Courtney Barnett sells out three nights at San Francisco’s Fillmore

It was a beautiful day on Wednesday, August 26th, when Courtney Barnett kicked off one of three nights at a true San Francisco historic gem — The Fillmore. The Sydney-born, Hobart-raised, and Melbourne-based Aussie singer-songwriter was in town promoting her forthcoming album, Creature of Habit, with proof of the album’s acclaim being THREE SOLD-OUT NIGHTS in town!

I was lucky enough to get into Night One.

As someone born and raised in California, but wishing I lived in Australia, I pride myself on my Aussie music knowledge and love to spread Aussie music love. Courtney Barnett is what many would deem a ‘legend’ and she’s definitely earned her stripes, first gaining popularity with her debut 2015 album Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit garnering her a GRAMMY nomination for ‘Best New Artist’. 2018’s follow-up album Tell Me How You Really Feel launched Barnett into touring the world, now documented in the music documentary Anonymous Club (2021).

Courtney Barnett’s lyrics are witty and sly, with her deadpan delivery upping the experience even more live. Subjects in her songs range from the everyday mundane to very serious topics, such as depression and mental health. She does not shy away from showing vulnerability, wearing her heart on her sleeve alongside heartfelt lyrics that emphasize it’s okay to not feel okay. Good things are coming.

Courtney Barnett is also arguably one of the best guitarists of our time.

Her tone is in comparison to none. Being left-handed, many comment that she resembles Jimi Hendrix; I would also add Kurt Cobain and early Patti Smith to that list. Because of this, I was so honored to see her on my home turf.

Along with Courtney, holding the beat down was Bones Sloane, Barnett’s longtime bassist, as well as the amazing Stella Mozgaw on drums. People may recognize Stella from the Aussie band Warpaint although she lately has been a close collaborator with Courtney. The band was on fire playing the entirety of Creature of Habit, plus older hits sprinkled throughout, such as “City Looks Pretty”, “Avant Gardner”, “Small Poppies”, “History Eraser”, “Need a Little Time”, “Depreston”, “Elevator Operator”, “Before You Gotta Go”, “Write a List of Things to Look Forward To”, “Canned Tomatoes (Whole)”, “Pedestrian at Best”, and — last but not least — “Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go to the Party”. 

Opening the show was Zoh Amba, who reminded me of a punky version of Big Thief with a folk-punk drawl and a set that featured an avant-garde saxophone in the tradition of Albert Ayler and Ornette Coleman.

Very old-school and unique!

Zoh Ambra was quite the opening act. In all, I had such a great time at this show, finally getting to see Courtney Barnett play live in California (#bucketlist). As I said before, I love Australian music and wish Aussie artists would get more recognition here in the States. Please check out Courtney Barnett; her clever lyrics are bound to get you to smile! This show felt like being wrapped in a warm hug. Courtney, if you are reading this, you did an amazing job and should be very proud of yourself for a killer show and tour! You did what you set out to do with your music, which is “empowering people who need empowering, help people in their journey either forget something, forgive something, remember something, feel inspired, feel happiness, and transcend life.” Quoted from the documentary film Anonymous Club (2021).

Photography by Katey Schoenberger

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