Award-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile celebrated her highly anticipated eighth studio album, Returning To Myself, with an exclusive, sold-out preview event at London's iconic Heaven nightclub last night. The evening was a special affair, blending intimate conversation with a powerful live performance.
The event kicked off with a Q&A session hosted by Hollywood star Jason Sudeikis, the creator and star of Ted Lasso. Sudeikis, known to be a fan of Carlile's work, led a discussion that covered the new album's themes, her creative process, and questions submitted by fans. The Ted Lasso connection ran deeper, with castmate Hannah Waddingham also in attendance, later sharing her admiration for Carlile online.
Following the discussion, Carlile took the stage for a nine-song set, accompanied by her longtime bandmates, Phil and Tim Hanseroth. The setlist offered a mix of new and classic material, including fan favourites "The Joke" and "The Story," and a song from her No. 1 collaborative album with Elton John, "You Without Me." The audience was also treated to an exclusive preview of her brand-new song, "A War With Time," which is set for release on Monday, October 6th.
The show was a heartfelt celebration of Returning To Myself, Carlile’s first solo project in four years. After a period dedicated to acclaimed collaborations and producing work for icons like Joni Mitchell, the 11-time GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter's new record is described as an introspective reflection. The album, featuring a roster of musicians including SistaStrings, Josh Klinghoffer, and Chad Smith, is produced by Carlile alongside industry heavyweights Andrew Watt, Aaron Dessner, and Justin Vernon.