Elton John has openly acknowledged the challenges he presented while collaborating with Brandi Carlile on their upcoming album, Who Believes in Angels?. This exciting musical venture is set to release on April 4, and marks a significant moment in both artists’ careers. Initially, they aimed to replicate the iconic collaboration between Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. However, they quickly pivoted to explore a more authentic and daring creative direction that pushed their boundaries.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Carlile shared a pivotal moment in their creative process. She recounted John saying, ?Let?s not be any of that. Let?s just be ourselves ? and we don?t know what that is. Don?t write, don?t do anything in advance.? This bold decision transformed their approach, adding an element of unpredictability to their sessions.

READ MORE: Underrated Elton John: The Most Overlooked Song From Every Album

During this period, John faced significant health challenges, including a head injury and surgeries on his hip and knee. Despite feeling unwell and overwhelmed, he was determined not to cancel the studio sessions led by Andrew Watt. John admitted, ?I was tired, I didn?t feel well and I was extremely nervous.? This heightened nervousness fueled intense creative sparks during their collaboration.

Carlile provided further insight into the dynamic atmosphere in the studio. She described how John?s emotional intensity led to dramatic moments, including smashing his iPad and headphones. ?There were really amazing, classic Elton John outbursts,? she noted. ?My lyrics got torn up and thrown on the ground ? he goes, ?Fuck off, Brandi.? He would yell, ?Predictable! Cliché!?? These raw expressions of frustration underscored the creative tension they navigated.

John elaborated on the source of his anxiety, clarifying that it stemmed from his self-expectations rather than concerns about others. He reflected, ?Once we got through the first three songs, we knew we had something. And I was much more relaxed? but I was a bit of a nightmare.? This candid admission illustrates the trials they overcame to achieve their artistic vision.

Brandi Carlile Reflects on Elton John?s Passionate Collaboration

Carlile acknowledged that there were ?definitely points? during their collaboration when she felt John had crossed certain boundaries. However, she recognized that this intensity brought a unique advantage to working with one of her musical heroes. ?Elton doesn?t want to be put on a pedestal,? she shared. ?He doesn?t like listening to stories of my childhood love for him. There was so much riding on my perception of Elton, versus who Elton really is.? This duality created a complex but enriching creative environment.

In discussing the collaborative process that resulted in the album, Carlile illustrated the urgency of their sessions. ?He would start singing and cutting lyrics or saying words the wrong way, and I would get in and fix the issue,? she explained. ?You don?t stop Elton; you frantically replace the lyric in front of him and then he?s singing that. It was really volatile, but really cool.? This fast-paced, dynamic interaction showcases the vibrant and sometimes chaotic nature of their work together.