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Brandi Carlile Announces ‘Returning To Myself’—Her First Solo Album in Four Years—With Reflective New Video
READ TIME: 7 MIN.
Brandi Carlile, whose unmistakable voice and candid songwriting have resonated across generations and identities, has announced the upcoming release of “Returning To Myself”—her first solo studio album since 2021’s “In These Silent Days” . The new album is set for release on October 24, 2025 via Interscope Records and Lost Highway, marking a significant milestone in Carlile’s ever-evolving career .
The announcement follows a period during which Carlile has not only cemented her status as a musical icon but also expanded her collaborative horizons. In recent years, Carlile has performed with and produced music for legendary artists such as Joni Mitchell and Elton John, most notably teaming up with John for the 2023 collaborative album “Who Believes In Angels?” . Her commitment to both artistry and community has been evident, as she continues to use her platform in support of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility .
“Returning To Myself” will be Carlile’s eighth studio album and is described as her most personal work yet. The album features 10 tracks, with production credits shared between Carlile, Andrew Watt, Aaron Dessner, and Justin Vernon—prominent figures known for their boundary-pushing work across folk, rock, and pop .
The album’s title track, “Returning To Myself,” was released on September 3, 2025, offering fans an early glimpse of the project’s introspective tone . Written and produced by Carlile with Andrew Watt, the song’s lyrics explore themes of solitude, self-acceptance, and the ongoing journey of identity .
The accompanying music video, directed by acclaimed visual artist Floria Sigismondi, pairs Carlile’s evocative vocals with striking, symbolic imagery that underscores the song’s message of self-discovery and vulnerability . The video is available on Carlile’s official website and select streaming platforms .
Carlile elaborated on the song’s meaning in a public statement: “I think people are going to hear that song in different ways. Some are going to hear it as a call to return to themselves. Some are going to hear it as a justification not to. And I love that about it because it is a deeply conflicting feeling. There is no a-ha moment in that song. It’s just a contemplation of, ‘Is enlightenment aloneness or is enlightenment learning togetherness and sacrificial love?’” .
For many LGBTQ+ listeners, Carlile’s new work is likely to carry particular resonance. As one of the most visible queer women in mainstream music, her career has consistently celebrated the complexities of identity, love, and community. The reflective nature of “Returning To Myself” aligns closely with themes of self-acceptance and chosen family that are central to many LGBTQ+ experiences .
The album’s development comes amidst a broader cultural moment in which LGBTQ+ representation in music is both increasingly visible and frequently contested. Carlile’s willingness to center her authentic self—both as an artist and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community—has made her a role model for queer and transgender people seeking affirmation and visibility in the arts .
Since her emergence as a major force in Americana and folk-rock, Carlile has consistently foregrounded the importance of storytelling and community. Her activism includes founding the Looking Out Foundation, which supports a range of LGBTQ+ and social justice causes, and using her platform to advocate for inclusion within the music industry . The themes of “Returning To Myself” appear to draw from these same wellsprings of empathy and reflection.
Advance press materials and fan reaction suggest that “Returning To Myself” will further solidify Carlile’s reputation as a singular voice in contemporary music—one who is unafraid to explore the difficult, beautiful process of becoming oneself . The album’s release is poised to be one of the most anticipated cultural moments of the year for listeners across genres and identities.
With “Returning To Myself” set to arrive on October 24, 2025, anticipation is already building among fans and critics alike . Pre-orders are available through Interscope Records’ official website, and Carlile has hinted at an upcoming North American and European tour to coincide with the album’s release .
As Carlile prepares to share her latest chapter with the world, her journey stands as an affirmation for LGBTQ+ communities—reminding all listeners of the power found in returning, again and again, to one’s truest self.
