Fri Jan 02 02:50:00 UTC 2026: Summary:

Brandi Carlile credits Joni Mitchell as a significant influence on her songwriting, using Mitchell as a personal standard for authenticity. Carlile evaluates her songs based on whether she could confidently perform them for Mitchell. She also played a key role in Joni Mitchell’s return to the stage after a health scare, encouraging her to perform a full set at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival after a 20-year hiatus.

News Article:

Brandi Carlile Reveals Joni Mitchell’s Profound Impact on Her Songwriting

[City, State] – Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile has opened up about the deep influence Joni Mitchell has had on her artistry, revealing that Mitchell serves as a personal benchmark for authenticity in her music.

In a recent interview, Carlile explained that she uses Mitchell as a filter for her songwriting, questioning whether she could confidently perform a song for the legendary artist before considering it complete. “There are songs that just don’t get through the filter anymore of, ‘Can I drive up to that gate and play this song for Joni over a glass of wine?’ If I can’t, it doesn’t get written,” Carlile stated.

Carlile emphasized that the song must originate from what Mitchell calls “the muse,” not from a desire to please others. She explained, “If I’m trying to guess how it’s going to be perceived by other people in the process of making it, it will come out in a way that I can’t stand behind.”

Beyond her influence on Carlile’s creative process, Carlile was also instrumental in Joni Mitchell’s triumphant return to the stage. After Mitchell suffered a near-fatal brain aneurysm in 2015, Carlile encouraged her to perform at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival, marking Mitchell’s first full set in over 20 years.

Carlile shared that the agreement was initially a casual “Joni Jam” setting, but it evolved into a full performance that captivated audiences and showcased Mitchell’s enduring talent. The festival appearance included classics like “A Case of You,” “Both Sides Now,” and “Big Yellow Taxi”. Carlile’s encouragement and support were pivotal in bringing Mitchell back to the stage, solidifying her role as both a fan and a friend.

Read More