Courtney barnett reflects on desert inspiration & new beginnings

Five years after her critically acclaimed 2021 album, Things Take Time, Take Time, Courtney Barnett returns with Creatures of Habit, a collection of songs steeped in desert introspection and a newfound sense of peace.

A return to roots and a new california

Barnett discusses the album's genesis, shaped by a year of writing in the Joshua Tree area before relocating to Los Angeles. The move, she explains, coincided with a significant personal decision: closing her Australian record label after 13 years. “It was a really big, scary, sad decision, but it sort of found me at a crossroads to start a new chapter,” she says.

The album’s recording process was equally deliberate. She spent a year crafting the songs before dedicating another year to recording, opting for the peaceful atmosphere of Rancho De La Luna in Joshua Tree. This deliberate pace allowed for a deeper level of reflection, a stark contrast to the often frenetic demands of touring.

“I enjoyed living there a lot, but, you know, I’m not there now, so I can’t really claim it,” she laughs when asked about embracing the desert lifestyle. Now based in Los Angeles, Barnett finds a different kind of inspiration in the city’s proximity to the natural world. “I love the proximity of friends and restaurants and social life and work, but then, you know, 20 minutes up the hill, you can hike for two hours.” A recent climb up Mount Baldy solidified her appreciation for the region's dramatic landscapes.

Musical evolution and unexpected collaborations

Barnett’s musical community has similarly evolved. While she maintains friendships forged during years of touring, the Los Angeles scene offers a fresh dynamic. “It’s such a busy place that lots of people seem to end up here, or come through here, or live here for a while, so I’ve got some good Music friends here, which is nice,” she notes.

A highlight of Creatures of Habit is the collaboration with Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield. The two artists connected after touring together in 2018, developing a friendship over the years. Barnett specifically envisioned Crutchfield’s voice for the song “Site Unseen,” impressed by its range and ability to deliver a soaring harmony.

While her songwriting process remains rooted in familiar habits – sitting with a guitar or piano – Barnett admits a shift in perspective.