On Friday, April 4, the intimate 92NY venue played host to an unforgettable evening with music icons Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Bernie Taupin, and producer Andrew Watt, as they gathered for a screening of Who Believes in Angels? Stories from the Edge of Creation, followed by a candid post-screening conversation led by host Dave Karger. The event offered fans a rare glimpse into the creative struggles, triumphs, and deep connections behind the making of one of the most anticipated music documentaries in recent memory.
The conversation began with Elton John and Bernie Taupin reflecting on their enduring partnership, and their collaborative work with Brandi Carlile and Andrew Watt. Throughout the evening, the artists shared personal anecdotes from the making of their latest album, revealing the behind-the-scenes tension, moments of creative conflict, and ultimately, the breakthroughs that shaped their new sound.
Brandi Carlile, who joined the discussion, expressed her admiration for Elton’s bold, impulsive creative energy, noting that his refusal to settle for formulaic music was a key ingredient in the album’s success. “I think a lot of the tirades and things that we put fun at a little bit are the reason why you’re hearing the music you’re hearing on this album,” Brandi said, referring to Elton’s famous reactions in the studio. “If nobody had been brave enough in that moment to say, ‘I hate it,’ that’s the record we were going to continue making.”
The group’s candid reflections on their collaboration were particularly engaging as they recounted the challenges they faced. “There was genuine… he was going through hell with me, and so was everybody else,” Elton explained, acknowledging the complexities of the creative process. “And then Elton would turn up the next day with a piece of jewellery for Andrew or something, Poor darling boy,” Bernie chimed in, lightening the mood with humor.
A pivotal moment of the evening occurred when Elton John spoke about the profound impact that Andrew Watt had on the project. “Andrew really pushed me and stood up to me more than anybody I’ve ever seen in the studio,” Elton revealed, describing how their relationship blossomed over the years. “He encouraged me to move forward, to take risks.”
The conversation turned to the creative evolution of the music, with Bernie Taupin recalling how his songwriting process shifted for this album. He spent less time in the studio and more time working on his own, sending lyrics back and forth with Elton and Andrew. “I sat down and literally wrote [a song] in maybe, you know, within an hour,” Bernie explained. “I knew it would work. I knew it was something that he would relate to.” The bond between the two, formed over decades of collaboration, was evident in the warmth with which Bernie described Elton’s eventual realization of the song’s meaning.
In a particularly poignant moment, Bernie reflected on the unique way Elton interprets his lyrics. “Elton’s always kind of ultimately found out what a lyric is about sometime later on in our careers,” he said. “Could be hours, could be days… He’s done it for years, and that’s part of our process.”
Brandi Carlile also shared her experience working alongside Elton in the studio, describing their harmonies as naturally aligned, despite their initial challenges. “I knew our voices would blend,” Brandi said. “When I look at his face, and we’re singing, I know him so well. I know what he’s going to do before he does it. So I just stare at him like a creep.”
The dynamic between the artists, combined with the contributions of Andrew Watt’s production and the input of brilliant musicians like Chance Smith on drums and Peter Paladino on keyboards, led to a process of deep trust and creativity. Andrew explained how the team avoided over-editing the music, instead capturing the raw, human energy that defined the album. “When you’ve got great musicians and they’re human beings, they emit this energy… and that’s what we’re after.”
The night was a reminder of the deep bonds forged through years of collaboration, and how, despite their legends, these musicians continue to push each other to innovate and challenge the status quo. The conversation was filled with humor, vulnerability, and an infectious passion for the music that continues to shape their careers.
As the evening concluded, the audience was left with a sense of awe, not just for the music, but for the creative spirit that fuels these incredible artists. Elton, Bernie, Brandi, and Andrew, each in their own way, exemplify how collaboration, dedication, and a willingness to embrace both conflict and inspiration can lead to truly groundbreaking art.
For anyone who has followed the careers of these iconic figures, Who Believes in Angels? offered a rare and deeply personal glimpse into the magic behind the music. And for the lucky few who attended the 92NY screening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile, it was an experience they won’t soon forget.
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