Courtney barnett reflects on desert solitude and musical evolution in new album
Five years after her critically acclaimed 2021 release, Courtney Barnett returns with Creatures of Habit, an album steeped in introspective songwriting and a newfound appreciation for the quiet spaces of the California desert. The album feels like a natural progression, a distillation of experiences gathered during a period of significant change for the Australian artist.
Finding peace in joshua tree and a new musical circle
Barnett discusses her relocation to Los Angeles and the influence of her time spent recording in Joshua Tree, a move that provided the isolation she needed to craft the album. “It was just so, so peaceful, with no real distractions,” she explains. This stark contrast to the bustling Music scene of Melbourne has fostered a new set of friendships and creative collaborations.
A key partnership on Creatures of Habit came with Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee, a collaboration born from mutual respect and shared festival circuit experiences. Barnett specifically sought Crutchfield’s distinctive vocal range for the song “Site Unseen,” recognizing its potential to elevate the track's emotional depth.
The songwriting process itself underwent a subtle shift. While Barnett maintains her usual method of working with a guitar or piano, the intervening years had allowed for a deeper reflection that shaped the album’s lyrical content. “Maybe it’s just because I’m different and, you know, years had passed since I’d written a new song that I really was excited by,” she reveals. This evolution isn't a radical departure, but rather a refinement of a process already deeply ingrained in her artistic identity.
Vinyl revival and musical influences
In an era of streaming dominance, Barnett champions the tactile experience of vinyl. “I try to gravitate more towards vinyl than streaming stuff,” she says, explaining that the limitations of streaming can feel overwhelming. During the making of Creatures of Habit, she found herself revisiting familiar favorites: Paul McCartney’s “Midnight Love,” and several Harry Nilsson records. The ritual of selecting an album and immersing herself in its soundscape proved a valuable source of inspiration.
Barnett’s Music has always resonated with a sense of detached observation, a knack for finding profound meaning in everyday observations. The album’s title track, “Creatures of Habit,” perfectly encapsulates this duality. The lyrics, “I know I got a sensitive heart / I’m always picking it apart when I throw it to the vultures / They don’t want it either, probably too sincere,” offer a glimpse into her introspective nature – a raw honesty masked by a trademark deadpan delivery.
Her move to Los Angeles has also brought new experiences, from hiking the challenging trails of Mount Baldy to embracing the city’s vibrant social scene. She’s found a balance – the energy of LA coupled with the tranquility of escaping into the vastness of the California desert. This blend of contrasting environments has clearly informed her latest work, solidifying her position as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary indie Music.
Barnett’s ability to weave personal narratives with sharp observations about life makes her Music deeply relatable. This new album isn't just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to the power of solitude, the beauty of change, and the enduring allure of analog sound.