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Live From The Current Studio

Courtney Barnett tells us how she really feels in The Current studio

Courtney Barnett performs at The Current
Courtney Barnett performs at The CurrentNate Ryan | MPR
  Play Now [18:58]

by Mac Wilson and Cecilia Johnson

July 21, 2018

Courtney Barnett - Sunday Roast (Live at The Current)
by MPR
Courtney Barnett - Nameless, Faceless (Live at The Current)
by MPR
Courtney Barnett - Need A Little Time (Live at The Current)
by MPR

Courtney Barnett makes it look effortless. Preparing to record her fourth in-studio session at The Current, she takes her seat in the middle of the room, holding a three-quarters-size guitar. The lights shine low, and her voice rings out as she puts her fingers to the frets, picking out soft notes. She gives a slight nod: ready to go.

Barnett is in town for a big show at Surly Brewing Field this weekend, featuring fellow rockers Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus as openers. The last time she performed in the Twin Cities, she brought her friend and collaborator, Kurt Vile, to perform from their album Lotta Sea Lice at the Palace Theatre. This time, it's just her and the band touring behind her 2018 album Tell Me How You Really Feel.

At The Current, she gives host Mac Wilson some insight into songs "Sunday Roast" and "City Looks Pretty." Regarding the former, she explains, she grew up eating dinner with her family every week. More recently, she and her friends have started taking turns as host, cooking and sitting down together to make space for support and companionship.

Mac and Courtney also discuss songwriting, her collaboration with Kim and Kelley Deal, and the way that "Nameless, Faceless" continues to take on weight as acts of violence keep affecting women worldwide. It's a laid-back but powerful in-studio, and to hear the whole thing, you can use the audio player above.

Songs Performed

"Sunday Roast"
"Nameless, Faceless"
"Need A Little Time"

All songs from Courtney Barnett's 2018 album Tell Me How You Really Feel, available via Milk! Records, Mom + Pop Music, and Marathon Artists.

Hosted by Mac Wilson
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Michael DeMark
Visuals by Nate Ryan
Web feature by Cecilia Johnson

Courtney Barnett - official site
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