Dear listeners of Interven releases. Today I want to tell you about an amazing harpist, singer, songwriter and composer from New York Stephanie Babirak and her new album ‘Rotten Fruit’. You know, there are such light and intriguing releases that are like watercolor on wet paper. Hazy, cinematic and very captivating. ‘Rotten Fruit’ by Stephanie Babirak is exactly like that. And, most likely, it is due to the classical harp, cinematic arrangements, atmospheric vocals of Stephanie Babirak and indie folk songwriting. All these seemingly distant genres intertwine into a single sound across 8 tracks. “Rotten Fruit” is her new album, and the title suggests the atmosphere of the release.

‘Rotten Fruit’ grew out of the track ‘Waterline’, but over time turned into a conceptual frame for the entire release. Stephanie Babirak turns to a biblical metaphor: a tree is known by its fruits. It seems that the idea is simple and clear, but try to apply it to yourself, and the simplicity quickly evaporates. It is precisely about the expectations of other people, promises to oneself and the attempt to accept oneself that the album ‘Rotten Fruit is about. The whole album is, in essence, an attempt to figure out: where does that very “bad” live? Is it innate? Or is it something that grows over time, you know, through family, environment, recurring patterns? And most importantly, how do you recognize it when you yourself are inside it?

Babirak explores these questions through different facets of her life, on one hand she is a person, on the other a partner, but there is another facet of Rotten Fruit, she is an artist. And in these reflections she offers to honestly look at what is there, even if it does not match what one would like to believe, no matter how melancholic it may sound. In ‘Rotten Fruit’ you will hear a subtle balance between classical harp and modern production. Babirak does this with a lightness that comes only when an artist truly understands both worlds. But most importantly, the harp is the main instrument, the vocals are the main guide. Everything else is built around the cinematic sound.

You will hear that cinematic opening in the track ‘Apocalypse’. The central track that begins the story. The singer slowly tells the story, allows each word to float and supports it with a cozy harp. The mix with a pop sound is very captivating, so it is an excellent track for reflection under an aura of joy. The first part of the album is filled with a light atmosphere, and the track ‘Hey Cain’ is an example of this. The singer’s voice floats in echo, and the arrangement unfolds into a soft swaying sound.

You know, this track evokes a slight feeling of nostalgia. Perhaps it is due to the light retro vibe, giving a sense of safety and calm. Then the song ‘Waterline’ intensified this feeling. It is an almost mystical track, with a hazy atmosphere and a dreamlike aesthetic. The harp softly sounds over a light arrangement, and I would classify this track as a cinematic dream pop sound with a slight vibe of retro pop. A bright rhythm, a cozy sound, what could be better?

And better can only be the track ‘Lakeside’ with its hypnotic, unsettling motives. The harmonies are distorted, and the voices sound in unison. This is an example of how the singer can play with atmosphere and experimental genres and minor harmonies. This track sounds especially interesting within the concept of the album. A new point of view or a turning point that changes the familiar perception of the world. Perfect! The track ‘Utah’ is a soft mix of gentle folk and a swaying pop atmosphere. I admit this is my favorite track on the release, which adds the kind of coziness that only a lullaby for a tired mind can create. The final ‘Coda’ is a short instrumental track in which there is only the harp of Stephanie Babirak. I like this idea, it ends the album on a soft note, almost fairy-like and as if saying that the magic has not gone anywhere. It is inside each of us.

If you are looking for something incredibly beautiful, airy and light that will accompany you through your warmest evenings, then the album ‘Rotten Fruit’ by Stephanie Babirak is exactly what you have been looking for. Each of the tracks is beautiful on its own, and together they form a whole story. Be sure to add your favorite tracks to your playlists and subscribe to Stephanie Babirak so you do not miss even more of such wonderful music.

Hey! Thank you for releasing such light music. It was very fairy-like. I received incredible pleasure from listening and from the addition of pop energy and bright rhythms to the songs. This created a very captivating impulse. I will definitely show your album to everyone. Let them also enjoy such beautiful music. I love this, and I am your fan!

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