Courtney Barnett finds creativity again with new album after battling writer’s block

Australian indie rock musician Courtney Barnett has released her new album, Creature of Habit, marking the end of a lengthy struggle with writer’s block. The 38-year-old artist, now based in Los Angeles, is celebrated for her sharp, observant lyrics and melodic rock sound. Despite her past success with songs like Avant Gardener, Depreston, and Before You Gotta Go, Barnett faced an intense creative drought during the three years she spent making her latest record. She revealed that some days yielded only a single word of progress, resulting in deep self-doubt and frustration. However, she managed to overcome her mental blocks by acknowledging her feelings and continuing to show up for her craft. Many of Creature of Habit’s songs, including Stay in Your Lane and Great Advice, reflect on those challenges. The album features a cover image of a praying mantis—a creature that inspired Barnett while she wrote at her Joshua Tree home. Themes of change weave through the record, linked to Barnett’s own life adjustments, including shutting down her Australian label Milk! Records and moving to California. Now ready to tour the United States, Barnett says she’s proud of where the creative journey led her and happy to have rediscovered joy in making music.