Courtney Barnett & Bartees Strange delight Seattle
As far as lineups go, you can’t get much better than Courtney Barnett and Bartees Strange. When I saw the announcement of their West Coast tour, I audibly gasped. Two of my favorite artists on the same bill… at The Paramount? The perfect show to end an unprecedented year.
I grew up in Seattle, so walking into The Paramount always brings a wave of nostalgia. While I had been in the venue many times before, I had never been in the photo pit. It was spacious, well lit, and… awkwardly close. “Omg. What if they… look at me?” As a chronically early individual, I grabbed a drink and waited for the show to start, gazing at the extravagant walls and ceiling. The Paramount is a show in and of itself.
I had seen Bartees Strange open for Lucy Dacus several months prior and immediately added him to my Spotify rotation. I was curious to see if this performance would be similar to the previous. Let’s just say… Bartees exceeded my expectations.
He opened the show with a beautiful acoustic introduction – “Stone Meadows” from his 2020 album, Live Forever. Yes, Bartees can rock with the best of them, but he also possesses a soft, albeit bewitching voice that demands the attention of everyone in a room. You could hear a pin drop as he sang, “Wouldn’t it be nice? If everyone had problems? If everyone turned tail when you’re around?” It was as if Bartees was communicating his vulnerability by allowing the audience a glimpse of tenderness. A swell of emotion. As the song resolved, Bartees’ band joined the stage – an ensemble equally as gifted as their frontman.
Bartees Strange is unique because he combines elements of rock, rap, R&B, and soul. He is his own genre. An incredibly gifted musician, he is boldly making well-deserved waves in the music scene. It is no surprise that Bartees has been opening for some of the biggest acts in indie rock as of late, but it’s time for Bartees Strange to start headlining his own shows!
Reeling from the magic I had just witnessed, I was stoked for the experience to continue. Courtney Barnett entered the stage, which was set like a living room – rug, lamps, and all. It was cute – homey, even. Something about making a glorious stage look like a part of normal life is very intentional. A distinct decision to invite the crowd in.
Barnett performed recent music from Things Take Time, Take Time. These songs seem to differ from Barnett’s past albums in the sense that they are more soft and introspective. Her music tells witty, at times, melancholic tales that are easily relatable to listeners. Bartnett’s theme of approachability was present throughout the show. You could tell that the Australian-born frontwoman is humble, true, and seeking to share stories with anyone lucky enough to listen.
Courtney Barnett and Bartees Strange made an excellent pairing for a breathtaking show. Each artist demonstrated an unwavering ability to create honest narratives and striking instrumentation throughout their sets. With The Paramount as their backdrop, Barnett and Strange created a live music experience that is hard to achieve, placing vulnerability at the forefront. A perfect show to end the year, indeed.
Photos and words by the great Brittne Lunniss @britttakemypic
