Courtney Barnett Loves Her TV Time Australian indie-rock singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett faced writer’s block while working on her new album, Creature of Habit. Known for her sharp, witty lyrics—such as the line from 2018’s Avant Gardener about a paramedic’s perception of her guitar-playing—she began to see humor as a crutch. “I see things like sarcasm used as protection,” she explained over coffee at Ariston Flowers & Cafe in Union Square. “Not that I was being dishonest, but I can now see where I was hurting.” The album, born from her time living in Joshua Tree, was shaped by her solitude and self-reflection. She started recording her dreams, drawing from her subconscious as a form of self-study. “I was thinking about honesty in writing—how honest you can really be when you know someone will hear it,” she said. The result is still humorous but more introspective and mature, retaining her signature infectious sound. When asked about her cultural recommendations, Barnett cited podcasts like The Daily, Fresh Air, Good Hang, Wiser Than Me, and the Australian 7am. She also mentioned Democracy Now and Pod Save America for news. A recent film, The Pitt, has captured her attention, though she discovered it in 2020. “It kind of changed my life,” she said. Barnett praised The Pitt for its nuanced storytelling, particularly its exploration of real-life issues like healthcare and gun violence without sensationalism. She also highlighted its subplot involving AI and technology, where characters must rely on human skills instead of machines. “It’s a commentary on dependence on technology,” she noted. Her moviegoing habits reflect a love for curated experiences.#the_pitt #courtney_barnett #joshua_tree #ariston_flowers_cafe #vista_theater
Courtney Barnett: Creature of Habit Courtney Barnett’s Creature of Habit continues her exploration of inner turmoil and the search for stability, marked by repetitive guitar progressions and introspective lyrics. The album, produced by John Congleton, features guest appearances from Waxahatchee and leans into her signature style of minimalist, existential rock. Barnett, who has long used music to navigate feelings of disconnection, returns to themes of self-doubt and the struggle to find direction, this time framed by her recent move from Australia to Los Angeles and a deeper engagement with therapy and creative pursuits like pottery. The album’s mood mirrors the isolation of a long drive through a desolate landscape, with its sparse instrumentation and lingering questions about purpose. Barnett wrote much of Creature of Habit during a stay in Joshua Tree, where she grappled with whether to continue making music. The result is a collection of songs that balance melancholy with moments of quiet resolve, often anchored by the interplay between her guitar work and the steady rhythms of basslines. Tracks like “Mantis” and “Same” reflect her frustration with routine and the pressure to break free, while the title track’s repetitive structure underscores the tension between stagnation and the desire for change. Barnett’s collaboration with Waxahatchee adds a layer of harmonies that complement her lyrical introspection, particularly on “Site Unseen,” where she acknowledges the weight of overthinking and the difficulty of moving forward. The album’s production, characterized by flat, clashing percussion and distorted guitars, contrasts with her earlier work, creating a sound that feels both raw and deliberate.#courtney_barnett #john_congleton #waxahatchee #joshua_tree #another_beautiful_day
