Opportunities abound today for musicians to raise their voices in protest. At marches and rallies nationwide, many do just that, and then pack up their instruments and slogan hats[1] and head home. But when Brandi Carlile commits to a cause, she commits. That's not a surprise — the Washington state-based singer-songwriter is famous for the depth of her dedication, whether to family, a cause, or the gorgeously crafted songs[2] that have made her a central figure in the 21st-century singer-songwriter scene.
Most recently, when asked by student organizers to perform at Seattle's iteration of the national "March For Our Lives," Carlile instantly agreed, and has now released a stirring video of the march and performance.
Carlile connected with the student organizers through a good friend who is a Seattle police officer. "She was attending a community meeting organized by the students to plan the Seattle March," Carlile says via email. "When they were asked who they'd like to be the performer at the end of the March they said my name. She offered to FaceTime me for them, because they didn't believe she knew me! When I picked up and heard the kids' idea I, of course, said I'd do it right there and then."
With a plethora of rock notables living in Seattle, the students chose Carlile precisely because she represents the convictions they, too, are learning to express. Organizer Lina Waughman, the Woodinville High School senior — and power lifting champ — who co-organized the March, later reflected on the experience of listening to Carlile there.
"Sitting next to the youth from all over the state of Washington while listening to Brandi sing about how the times are changing made tears
