Courtney Barnett's Journey Through Change in *Creature of Habit*

In early 2024, Australian musician Courtney Barnett found herself in a period of significant transition, living in Los Angeles while navigating the winding down of her independent label, Milk! Records, and writing her fourth album, *Creature of Habit*. This phase of her life was marked by a sense of disorientation, which she describes as feeling like “the end of a chapter” that began without her full awareness. The album reflects this tumultuous period, opening with the track "Stay in Your Lane," which captures the friction of her experiences and self-reflection.

The Guardian

Barnett's creative process for *Creature of Habit* was deeply influenced by her time spent in the desert, where she immersed herself in the world of painter Georgia O’Keeffe. She collected books about O’Keeffe, including *A Painter’s Kitchen: Recipes from the Kitchen of Georgia O’Keeffe*, and drew parallels between their artistic journeys. During a performance at Ghost Ranch, O’Keeffe’s former home, Barnett felt a connection to the artist, which inspired her to apply O’Keeffe's focus on music to her own work. The album's title is derived from the track "Mantis," which symbolizes a breakthrough moment for Barnett, where she found clarity and inspiration in a moment of solitude.

The Guardian

As Barnett settled into her new life in Los Angeles, she began to embrace change by picking up new hobbies such as surfing and pottery. These activities allowed her to interact with her neighbors and engage with her community in a way that felt more comfortable. She noted that owning a dog also helped her connect with others, bringing a subtle shift to her daily interactions. The album concludes on a hopeful note with "Another Beautiful Day," where Barnett acknowledges the importance of self-prioritization and trusting her instincts in the creative process.

The Guardian

Barnett expressed satisfaction with her new album, stating, “I really love this album. I love the songs. I really love how it all sounds. And that is a very good feeling: that there’s not even a little regret on there.” She emphasized the importance of allowing herself the time to create without the pressure of deadlines, which ultimately contributed to her artistic fulfillment.

The Guardian

While Barnett's journey has been largely positive, some critics may argue that her shift from the introspective tone of her previous album, *Things Take Time, Take Time*, to the more confident sound of *Creature of Habit* could alienate long-time fans who appreciated her earlier style. However, Barnett seems to embrace this evolution as a natural part of her artistic growth.

The Guardian

• “I was by myself, feeling particularly lost, and I saw a little praying mantis. It felt like this strange, beautiful sign from the universe.” — Courtney Barnett

The Guardian

• “You gotta put yourself first sometimes.” — Courtney Barnett

The Guardian

Courtney Barnett's *Creature of Habit* encapsulates her journey through change, self-discovery, and artistic evolution, reflecting a blend of personal experiences and broader artistic influences.

The Guardian