United Kingdom, Dec. 29 -- Brandi Carlile feels "inspired" by Joni Mitchell.

The 44-year-old singer has opened up about her relationship with Joni, explaining how the 82-year-old star has influenced her own approach to songwriting.

Brandi told People: "She's inspired me in so many ways, but I think one of the most profound ways is in what I won't write because of Joni.

"There are songs that just don't get through the filter anymore of, 'Can I drive up to that gate and play this song for Joni over a glass of wine?' If I can't, it doesn't get written."

Brandi actually sees Joni as a benchmark for other songwriters.

She said: "I don't really understand the metric of how I judge those things. It just have to do with how I feel when I'm p...