Courtney Barnett is back, and she's not staying silent! After nearly four years, the acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter has dropped a brand new single, igniting excitement among fans worldwide.
This fresh track, titled "Stay In Your Lane," showcases Barnett at her most vibrant and rebellious. The song explores themes of liberation and the desire for change, with lyrics that resonate deeply. She confronts the need to express herself, while also grappling with the consequences of straying from the familiar.
The music video, directed by Alex Ross Perry, is a visual feast, with a style that some have compared to the intensity of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The single's artwork also offers a captivating glimpse into Barnett's artistic vision.
"Stay In Your Lane" marks Barnett's first new music since her critically acclaimed album, Things Take Time, Take Time, released in 2021. (She also surprised fans with an instrumental record, End of the Day, in September 2023.)
But here's where it gets controversial... Barnett has been relatively quiet in recent years. In 2023, she made the difficult decision to close her label, Milk! Records, after over a decade, citing financial challenges exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions in Australia.
Despite these challenges, Barnett has remained active, performing at various concerts and festivals. She participated in events like the Flaming Lips-curated Psychic Salamander Festival and the Gve a Fck LA wildfire benefit concert. Additionally, she contributed to a Neil Young covers album released this past February.
What does this mean for her future?
Fans are eagerly anticipating news of Barnett's fourth studio album. In the meantime, you can catch her performing "Stay In Your Lane" live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday, October 22nd.
What do you think of Courtney Barnett's new single and her recent ventures? Do you think closing her label was the right move? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
