Courtney Barnett: 2014

With her smart guitar chops, droll sense of humor, intricate lyrics and raconteur-style singing, Australia’s Courtney Barnett is one of the most exciting new artist discoveries over the last year. A set of impressive shows at the CMJ Music Marathon in October elevated Courtney as New York's new Aussie darling and she's sold out every gig she has booked here since last fall (with more appearances scheduled in June). The Melbourne singer's compilation of her early work, The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas, is out now, but Courtney is focused on finally recording her debut album. She is quick to point out that the EPs represent only a very nascent sampling of her songs.

Courtney Barnett and her bandmates Bones Sloane and Dave Mundie are currently touring Australia with Billy Bragg, but they recently stopped by Studio A for a conversation and live performance of her breakthrough single "Avant Gardener," and a brand new song, "Depreston," which will likely end up on her debut album. 

[recorded: 02/21/14]