Courtney Barnett Announces ‘Creature Of Habit’ Album with Reflective Single ‘Site Unseen’ Featuring Waxahatchee

Courtney Barnett’s new album ‘Creature Of Habit’ arrives March 27, featuring the introspective single ‘Site Unseen’ with Waxahatchee’s soulful touch.

A Fresh Chapter for Courtney Barnett

There’s something truly captivating about artists who channel life’s upheavals into their music, and Courtney Barnett is no stranger to this art. After moving from her homeland of Australia to the bustling creative scene of Los Angeles, Barnett faced the unexpected closure of her long-time label, Milk! Records. Such a seismic shift could have rattled anyone’s creative core, but for Barnett, it sparked a new, raw chapter of storytelling and sound.

With the announcement of her upcoming album, Creature Of Habit, set to drop on March 27, Barnett invites us into this transformative period. The album is born from the confusion and reinvention that came with her relocation and label changes—a true reflection of navigating change with open eyes.

Courtney Barnett in a fresh new era

The Soulful Collab: ‘Site Unseen’ Featuring Waxahatchee

If there’s one thing Barnett knows how to do, it’s craft songs that feel both intimate and universal. Her latest single, ‘Site Unseen’, features the enchanting vocals of Waxahatchee, aka Katie Crutchfield, and it’s a mellow indie rock gem that perfectly captures that bittersweet feeling of embracing change.

“Letting go of everything that might have been / And if we like it here / We’ll stay another year / Let’s figure out the rest another day.”

These lyrics feel like a gentle nudge to breathe and accept the unknown—a vibe that resonates deeply, especially coming from an artist who’s weathered so much transition.

Barnett shared that the song was a bit of a journey itself, saying, “I tried three separate times over two years to track this song, and each time it either wasn’t finished or didn’t sound right and each time we had to start again. I kept hearing this really high harmony in my head, so for the fourth and final version, I asked Katie if she’d be into singing it with me. I’m a big Waxahatchee fan. I really love Katie’s songwriting and her voice, so it was an honour to have her sing on ‘Site Unseen’.”

Give the track a listen and let the reflective mood wash over you:

A Friendship Forged in Music and Tours

The collaboration between Barnett and Waxahatchee isn’t just a studio affair—it’s built on genuine artistic camaraderie. Waxahatchee supported Barnett on her 2018 tour, and they've shared the stage multiple times, creating moments that many fans fondly remember.

In 2022, Waxahatchee also participated in Barnett’s Here And There touring festival, joining an impressive lineup featuring Lucy Dacus, Faye Webster, and Sleater-Kinney. Their bond is a testament to the vibrant community within indie rock, where mutual respect and creative exchange flourish.

Here’s a live performance from their shared history, a touching cover of Elyse Weinberg’s ‘Houses’:

The Road to ‘Creature Of Habit’

Barnett’s announcement follows the release of the album’s lead single, ‘Stay In Your Lane’, which debuted in October accompanied by a haunting video directed by Alex Ross Perry. The visual places Barnett in a stark surgical ward, clad in a blood-stained hospital gown—a bold and unforgettable statement marking the start of a fresh musical era.

Here’s a look at the striking album cover for Creature Of Habit, which echoes the album’s themes of introspection and transformation:

The evocative cover art for ‘Creature Of Habit’

The Creature Of Habit Tracklist:

1. Stay In Your Lane
2. Wonder
3. Site Unseen (featuring Waxahatchee)
4. Mostly Patient
5. One Thing At A Time
6. Mantis
7. Sugar Plum
8. Same
9. Great Advice
10. Another Beautiful Day

It’s worth noting that Creature Of Habit is Barnett’s first full studio album in nearly five years, following 2021’s critically acclaimed Things Take Time, Take Time. Though she also released an instrumental project called End Of The Day in 2023—a meditative score originally created for the documentary Anonymous Club, which offered an intimate portrait of Barnett by filmmaker Danny Cohen.

The Evolution of an Artist

Barnett’s previous album was praised for its tender, unhurried charm. Critics noted how its softer tones invited listeners to savor small moments of happiness, a tonal shift from her earlier, more immediate work.

She once remarked on how film has deeply influenced her songwriting, highlighting the power of subtle visual storytelling:

“More and more, I’m influenced by films more than I am music. There’s such a different level of projection on film. I’m quite a visual person… The very small moments that get captured on film.”

This cinematic sensibility is apparent in her music videos and the mood that permeates her songwriting, making her work resonate both sonically and emotionally.

If you’re curious about how she learned to play guitar and developed her unique sound, here’s a glimpse into Barnett’s musical journey:

What’s Next?

As Creature Of Habit approaches, it feels like a full circle moment for Courtney Barnett—a blending of her past experiences and future possibilities, all wrapped in her signature wit and authenticity. If the reflective tone of ‘Site Unseen’ is any indication, fans are in for an album that’s contemplative yet warm, honest yet hopeful.

What do you think? Are you excited to hear how Barnett’s LA chapter unfolds in her music? How do collaborations like Waxahatchee’s shape the indie scene for you?

FAQ

• How has Courtney Barnett’s relocation impacted her music?
  The move to Los Angeles and the closure of her label brought a mix of confusion and creative inspiration, deeply influencing the themes and sounds on Creature Of Habit.
• Who is featured on the single ‘Site Unseen’?
  Waxahatchee (Katie Crutchfield) lends her distinctive vocals, adding harmony and depth to the track.
• What type of music style can we expect on Creature Of Habit?
  The album embraces a mellow indie rock vibe with introspective lyrics, blending Barnett’s signature storytelling with reflective moods.
• Has Barnett released music recently before this album?
  Yes, she released an instrumental album, End Of The Day, in 2023, which served as a soundtrack for the Anonymous Club documentary.
• What’s the significance of the album’s title?
  Creature Of Habit reflects themes of change, routine, and self-discovery, mirroring Barnett’s personal and professional transitions.

If you’re as captivated by Courtney Barnett’s artistry as we are, why not bring a piece of that magic into your space? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store for a stylish tribute to this iconic era in her career: Architeg Prints.