Brandi Carlile films acoustic video off Whidbey Island shores

Brandi Carlile, the Washington native and multi-genre artist, filmed the acoustic video for "A War With Time" on her boat Captain Fantastic off the shores of Whidbey Island. The footage pairs Carlile strumming a guitar on deck with shots of lush green forests, teal island waters, a spotted seal on a dock and a bird crossing the bay, intercut with scenes of her fishing hook and net.

Carlile shared the clip on her Facebook page, where she has more than 719,000 followers. The post quickly earned over 12,000 likes and drew a stream of responses from people who recognized familiar landscapes and expressed pride in seeing the region highlighted. Comments included "WHAT????? You were on our island? Did it whisper into your soul?" and "Here I am crying, listening to this beautiful song showcasing some of the beauty of the island we now call home." Another person captured the hometown sentiment with "Brandi coming back to her roots is like slipping into your favorite winter sweater at the end of a good summer."

Behind the camera, Carlile embraced the fishing setting as part of the project. In a behind-the-scenes interview she boarded Captain Fantastic while it was docked at Whidbey and, after hauling up a catch, exclaimed, "Oh we’re on." She described the island as a "super magical" place and admitted that the shoot was in part an excuse to go fishing, saying "Dude, that’s my happy place."

For Island County residents, the video is more than a moment of local pride. Visual media that draws attention to coastal landscapes can boost tourism and informal visitation, increasing foot traffic at beaches, docks and trails. That can bring economic opportunity for small businesses while also raising concerns about shoreline erosion, wildlife disturbance and recreational safety. The appearance of a seal in the video is a reminder of the fragile marine life that shares these spaces and the need for responsible viewing distances.

There are also public health benefits to consider. Time spent outdoors, near water and green space, is linked with stress reduction and improved well-being, and the video may inspire more residents to seek those benefits. At the same time, any spike in visitors or boating activity underscores the importance of equitable access to recreational spaces, clear safety messaging, and investments in infrastructure and conservation so that long-term residents and newcomers can enjoy the island without compromising local ecosystems.

The full acoustic video is available on YouTube, and the single will be released on Carlile’s upcoming album Returning to Myself on Oct. 24. As interest in Whidbey Island grows, local leaders and community groups will play a central role in balancing opportunity, public health and environmental stewardship.