Brandi Carlile, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, has opened up about her decision to refrain from drinking prior to performances, sharing her experiences on the latest episode of the podcast, Good Hang, hosted by Amy Poehler. During the discussion, Carlile candidly recounted a memorable show in Las Vegas that served as a turning point in her onstage habits.
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The 44-year-old artist explained that her former enjoyment of a drink before stepping onto the stage often led to a less than favourable aftermath. “It’s the spiral afterwards,” she remarked, highlighting the challenges associated with performing under the influence. She elaborated on the pressure of having to stand by her actions from the performance the next day, a burden she found increasingly difficult to manage.
Reflecting on her decision to stop drinking, Carlile shared a particularly amusing yet humbling incident from a past gig. “I thought everyone had seen The Pick of Destiny,” she recalled, referencing the 2006 cult classic film featuring Jack Black and Kyle Gass. For Carlile, the movie held sentimental value, as she had memorised numerous lines from it. However, the night in Vegas revealed a gap between her expectations and reality.
During the performance, emboldened by a few drinks, Carlile decided to jump off the drum riser, only to find her knees buckling beneath her. Rather than letting this mishap deter her, she cleverly turned it into part of her act. “After the song, I stood up and I said to the audience, ‘Well, now that you’ve seen my rock slide, now it’s time for my cock push-up,’” she recounted. Unfortunately, the audience’s unfamiliarity with the film left many puzzled, leading to an awkward moment instead of the comedic triumph she had anticipated.
Carlile’s humorous yet humbling anecdote underscored the disconnect that can arise in live performances, especially when the audience does not share the same cultural references as the performer. The result was a sobering realisation for the star, leading her to conclude, “So I don’t drink anymore… I’m done drinking and working.”
Since that incident, Carlile has dedicated herself to a more disciplined approach to her craft, allowing her to embrace the importance of clarity and connection with her audience. Her commitment to sobriety has not only enhanced her performances but also contributed to her overall wellbeing.
In addition to discussing her onstage revelations, Carlile shared insights regarding her recent performance of “America the Beautiful” at Super Bowl LX. Speaking to Nic Harcourt before the game, she expressed her blend of pride and emotion about the opportunity, underscoring the significance of such high-profile events as indicators of success and visibility for queer artists in the industry.
Carlile acknowledged the importance of representation, stating, “That’s not a crystal ball that queer people get to touch very often more and more now.” Her reflections illustrate a broader shift towards inclusivity within a traditionally exclusive arena, making her triumphs even more meaningful.
Furthermore, fans eagerly anticipate Carlile’s musical evolution, as she recently released her latest album, *Returning to Myself*, in October of the previous year. The album has added to her growing repertoire and reinforces her status as an influential figure in contemporary music.
As she continues her career, Carlile’s experience serves as a reminder of the intricate balance performers must maintain between their personal lives and their public personas. Her decision to forgo alcohol before shows is not only a personal victory but also an example of how vulnerability and authenticity can enhance the artist-audience connection.