Write your
Music & Nightlife F
ew artists experience the kind of meteoric rise that Courtney Barnett has over the past two years. Since taking the stage behind a pair of EPs at the Empty Bottle in 2014, the Australian singer- songwriter has gone on to play the Pitchfork Music Festival and (most recently) Lollapalooza. Her debut full-length record, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, garnered critical acclaim and landed her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Now, she’s embarking on a new North American tour and planning the cover of her next LP—which sounds like it’s coming soon!
What does it feel like to be nominated for a Grammy? It’s pretty weird. It’s kind of a surreal feeling because it’s such a high honor. We had just flown from Paris to Melbourne, so we were on a plane for 100 million hours and got off. We instantly turned on our phones, and my drummer was flicking through his and said, “Oh my god, you’re nominated for a Grammy!”
I’m always learning stuff about myself every time I play a show.
“
You spent most of the past year on tour. How have you adjusted to life on the road?
”
I just read my book a lot. Being a musician, I traveled a lot anyway. In America, you jump on the plane or bus every day and find yourself in a different place. It’s pretty intense, but it’s great to be able to go to a new place and sing your stories to people.
You’ve said you’re a fan of Chicago. Why do you love our city? I think it’s a bit of nostalgia. The first time we toured as a full band, the first place we played was the Empty Bottle. There was this crazy snowstorm and we were there for a couple of days. Every time we come back, we play these great shows to great crowds.
Your songs cover topics like finding a place to live and eating
instant ramen. What inspired you to write from such a relatable place?
I just did it; I didn’t think about it. I was writing about the stuff I was doing, the things I was stressed out about and the things I was having emotions about. I guess it’s kind of mundane and boring, but the fact that everyone knows what I’m talking about makes it seem like a much bigger, interesting thing.
There’s an almost therapeutic quality to your latest record. Have you learned more about yourself through your own music? Yeah, heaps. That’s an interesting side of songwriting that I never really thought of when I was a bit younger. When I play old songs from years ago, they take on a slightly different meaning. I’m always learning stuff about myself every time I play a show.
For more
interviews and show listings, visit
timeout.com/ chicago/music- nightlife
Outside of touring, what’s next for you in 2016?
Mostly writing. A bit of time off. Reading, swimming, hanging out. Doing a bit of art, as well. I think I’m going to start painting some stuff.
Like the cover of your next album? Maybe! You heard it here first.
Courtney Barnett + Bully play the Riviera Theatre Apr 28. $27.50, at the door $30.
March–May 2016
TIMEOUT.COM/CHICAGO 55
own review at
timeout.com/ reviewchicago
Edited by Zach Long
zach.long@timeout.com @z_long
Aussie musician Courtney Barnett opens up about her Grammy nod and life as an indie rock star. By Zach Long
Court is in session
Music & Nightlife
PHOTOGRAPH: MALA MCDONALD
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76