Fiona Apple, the daring and enigmatic artist, never quite fit into a specific musical scene. Her debut album, Tidal, emerged amidst the alternative rock wave of 1996, propelling her into the spotlight with hits like “Criminal” and earning platinum certification. However, Apple’s musical roots were far from conventional, drawing inspiration from jazz, show tunes, and ’70s singer/songwriters. Her sophomore album, When the Pawn, showcased her emotional intensity and eccentric flair, setting the tone for her subsequent works over the next decades. Despite extended gaps between album releases, such as the six-year hiatus before Extraordinary Machine and seven years before The Idler Wheel, Apple retained a devoted following with her bold aural experiments while staying true to her singer/songwriter essence.
Born in 1977 to singer Diane McAfee and actor Brandon Maggart, Fiona Apple’s musical journey began at the age of 12 as a coping mechanism for a traumatic childhood. Her relocation to Los Angeles at just 16 led to a contract with Sony Music in 1995, paving the way for her debut album, Tidal, the following year. The album’s slow rise to fame culminated in critical acclaim and a Grammy Award, thanks in part to the controversial success of the single “Criminal.” With her subsequent releases, Apple delved deeper into her artistic ambitions, as seen in the complex title of her 1999 album, When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks Like a King… Produced by Jon Brion, the album showcased Apple’s literary depth and melodic prowess, solidifying her cult status. Despite setbacks and delays in her career, including the leak of unfinished mixes for her fourth album Extraordinary Machine, Apple persevered and continued to surprise fans with her unique blend of musical storytelling and unconventional themes.