Courtney Barnett: When Quiet Power Speaks Volumes on Late Night

There’s just something about Courtney Barnett, isn't there? You know, that understated cool, that kind of conversational drawl that hooks you right in. And for anyone watching Late Night with Seth Meyers recently, that very particular magic was on full display. She performed “Stay in Your Lane,” and honestly, it felt less like a typical late-night slot and more like an intimate, knowing nod from an artist who truly understands her craft.

The stage, simple yet perfectly set, became her canvas.

She was there, just her, her guitar, and that voice – a voice that somehow manages to be both laid-back and utterly piercing all at once. The song itself, “Stay in Your Lane,” comes from her much-anticipated third album, Things Take Time, Take Time. It's a track that, if you listen closely, feels like a quiet manifesto.

A reminder, perhaps, to herself and to us, that sometimes the most profound statements are made without shouting, but with a deliberate, steady rhythm.

What’s always struck me about Barnett’s work, and it was certainly evident in this performance, is her knack for turning the mundane into something quite poetic.

She observes the world around her, picks up on those little, often overlooked details, and then—presto—transforms them into these incredibly relatable narratives. It’s a bit like she’s whispering secrets you didn't even realize you had, but, you know, she does it with a wry smile and some seriously catchy guitar riffs.

This album, due out November 12th via Mom+Pop Music/Remote Control, feels like it’s going to be another testament to that unique songwriting style.

And let’s not forget, she’s not just dropping new music; she’s also hitting the road. A North American tour is slated for 2022, meaning more chances for fans to experience that singular, live energy she brings to every stage. If her recent Seth Meyers appearance is any indication, it’s going to be something truly special.

Sometimes, the most powerful artists are the ones who make you feel like you’re just having a chat, even when they’re rocking a national stage.