as of 2025), including Best Americana Album and Best Rock Song.
• Bestselling Memoir: *Broken Horses* (2021), a No. 1 *New York Times* Bestseller.
• Philanthropic Work: Co-Founder of The Looking Out Foundation (LOF).

Carlile's breakthrough came with her 2007 album, *The Story*, and its eponymous single, which brought her international recognition. This success was built on years of tireless performing, often in the Seattle area, where she honed her craft and cemented her lifelong partnership with the Hanseroth twins. The raw, emotional power of her voice, frequently compared to legends like Patsy Cline, set her apart immediately.

The Latest Chapter: 'Returning to Myself' and 'The Human Tour' (2025)

The years 2024 and 2025 mark a significant creative and commercial peak for Brandi Carlile, highlighted by a major new album and extensive touring. Her commitment to pushing her artistic boundaries while staying true to her folk-rock roots is evident in her latest work.

A New Sound with 'Returning to Myself'

In a major development for her fans, Carlile released her eighth studio album, *Returning to Myself*, in October 2025. This project garnered immediate buzz not just for its deeply introspective songwriting, but for its high-profile production team. Carlile co-produced the 10-track LP alongside two of the most respected names in modern indie and rock music: Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and Aaron Dessner of The National. This collaboration signals a fascinating new sonic direction, one that blends her signature Americana storytelling with the atmospheric, layered production techniques that Vernon and Dessner are famous for.

The album's title track and early singles explore themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the complexities of modern life, continuing the deeply personal narrative she established in her bestselling memoir, *Broken Horses*. The critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, praising her ability to evolve her sound without losing the powerful, raw emotion that defines her best-known songs like "The Joke" and "The Story."

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The Global Reach of The Human Tour (2025)

To support the new album, Carlile launched "The Human Tour," with dates extending well into 2026, including major stops at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden. The tour setlist is a powerful mix of her classic hits and the new material. Fans attending the 2025 shows can expect to hear the raw emotion of "The Story," the anthemic power of "The Joke," and the newer, more intimate tracks like "You and Me on the Rock" and "Broken Horses."

The tour is a testament to her enduring popularity and her reputation as a formidable live performer. Her shows are known for their high energy, powerful vocal performances, and the tight, familial chemistry she shares with the Hanseroth twins. The tour also serves as a platform for her activism, often featuring a dedicated presence from her non-profit organization, The Looking Out Foundation.

Beyond Singing: Carlile as a Grammy-Winning Producer and Activist

Brandi Carlile’s influence now extends far beyond her own music. She has become a respected figure in the music industry as a producer, collaborator, and a tireless advocate for social change. This expansion of her career has significantly boosted her topical authority in the music world.

The Producer's Chair: Championing Legends and New Voices

Carlile's work as a producer has earned her additional Grammy recognition, notably for her involvement in Tanya Tucker’s album *While I’m Livin’* and, more recently, for her pivotal role in the resurgence of folk legend Joni Mitchell. Carlile was instrumental in encouraging Mitchell to return to performing, culminating in the critically acclaimed and Grammy-winning *Joni Mitchell at Newport* album. She also produced Grammy-winning projects for her close friend and collaborator, Brandy Clark, highlighting her commitment to female artists and the Americana genre.

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Her production style is characterized by a focus on authentic vocal performance and acoustic instrumentation, a reflection of her own musical influences, which range from classic country like Patsy Cline to rock icons like Elton John. Her ability to collaborate with and elevate artists across different genres—from folk to rock—showcases her versatility and deep musical knowledge.

The Looking Out Foundation: Music for Good

Carlile, along with Tim and Phil Hanseroth, co-founded The Looking Out Foundation (LOF) in 2008. This organization is a core part of her identity, channeling the power of music to support causes that she deeply cares about. The foundation has been a consistent vehicle for her activism, focusing on diverse issues including children’s health, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ equality.

A portion of every concert ticket sold on "The Human Tour" goes directly to the LOF, ensuring that her commercial success translates into tangible social good. Her memoir, *Broken Horses*, also details her personal journey as an openly lesbian artist and mother, further solidifying her role as an important voice for the LGBTQ+ community and a symbol of collective strength.

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Brandi Carlile’s recent projects—the introspective and sonically ambitious *Returning to Myself* album and the expansive "The Human Tour"—confirm her place at the pinnacle of modern music. She is a powerhouse artist whose career is a seamless blend of critical acclaim, commercial success, and profound social impact, proving that authenticity and advocacy can coexist beautifully in the spotlight.