Carlile brings unique sound to Kent

By John Benson

When nationally renowned folk-based artists come through Kent, most naturally want to discuss the personal significance of playing the same city where 39 years ago next month four students died during an on-campus protest.

For singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, who is scheduled to perform Monday at The Kent Stage, the Kent State University shooting doesn’t ring a bell. To be fair, the self-taught musician was born in 1981.

“I guess I have some Googling to do,” said Carlile, calling from a tour stop in Alexandria, Va.

Though history books may not be Carlile’s strength, you’d better believe this 27-year-old singer-songwriter is well-versed in all things folk, country and rock. Citing influences ranging from Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash to Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline and The Beatles, Carlile has forged her own sound that has attracted nationwide attention.

More so, the last five years have been a rocket-ship ride for the singer-songwriter who, armed with her self-titled album, was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the “10 Artists To Watch in 2005.” The Seattle native made good on the promise by hitting the road with twin brothers Tim (guitar) and Phil (bass) Hanseroth for various headlining gigs, as well as playing opening slots for Ray LaMontagne, The Fray, Chris Isaak, Tori Amos and Shawn Colvin.

Now the artist is readying the release of her follow-up album to 2007’s “The Story.” While still untitled – even though she likes the name “Give Up the Ghost” – her next effort is due out in August and finds her exploring her roots with producer Rick Rubin and guests Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello and The Attractions).

Among the songs that Carlile said she’s currently performing live are the acoustic “Dying Day,” the three-part-harmony and ukulele-dominated “Oh Dear” and the piano-based power ballad “Before it Breaks.”

“I feel like this is a great third record for us,” Carlile said. “The first record was sort of limited material, limited funds, limited space. We did a lot of work in my living room and there are a lot of songs that didn’t have drums simply because we didn’t have room to mic them. The second album was sort of this sonic landscape with producer T-Bone Burnett, where we recorded everything live in one room and [with] one group of people.

“And this album is more extreme than both of those records because we had more resources. We still recorded everything live to tape, but some of the songs on this record are so big that it’s intimating. And some of them are so intimate that you should feel uncomfortable when you’re listening to them. On this record we took some leaps of faith, so I’m proud of it.”

Carlile said that pride is evident in her current live set, which on any given night can feature a few surprises in the form of cover songs (such as Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” and she hints The Beatles’ “Let it Be” may be coming soon).

“I have to say, this tour feels the most to me like a show that we have never done,” Carlile said. “It’s constantly changing. We’re bringing up the opener and singing old country songs. We’re walking out in front of the stage and playing totally unplugged. And then I’m sitting down at the piano or we’re playing ukulele. It’s a show with lamps and candles on stage. It’s like a living room.”

She added, “It’s just very free, and if you want to catch a glimpse of what our band really is as far as friends and collaborators, this is the show to see.”