Interview: Angelica Appelman
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I got into music quite naturally as I was born into a very musical family. My mom played guitar and my sisters played piano and I had sung in choirs and acted in musicals since I was in grade two. We always had music on in the house and my sisters, my cousins and I were always putting on concerts for the family.
If I had not gotten into music, I would probably be an actor as I did go to school for it and have performed in many plays throughout my life, as well as acted on many television shows and short films. I have always loved putting on accents and playing a role; putting myself in other people's shoes. Acting is a second love for me.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I honestly love to spend time and 'play' with my little nieces and nephew and I would say that influences my creativity because they have such vast imaginations and I am reminded to be present and look at things outside of the box when it comes to writing my music and to trust my instincts as they do.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I am based out of Kitchener-Waterloo and living here has definitely influenced my music. Much of my early adult life was going to country bars such as the Stampede Corral every Thursday and Dallas Night Club every Friday where they would have bands play all the country classics and I was really immersed in the country lifestyle. Seeing those bands and artists made me want to do just that – perform and bring country to the city.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
One of my most memorable shows was definitely one of the shows I played at Lou Dawgs in London where I performed my original music for the first time. After playing my new single, “Guilt Trip”, I had this feeling of who I really am as an artist. I was standing for something and that was affirmed again when a father from the crowd came up to me after and said, "I want my daughter to grow up listening to songs like this!" That was a really special moment and reminded me WHY I do THIS.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
My favourite venue to play currently is the Moonshine Café in Oakville, which has been coined the Blue Bird Café of Ontario. It is a very intimate space and crowd and you feel so safe and supported in that room. It allows you to connect in a more vulnerable way with the audience and the audience with you. It is a great place to try out new tunes and a great place to share more of yourself and who you are as an artist.
I would love to play at the El Mocambo in Toronto or the Boots and Hearts stage.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
I would definitely have Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks on that ticket for sure because I am a big 90's country gal, and then I would throw in Lainey Wilson, Carrie Underwood and Adele (just to mix it up).
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
Have patience with yourself and don’t get ahead of yourself! I would say, there is only one you, so don't be afraid to be yourself because that is what makes you special… and with that said, you’ve got to take care of you and focus on your own journey. You will have to have your own back and if you believe in what you have to offer, others will too.
Don't let anyone dim your light! Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
It is so hard to pick one that means the most to me because they are all so special to me, but currently, "Guilt Trip" means the most to me because it has taught me the toughest and hardest lesson during this time. It’s ironic how this song is being released at a time when I needed it the most and it reminds me of just how important a message like this is… when the person who wrote it is worried about the consequences of releasing this song. Then, I remembered, I wrote this as a pep talk to myself and to anyone else who has ever felt like their voice doesn’t matter, to encourage them to own who they are and take their power back. I think it could be very empowering and that means a lot.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
I like to get powerful messages across that are meaningful and say something more about life and relationships – not surface level. I like authentic stories that display a lot of heart – I really want people to know and understand who I am or understand something more about themselves and I don’t shy away from deeper topics.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
My plan is to continue making music that people connect to. I am really excited about releasing three new tunes that will be on my upcoming EP, including a fun summer tune that I think will be such a jam, as well as playing more live shows and festivals. I am really looking forward to playing at Harmonia All-Woman Festival, hosted by Nicole Rayy and Love Revolution Festival, hosted by Suzi Kory. I am also excited about attending the CCMAS in Calgary, playing a few writers rounds there and heading back down south to Nashville in the Fall to write some more, play some rounds and soak in all the opportunities I can.
Thank you for chatting with me! Go stream “Guilt Trip” on your fav streaming platform :)