Courtney Barnett: A Decade of Musical Evolution and the art of the Strat
As the release of her groundbreaking debut album, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, a decade ago, Courtney Barnett has been anything but idle. The North Melbourne native has delivered three studio albums, collaborated on a live record with Kurt Vile, and contributed to the soundtrack of the 2023 documentary Anonymous Club.While her music embodies the essence of slacker rock, her work ethic tells a diffrent story.
Desert Inspirations: The Making of Creature of Habit
For her latest project, Barnett and her band ventured to Joshua Tree, California, where they embraced a creative resurgence inspired by the desert landscape after extensive touring. The album Creature of Habit showcases barnett’s return to her signature fuzz-laden guitar work,especially evident in the single stay In Your Lane.Meanwhile, tracks like Same radiate a sun-soaked vibe, enhanced by synth-driven melodies.
We caught up with Barnett from her Los Angeles home to discuss her recent studio experiences and the importance of following one’s instincts in music.
adapting Gear for Different Venues
you’ve recently performed at intimate indie venues like the Punters Club in Melbourne, contrasting with your support for Foo Fighters in stadiums this year. How does your guitar setup vary with the size of the venue?
My setup remains largely unchanged for band performances, regardless of the venue size. The only time I adjust is for solo shows. My front-of-house engineer utilizes a through box to capture the amp sound directly, which offers more control than customary mic’ing, as it minimizes unwanted noise.
Collaborating with Waxahatchee
Your new single features Waxahatchee. What drew you to Katie Crutchfield’s voice for Site Unseen?
I initially wrote the harmony part with the intention of singing it myself, adding some reverb for effect.However, after several recordings, I realized Katie’s voice was ideal for that high range. I felt honored that she took the time to contribute her vocals.
Early Inspirations and Guitar Journey
You began writing songs at the age of 10. When did you first pick up a guitar?
My brother and his friends played guitar, and I was always intrigued. I borrowed a neighbor’s guitar but didn’t know how to play it. Eventually, a family friend gifted me an old three-quarter nylon-string acoustic that was in rough shape.It had been restrung for left-handed playing, which is when I started taking lessons.
When did you transition to electric guitar?
I finally got my hands on a black Ibanez after begging my parents for a couple of years. it was part of a beginner’s pack that included the guitar, a Peavey amp, and a soft case.
Influences That Shaped your Songwriting
Which guitarists inspired you to start writing your own songs?
Kurt Cobain was a significant influence, along with other left-handed legends like Jimi Hendrix and Paul McCartney. My guitar teacher introduced me to Purple Haze, which felt daunting at first, but mastering it was a huge achievement. He also taught me Blackbird, which remains my mom’s favourite. Whenever I play, she always asks for Blackbird as she finds it much more pleasant than my louder tracks!
Creative Synergy with Stella Mozgaw
This new album marks your reunion with producer and Warpaint drummer Stella Mozgaw. How has your collaborative dynamic evolved?
Stella is an incredibly inspiring musician with a keen production sense. She has introduced me to a wealth of music that has broadened my horizons. My first studio experience with her was alongside Kurt Vile, and we also created the instrumental album End of the Day, where we improvised to visuals projected on a wall. Working with her is always a stimulating experience.
Breaking Out of Songwriting Patterns
You’ve mentioned that writing on an acoustic guitar can lead to repetitive chord progressions. How do you break free from that?
It can be challenging to recognize those patterns on your own. I try to stay conscious of them and set small challenges for myself,like composing a song without a chorus or incorporating more than four chords. These little exercises help me think outside the box.
Exploring Creativity Beyond Music
During your songwriting sessions in the desert, you mentioned exploring other creative outlets, such as the works of Georgia O’Keeffe and cooking.What music accompanied you?
I found myself listening to McCartney II on repeat-I’m completely obsessed with that album.I also enjoyed Marvin Gaye’s Midnight Love on vinyl and delved back into classics from Nina Simone, Joni Mitchell, and Leonard Cohen.
Finding the Right Version of a Song
You’ve said, “Sometimes you have to spend a few hours going in the wrong direction to find the right version of the song.” Which tracks on this album took the longest to finalize?
Great Advice has undergone numerous transformations. I first worked on it in 2017 while creating Tell Me How You Really Feel, but it never reached completion. It evolved again in 2020, but I ultimately set it aside until this album. It has changed substantially, and I’m pleased with where it ended up. Many songs reached about 70% completion before I hit a wall, except for Stay In Your Lane and Sugar Plum, which came together more easily.
Balancing Self-Doubt and Completion
How do you navigate self-doubt while recognizing when a song is finished?
It’s fascinating to experience both feelings concurrently. Ultimately, it comes down to trusting yourself. I can’t fully articulate what that means, but I know when something feels right or wrong in the moment.
Guitar Choices: The Strat vs. the Jaguar
We noticed you recording Sugar Plum on a classic Olympic White Fender Stratocaster, a favorite of Jimi Hendrix, yet you typically play a sunburst Jaguar. How do their tones compare?
I’ve owned several Stratocasters over the years but have never performed with one live. I always return to the Jaguar; it’s incredibly versatile and meets all my needs.I can’t recall when I acquired the Strat, but I used it while making the demo for Sugar Plum, running it through my Roland JC-40 with the chorus engaged.
Preparing for the North american Tour
You’re gearing up for a major North American tour. How will you adapt the album for live performances?
The great thing is that we recorded these songs as live as possible, with minimal overdubs. Typically, you rehearse and strategize how to perform each song, but we were blessed that everything sounded great from the start. Tracks like One thing At A Time, which features prominent guitar sections, will be a blast to perform live.
