By Delaney Willson
Musicians across the world are idolized for their talent, their charisma, and their ability to inspire us through song. There's no doubt we value music in our culture more than ever. Still, like a rite-of-passage, there come's a time in almost every artist's life where they are forced to confront the age old question: how am I making a difference in the world? Never one to shy away from adversity, Brandi Carlile tackled that issue head on this year, creating a musical project with impact lasting beyond even her own powerful vibrato. And to our absolute delight, The Secret Sisters were asked to be a part of the magic.
Carlile's upcoming album, Cover Stories, is a collection of cover songs from her 2007 hit album The Story, and is intended to support her nonprofit, The Looking Out Foundation, in it's quest to raise awareness for children around the world affected by conflict and war. 100% of the album's proceeds are being donated to War Child, a nonprofit based out of London dedicated to the same cause. The album comes at a time of uncertainty and unrest in the Middle East, and has attracted the attention of major politicians across the world. Most notably, Barack Obama, volunteered to provide a forward to the album. When asked about his involvement, the former president replied that "as an artist, Brandi Carlile is using her talent on behalf of the most vulnerable among us, children living in areas of conflict. She reminds us that, together, we can build for our children a more just, peaceful world."
Carlile has always been vocal in her support of social causes. Her foundation has led campaigns to combat community violence, deter women from committing crimes leading to prison sentences, and has adamantly supported LGBTQ rights. So when the opportunity to partner with War Child presented itself, the totality with which Carlile committed herself to the cause surprised nobody. Enlisting the help of her musical friends and heroes, she has put together a cohort that looks more like a list of Hall of Fame inductees than the credit listing for a single album. Among the names are legends like Dolly Parton, Pearl Jam, and Kris Kristofferson. Continuing their friendship, our very own girls in The Secret Sisters contributed a hauntingly beautiful version of "Losing Heart."
While the other 13 tracks were recorded in 2016, Adele's rendition of "Hiding My Heart" was originally included as a bonus track on her album 21. According to Carlile, Adele's cover was the original inspiration for the venture. A decade has passed, but Stories still has us on the edge of our seats every time we hear it. This time around, Cover Stories is sure to move your heart as much as it is to move your feet.
Cover Stories is set to be released on May 5, 2017.
For more info visit www.coverstoriesalbum.com