Sydney-based singer, Instrumentalist, Songwriter, Arranger, Composer, Musical Director, and Studio Producer Sarah Belkner has released her much-anticipated album, THE APPLE. The album is a poetic journey that reflects on the essence of creativity, life's challenges, and the simplicity of being alive.

During the creation of THE APPLE, Sarah Belkner embarked on a whirlwind of travel and touring. Her lyrics emerged as heartfelt poems, composed in transient moments on planes and hotel rooms, later set to music when she found respite from her rigorous schedule. Inspired by her travels, she delves into what it means to be creative in a constantly evolving world. At its core, the album encourages self-commitment and reminds us that life is a fleeting gift.

In a departure from her previous work, Belkner chose a more stripped-down approach to recording the new album. She reunited with her band weekly over two months to refine the songs to the point of recording. The bulk of the album was captured in just three days in the studio, with Belkner's parts carefully layered to create a unique sonic landscape. This minimalist approach, devoid of guitars and featuring a curious combination of instruments, using only synth and saxophone played through a synthesiser, Bass, and Drums, allows the lyrics to shine brightly, setting poetry to music.

THE APPLE boasts a remarkable absence of vocal doubling or backing vocals, ensuring a clear, uncluttered expression of Belkner's themes. The album's purposeful and bold minimalism breaks free from trends while offering a sense of comforting familiarity.

The album's journey begins in 2020, a year that brought profound changes for Belkner. During this time, she became pregnant with her daughter Juno, witnessed her father-in- law's cancer diagnosis and subsequent passing, and endured her sister-in-law's battle with cancer. During these personal trials, she then navigated touring with a newborn during the pandemic. The loss of her and her husband and co producer Richie’s studio, sold for development, added to the challenges. However, this tumultuous period unintentionally resulted in a poignant time capsule that captured life's essence before everything changed, offering a sense of simplicity and hopefulness. The recurring symbolism of the apple, present throughout history, religion, and popular culture, intrigued Belkner. She felt the profound meaning behind this simple fruit and how it represents complex concepts matched how the album's surface simplicity belies its deep exploration of the human experience.

The album's lead single, "Salt," is an enchanting ode to finding hope and simplicity amidst life's chaos. Inspired by the soothing presence of the ocean, Belkner captures the essence of being present in an overstimulated world. Belkner reflects, "An ode to that beautiful feeling when hope and simplicity creep back in. Water does it for me as it does for so many people. Finding your calm in the storm of it all.”

“Almost On The Inside”, the track embodies the spirit of perseverance and the humorous outlook needed to navigate life's unpredictable twists and turns. Belkner describes it as a mantra for life's challenges: "Drip the light slowly. This song is a little mantra that you never really get to the end of life’s challenges as much as you’d like."

Belkner's "Wait for God" is a metaphor for waiting for inspiration and being stuck in a state of constant alertness. She elaborates, "Sometimes, we need to sink into the process and just do it, not worry so much about everything."

“Ghost In My Machine” Explores the haunting feeling of dreams about the past and unexpected glitches in life, Belkner shares, "I’ve also always liked the phrase 'Ghost in the machine' when something tech goes wrong. A glitch that you’re not expecting. A feeling in your body you don’t want to feel but comes and takes over for a while."

The latest single, "Houdini," is a tribute to the creative process and the courage required to pursue one's passion. Belkner notes, "The intensity of being creative sometimes can be overwhelming, and the pursuit to put out work is very challenging. But don’t give up! That’s the only thing that will mean you don’t move forward."

In “I Think That It's Me”, Belkner reflects on self-discovery and the continuous journey of understanding oneself. She muses, "You think you know yourself, and then another layer comes off. Another decade goes by. Do we ever feel fully comfortable in our skin? I suspect it’s a lifelong pursuit."

The whimsical track “Pocket Money For Therapy” explores the allure of quitting and the desire for a simpler life. Belkner humorously shares, "It’s that romantic, simple life you dream of... The grass is greener. Move to the beach and make coffee for tourists."

The album's title track, “The Apple”, is a love song that celebrates the power of love to transcend inequalities and unite hearts. Belkner delves into the song's meaning, stating, "Ah, Eve. She ate the apple, and it all went pear-shaped from there. What if we stop eating the apple or, more to the point, stop blaming Eve? The age-old story that has sparked so much separation and gender disempowerment."

“Phoenix Day,” a reflection on life's repetitive nature, akin to the movie "Groundhog Day," Belkner shares, "Each day, you wake up feeling like you’re right in the fire, but you get up and brush yourself off... You can do it."

“One Wing” is a heartfelt composition about loss and the enduring presence of loved ones. Belkner says, "This song is for everyone who has lost someone close. We’ve had our fair share recently, and this song has become very important to express grief."
Sarah Belkner's THE APPLE is a musical and lyrical masterpiece that encapsulates life's complexity and simplicity's beauty. As an artist known for her versatility and talent, Belkner continues to push boundaries and create music that resonates deeply with listeners.