First/Last-Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile

Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead

Monday, June 25, 2012

Munhall

“If you start a band with me, I’ll get us signed and on the road within a year”…… Not only did the determined, confident and tenacious 22-year-old Brandi Carlile come through with her promise to twin bothers and initially reluctant band members Phil and Tim Hanseroth, but she also exceeded their expectations. Carlile landed the prophesied record deal with Columbia Records one year later and with the guidance of producer Rick Rubin, they recorded and released their eponymous debut album in early 2005. “The Twins were local heroes to me, I used to go and watch them play live when they were in The Fighting Machinists, I thought they were cool but more importantly great singers and songwriters.” Carlile, in a vain attempt to impress her newfound comrades, ordered in some dry ice to lure them to their first band rehearsal. “I didn’t know how dangerous overexposure to carbon dioxide could be, so I ended up nearly killing us all from asphyxiation!” Near-death experiences aside, this was the beginning of a unique collaboration. It was a partnership that would see Brandi Carlile and Tim and Phil Hanseroth sharing everything from the stage, songwriting and production credits and all creative business decisions, to bunk beds, road pranks, swine flu, confined spaces and dirty t-shirts too."

As mentioned yesterday, Brandi is performing this upcoming Monday in Munhall. My thanks to her for participating in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Elton John, “Tumbleweed Connection”. I stole it from the King County Library.

Your last album bought?
Alabama Shakes, “Boys And Girls”.

Favorite album of all time?
Elton John, “Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy” AND Queen, “A Night At The Opera”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Brandi Carlile demos circa 1995 – 1998.

First concert attended?
Teresa Carlile at the Little Red Hen.

Last concert?
Ween.

Favorite concert ever?
Elton John, 1995. Made In England.

Least favorite concert?
Brandi Carlile, Shakey's Pizza, 1991.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Despite the fact that they whooped the Seahawks in the 2006 Super Bowl, I forgive them and love them dearly.

Thanks, Brandi. I am sure there are a bunch of people who would love to have the opportunity to dispute your most disappointed album claim...