'Putting on classic Elton John is very soothing for me'

The 5-minute Interview

Brandi Carlile

Folk-rock musician

Carlile, 26, was named as one of 'Rolling Stone' magazine's 10 artists to watch in 2005 and recently performed on 'Later With Jools Holland'. Her second album, 'The Story', is available now.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be ...

Walking around the market in Camden. I drove past it after my gig at the Roundhouse and the whole area lookedincredible.

A phrase I use far too often ...

"You know what I mean?" I say it all the time. I think it probably comes from my constant need for confirmation.

I wish people would take more notice of ...

The environment and preserving the planet. There's an overall need for more social awareness.

The most surprising thing to happen to me was ...

Selling music outside the US. I could never have imagined music would enable me to travel internationally.

A common misconception about me is ...

I'm not sure there is one. I usually try to wear everything on my sleeve

I am not a politician but ...

If I were, I'd socialise health care in the States and try to come up with a bunch of really creative ways to help society to preserve this planet that we live on.

I'm good at ...

Fishing. When I was a kid my dad took me all the time and as soon as I was old enough, I bought my own equipment.

I'm bad at...

Rising to the occasion. I find it quite difficult to act out different emotions.

The ideal night out is...

Going out for a Thai meal and then going to an indie-rock show.

In weak moments ...

Put on classic Elton John. Very soothing for me.

My philosophy is this ...

Make an effort to change the world but just be careful how you change along with it.

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