TWO of the world’s most unique singer-songwriters have joined forces for the release of an exciting new collaborative album.
Kurt Vile and Courtney Barnett have pleased indie fans all over the world with the announcement that they have recently finished recording a joint LP. Set for release later this year, the duo will tour North America in support of the record alongside an all star band called The Sea Lice featuring members Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney, Wild Flag), Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint), Rob Laakso (The Violators, The Swirlies, Mice Parade) and Katie Harkin (Harkin, Sky Larkin and touring member of Sleater-Kinney and Wild Beasts). “A cookin’ band and an intercontinental country duo for the ages – minus the country”, says Vile.
Both known for their lyrical wit and stellar musicianship, the pair discussed how the collaboration came about. “In 2014 I scored a support slot opening for Kurt at the Abbotsford Convent [outside Melbourne],” says Courtney. “We met briefly after the show but I was a bit nervous and didn’t wanna bother him, just grateful for the gig. Years later we started bumping into each other on the festival circuit all around the wide world and we became friends. He hit me up when he was coming to Melbourne next and said he thought we could work together.”
Kurt adds: “I just love her voice in general… great lyrics of course… I love all her music but the song that really hit me was ‘Depreston’ — I know it’s popular but her voice is so good in that song and it’s so pretty and sincere… I’m a sucker for that kinda song: instant classic.
It started out as, maybe we’ll do a split 7” together but then I figured let’s make it a 12” so it doesn’t get lost in the world, shoot for 5 songs. It wasn’t until I had another KV tour booked for the following summer in Oz that we thought we should record as much as we can, just see what happens, no major goal to make it a full length, but it came together that way ‘cause the vibe was so strong with everyone.”
The product of eight days spent in the studio across 15 months, the album’s release date has yet to be confirmed but will be jointly released by Marathon Artists, Matador Records and Milk! Records.
