Brandi Carlile Reaches Out in ‘Returning to Myself’
Brandi Carlile has returned to herself, but it doesn’t mean isolation; she is her own awareness, embracing community, knowing what to treasure, and making sure to speak it.
brandi carlile
Brandy Clark Presents Herself With Brandi Carlile’s Help
Brandy Clark is a mixed bag. The country singer-songwriter sees herself and others with a well-trained eye but doesn’t always reveal what she has learned.
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The 75 Best Albums of 2021
Despite a global pandemic, musicians were far more active in 2021 and had time to create their finest work. It resulted in some of the best albums in years.
Featured: Top of Home Page/Features/Lists/Music/Music Features/PopMatters Picks/The Best Music of 2021
The 10 Best Americana Albums of 2021
Any list of the year’s best Americana albums inevitably contains a sprawling biome of country, folk, soul, blues, R&B, bluegrass, and roots-rock.
Brandi Carlile’s ‘In These Silent Days’ Is Stylistically Diverse and Stunningly Good
Unlike many pandemic music projects, there are no filler tracks or wasted space on Brandi Carlile’s In These Silent Days. Each song stands on its own stylistically.
The 2021 Roots N Blues Festival Celebrated Women in Roots Music
Fans reveled in the return of the 15-year-old Roots N Blues Festival and its celebration of roots music women amid a sun-drenched weekend in Missouri.
Pearl Jam Keep the Flame Burning at the Ohana Festival
Seeing Pearl Jam in 2021 feels like chicken soup for the soul for those who feel a religious sentiment about the ’90s alternative rock revolution.
Eight AmericanaFest Best (and Not So Great) Moments
There were hits and misses at AmericanaFest 2021 in Nashville, but organizers made a valiant effort to ensure the festival allowed us to hear live music again.
The 2020 Grammy Awards Didn’t Chase the Dark Clouds Away
In 2019, a spotlight on queer musicians and fast-paced broadcast made the Grammys have some real cultural relevance. Its 2020 edition, clouded by tragedy, scandal, and bloat, only served to remind us why award shows are so problematic.
The Highwomen Is a Supergroup That Packs a Punch
Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, and Natalie Hemby collaborate on a highly entertaining country album as the Highwomen.
“To a New Level”: An Interview with Natalie Hemby of the Highwomen
Prolific singer-songwriter Natalie Hemby traces her path to becoming one of the Highwomen and hints at a new solo album during the Newport Folk Festival.
Newport Folk Festival: A Marvelous Musical Retreat
The 2019 Newport Folk Festival delivered on all fronts with Dolly Parton, Kermit the Frog, the Highwomen and Yola as this year's MVP.