We spoke with Angelica Appelman about “Finding My Feet” and more!

Hi! “Finding My Feet” is deeply personal—how does it reflect your journey of healing and resilience?

A: Finding My Feet is deeply personal because it reflects the journey of healing and resilience I’ve gone through since my life-changing car accident. The song captures both the struggle and the strength I’ve discovered in rebuilding my life. The lyrics speak to the realities of starting over—“busting my ass to pay first and last” and “pay cheque to pay cheque”—but also to my determination to keep moving forward, “one step at a time.” Whether it was taking small walks around the block, learning a chord on the guitar, getting back behind the wheel, or finding a new job, these small steps were critical to my healing process. They represented my resilience—each one an act of reclaiming control and moving closer to recovery. The bridge, where I sing “sometimes I stumble / Right into trouble,” reflects the imperfection of recovery. But every stumble helped me grow stronger, teaching me humility and reminding me that resilience is built through both progress and setbacks. Ultimately, “Finding My Feet” is about reclaiming my power, learning to stand again, and moving toward the woman I want to be. It’s a reminder that healing is a journey, and every step—no matter how small—reflects the strength and resilience it takes to keep moving forward.

How did your experience recovering from a serious brain injury shape the lyrics and emotions in this song?

A: Recovering from a brain injury feels like walking a tightrope—wobbly, uncertain, and constantly on edge. Every step is a challenge as you try to regain control over both your mind and body. I tried to capture that feeling in Finding My Feet. The line “sometimes I stumble / Right into trouble” really hits home—it’s not just physical stumbling, but mental and emotional too. Even the smallest misstep can feel like a big setback.

The line “one step at a time” sums up how recovery actually happens. It’s not about big leaps; it’s about small, everyday victories. Relearning to trust your body and mind again is a huge part of it.

Finding My Feet is all about the emotional and physical rollercoaster of healing. It’s a constant balancing act between feeling like you’re stuck and realizing you’re actually making progress. “Walking a tightrope” and “finding my way back” capture that feeling of daily courage, taking things step by step even when it feels like the ground might shift beneath you. Every little step, even when it’s hard, is a reminder that you’re moving forward and finding your strength again.

What was it like collaborating with Jesse Slack, Daryl Scott, and Rich Cloke on this track?

A: Collaborating with Jesse Slack, Daryl Scott, and Rich Cloke was an amazing experience. They’re such talented and experienced songwriters, and I immediately felt like I was in good hands. They played a huge role in helping me take my personal experience and shift the focus from every tiny detail of my story to something broader and simpler. They encouraged me to tell it in a way that would resonate with more people, making the song feel more universal.

Not everyone has been through something as drastic as a car accident, but we all face struggles, and the emotions that come with them are something everyone can relate to. The key lesson they taught me was to keep it raw and real, not overthink or complicate it. Once we stripped it down and said it simply, it gave me the freedom to speak straight from the heart. That honesty created a safe space for me to express my journey authentically, and the visuals and emotions that came through in the song felt more natural than trying to force a message of struggle and hope. It was such a powerful lesson in how storytelling can be more impactful when you let go of being “crafty” and just let the story speak for itself.

What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from “Finding My Feet”?

A: With Finding My Feet, I hope listeners take away a sense of connection and hope. When I started playing the song live, people began coming up to me, sharing how it resonated with them. That’s when I realized it was so much bigger than just my own story—it became something that connected us all. We all have our own struggles, and hearing that people could relate to what I was saying made me feel like we were all in it together. It was a powerful reminder that vulnerability creates real connections, and that’s what I hope the song can do for others.

I hope this song speaks to anyone who feels lost or afraid to ask for help, or to those who worry that sharing their struggles might change how people see them. I want them to know that vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. It’s freeing to be real and honest, and when we do that, we can help each other find hope. If even one person feels a little less alone, a little more understood, after hearing this song, then that’s everything to me.

How has your perspective on music and life changed since your accident and recovery?

A: Since my accident and recovery, I’ve gained a whole new appreciation for life. It’s like I’ve realized just how precious every moment is. Life’s too short to play it safe, so I’ve learned to take more risks and let my passion outweigh my fears. I truly believe God has bigger plans for me, because I’m still here, and I don’t take that for granted.

This mindset has changed the way I approach both my music and my life. There’s a constant stream of hope running through everything I do now. I’ve learned that even in the tough times, there’s always something to be grateful for. It’s given me the courage to be more real, take chances, and just embrace whatever comes my way, knowing I’m here for a reason.

Can you share a moment during the songwriting process that felt especially meaningful to you?

A: One of the most meaningful moments during the songwriting process was when my co-writers, Jesse, Daryl, and Rich, really gave me the space to tell my story in my own way. They made me feel safe and gave me the agency to say things as simply and honestly as I saw them. I realized I didn’t have to impress them with fancy lyrics or clever phrasing—I just had to be real and speak from the heart, like any person would. There were a few times where they let me riff on what I wanted to say, and they just helped refine it. That was really special because it made me feel supported and fully in control of where the story and message would go with the song. It was such a cool lesson in trusting myself and being authentic.

Your music blends raw vulnerability with strength—how do you balance those emotions in your songwriting?

A: I think it’s just about being real with myself. When I write, I try to be honest about what I’m feeling, even if it’s messy or uncomfortable. But I’ve learned that there’s actually strength in being vulnerable. Just owning what you’re going through can be really powerful. I let that vulnerability lead me to the strength that comes from it—the hope, the resilience, the lessons learned from the hard stuff. I don’t want to hide the raw emotions, but I also want to show that it’s okay to feel them and still keep moving forward. Life’s all about balance, and that’s what I try to bring into my music—feeling the tough stuff, but also finding the strength to get through it.

“Finding My Feet” is the third track from your upcoming EP—how does it fit into the full project’s theme?

A: Finding My Feet is like the perfect intro to my upcoming EP, Breaking the Habit. The whole EP is about personal growth and healing, but there are different sides to it. Each song covers a lesson I’ve learned or a habit I’m breaking—whether it’s learning to know your worth, being in a healthy relationship, showing up for yourself, or tackling the struggles that keep us stuck, like blaming others or repeating patterns that don’t serve us.

This is hands down my most real, honest project yet. I’m excited for people to see all the different sides of me. I like sharing where I’m at and the things I’ve gone through, hoping others can see themselves in it too. Because when you realize what’s going on, that’s when you can actually do something about it. Even the sad songs still carry hope, and that’s something I want people to feel. Hope is in everything—and I think that’s a message we all need, especially right now.

You’ve performed at major festivals—how does playing live shape your connection with fans?

A: Playing live has definitely helped me connect with my fans in a way that’s hard to put into words. There’s just something about being on stage and letting it all out that creates this space for everyone to be real together. It’s not just about performing songs—it’s about sharing a moment, you know? When I’m being vulnerable, it gives my fans the freedom to do the same, and that’s when the magic happens. It’s like we’re all in the same place, sharing something raw and real.

I’ll never forget moments like during the Cavendish Beach Music Festival and opening for Dean Brody at Kemptville Live. After the shows, so many people came up to me, telling me how my music resonated with them, and how Finding My Feet really spoke to their own journey. That’s when I realized how much power there is in being honest and open. It’s those kinds of connections that go way beyond the music—it’s like we’re all in this together. That’s what I love about playing live—it’s not just about the performance, it’s about creating something real that we all share.

What’s next for you after this single release, and how do you see your sound evolving?

A: After this single drops, I’ve got a fresh summer single coming, my sophomore EP on the way, and a full summer of fun shows and events. I’m also teaming up with the Canadian Mental Health Association for some really exciting initiatives. As for my sound, it’s evolving right along with me. I’m feeling way more confident these days—not just in my voice, but in who I am as an artist. I’ve learned so much through trial and error, and now my music is just more raw, more real. I’m not here to impress anyone or follow any rules—I’m doing this for me and for my listeners. It feels authentic and true to where I’m at, and I’m finally tapping into what makes me, me. Can’t wait to share what’s next with everyone!

+ posts

Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night

Read More

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *