We Need to Talk About Brandi Carlile (btw I forgive you)

A voice that’s bigger than genres

Brandi Carlile is one of the most powerful voices of our time — not just musically, but spiritually.

She blends folk, rock, country, and gospel in a way that feels like she’s channeling something bigger than herself. A true storyteller. Her voice cracks open emotions you didn’t even know you were holding.

She’s won multiple Grammys, shared the stage with legends like Joni Mitchell and Elton John, and co-founded the country supergroup The Highwomen. But what sets her apart isn’t just her talent. It’s her spirit.

The first time I heard her

My introduction to Brandi Carlile came just before my son Phineas was born. My wife Laura played me a song called “The Mother.” I remember exactly where I was (in our teeny tiny flat in Peckham London, big up SE15!). The song stopped me in my tracks. Now, I know I’m not the “Mother” here, but I could still really relate. Lyrics like

Welcome to the end of being alone inside your mind”  
“You are tethered to another” 
"Made me love the mornings, she's a holiday at sea" 
"First thing she took from me was selfishness and sleep"

I know I hadn’t experienced all that yet, but in someway I felt like this connected to what I imagined it would be.

I was raised by a single mum, so there was a simultaneous sense of having stopped time and looking back at all the things she had been though and done for me, whilst also looking ahead to what I hoped would be in store for our new family.

Her lyrics pierced right through me — in the quietest, most powerful way. And that whole album — By the Way, I Forgive You — felt like sitting on a rollercoaster of grace, grief, and healing.

A lesser-known part of her story: faith

Here’s where things get even more interesting.

Brandi Carlile grew up in a small town, deeply in love with Jesus. She wasn’t forced into religion — she wanted it. She asked to be baptized. She dreamed of singing in church.

But when the church found out she was gay, they said no. They turned her away.

Heartbreaking, right?

I remember getting so mad when I read this. It goes completely against everything Jesus teaches us.

It’s the kind of rejection that leaves a mark — and for many, it would’ve ended their relationship with Jesus altogether. I also think these stories and happenings like this makes those of us who follow a bit distressed about the flaws of religion.

She didn’t walk away from God

But instead of walking away from faith completely, she carried it with her. She still talks about Jesus. Still sings about redemption, love, doubt, forgiveness.

She’s proof that faith can survive even when religion wounds us.

There’s a quiet kind of power in her story — and in her songs. The kind that reminds you that God often speaks through the outsiders.

Brandi Carlile isn’t just a brilliant artist. She’s a spiritual force wrapped in flannel and harmony.

She once said in an interview:

“I’ve always been really, really comfortable with the idea that faith is about mystery, and doubt, and questions.”

One of the most unexpected Christian voices in music

If you’re searching for famous artists who follow Jesus — or at least wrestle with faith in a deeply honest way — Brandi Carlile absolutely belongs on that list.

She doesn’t fit the mold of traditional Christian music. But you can feel the gospel in her lyrics. You can hear the ache of someone who still believes in love, grace, and a bigger story — even after being pushed out of the building.

A voice for those on the outside

Brandi Carlile isn’t just an extraordinary artist. She’s a spiritual force.

A reminder that God often speaks through the people we don’t expect — the ones who were told they didn’t belong.

Her story is both heartbreaking and hopeful. It’s for anyone who’s ever loved Jesus but felt like they didn’t fit in.