286. Brandi Carlile & Tish Melton: Behind the Scenes of Making Tish’s New EP
In the latest installment of "We Can Do Hard Things," host Glennon Doyle is joined by renowned singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile and emerging artist Tish Melton to explore the intricacies of their musical collaboration and Tish's burgeoning career. They delve into the significance of genuine friendship and shared musical inspiration in the creative process. Carlile and Melton discuss the importance of challenging one another as artists, focusing on the power of emotional honesty over technical flawlessness, and eagerly anticipate the audience’s reaction to Melton’s new endeavors.
The conversation further illuminates Tish Melton's artistic journey, from the heartfelt stories embedded in her songwriting to the meticulous preparations for her live performances. Doyle openly discusses her parenting philosophy as it relates to Tish's pursuit of music, emphasizing autonomy, trust, and open communication as key components for nurturing her daughter’s assuredness and authenticity. Carlile and Melton highlight the need for authentic self-expression in the industry, celebrating how imperfections in music can become marks of true artistry, echoing the timeless legacy of influential figures like Joni Mitchell.
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1-Page Summary
Tish and Brandi's special friendship and musical collaboration
Tish Melton and Brandi Carlile share a deep musical bond and mutual admiration. Their connection transcends simple mentorship—forging a true friendship grounded in shared musical expression and collaboration. As they work together, a healthy tension arises, challenging each other artistically and pushing each other's boundaries. Carlile sees a part of her younger self in Tish and holds an unwavering belief in her talent, eagerly awaiting the public response to Tish's upcoming works. They engage in collaborative song refinement, maintaining the authenticity of their artistry by valuing emotional truth over technical perfection.
Tish Melton's journey, on and off stage
Tish Melton steps into the limelight with a clear-eyed vision for her music, embedding personal experiences into her songwriting. Her debut EP "When We're Older" is a bold introduction to her artistry, with tracks resonating universally. Melton trusts her instincts, evident in songs like "Sober," where she chooses to defy the norm with a long instrumental outro. Her attention to performance details extends to live shows, with Melton crafting a profound connection with her audience. The anticipation of her playing alongside a band hints at exciting possibilities for her future stage appearances.
Parenting Tish as she pursues her musical dreams
Glennon Doyle navigates parenting Tish Melton through a balance of trust, support, and open communication. Doyle respects her daughter's individuality and steady nature, allowing Tish to manage her own experiences and challenges. This parenting approach aims to foster Tish's assurance and authenticity as she elaborates her artistic persona. Doyle's strategy blends guidance with trust, promoting Tish's autonomy and ensuring she receives the necessary support as she matures personally and in her musical career.
The importance of artists' authentic self-expression
Tish Melton commits to authentic self-expression in her music, treating imperfections as emblems of realness. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Joni Mitchell, she writes from an honest youthful perspective. Brandi Carlile respects this straightforward approach to songwriting among today's young artists, akin to the authenticity of the Laurel Canyon era. Carlile sees the legacy of Joni Mitchell in modern songwriters who are taken seriously and values the sincerity in their work, commending artists like Tish Melton for their honest portrayal of emotions, which resonates with audiences.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- Tish Melton and Brandi Carlile share a close musical bond that goes beyond mentorship, rooted in friendship and collaboration. They challenge each other artistically, with Carlile seeing a reflection of her younger self in Tish. Their collaborative song refinement prioritizes emotional authenticity over technical perfection, fostering a unique and supportive creative dynamic.
- Glennon Doyle plays a crucial role in Tish Melton's life and career by providing a supportive and nurturing environment for her artistic growth. Doyle's parenting approach focuses on fostering Tish's individuality and authenticity, allowing her to navigate challenges with confidence. This support empowers Tish to express herself authentically in her music, shaping her artistic persona. Doyle's guidance and trust contribute to Tish's personal and professional development as she pursues her musical dreams.
- Joni Mitchell is a highly influential singer-songwriter known for her poetic lyrics and unique vocal style. The Laurel Canyon era in music history, particularly in the late 1960s and early 1970s, was a time when many folk and rock musicians lived and collaborated in the Laurel Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles, creating a distinctive sound characterized by introspective lyrics and intricate melodies. Artists from this era, like Joni Mitchell, are often revered for their authentic and emotionally resonant songwriting, which has had a lasting impact on subsequent generations of musicians. Brandi Carlile's comparison of Tish Melton's honest approach to songwriting to the authenticity of the Laurel Canyon era and artists like Joni Mitchell highlights the value placed on genuine self-expression in music.
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Tish and Brandi's special friendship and musical collaboration
Tish Melton and Brandi Carlile share a unique musical friendship characterized by their mutual respect, shared tastes, and an appreciation for songwriting and musical expression.
Their musical chemistry and close bond
Brandi speaks of the "healthy friction and resistance" that arises from working with Tish, viewing it as a sign of a budding artist and reflective of their artistic relationship. Tish recounts their chemistry that developed while playing songs together, which was then manifested in the studio; for example, a drummer adjusting to follow Tish's guitar. Doyle talks about the steadiness Carlile saw in Melton during studio sessions. This musical chemistry coexists with a strong personal bond; they share poetry and musical ideas in a serendipitous way and sometimes work on music late into the night. The simplicity of exclaiming "Love you, Brandi" and "I love you too Tish," shared between them, underscores the depth of their bond beyond mentorship to genuine friendship.
Brandi's belief in and validation of Tish
Brandi Carlile has had a profound belief in Tish Melton since the outset, evinced by her readiness to take Tish seriously and provide validation when others were merely shocked. Carlile expresses her admiration for Tish's steadiness and emotional depth and commits to helping her with transitions in performance. She talks about understanding Tish as a person, which allows her to appreciate the music Tish creates, and she focuses on capturing the feeling conveyed through the music. Carlile conveys mutual trust and acknowledges Tish's fresh perspective that influences her own future work, viewing Melton as a force that questions her path between being an entertainer or a poet. Carlile eagerly anticipates the public hearing Tish’s upcoming work, indicating her staunch belief in Tish's musical abilities and message.
How they push each other artistically
The artistic push between Tish and Brandi comes through collaborative song refinement, with Brandi suggesting ways to switch up melodies or lyrics to enhance a song's hook. They keep initial recordings that capture authentic emotion, valuing the artistic merit over technical perfection. This collaborative effort offers a push for artistic improvement, with Brandi acknowledging that working with Tish and her lyrics has prompted her ...
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Tish and Brandi's special friendship and musical collaboration
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Tish and Brandi's musical collaboration is characterized by a deep bond that intertwines personal connection with artistic inspiration. They challenge each other creatively, refining songs together while valuing authenticity over perfection. Brandi's belief in Tish's talent drives their collaboration, with both artists influencing each other's musical approaches and future works. Their partnership is marked by mutual respect, shared musical tastes, and a genuine friendship that transcends mentorship.
- In creative collaborations, "healthy friction and resistance" often describe the constructive tension that arises when artists challenge each other's ideas and approaches, leading to growth and innovation in their work. It signifies a dynamic where differing perspectives and creative conflicts can spark new ideas and push both parties to explore beyond their comfort zones. This process can result in deeper artistic exploration and the development of unique creative solutions that may not have emerged without this productive tension.
- The depth of their bond beyond mentorship signifies a connection that goes beyond a traditional teacher-student relationship. It implies a strong emotional connection, mutual respect, and genuine friendship that surpasses the typical dynamics of guidance and learning. Their bond is characterized by shared experiences, personal connection, and a deep understanding of each other's artistic and personal journeys. This depth suggests a level of intimacy and trust that extends beyond professional mentorship into a more profound and meaningful relationship.
- Brandi Carlile's belief in Tish Melton stems from her admiration for Tish's musical talent and emotional depth. Carlile is committed to supporting Tish through transitions in her performances, offering guidance and assistance to help Tish grow as an artist. This commitment reflects Carlile's investment in Tish's development and success within the music industry. Carlile's belief in Tish's potential and her willingness to help navigate performance changes demonstrate a mentorship dynamic aimed at fostering Tish's artistic journey.
- The artistic push between Tish and Brandi signifies their collaborative efforts to enhance each other's musical creations through feedback, suggestions, and shared inspiration. They challen ...
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Tish Melton's journey, on and off stage
Tish Melton sets out on her musical journey with a debut that embraces her personal experiences and her distinct vision for her music, all the while preparing herself for the energy and intimacy of live performances.
The vision behind Tish's debut EP "When We're Older"
Teamed up with Brandi Carlile as her producer, Tish Melton embarks on her musical career with the debut EP "When We're Older," presented as a bold and generous statement to the music world. Though Brandi Carlile didn't elaborate, her mention of the EP underlined its importance. Similarly, Glennon Doyle invites listeners to stream the EP, suggesting that its tracks possess a universal resonance.
Her songwriting focused on her own experiences
Tish opens up about her songwriting process, particularly for the song "Sober" on her EP. It’s a track that stands out to her with a clear artistic vision. Despite initial disagreements with Brandi, Tish insisted on a long instrumental outro without words—a reflection of her determination to make the song echo her personal vision.
Tish performing her music live, past and future
Tish’s meticulous attention to detail extends to her particularly personal live performances. She emphasizes the importance of intros and outros in her music, likening each moment to an introduction or first impression. Her live performance at the Tr ...
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Tish Melton's journey, on and off stage
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Tish Melton is embarking on her musical journey with a debut EP titled "When We're Older," produced by Brandi Carlile. The EP is described as a bold statement in the music industry, with tracks that resonate universally. Tish's songwriting process, particularly highlighted in the track "Sober," reflects her determination to convey her personal vision through her music. Her live performances, known for their meticulous attention to detail and emotional impact, showcase her strong connection with the audience and hint at potential growth towards performing with a band.
- Brandi Carlile, a renowned singer-songwriter and producer, played a crucial role in shaping Tish Melton's debut EP "When We're Older." Carlile's involvement added depth and expertise to the production process, contributing to the EP's overall quality and impact. As a respected figure in the music industry, Carlile's endorsement and collaboration with Tish Melton helped elevate the EP's significance and reach. Carlile's influence and guidance as a producer provided valuable insights and direction for Tish Melton's musical journey.
- Tish Melton's emphasis on intros and outros in her live performances highlights her attention to the beginning and ending of her songs, considering them crucial moments for setting the tone and leaving a lasting impact on the audience. By focusing on these elements, Tish aims to create a complete and immersive experience for her listeners, ensuring that each performance is memorable and emotionally resonant.
- Tish Melton's live performance at the Troubadour was a significant event where she showcased her music in a personal and detailed manner, emphasizing the importance of connecting wit ...
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Parenting Tish as she pursues her musical dreams
Glennon Doyle shares insights into how she's parenting her daughter Tish, who has a passion for music, indicating a blend of trust, support, and freedom as Tish individuates and pursues her dreams.
Glennon supporting Tish while they individuate
Glennon Doyle talks about the individuation process with her daughter Tish, particularly how she's allowing Tish to navigate her own experiences. She mentions Tish's steady nature, highlighting that her daughter seems untroubled by significant challenges, though she might have concerns about more common things, which may reflect the type of supportive stance Glennon is taking in parenting. She prefers to keep open communication with Tish, choosing to talk things through rather than impose strict rules, allowing for flexibility based on specific situations.
Letting Tish be her steady, assured self
In her approach to guiding Tish, Glennon along with Brandi Carlile, comments on Tish's steadiness, indicating that Tish is trusted to handle and balance her responsibilities and privileges. They both seem to appreciate and encourage Tish's trait of assurance in the pursuit of her musical ambitions. There is a recognition that Tish can argue from different points of view, exemplifying her ability to be self-assured and to present herself authentically, whether it's leaning into her youthful side or demanding adult pri ...
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Parenting Tish as she pursues her musical dreams
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Clarifications
- Tish's ability to argue from different points of view suggests her capacity to consider various perspectives or opinions on a given topic. This trait indicates her skill in understanding and articulating different sides of an issue, showcasing her ability to engage in nuanced discussions or debates. Tish's capability to present diverse viewpoints may reflect her open-mindedness, critical thinking skills, and willingness to explore different angles when expressing her thoughts or beliefs. This ability can be valuable in fostering empathy, broadening understanding, and promoting constructive dialogue in various situations.
- In the context of parenting, Doyle's strategy of balancing guidance and trust involves providing direction and advice to her daughter while also having faith in her ability to make decisions independently. This approach aims to support Tish's growth and development by offering a mix of support and freedom to explore her interests and pursue her musical aspirations. By combining guidance with trust, Doyle seeks to empower Tish to navigate her own path while ensuring she has the necessary support and autonomy to thrive personally and musically.
- Autonomy in decision-making refers to the ability and freedom for an individ ...
Counterarguments
- Open communication is valuable, but some situations may require clearer boundaries and rules for a child's safety and well-being.
- Trusting a child to handle responsibilities is important, but parents also need to ensure that the child is not overwhelmed and has the necessary support.
- While Tish's assurance is commendable, it's important to also teach children how to cope with failure and uncertainty, as these are inevitable aspects of pursuing any dream.
- Arguing from different points of view is a skill, but it's essential to ensure that it is coupled with empathy and understanding of others' perspectives.
- Balancing guidance with trust is a nuanced approach, but there may be times when more direct intervention is necessary, especially if the child's decisions could lead to harmful consequences. ...
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The importance of artists' authentic self-expression
Brandi Carlile explores the significance of artists acting as pure conduits of goodness and the profound impact that occurs when artists express themselves authentically without any obstructions.
Tish writing unapologetically about her youth
Tish Melton reveals that in recording the vocals for "Damage," the takes where her voice was shaky or cracking were kept because they sounded real, reflecting her commitment to authenticity in her music. This approach shows Tish's embrace of imperfections in her performance as a form of genuine self-expression.
Tish speaks on the inspiration drawn from Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now," composing from the standpoint of someone young and at the dawn of grasping life and love. Her reflections on experiencing this song imply that she writes from her own, current youthful perspective. Moreover, Tish discusses authentic aspirations such as selling out an arena or winning a Grammy, illustrating her raw and truthful form of self-expression.
Melton’s artistic expressions are introductions to herself, indicating that she's focused on representing her true self. The aspect of Tish writing about her youth is implied by her music and the collaboration with Brandi, which translates her genuine experiences even though not explicitly mentioned.
Brandi admiring the earnest songwriting of today's young artists
Brandi Carlile expresses admiration for the straightforward yet sophisticated style of young artists such as Lizzie McAlpine, Boy Genius, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, Gracie Abrams, and Noah Kahn. She appreciates how they stay true to their experiences and don't project themselves into a different age or scenario. Carlile finds parallels between this authentic self-expression and the songwriting of the Laurel Canyon era, suggesting that today’s songwriting could even surpass that of the past in authenticity and directness.
Brandi also draws a connecti ...
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The importance of artists' authentic self-expression
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Tish Melton's approach of embracing imperfections in her music for genuine self-expression involves keeping raw and authentic elements like shaky or cracking vocals in her recordings. This intentional inclusion of imperfections adds a sense of realness and vulnerability to her music, showcasing her commitment to authenticity in her artistic expression. By not striving for perfection and instead valuing the emotional depth conveyed through imperfections, Tish creates a more genuine connection with her audience. This approach allows Tish to convey her true self and emotions through her music, resonating with listeners on a deeper level.
- Tish Melton draws inspiration from Joni Mitchell's song "Both Sides Now" for her music, composing from a youthful perspective akin to Mitchell's introspective style. The song's themes of life and love resonate with Tish, influencing her approach to authentic self-expression in her own music. Tish's reflections on the song suggest a connection to her current experiences and emotions, shaping her songwriting with a raw and genuine touch. Mitchell's legacy of heartfelt songwriting has inspired Tish to embrace imperfections and vulnerabilities in her performances, mirroring the depth and honesty found in "Both Sides Now."
- The Laurel Canyon era, referring to the music scene in the 1960s and 1970s in the Laurel Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles, was known for its folk and rock music that emphasized authentic, introspective songwriting. Today's young artists, like Lizzie McAlpine, Boy Genius, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, Gracie Abrams, and Noah Kahn, are praised for their genuine and emotionally raw songwriting, drawing parallels to the authenticity and directness of the musicians from the Laurel Canyon era. This connection highlights a continuation of a tradition where a ...
Counterarguments
- Authenticity in art is subjective, and what one person views as genuine self-expression, another might see as contrived or inauthentic.
- Embracing imperfections in music can be seen as a stylistic choice rather than an inherent quality of authenticity.
- The idea that young artists today are more authentic than those of past generations is debatable, as each era has its own context and challenges that influence artistic expression.
- The commercial aspirations of artists, such as selling out arenas or winning Grammys, might sometimes conflict with the pursuit of pure artistic expression.
- The notion that artists should not project themselves into different ages or scenarios could be limiting, as exploring diverse perspectives can also be a form of authentic creativity.
- While Joni Mitchell's legacy is influential, it is not the sole enabler of young women being taken seriously in music; there are many factors and individuals who have contributed to this progress.
- The admiration for the straightforwardness of ...
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