From then on, music was her constant companion, as she taught herself to sing, play the piano, and later the guitar. Her big break came in 2004 when she signed with Columbia Records, and her self-titled debut was released the following year. In 2005, Brandi was designated the WXPN “Artist to Watch” for November, introducing her to a whole new group of fans and helping her gain a large Philadelphia-area following. As an musician and songwriter who has grown immeasurably, and her latest album "Give Up the Ghost" is even better than her last. Critically praised for her innovative guitar work and powerful vocals, the record emphasizes the arty eccentricities of her previous work while still maintaining the strong pop elements that make her music so endearing. On one end Carlile drags us into completely stripped down and uncomfortably raw territory. On the other, she pulls us into revelatory layers of rich harmonies full of piano, guitar and strings. Together with the Grammy Award winning rock duo Indigo Girls, Carlile was featured at this year's Cayamo Cruise.

The Indigo Girls, who officially began performing under their now famous moniker in 1985, signing their first record contract to Epic Records three years later. Now celebrating their 20+ year career, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers remain as creative as ever. Though they are recognized as major label darlings, they have always retained an independent feel with their warm and crisp acoustic guitars and intertwined melodic vocals. They cemented the feel with the release of their album "Poseidon and the Bitter Bug," which was their first release on their independent label, IG Recordings. The album has been praised for exploring new melodic and rhythmic territory, and though they have retained the very qualities of folk and Americana music that fans adore, they have also embarked on new musical explorations by incorporating styles such as R&B. Since the hailed release in 2009 the girls have gone further by releasing their first holiday album "Holly Happy Days" in 2010.

During the Cayamo Cruise in February, the Indigo Girls matched their spirited and provocative folk with Carlile's spunky grand voice, and immense song-writing capabilities. The pairing is not to be missed and luckily for those unable to make it on the ship this last February, XPN is bringing their set to the radio.


Brandi Carlile
Recent Release: Give Up the Ghost   
Release Date: October 6, 2009
Label: Columbia Records
Band Origin: Los Angeles, CA



Indigo Girls
Recent Release: Poseidon and the Bitter Bug