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Brave Enough
Brave Enough
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Brave Enough
Studio album by
ReleasedAugust 19, 2016 (2016-08-19)
Recorded2016–2018
Length55:21
Label
Producer
Lindsey Stirling chronology
Lindsey Stirling: Live from London
(2015)
Brave Enough
(2016)
Warmer in the Winter
(2017)
Singles from Brave Enough
  1. "The Arena"
    Released: June 28, 2016
  2. "Something Wild"
    Released: July 15, 2016
  3. "Prism"
    Released: October 14, 2016
  4. "Hold My Heart"
    Released: November 16, 2016
  5. "Love's Just a Feeling"
    Released: March 6, 2017
  6. "Lost Girls"
    Released: May 11, 2017
  7. "Mirage"
    Released: October 11, 2017
  8. "First Light"
    Released: June 28, 2018

Brave Enough is the third studio album by American electronic musician Lindsey Stirling, released independently on the imprint Lindseystomp Records on August 19, 2016. The album features guest vocalists Christina Perri, Carah Faye, Dan + Shay, ZZ Ward, Raja Kumari, Lecrae, Rivers Cuomo, Rooty and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. The album is composed of six instrumental tracks and eight tracks with featured vocalists.[1]

Singles

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On June 28, 2016, "The Arena", the first single from the album was released.[2] The music video for "The Arena" debuted the same day.[3]

On July 15, the second single, "Something Wild" featuring Andrew McMahon was released and the music video was released on August 3.

On August 6, the third single, "Prism", which was produced by Robert DeLong, was released.

The fourth single "Hold My Heart" was released on November 16, 2016. The accompanying video costars Pretty Dudes actor Kyle Rezzarday.[4]

On March 6, 2017, the fifth single, "Love's Just a Feeling" featuring Rooty was released, with the music video releasing the same day.[5]

"Lost Girls" was released as the sixth single on May 11, 2017. "Mirage" as the seventh on October 11, 2017, and "First Light" as the eighth on June 28, 2018.

Commercial reception

[edit]

Brave Enough debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart with 49,000 album-equivalent units (including 45,000 in traditional album sales) in its first week, earning Stirling her second top 10 album.[6] This figure marked the largest sales week for a dance/electronic album since Stirling's previous release, Shatter Me, sold 56,000 upon release in 2014.[7] The album also debuted at No. 1 on the Top Classical Albums and Dance/Electronic Albums charts, her third consecutive chart-topper on each tally.[6] Brave Enough won the Billboard Music Award for Top Dance/Electronic Album in 2017.[8]

[edit]

"Something Wild" also features as the ending credits song for the Disney film Pete's Dragon.[9]

"The Arena" and "Don't Let This Feeling Fade" (featuring Rivers Cuomo and Lecrae) were used as official theme songs of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The Bebe Rexha song "Small Doses" from her 2017 EP All Your Fault: Part 1 samples the violin used in "First Light", which Rexha credited Stirling for on Twitter.[10]

Track listing

[edit]

Note: Stirling sent an exclusive track sung by herself titled "Firefly" to those who pre-ordered Brave Enough via PledgeMusic.

Standard edition[1]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Lost Girls"
AFSHeeN4:35
2."Brave Enough" (featuring Christina Perri)
Varon4:23
3."The Arena"
  • Stirling
  • Peter Anthony Hanna
  • Taylor Bird
RUMORS3:52
4."The Phoenix"
4:04
5."Where Do We Go" (featuring Carah Faye)
  • Abraham
  • Stadi
  • Rock Mafia
4:15
6."Those Days" (featuring Dan + Shay)
  • Stirling
  • Hanna
  • Bird
RUMORS3:50
7."Prism"
DeLong3:32
8."Hold My Heart" (featuring ZZ Ward)
Goldstein3:29
9."Mirage" (featuring Raja Kumari)
  • Stirling
  • Svetha Yallapragada Rao
  • Marty Rod
Marø4:22
10."Don't Let This Feeling Fade" (featuring Rivers Cuomo and Lecrae)
RUMORS3:36
11."First Light"
  • Stirling
  • James Wong
Gladius3:23
12."Love's Just a Feeling" (featuring Rooty)
Zedd3:49
13."Something Wild" (featuring Andrew McMahon)
  • Stirling
  • Andrew McMahon
  • Hanna
  • Bird
  • RUMORS
  • Abraham
  • Stadi
3:44
14."Gavi's Song"
  • Stirling
  • Jason Gaviati
  • Drew C. Lawrence
  • Stephen J. Anderson
Anderson4:32
Total length:55:21
Target deluxe edition[11]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
15."Waltz"
  • Stirling
  • Mark Maxwell
SILAS3:58
16."Afterglow"Vicetone3:38
17."Powerlines"
Motte4:42
18."Forgotten Voyage"
  • Stirling
  • Motte
Motte4:00
Total length:71:34
Barnes and Noble Exclusive vinyl edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
15."Activate"
  • Stirling
  • Pete Nappi
3:08
Total length:58:29

Special vinyl editions

[edit]

In total, four special edition copies of Brave Enough were released on vinyl.[12][13][14][15]

  • Red Swirl Disc Edition
  • Barnes & Noble exclusive featuring the bonus track "Activate" on a white disc
  • Urban Outfitters exclusive (limited to 500 copies) with an autographed postcard
  • Record Store Day exclusive (limited to 650 copies) signed on gatefold

Charts

[edit]

Music videos

[edit]
List of music videos, showing year released and director
Title Year Director(s) Notes
"The Arena" 2016 Austin M. Kerns Featuring Derek Hough
"Something Wild" Unknown Featuring collaborator Andrew McMahon
Includes footage from Pete's Dragon
"Prism" Will Kindrick Choreographed by Kyle Hanagami
"Hold My Heart" Sherif Higazy Featuring collaborator ZZ Ward
"Love's Just a Feeling" 2017 Lindsey Stirling Featuring Luke Valen, Brett Keating, Travis Leonard, and collaborator Rooty
"Hold My Heart" (alternate) Alissa Torvinen Filmed as a promotional video for the HP Sprocket
Features Stirling as her recurring character "Phelba"
"Lost Girls" Unknown Direct sequel to the "Shatter Me" music video; Stirling reprises the ballerina character from that video.
"Mirage" Lindsey Stirling Choreographed by Kyle Hanagami and Ashley Gonzales
"First Light" 2018 Unknown Choreographed by Ashley Gonzales

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Brave Enough is the third studio by American violinist, dancer, and composer . Released independently on August 19, 2016, through her own label Lindseystomp Records, the incorporates electronic, pop, hip-hop, and classical music genres, showcasing Stirling's signature violin performances alongside vocal contributions from guest artists such as , , and . The album was produced by a team including , , and Rock Mafia, and features 14 tracks, with singles like "The Arena" and "Something Wild" released prior to the album's launch. It marked Stirling's continued evolution following her previous releases Lindsey Stirling (2012) and (2014), emphasizing themes of personal growth, resilience, and self-empowerment. Commercially, Brave Enough debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart and topped the Top Dance/Electronic Albums and Classical Albums charts, and reached number two on the Independent Albums chart, achieving Stirling's third consecutive number-one position on the Dance/Electronic chart. In 2017, it won the Billboard Music Award for Top Dance/Electronic Album. The album's success was supported by the Brave Enough Tour, which spanned multiple continents, and inspired a 2017 of the same name chronicling Stirling's personal challenges and artistic journey.

Background and recording

Concept and development

Brave Enough serves as Lindsey Stirling's third studio album, succeeding her 2014 release and representing a notable evolution in her discography. Unlike her previous works, which leaned heavily on instrumental compositions, the album incorporates a greater emphasis on vocal elements, featuring collaborations with artists such as on the title track and of and on "Don't Let This Feeling Fade." This shift allowed Stirling to blend her signature violin-driven electronic style with diverse lyrical contributions, fostering a more narrative-driven sound. The concept for Brave Enough emerged from Stirling's personal battles with anxiety and self-doubt, rooted in early career setbacks like the harsh criticism she faced during her 2010 appearance on . These experiences fueled a thematic focus on bravery, empowerment, and vulnerability, as Stirling aimed to transform her insecurities into a message of resilience. She described the album as a reflection of her journey to embrace imperfection, stating, "If I learned anything, it’s that I’m not about to let someone else’s view of me destroy my own view of myself and what I know I am capable of." This introspective approach marked a departure from her prior projects, prioritizing emotional depth over technical alone, and the album is dedicated to her late friend and collaborator Jason Gaviati. Following her departure from , Stirling opted for independent release through her own imprint, Lindseystomp Records, granting her full creative control during the pre-production phase. This decision underscored her desire for artistic autonomy, free from label constraints, and aligned with her goal of diverse sonic exploration across genres. The album was announced in June 2016, accompanied by the reveal of the "The Arena," which encapsulated the project's empowering .

Recording process

The recording process for Brave Enough primarily took place at Lindsey Stirling's home studio in , with additional sessions held in spanning 2015 to 2016. Stirling worked with a team of producers including , , and Rock Mafia on various tracks. The album featured notable guest vocalists, including , who provided vocals for the title track "Brave Enough," and of and , who appeared on "Don't Let This Feeling Fade." These collaborations added layers of emotional depth, with Perri's contribution emerging from the album's inspirational themes rooted in personal experiences. Principal recording sessions ran from late 2015 through early 2016, following the death of Stirling's close friend and collaborator Gaviati in November 2015, which influenced the project's direction. Mixing was finalized by summer 2016, allowing for the album's release on August 19, 2016. One of the main challenges during production was integrating Stirling's signature melodies with electronic production elements and prominent vocal features, requiring experimentation to maintain her unique sound while exploring bolder, more collaborative arrangements. This process involved iterative adjustments to ensure the violin remained central amid the album's diverse stylistic shifts toward pop and influences.

Composition and themes

Musical style

Brave Enough fuses with classical crossover and pop elements, incorporating influences particularly evident in tracks like "The Arena," where heavy bass drops and electronic breakdowns complement Stirling's melodies. This genre blend extends to and electronic infusions in songs such as "Prism," creating a dynamic sound that layers Stirling's over synth-driven rhythms and orchestral strings, alongside hip-hop elements in "." The album comprises 14 tracks spanning 55 minutes, with six instrumentals and eight vocal collaborations that highlight the as the core instrument, often layered with beats, synthesizers, and string arrangements for rhythmic and melodic depth. Production techniques include violin layering for rhythmic foundations, alongside minimal vocal processing and orchestral swells that add emotional intensity, such as and tribal in "Something Wild." Compared to the raw energy of her previous album , Brave Enough features more polished electronic production, with intensified electronics and a lighter, optimistic tone that evolves her classical-EDM fusion through greater vocal integration and refined layering.

Lyrical content

The album Brave Enough explores themes of overcoming fear and embracing , with describing the project as a reflection on living with an open heart after personal hardship. This central motif is embodied in the title track "Brave Enough," featuring , which delves into the regret of unspoken emotions due to fear and the lingering beauty of lost connections, inspired by 's over her best friend's . The song's emphasize that represents strength rather than weakness, aligning with the album's broader narrative of emotional recovery. Key lyrical motifs recur across the tracks, highlighting , , and resilience. In "Something Wild," featuring in the Wilderness, the portray a journey of resilience and , urging listeners to trust their inner strength amid and to heed an inner call that guides them home. "Lost Girls" shifts to , serving as a follow-up to themes from Stirling's prior work and symbolizing self-discovery and renewal after trauma, with lines evoking the search for identity in the aftermath of loss. These elements contribute to a arc that progresses from heartbreak to . Stirling's songwriting process for Brave Enough involved close , where she co-wrote alongside producers, artists, and writers, often drawing from her personal experiences of and growth to infuse authenticity. Her melodies frequently served as the foundational element, shaping the emotional core before were developed, as seen in tracks where hooks precede vocal narratives. Guest vocalists, including Perri and McMahon, added layered perspectives through their contributions, enhancing the album's thematic depth without overshadowing Stirling's vision. The album balances instrumental and vocal tracks to convey emotion multifacetedly, with six purely instrumental pieces, such as "First Light," using soaring lines to evoke hope and new beginnings non-verbally, setting a contemplative tone. In contrast, the eight vocal tracks provide explicit narrative depth, allowing to articulate personal stories of vulnerability and triumph that complement the wordless expressiveness of the instrumentals. This interplay underscores Stirling's intent to blend classical traditions with modern pop storytelling.

Release and promotion

Marketing strategies

Brave Enough was released independently through Lindsey Stirling's own imprint, Lindseystomp Records, allowing her creative control while leveraging a distribution deal with for wider reach in international markets. To encourage early support, pre-order campaigns offered exclusive incentives beginning in June 2016, including the bonus track "Firefly"—an original song sung by Stirling herself—available only to purchasers via , alongside bundles featuring signed merchandise such as posters and photos. Digital marketing efforts centered on and , where Stirling shared teaser videos previewing tracks and content to generate buzz among her fanbase. The album's cover artwork, portraying Stirling in flowing, ethereal attire against a dreamlike backdrop, was unveiled in May 2016 to heighten anticipation. A key promotional tie-in involved the track "Something Wild," featuring in the Wilderness, which was selected for the of Disney's 2016 live-action of Pete’s Dragon, providing significant exposure through the film's marketing and theatrical release.

Singles

The lead single from Brave Enough was "The Arena", released on June 28, 2016, as an instant grat track with the album pre-order. The song was accompanied by an official music video featuring intricate choreography and a narrative depicting personal triumph and resilience. "Something Wild", featuring Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, followed as the second single on July 15, 2016. This collaboration was included on the soundtrack for Disney's Pete's Dragon and achieved significant success, peaking at number 1 on the Billboard Classical Digital Streaming Songs chart. Subsequent singles included "Brave Enough", featuring and released on August 19, 2016, to coincide with the album's launch; "Prism" on October 14, 2016; "Hold My Heart" on November 16, 2016; and "Lost Girls" in 2017, with its premiering on May 11. In total, the album spawned six singles that echoed its overarching themes of bravery and self-empowerment. All singles were made available primarily through digital downloads and streaming platforms, with select tracks bundled in deluxe and special editions of the album for enhanced accessibility.

Tour and live performances

The Brave Enough Tour was a concert tour by American violinist in support of her third studio album, Brave Enough, spanning from September 2016 to August 2017 and comprising 77 dates across , , , and . The tour commenced on September 21, 2016, at the Balboa Theatre in , , and concluded on August 18, 2017, at the Teatro Ópera in , . It featured a mix of arena, theater, and festival venues, showcasing Stirling's signature blend of violin performance, , and to promote tracks from the album alongside earlier hits. Setlists for the tour typically opened with high-energy renditions of "The Phoenix" and "Prism," transitioning into album staples like "Shatter Me," "Lost Girls," and "Elements," with encores often including "Something Wild" and "Gavi's Song." Highlights included the live debuts of "The Arena" and the title track "Brave Enough," performed early in the tour to emphasize the album's themes of resilience, often accompanied by Stirling's violin acrobatics—dynamic flips, spins, and mid-air playing that integrated her dance training with musical delivery. Guest appearances added variety, such as vocalist ZZ Ward joining Stirling for a duet of "Hold My Heart" during the November 10, 2016, show at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Production elements elevated the shows with elaborate staging, including multiple LED video screens displaying synchronized visuals and a PepperScrim hologram system that projected ethereal imagery behind the performers, creating an immersive fairy-tale atmosphere. was supported by a full live band, a team of dancers for choreographed routines, and aerial silks apparatus that allowed her to perform suspended segments, enhancing the theatricality of songs like "Beyond the Veil." Laser light shows further amplified the electronic-dubstep influences in her , making each a spectacle. The tour extended beyond standard arena dates with acoustic sets featuring toy instruments for select festival appearances and intimate configurations, adapting Stirling's high-production style to smaller stages. Notable festival slots included a performance at in 2017, where she delivered abbreviated versions of tour highlights to large outdoor crowds. These extensions allowed broader reach, incorporating the tour's core elements into diverse live contexts.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Brave Enough debuted at number 5 on the US chart in August 2016, marking Lindsey Stirling's second top 10 entry on the ranking. The album also topped both the Top Classical Albums and Top Dance/Electronic Albums charts in the United States, achieving Stirling's third consecutive number-one placement on the latter. Internationally, the album entered the ARIA Albums Chart in at number 39. It peaked at number 50 on the Update and number 4 on the UK Dance Albums Chart. The release demonstrated sustained popularity on the Top /Electronic Albums chart, where it remained for 52 weeks. The lead single "Something Wild," featuring in the , peaked at number 34 on the US /Electronic Digital chart and number 1 on the Classical Digital Streaming Songs chart.
Chart (2016)Peak Position
Australia (ARIA)39
Canada (Billboard)
New Zealand (RMNZ)
UK Albums (OCC)50
US Billboard 2005
US Top Classical Albums (Billboard)1
US Top Dance/Electronic Albums (Billboard)1

Sales figures and certifications

Brave Enough debuted with 49,000 album-equivalent units in the during its first week of release, comprising 45,000 in pure and the remainder from track equivalent album units and streaming activity. By late 2016, cumulative pure sales in the US exceeded 60,000 copies. In terms of certifications, Brave Enough earned status from the RIAA in 2017 for 500,000 units in the United States. As of 2025, the certification remains . The also demonstrated robust streaming performance, particularly on and [Apple Music](/page/Apple Music), where it gained traction through curated playlists in the electronic and classical crossover genres.

Critical and commercial reception

Critical reviews

Critical reception to Lindsey Stirling's Brave Enough was largely positive, with reviewers commending the album's seamless fusion of her violin virtuosity with elements and guest vocals, creating an energetic and empowering listening experience. Similarly, The Young Folks awarded 80 out of 100, highlighting the empowering themes and the album's successful evolution from her prior release . Cryptic Rock gave the album 4 out of 5 stars, lauding the innovative energy in tracks like "Gavi's Song" and the uplifting collaborations that added depth without overpowering Stirling's . Renowned for Sound echoed this sentiment, noting how the production elevated Stirling's classical stylings, particularly in the title track where Christina Perri's emotive delivery complemented the violin breakdown beautifully. Some reviews offered mixed assessments, suggesting that the emphasis on guest vocalists occasionally detracted from Stirling's instrumental focus. For instance, The Reflector described the album as fun with exceptional violin work but critiqued the heavy reliance on featured artists, recommending more spotlight on Stirling herself. Aggregate scores reflect this favorable response; on Album of the Year, Brave Enough earned 80 out of 100 based on two professional reviews, underscoring its broad appeal to pop and electronic audiences through its balanced and engaging sound.

Industry accolades

Brave Enough earned her second Billboard Music Award for Top Dance/Electronic Album at the 2017 ceremony, following her win for the previous album . In addition to chart success, Brave Enough received recognition through its inclusion in year-end compilations, such as WQXR's Top 20 Selling Classical and Crossover Albums of 2016, where it ranked at number 13. The album's impact extended to visual media with the release of the 2017 documentary : Brave Enough, which chronicles Stirling's personal journey alongside performances from the album's supporting tour.

Track listing and formats

Standard edition

The standard edition of Brave Enough comprises 14 tracks with a total runtime of 55:21. Released on August 19, 2016, via Lindseystomp Records in collaboration with , it was made available in CD, digital download, and standard black vinyl formats. Lindsey Stirling receives writing credits on every track, often co-writing with producers and composers including AFSHeeN on "Lost Girls" and Keith Varon on the title track "Brave Enough." The track listing is as follows:
No.TitleFeatured artist(s)Length
1"Lost Girls"4:35
2"Brave Enough"4:23
3"The Arena"3:52
4"The Phoenix"4:04
5"Where Do We Go"Carah Faye4:15
6"Those Days"3:46
7"Prism"3:32
8"Hold My Heart"3:29
9"Mirage"4:22
10"Don't Let This Feeling Fade", 3:36
11"First Light"3:41
12"Love's Just a Feeling"3:49
13"Something Wild" in the Wilderness3:44
14"Gavi's Song"4:33

Special editions

The deluxe edition of Brave Enough was released simultaneously with the standard edition on August 19, 2016, in both digital and CD formats. It expands the standard tracklist by adding four bonus tracks: the original song "Firefly," which features Stirling's vocals, and acoustic versions of "Brave Enough" (featuring ), "The Phoenix," and "Those Days" (featuring ). These additions were made available digitally through pre-orders on platforms like and , providing fans with intimate, stripped-down interpretations of select highlights. Several vinyl variants were produced for the physical release, enhancing collectibility. The Lindseystomp exclusive featured a limited red swirl design on translucent vinyl in a gatefold sleeve, limited to early supporters via the label's campaign. Target offered a clear vinyl variant with red smoke effect, also in a double LP gatefold format. Additionally, Barnes & Noble released an exclusive edition bundled with a promotional poster. These variants maintained the standard 14-track listing but emphasized aesthetic appeal for collectors. The special vinyl pressings began shipping in October 2016, following the initial September 6 vinyl release date. Holiday bundles were also offered in late 2016, pairing the album with seasonal merchandise like ornaments or apparel through the official store.

Personnel

Musicians and guests

serves as the primary musician on Brave Enough, performing on all tracks and providing vocals on select songs such as "Lost Girls". The album prominently features a roster of guest vocalists to complement Stirling's instrumental style. provides lead vocals on the title track "Brave Enough". Carah Faye sings on "Where Do We Go", while contribute vocals to "Those Days". performs on "Hold My Heart", on "Mirage", and on "Don't Let This Feeling Fade", (credited as Ruthanne Cunningham) on "Love's Just a Feeling", and in the Wilderness on "Something Wild". Additional performers include Andrew Goldstein on keyboards and programming for "Hold My Heart", and Noah Churchill on percussion for "Mirage".

Production credits

The production of Brave Enough was led by executive producer , who oversaw the album's creation alongside a team of track-specific producers including Nico Stadi, who co-produced multiple songs such as "Brave Enough," "The Arena," and "Hold My Heart"; Rumors, responsible for tracks like "The Arena," "Those Days," and "Something Wild"; and others like AFSHeeN for "Lost Girls," for "Love's Just A Feeling," and for "Prism." , as the lead artist, contributed violin performances and creative input throughout the recording process at various studios. Mixing duties were primarily handled by Mark Needham for the majority of tracks, including "Brave Enough," "The Arena," "Prism," and "Something Wild," with assistance from Ben O'Neil; additional mixing was done by Nico Stadi on selections like "The Phoenix," "Where Do We Go," and "Hold My Heart." The album was mastered by Gene Grimaldi at Oasis Mastering in Burbank, California, ensuring a polished electronic and orchestral sound. The artwork for Brave Enough featured cover photography by Andrew Zaeh, capturing Stirling in dynamic, ethereal poses that reflect themes of resilience and self-discovery. and were created by Niklas Lundberg, under the creative direction of Rob English, with the visual style emphasizing Stirling's and elements. A&R was managed by a team including Adam Herzog, Adina Friedman, Kevin Carvel, Leigh Lust, and Russell Rieger, while the project was handled under Stirling's Lindseystomp Records imprint, with legal representation and distribution through Caroline International, a division of .

References

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