Brandi Carlile is making headlines once again, this time for a show-stopping appearance on Saturday Night Live that showcased her bold new album, Returning to Myself. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter took the SNL stage on November 1, delivering two emotionally charged performances that left viewers buzzing and critics raving.
A Night to Remember on SNL
Carlile, known for her soul-baring lyrics and powerhouse vocals, performed two standout tracks from her latest LP: the fiery “Church & State” and the introspective ballad “Human.” Both songs highlight the deeply personal and political themes that run through her new record.
In a candid interview, Carlile revealed that “Church & State” was written on the night of the 2024 presidential election. She described the song as a “burning, searing” reflection of her emotional state as she grappled with the country’s direction, drawing inspiration from U2’s “Bullet the Blue Sky” and channeling her own sense of rage and urgency.
“Human,” meanwhile, explores the delicate balance between finding happiness in a chaotic world and staying engaged with the pressing issues of our time. Carlile explained, “We have to find a way for all to be well with our soul while we’re here in this split second. And then we also have to find a way to not be apathetic, inactive, passive and neoliberal about the things that are happening in our world”.
The Making of ‘Returning to Myself’
Carlile’s new album marks her first solo release since 2021 and is already being hailed as a return to form. Recorded at Aaron Dessner’s Long Pond Studio in upstate New York, the project features collaborations with indie heavyweights like Dessner himself (of The National), Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), and Andrew Watt.
Despite the album’s title, Carlile says the process was anything but solitary. After years of high-profile collaborations with legends like Joni Mitchell and Elton John, she realized that solitude isn’t always the answer. “Solitude isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” she shared in a recent interview, emphasizing the importance of community and creative partnership in her work.
Lyrics That Hit Home
The album’s title track, “Returning to Myself,” captures the emotional core of the project:
“Returning to myself is such a lonely thing to do
Returning to myself is just returning me to you
And that’s the only thing I want to do”These lines, featured prominently on Carlile’s official website, underscore the album’s themes of self-discovery, connection, and longing.
What’s Next for Brandi Carlile?
With
Returning to Myself already generating critical acclaim and her SNL performance sparking renewed interest, Carlile is poised for another banner year. Fans can expect more live shows, exclusive content, and opportunities for activism through her official channels.
Carlile’s willingness to tackle tough topics—both personal and political—continues to set her apart in the music world. As she told Rolling Stone, “I love a writer who writes something when they don’t have it all figured out, and they’re grappling with things at the same time you are. That’s certainly how I make albums”.
For listeners seeking music that’s both timely and timeless, Brandi Carlile’s latest chapter is not to be missed.
Sources
1. Brandi Carlile Brings Tracks from Her Latest Album to 'Saturday ...
2. For Brandi Carlile, solitude is overrated - KNPR
3. Brandi Carlile: Home
