Barnett's deadpan rocks sold-out DC9 debut.

Source: washingtonpost.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Washington Post pop critic Chris Richards reviewed Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett's performance at DC9 Nightclub. The show on Wednesday night, February 19, 2014, was her first in Washington and sold out. This coverage captures an early U.S. tour stop for the Melbourne artist gaining notice.[[1]](https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/courtney-barnetts-electric-deadpan-wows-at-dc9/2014/02/20/885e499a-9a38-11e3-80ac-63a8ba7f7942_story.html)

Key points

Details and context

The review opens with a couch-to-rock-star anecdote fitting Barnett's slacker persona, tying to her observational songwriting. Photo by Kyle Gustafson shows her performing at DC9.[[1]](https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/courtney-barnetts-electric-deadpan-wows-at-dc9/2014/02/20/885e499a-9a38-11e3-80ac-63a8ba7f7942_story.html)

Barnett was promoting material from her Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas around this time, with songs like "Avant Gardener" and "Scotty Says" in her typical set.[[2]](https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/courtney-barnett/2014/dc9-washington-dc-33c560a5.html)

DC9 is a key U.S. indie rock spot; this sold-out gig signals early hype before her major label U.S. signing announced days earlier.[[3]](http://showlistdc.com/archive_2014.php)

Key quotes

"Before you become a rock star, you must first peel yourself off the couch." – Opening line by Chris Richards.[[1]](https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/courtney-barnetts-electric-deadpan-wows-at-dc9/2014/02/20/885e499a-9a38-11e3-80ac-63a8ba7f7942_story.html)

Why it matters

Positive early reviews like this helped propel indie artists like Barnett toward wider U.S. success in the 2010s indie scene. Fans and bookers saw proof of her live draw in tight venues. Watch her later D.C. returns, like Black Cat in October 2014, for growth.[[4]](https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2015/01/09/375664252/662-shows-in-365-days-bob-boilens-year-in-concerts)

FAQ

Q: When did Courtney Barnett play DC9?

A: The performance was on February 19, 2014, reviewed the next day in the Washington Post. It was part of her A Sea of Split Peas tour. The show sold out.[[2]](https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/courtney-barnett/2014/dc9-washington-dc-33c560a5.html)

Q: Who reviewed the DC9 show?

A: Chris Richards, Washington Post pop music critic. He praised her electric deadpan and disheveled energy. A photo by Kyle Gustafson accompanied the piece.[[1]](https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/courtney-barnetts-electric-deadpan-wows-at-dc9/2014/02/20/885e499a-9a38-11e3-80ac-63a8ba7f7942_story.html)

Q: What was special about Barnett's style per the review?

A: Her electric deadpan delivery wowed, injecting songs with disheveled energy. The debut was called brilliant. It fit her Melbourne slacker-rock image.[[1]](https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/courtney-barnetts-electric-deadpan-wows-at-dc9/2014/02/20/885e499a-9a38-11e3-80ac-63a8ba7f7942_story.html)

Q: Who opened for Courtney Barnett at DC9?

A: Kins opened the sold-out show. Local listings confirm this pairing. Barnett headlined the intimate venue.[[3]](http://showlistdc.com/archive_2014.php)