Angelica
“You will have to have your own back and if you believe in what you have to offer, others will too.”
Angelica is a versatile artist and creative, who has casted a light over the Canadian country music scene with multiple 2022 single releases. Her lyrics are often inspired by her own adventures and adversities, including the setbacks she faced from an array of health complications in her early 20’s. While learning to cope during these difficult circumstances, she channeled her emotions and raw recollections into song writing. This positive outlet reestablished her love for music, while also shifting her mindset and ultimately the course of her life; she refused to take a backseat or passive role in her own health journey. Whether she is tapping into her 90’s country inspirations or her first-hand experiences, her carefully crafted lyrics will undoubtedly capture her listeners and take them for a joyride. This is Angelica’s story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
A: Hey pals! My name is Angelica Appelman, born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo. I am a legal assistant by day and country artist by night and on the weekends. I am a lover of both sports and the arts… yes, that can be a thing! Soccer and Volleyball are my jam, just underneath music and singing and songwriting. I went to Eastwood Collegiate Institute High School for the Arts Program where I grew a strong passion for musicals, theatre and acting – that took me to audition for University of Toronto and Sheridan College’s Theatre and Drama Studies Program. While there, I focused heavily on performing, singing and film and pursued that professionally after graduating, having been in many musicals, plays and television shows since.
I am a very proud Italian who grew up making salami and sausage with my Nonno every Saturday morning and I will often talk about how much I love my Nonna and the food she makes. When I am not doing the country artist/music thing, I am often spending time with my nieces and nephew who are my entire world or hanging out with my friends, gallivanting around K-W, enjoying some live music… or watching Golden Girls or One Tree Hill for the 10th time.
K: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
A: I would describe myself as a bubbly, energetic, passionate, empathetic, strong, introspective, authentic goofball with the perfect combination of sweet and sassy and a pretty big heart. I care a lot about people and I am loyal almost to a fault. It is my goal in life to make people smile or laugh. I sometimes can’t even put into words how much music means to me and how much I truly love it. I am never not singing.
K: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
A: I think my favourite thing about myself is that I have a genuine soul. I am always 100% myself and I find it really difficult to be anything other than what I am (cue Gavin DeGraw). What you see is definitely what you get. I am honest through and through and because of that I seriously can't lie, haha – which I suppose in the grand scheme of things is a good thing!
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
A: When I was in my early 20’s I was diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases that were debilitating and frustrating, and frankly, life changing. I was bedridden for almost 2 years straight, unable to work or even walk down the street because I was in so much pain. I did more testing and surgeries in two years than anyone should ever do in a lifetime. It felt like so much of my time was wasted those two years. I was at one of my lowest points, but then I decided to change my perspective and I went through a really powerful, almost spiritual transformation where I realized that I could use this for good.
I found my love for songwriting again and began to do it every day to put pen to paper and express what I was going through. I saw a counsellor to help with my mental health too, and I asked to start working with my old vocal coach, Amanda Kind (my angel on earth) because I knew that music was going to be my only healer and would be my way back up. There were days when I thought I would never sing, work or even be a functioning human being again, but choosing music and choosing to pursue my passions during this difficult time changed my entire life.
Miraculously, after I made that mindset switch, I was given a call by my Doctor who told me that there was an opening for me to see a Specialist; I had been on the waiting list for for two years to figure out what was wrong with me and get me the help and medication I needed. After a few months of all this and working with this Specialist, I was given the proper tools and medication to start living life somewhat normally again.
So, when I was given that greenlight and that extra fight to go after what I wanted, I decided I wasn’t going to let my dream pass me by and I was going to make up for lost time, lose the fear and go 0 to 60 to make this dream and my goals happen! That is what I have been doing ever since and I have never been more proud of myself for how far I have come and what I have accomplished in such a short amount of time just by believing in myself and knowing what is meant for me.
K: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
A: STOP CARING WHAT PEOPLE THINK! ( My adult self still needs this one) Not everyone is going to like you, and that is okay. Care about the people who do, and let the others do their own thing. Can we say that louder for the other younger people in the back! Have patience with yourself and enjoy the ride! There really is only one you, so don’t be afraid to be yourself because that is what makes you special… and with that said, you have to take care of yourself 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!
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
A: Being a woman means so many things to me. It means being strong, nurturing, badass, driven, powerful, intelligent, intuitive, emotional, loving, sexy, compassionate, kind, vulnerable, a role-model, facing adversity, being brave every day, oh and multitasking, haha. Being a woman is a special kind of superpower.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say if they were here now?
A: One woman that inspires me most is my Nonna. My Nonna has faced many challenges in her life and has had to make a lot of sacrifices to care for the ones she loves. She wears her heart on her sleeve and will be there for anyone, but especially me in a heartbeat. She takes every person under her wing, it doesn't matter if she has known you for many years or 30 seconds. She always gives the benefit of the doubt and grace even when she has been wronged or others have wronged people she loves. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind and tell you what she is thinking and she pushes me to want to be the best version of myself.
I would say, Nonna, you are one of the strongest women I know, the most loving and caring. Thank you for always being there, for making me laugh, for picking me up when I am down and for being one of my biggest supporters in this music industry. I love you endlessly and hope I can be half the woman you are one day! Thank you for showing me by example what genuine kindness is. Thank you for everything you do for our family…thank you for your lasagna!
Stream Angelica’s latest single “U Turn”