"A PIECE OF APPLE"
Times Square, NYC - Live camera view

It remains to be seen, how long it will last but so far  Fiona Apple and the Big Apple surely have an  influence on each other.  In their year-end issue, New York magazine picked Fiona as one  of their "New Yorkers of the Year."  They write, " . . . when we consider her songs' raw emotion, deft intelligence,  and unflinching attention to detail, New York can't help but be proud of its collective bratty kid sister."  If you've ever lived in New York city, you can't help but be influenced by the raw reality of living in the best and "worst" city in the world.  We personally lean towards the former.  Hopefully, Fiona feels the same way. Here are some of our favorite New York city quotes:

  1. "A magnet for the eclectic.  A haven for the extraordinary.  The ultimate collision of extremes."  DK

  2. "Energy literally rises from the pavement and quickens your step.  You think sharper, talk faster. cramming a week into each day."   DK

  3. "Honest in its neurosis, tough in its candor, warm in its fold."  DK

  4. "There's no room for amateurs.  Even in crossing streets."   George Segal

  5. "Traffic signals are just rough guidelines."  taxi driver

  6. "One belongs to New York instantly, as much in five minutes as in five years."  Thomas Wolfe

  7. "Of course, living and working in New York is sheer hell.  Once you understand that, just get going!   What a ride."   Carrie Donovan

  8. "New York.  You don't understand it until you live in it."   N.R.

  9. "Only in New York."    anybody

  10. "You don't miss it until you're gone."   a misplaced New Yorker
"MY OH MAYA!"
Maya Angelou

Any Fiona Apple fan knows that Maya Angelou with her poetry and writings has profoundly inspired, guided and moved her to "greater heights."   Fiona's numerous and open references to this great Pulitzer Prize Award winner shows us her heart connection not just in what "Maya says," but the tragic circumstances that binds them both.  Maya like Fiona was raped as a child -- both have mourned and shared their pain through their writings.  Maya Angelou's best-selling autobiographical account of her youth I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, no doubt, has greatly influenced Fiona.  Fiona's daydream fantasy to show her wings (tattooed on her lower back as FHW) and fly away triumphantly and freely is becoming a reality.  We're happy this bird is now singing.  For more on Maya Angelou click here.

 
"A GRAHAM OF MARTHA"


Martha Graham was a pioneer artist in modern dance and choreography, whose dynamic dance methods are routinely taught the world over.  One of the few most influential artists of the 20th Century.   Her body of work as well as her famous words have influenced Fiona to artistic moving expression --



(Martha Graham from a letter to Agnes de Mille)

"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening
That is translated through you into action,
And because there is only one of you in all time,
This expression is unique.
If you block it,
It will never exist through any other medium
And be lost.
The world will never have it.
It is not your business to determine how good it is,
Nor how valuable it is,
Nor how it compares with other expressions.
It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly,
To keep the channel open.
You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work.
You have to keep open and aware
Directly to the urges that motivate you.
Keep the channel open.
No artist is pleased.
There is no satisfaction whatever at any time.
There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction,
A blessed unrest that keeps us marching
And makes us more alive than others."



Fiona carries these inspiring words whenever she performs.  (For more on Martha Graham click here.)