This is the third of five conversations with rising Americana musicians by KAXE Music Director Kari Hedlund, recorded in Nashville at AmericanaFest. Tune in to New Music all week to hear them, plus the artists’ live AmericanaFest sets!
If you missed it on the air, visit our archives.
NASHVILLE — The musician and producer relationship is often discussed and dissected in the music world.
Rising Americana singer Brandy Clark has nothing but good things to say about the producer of her latest self-titled album, Brandi Carlile.
“Her gift is that she helps you get to the center of who you are as an artist,” Clark said, speaking to KAXE Music Director Kari Hedlund at AmericanaFest 2023 in Nashville.
In the past Clark was skeptical of musicians producing musicians, but working with Carlile changed her mind.
“I think you’re working with one of the greatest singers to ever live,” Clark said, “and so she can ask things of me vocally that someone who’s not one of the greatest singers in the world can ask because she can do it.”
While Carlile was there to help complete the album, the strength of Clark’s songwriting is what stands out in the new work. A song that has been a favorite of KAXE DJs is “She Smoked in the House,” inspired by her grandmother and the generation who often lit up indoors.
“I feel like my grandma co-wrote that with me from heaven,” Clark said. “I really do.”
