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NASHVILLE — Great White fans have reason to celebrate as frontman Brett Carlisle recently confirmed that the band is actively working on new material, marking a creative resurgence for the veteran hard rock outfit.
In a recent interview with The Metal Gods Meltdown, Carlisle—who joined the band in late 2022—revealed that while a specific release date hasn't been set, the songwriting process is well underway.
A Long-Distance Creative Spark
Despite the physical distance between members—Carlisle resides in Alabama while founding guitarist Mark Kendall and keyboardist/guitarist Michael Lardie are based in California—the chemistry is reportedly stronger than ever.
"Me and Mark, we write really well together," Carlisle said. "We have finished three songs in, like, a matter of a few hours before, just writing. We clicked so well."
Carlisle described a collaborative process where Kendall sends over riffs and "scat singing" ideas, which Carlisle then develops into full lyrical concepts and melodies. He also noted a strong vocal connection with Lardie, focusing on intricate harmonies and atmospheric layers.
Recording Plans for 2026
While the band has recorded several demos, they have yet to enter a professional studio to track the final versions. Carlisle acknowledged that their busy touring schedule makes coordination a challenge, but emphasized that the desire to release a full studio album in 2026 is a top priority for the group.
"We have the stuff," Carlisle told interviewer Seb Di Gatto. "I can't say confidently any dates... but, yeah, we all wanna make it happen."
From the Stage to the Screen
The news of new music comes on the heels of Carlisle’s high-profile appearance on American Idol. In an episode that aired in February, Carlisle auditioned for judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, performing the Great White classic "House of Broken Love."
His performance earned him a "Golden Ticket" to Hollywood, with Lionel Richie praising his rock sensibilities and predicting he could be a "poster child" for the genre on the show.
A "Godsend" for the Band
At 28 years old, Carlisle is significantly younger than his bandmates, but founding members Mark Kendall and Michael Lardie have frequently praised his "old soul" and technical ability. Kendall previously noted that Carlisle’s range has opened up the band's entire catalog, allowing them to play songs they hadn't performed live in years.
"He sings perfect all the time," Kendall said in a 2024 interview. "And he’s got really good song sense for a young man."
As Carlisle continues his journey on American Idol, Great White appears to be entering its next chapter, fueled by the energy of its young frontman and a collection of new songs that aim to honor the band's multi-platinum legacy.
