Fetch the Bolt Cutters

By July 2019, Apple had begun mixing the album. In September, the process began to slow down, with Apple developing doubts about the album. At this time, the artist first mentioned work on her new project in an interview with Vulture, explaining that she was still working hard on her next album which should have been released "a million years ago" and was hoping to put it out in 2020. She also admitted to being reclusive due to ongoing recording sessions at her Venice Beach house. In January 2020, she played the mixes to her band members, whose positive response brought Apple back on track. In an interview that month, she said that the album process was in its final stages, with the only things left being "artwork and stuff". On March 9, 2020, she revealed that she had finished recording, making the announcement in sign language. Music and lyrics The album's sound is percussive and raw. Songs feature looped sections, and sudden tempo changes. Apple's long-time bassist Sebastian Steinberg compared the album to Apple's 2012 song "Hot Knife", describing it as "very raw and unslick". Lyrically, Apple identified its main theme as "not being afraid to speak". She also explores her complex social relationships with other women.