Spotlight: Angelica Appelman

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Spotlight: Angelica Appelman – A Journey of Music and Growth

In this edition of Spotlight: Angelica Appelman, we dive into the rising country artist’s musical journey and the passion that fuels her craft. With the release of Finding My Feet, Angelica shares a deeply personal yet universally relatable story of self-discovery, resilience, and embracing life’s changes. Her heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies have already resonated with fans, cementing her as an artist to watch. Join us as we talk about her inspirations, the creative process behind Finding My Feet, and what’s next on her musical path.

How did you get into music?

I grew up belting out 90’s country hits with my sisters and putting on driveway shows for family and friends, fueled by a super musical family—my mom rocks the guitar, my dad’s an undercover songwriter, and my Nonno used to serenade us in Italian when I was little, so I come by it honestly! I dove into singing lessons and musicals by grade two, later attending a drama and voice high school where I started writing songs at 13. After graduating from the University of Toronto and Sheridan College, I hit the professional scene at 17, performing at weddings and corporate gigs, etc.

When the world shut down in 2020-21, I jumped into online songwriter circles, leading to my debut single “Happy Place” in January 2022 and the rest is history!

Who are some of the early influences that helped shape your sound today?

My main influences are the ultimate dream team of 90s country queens! Shania Twain, Martina McBride, and Faith Hill are my go-to gals. These powerhouse women didn’t just sing; they paved the way for all of us gals in country music, showing us that we can be fierce, fabulous, and unapologetically ourselves! 

Shania with her infectious energy and catchy hooks that got you dancing in your living room, Martina’s soulful storytelling and crystal-clear notes that get you right in the feels, and Faith Hill with her stunning vocals and rich tone that I spent years trying to emulate repeatedly singing “There You’ll Be”. Their boldness and authenticity inspire me to channel my own quirks and natural vocal stylings into my music, mixing their iconic sounds with my own flair. They inspired so many and were at the top of their game and it is my goal to inspire the next generation of female artist just as they inspired me. Those ladies were so real, and that is something that is so important to me!

You have a very deep and personal story you've told during your career. How do you think that influences your music today?

I think sharing that deep and personal story has allowed me to be really brave and vulnerable but has also shown me that vulnerability is such a strength, and it is something that people love, crave and relate to, and I am just so grateful to see the reward of being so transparent and honest with my listeners. I get to connect with them on a deeper level and thus, they relate on a deeper level. It is a win-win. I think now more than ever, I want to continue this path of realness and rawness with every variation of song I am writing. No extra fluff. Always writing from a place of relatability and illustrating it in lyrics and melodies that are simple, authentic, and understood universally.

You have a new one coming up with the release of “Finding My Feet”. Can you tell us a little bit about how this track came together?

Two years ago, I was rear ended by a truck on the 401 at 80 km/hr and he drove away. When I luckily got out of the car, I was experiencing a panic attack and pacing back and forth into oncoming traffic and was almost hit again as a pedestrian. If it weren’t for a brave Samaritan who wrapped his arms around me to save my life and bring me to safety, I would not be here today. As a result, I have had a lot to work through. I suffered a terrible concussion and now brain injury, a neck injury and copious amounts of trauma, fear, incoherence, forgetfulness, and mental health struggles. I had to move back home with my parents and leave behind my one-bedroom apartment so they could take care of me, I had to quit my job, and my music career and all the momentum I created came to a quick stop. My whole life did a 180 and things got tough. My journey of healing took a long time and was frustrating, painful and lonely, but it also brought me lots of time to reflect and learn to be the woman I want to be. This experience taught me that we humans are stronger than we know. I wrote this song to convey that. To give myself hope and to be so deeply vulnerable with my fans that I could truly make an impact. I brought this to my trusted song writing pals, Jesse, Daryl and Rich and they helped me craft this tune to be as relatable as it needed to be, while still conveying my story.

Having got to meet you this summer, I'm curious about your process when putting together your music and any unique things you might do?

The only unique thing I do with my producers is we are all in the studio together trying out different things musically, sonically and we kind of improvise until we find the right vibe. I also do that in the vocal booth too. I usually run the song through a couple times normally and then I pick parts where I can try switching up the melody or adding in fun harmonies. I can thank my vocal engineer Al Rowe for giving me that agency and directing me to make cooler choices in the moment. He is a genius when it comes to coaching in the vocal booth. He will make sure that we hear every word and consonant so that nothing is missed when everything is mixed.

How do you think your music has evolved from earlier releases going into this new release?

I think my music has evolved because I have evolved as a person, artist and performer. I have become a lot more confident in my abilities and my strengths and I am way more aware of my weaknesses too. I know my voice a lot better than I did when I was first starting out because of trial and error and playing a lot of shows and working hard to target the sweet spots in my voice and in my writing. I think that I am more knowledgeable about the business and about what works for me. I think I am finally settling into what makes me special as a vocalist, songwriter, performer, and brand and that has helped shape my music to be authentic and true to me. I have also been through a lot more in life since “Happy Place” and I am not aiming to please people or the industry with my music. I am doing it for me and my listeners, and my passion now outweighs my fear of what people think.

What is the most unexpected thing you've learned about yourself on your musical journey?

I think the most unexpected thing I have learned about myself on this journey is that following your gut, who you are, what you believe is always right. It may actually mean staying away from trends and paving my own path, or doing something in a different way, taking a risk that people said not to take at “my level”. It seems that whenever I do something opposite of what I inherently am or followed a trend etc just because that was the popular thing to do, it never served me, because it was not meant for me. I always thought that I had to copy what the trending artists are doing to make it, but really, I learned that it’s not about that at all. You got to stay in your own lane and eventually the ball will land in your court, and you better be the best version of yourself when it gets there. So, all that to say, I learned that people actually find the outside of the box things loveable – when I am being my goofy, dorky, no filter, overly talkitive, happy go lucky, grateful and introspective self. They like that I am different. I like that I am different.

What do you do to stay grounded outside of music?

I play volleyball, I spend time with my family, friends and loved ones, especially my nieces and nephew. Trust me, kids have a way of keeping you humble, no doubt, haha, and I do my prayer meditations. I try to be as present as I can be when I am not in music mode. It is important to take breaks and live life. When I allow myself to experience life and stay present with myself and the people I am with, that is when I have the best stories to write.

You had a pretty busy summer, what were some of the most memorable parts for you?

The most memorable parts of my summer were having the opportunity to play Cavendish Beach Music Festival Kitchen Stage and opening for Dean Brody at Kemptville Live Music Festival. Being on the island was so magical and the east coast folks are some of the nicest people I have ever met who were so unbelievably supportive and kind. Some folks from Newfoundland told me they learned my songs to sing with me during my set and they came out early to see just me and that was so special. I cried and took a video of course! While at the same time, opening for Dean Brody at Kemptville was just a blast and one of my best performances to date. I mean, I just felt like a I was literally living the dream and I got to say, “hey Ma, look I’m on the jumbotron!”. The band and I had such an amazing time and I had so many people come up to me and share their stories with me that related to “Finding My Feet” and thanked me for my bravery. That was so very touching and made me realize that if I was vulnerable with my fans, they would be vulnerable with me and that creates a deeper bond and appreciation for the music and each other.

Who are some of the people out there that you are listening to that aren't getting enough attention right now?

Hmm… that’s a tough one because I am listening to a lot of people who are getting attention right now. However, I do think Ella Langley’s solo stuff is not getting the recognition it deserves because it is being overshadowed by her duet with Riley Green.

What is something on your go to playlist that people wouldn't expect that you listen to?

I listen to a lot of Christian Music with artists like Lauren Daigle, and Hillsong etc, but then I can go straight to some old school rap music and listen to songs like Juicy by Biggie, haha.

What is one thing you think should be asked more in an interview that isn't asked enough?

I wish people asked me more about the challenges I’ve faced along the way, not just the successes. The journey to getting here hasn’t always been easy, and there have been plenty of moments of doubt and struggle. But those are the times that have truly shaped my music and my perspective. I think sharing those moments can be really powerful and show that it’s okay to not have everything figured out – sometimes it’s the hard times that help you grow the most. I would like to be asked about more of the real stuff so I can get real with my answers. I am really craving authenticity in this business and candid, heartfelt, unpolished people.

If you had to introduce your music to a new one that best showcases you what would it be and why?

That is soooo stinking hard because each song is kind of a different piece of me. A different story of sharing who I am. I think if you really know me, they all showcase me… but if I had to pick just one, I think I would go with “Best Behaviour” for my vibe and personality and direction that I am heading with my music – catchy, easy, silky melodies and sultry tones with more mature content while I am growing and glowing up. However, if you want to know my heart, “Finding My Feet” is just that. It shows my strength, resilience and my every day mantra of keeping things hopeful.

What is the most underrated salad dressing?

Balsamic vinegar and oil with seasoning. That is not only a healthy choice but it’s the kind of salads I grew up on with tomatoes and cucumbers and there’s really no other way.

What do you hope fans take away from your music?

I hope fans take away whatever they are meant to take away from my music. Music is such a powerful thing and can be really healing. I hope that it reminds them to be hopeful, present, genuine and vulnerable in their lives. If I make them feel something different than before they listened, then I did my job. With “Finding My Feet” in particular, I hope that they are reminded that they are not alone, life is tough, and we all have our struggles, but you are stronger than you know, and you will get through, one step at a time.

What motivates you to keep walking this musical road?

It is my calling. I believe this why I was put on earth, to share my stories, perspective and gifts with the world and that’s reason enough to keep going.

Spotlight: Angelica Appelman has come to an end. Big thanks to Angelica for taking the time to chat

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