REALLY FEELING IT

BACK IN 2015, as a nascent musician based in Melbourne, then 25-year-old Courtney Barnett — without major-label representation, financial backing or self-generated fuss — did what most local artists with the slickest of productions behind them could only dream of. The release of her debut album, , saw Barnett and her wry songwriting catapulted to global attention, earning her Grammy and Brit Awards nominations and praise from almost every serious music publication on the called her the “voice of a generation”; others touted her as the “most skilled lyricist in modern music”, and Barack Obama even named her song “Need a Little Time” one of his favourites of last year. She was chosen to be one of only two Australian acts on the bill of this month’s Woodstock 50 festival. However, Barnett eschews fanfare, maintaining, “I just write and release music”, an approach that’s seen her add to the annals of her genius with a handful of singles in the year-and-a-bit since the release of her sophomore album, . Barnett spoke to us about her success so far, her passion projects and what’s next.