Jen Cloher: 2018

Melbourne’s Jen Cloher is the kind of songwriter who doesn’t shy away from autobiographical lyrics. On her past three albums she’s tackled tough subjects like her mother’s struggle with dementia and her own self-doubts as a struggling artist.

On her fourth, self-titled album, her first in four years, Cloher writes honestly about herself and her relationship with her wife, muse and bandmate, Courtney Barnett, and the seismic shift any couple faces when their fortunes dramatically change. Over the past few years, Cloher has found herself at home in Australia, looking after their label Milk! Records, while Barnett tours the world as an international rock star.

Cloher has found a place of power and contentment on this impressive new collection of songs. For this FUV Live session, she brought along her bandmates —Barnett on guitar, drummer Jen Sholakis and bassist Bones Sloane. Cloher discussed her own reckoning with her life and music over the last few years and played a two-song set, including the eight-minute epic “Analysis Paralysis” which features an extraordinary guitar solo from Barnett.

[recorded: 1/30/18]

More:

• Songs in Love: Jen Cloher and Courtney Barnett