- Brandi Carlile has released her highly-anticipated new album, “Returning to Myself.”
- Recorded at Aaron Dessner’s famous Long Pond Studio, the album is a star-studded collaborative effort.
- Despite its title, the album explores Carlile’s powerful realization that she prefers community and collaboration over solitude.
- The project features significant contributions from The National’s Aaron Dessner, Justin Vernon, and Andrew Watt.
The Great Solitude Myth
In a world that constantly preaches the virtues of self-reflection and recharging in solitude, Brandi Carlile is making a bold counterargument. With her new album, Returning to Myself, the acclaimed singer-songwriter challenges the very idea that being alone is the key to creative and personal discovery. The album, ironically titled, serves as a testament to her profound realization: for Carlile, community is everything.
After a whirlwind few years collaborating with music legends like Joni Mitchell, Elton John, and the band Lucius, Carlile found herself in a period of quiet. However, instead of finding it restorative, she discovered an essential truth about herself. “Solitude isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” she revealed, explaining that her time alone only reinforced how much she thrives on the energy and creativity of others.
A Star-Studded Team Effort
To bring this new vision to life, Carlile decamped to the iconic Long Pond Studio in upstate New York, the creative home of The National’s Aaron Dessner. Far from a solo endeavor, Returning to Myself was built on a foundation of collaboration. The album is a powerhouse of talent, featuring contributions from Dessner himself, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, and super-producer Andrew Watt.
This collaborative spirit is the heart and soul of the record, proving that returning to oneself doesn’t have to mean returning to isolation. Instead, for Carlile, it means returning to the creative circle of friends and peers who inspire her.
Listen to the World Cafe Interview
Carlile recently sat down on the World Cafe podcast to discuss the making of the album, her deep friendship with Joni Mitchell, and how she navigates the pressures of the world. You can listen to the full, insightful conversation below.
Human Connection in a Chaotic World
Ultimately, Returning to Myself is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a statement. In an age of increasing isolation, Brandi Carlile champions the power of human connection. The album explores how our relationships and collaborations are not distractions from our true selves, but rather the very things that help us find and define who we are. It’s a powerful message from one of music’s most honest voices, and one that listeners who feel the weight of a world telling them to “go it alone” won’t want to miss.
Image Referance: https://www.npr.org/2025/10/24/nx-s1-5584021/brandi-carlile-album-returning-to-myself