Courtney Barnett overcomes writer’s block with assistance from a praying mantis
Australian musician Courtney Barnett faced a challenging journey through writer’s block as she worked on her upcoming album, “Creature of Habit,” set to release this Friday. Known for her melodic rock sound with a slacker’s vibe, Barnett’s music is celebrated for its sharp observational writing in songs like “Avant Gardener,” “Depreston,” and “Before You Gotta Go.”
Despite her reputation for effortless work, Barnett revealed that the creative process was far from easy. Over the course of three years, she struggled to make progress, often emerging from writing sessions with only one word change that satisfied her. Even those close to her were puzzled by her lack of output, but Barnett persevered.
Like many artists, Barnett faced moments of self-doubt and struggled to find confidence in her work. Drawing from past experiences, she pushed through these mental blocks by reminding herself of her capabilities and the importance of continuing to show up and write. Her new songs, “Stay in Your Lane” and “Great Advice,” reflect an introspective dialogue about the challenges she faced during this period.
During her songwriting process, Barnett found inspiration in unlikely places. A praying mantis she observed at her writing retreat in Joshua Tree, California, became a symbol of guidance and resilience for her. The seemingly mundane encounter led her to pen the song “Mantis,” a favorite track on the upcoming album.
Thematically, Barnett’s new music explores the idea of navigating change in life, a topic that emerged organically from her personal experiences. Following a move to California and the closure of her record label in Australia, Barnett grappled with significant transitions, a theme that echoes throughout the album.
The decision to relocate to the United States coincided with the tumultuous era of the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting its own set of challenges and opportunities for Barnett. She found solace in music during this trying time and embraced the uncertainty of change, reflected in her album’s recurring motif of the word “change” across multiple songs.
Despite the obstacles she faced, Barnett found solace in the completion of her album and felt a sense of pride in the final product. With a new chapter ahead in the United States and an extensive tour planned with her band, Barnett is optimistic about the future and grateful to have overcome her writer’s block.
As she looks forward to sharing her music with audiences, Barnett reflects on the internal barriers she had to break through to reach this point. Her journey through writer’s block has culminated in a collection of songs that serve as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of embracing change.