Courtney barnett reflects on creative evolution, la life in new interview

Courtney Barnett, known for her deadpan delivery and introspective lyrics, opens up about her creative process, relocation to Los Angeles, and collaborations in a recent interview with Vogue. The conversation sheds light on her new album, Creatures of Habit, and the evolution of her artistic journey.

A new chapter for the australian artist

Five years after 2021’s Things Take Time, Take Time, Barnett is back with Creatures of Habit, a record born from a period of significant change. The artist discusses the decision to close her Australian record label after 13 years and the subsequent move to Los Angeles, a move that proved pivotal for her songwriting.

Barnett describes the recording process as a deliberate and reflective one. She spent a year writing before dedicating another year to recording, choosing Rancho De La Luna in Joshua Tree as her primary studio. The peaceful environment offered the space she needed to explore new sonic territory.

“I think I’m just different now and years had passed since I’d written a new song that I really was excited by,” she explains. Her approach to songwriting remains rooted in simple methods – sitting with a guitar or piano – but the process feels refreshed by her recent experiences.

The album’s creation also involved a collaboration with Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield, a friendship that blossomed through years of touring. Barnett was drawn to Crutchfield’s vocal range, envisioning her high harmonies perfectly complementing the song “Site Unseen.”

While she embraces the energy of Los Angeles, Barnett admits to missing the quiet solitude of Joshua Tree. She finds inspiration in the city’s proximity to the outdoors, frequently hiking the surrounding mountains. “I love that you can go up the hill for two hours and then be back in twenty minutes,” she says.

Music-wise, Barnett continues to draw inspiration from older artists, citing Paul McCartney’s Midnight Love and Harry Nilsson as recurring influences. She prefers vinyl over streaming, finding the ritual of selecting and listening to a record to be a more immersive experience.

“I get overwhelmed by all the choices with streaming music,” she admits. “It’s nice to just pick up an old vinyl and just sit with that.”

Creatures of Habit isn't just a new collection of songs; it’s a testament to Barnett's ongoing evolution as an artist, a journey marked by both personal upheaval and creative growth. The album arrives at a time when listeners crave authenticity and vulnerability, qualities that Barnett consistently delivers.

The soundscape of the album itself is a compelling blend of her signature observational lyrics and a more expansive sonic palette, indicative of her willingness to continually reinvent her sound.

This latest offering solidifies Courtney Barnett’s position not merely as an indie favorite, but as a vital voice in contemporary music—a voice that continues to resonate with a generation seeking genuine connection.