Elton John and Brandi Carlile recently shared their creative journey for their new album, Who Believes in Angels?, on The Tonight Show. It all started with a letter. Carlile reached out to John nearly 20 years ago while he was doing a residency in Las Vegas. She expressed her deep admiration for him and shared how he inspired her to pursue music.
"I was thrilled when she asked me to play on her track,” John recalled. When Carlile arrived at the studio, he felt an immediate connection, not only with her voice but with her spirit. John said, “We’ve become firm friends. We’re like family.”
Their collaboration process for Who Believes in Angels? was quite unique. John decided to enter the studio without any preconceived ideas. “I knew how I wanted it to sound, but you can’t plan that,” he explained. This approach led to some initial anxiety and tension during the first few days of recording.
Carlile echoed his sentiments, admitting she battled self-doubt at the start. “I felt quiet and internal in those first few days,” she said. But soon, they both realized the magic was happening.
They worked alongside well-known musicians like Bernie Taupin and Andrew Watt, and their band included top talent like Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pino Palladino. This star-studded collaboration contributed to what John described as “one of the toughest” yet most rewarding musical experiences of his career. He believes this album signals a new chapter for him: "It feels like going into another era," he said.
Recent statistics show that artist collaborations are on the rise, with over 50% of songs in the top charts involving multiple artists. This trend highlights how collaboration can spark creativity and reach wider audiences.
John and Carlile reflect the essence of these partnerships – sharing inspiration and allowing personal connections to shape their work. Their story emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in the creative process. As they continue to journey forward in their music, the bond they’ve formed promises to influence their future collaborations.
If you’re curious about their playful side, the duo joined Fallon and actress Hailee Steinfeld for a fun game of "Password" on the show, which added a lighthearted touch to their appearance.
Explore more about their new album and catch a glimpse of their chemistry through their performances and interviews. For a deeper dive into artist collaborations, check out this report from Billboard.
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Brandi Carlile,Elton John,Hailee Steinfeld,Jimmy Fallon,Late-Night TV,The Tonight Show