Few artists command a stage quite like Brandi Carlile. The acclaimed American singer-songwriter has built a career on powerhouse vocals, raw storytelling and electrifying live performances, with a team of dedicated professionals working behind the scenes to bring every show to life. For 1883 Magazine, Carlile and her lead guitar tech, Jason Crisp, have penned an exclusive tour essentials diary, offering a closer look at the equipment, tools and technical must-haves that keep the show running night after night.
Currently on tour with Irish singer-songwriter CMAT, Carlile will return to the UK early next year to play the Eventim Apollo in April 2027.
In this diary, Carlile also praises Crisp’s invaluable work behind the scenes and his technical expertise that helps bring her live performances to life.
Jason Crisp: The morning load in is not for the faint of heart…. Especially after a late load out the night before!
JC: quick pre-soundcheck catch up with our stage manager! It’s times like these that make the touring life so special, meeting people who feel like family after a week.
JC: Running through some tone changes with Brandi in soundcheck, the trust she has for me when it comes to her sound is so important and doesn’t come by easily.
Brandi Carlile: Daily soundcheck is incredibly important on tour — as the acoustics in each venue vary greatly. We also take audience requests during soundcheck, so everything’s quite unpredictable (and fun!). That’s where Jason’s calm energy and ability to pivot really shine — he can adapt to any situation, in any room, and that’s absolutely invaluable. He’s a godsend.
JC: Pre-show tune up! This is when the excitement and adrenaline start to kick in.
JC: The top of the show, lights are dim and the nerves are up! I’m just waiting to hear that first note and then I can relax a little.
BC: Each night of the Human Tour opens with “Returning To Myself” — solo acoustic. That moment is totally nerve-wracking (especially in arenas!) — and having an expertly-tuned guitar is imperative.
This particular guitar though — the one I open the show with, is unique and very fussy. It’s an early 1950s vintage Gibson jazz guitar with a cutaway so I can access higher frets. The guitar fights being in tune when it’s in a standard tuning, but ‘Returning To Myself’ is in an alternative tuning that requires unique knowledge of intonation and managing antique instruments. Jason nails this sensitive tuning every. single. time.
Having him by my side, knowing the guitar is perfectly tuned, is the reason I can open this tour confidently and pitch perfect.
