Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett has released her fourth solo album, *Creature of Habit*, reflecting a period of personal and artistic transition following her move from Melbourne to California and the closure of her indie label, Milk! Records, which she co-founded in 2012 with ex-girlfriend Jen Cloher. Known for her distinctive storytelling, Barnett’s songs are marked by detailed narratives, tonal shifts, and introspection, often exploring themes of self-doubt, change, and the complexities of human behavior.
At 38, Barnett continues to craft music that balances playful deadpan wit with intense overthinking, as evident in track titles like “Crippling Self Doubt and a General Lack of Self Confidence” and “Nobody Really Cares if You Don’t Go to the Party.” Her songwriting process often begins with an overwhelming abundance of ideas that she distills into simpler concepts. She describes writing as a backward process aimed at understanding and making sense of her thoughts.
*Creature of Habit* carries motifs of transformation and self-regulation, underscored by Barnett’s experiences with therapy, which she began around the time of the album’s creation. Songs such as “One Thing at a Time” portray the challenge of managing flooding thoughts and emotions while signaling readiness for change. Barnett acknowledges ongoing struggles with self-doubt but emphasizes learning acceptance through greater self-awareness.
Recorded during her time living in Joshua Tree, California, the album features fuzzy guitar riffs, unexpected musical shifts, and vibrant arrangements that lend a jaunty quality to introspective lyrics. Barnett limited herself to a curated selection of records while working on the album, including a deep dive into Joni Mitchell’s discography, as well as albums by Harry Nilsson, Paul McCartney, and Marvin Gaye. She views albums as “time capsules” that offer insight into the artist’s mindset at particular moments in life—a perspective that informs her own work.
Barnett’s live performances are noted for their energy and intensity, contrasting with the comparatively subdued studio versions of her songs. Citing Kurt Cobain as an influence, she plays his signature left-handed Fender Jaguar guitar and thrives on the collaborative aspect of playing with her band. She values the evolving nature of live music, describing the transformation from studio recording to stage as “magic.”
Reflecting on her past work, Barnett acknowledges how her earlier songs carried sarcasm and tone that now reveal underlying pain and protective walls. The new album continues to grapple with the tension between habits and the desire for change. Tracks like “Site Unseen” and “Sugar Plum” highlight the difficulty of breaking patterns even when they feel comfortable.
Barnett openly discusses the challenge of articulating complex emotions, often relying on automatic or stream-of-consciousness writing to bypass mental filters. She cautions against over-explaining art, believing that leaving room for listener interpretation is essential to the creative experience. Despite being frequently described as “honest,” she notes the layered intention behind her storytelling, which can be overlooked.
The artist has also been candid about her ambivalence toward public attention. The 2021 documentary *Anonymous Club* captured the contrast between her dynamic stage presence and moments of vulnerability. The COVID-19 pandemic altered her relationship with performing, leading to a greater sense of presence and gratitude when on stage, despite occasional lingering stage fright.
Barnett’s *Creature of Habit* is released on Mom + Pop Records, and she is currently touring internationally. Further details and tour dates are available on her official website.