Pleased To Meet Me: APACALDA
Introduce yourself... (Where are you from, what band do you play in etc..)
Hiiiiiii :) I’m APACALDA, a Montreal based artist.
Why do you play music?
Playing music to me feels like being in another world and connected to a different form of communication. I feel like I am able to access emotions and express them much more comfortably than just speaking them into existence. Very cathartic.
What was a major influence on you as an Artist/Band?
I’d have to start with my parents for sure. We had a very musical home in the sense that music was always playing. My mom would always get me to guess who the artist was playing on the radio. My dad would record us singing disney songs at his request, which of course we loved doing. I remember he would get me to really listen to the details of everything happening in Pink Floyd's music. They had a pretty decent vinyl collection which definitely sparked my interest in starting my own. I also went to F.A.C.E., a public arts school which cemented the arts as a core part of my everyday life.
Musically speaking, I’ve had a lot of different influences on me as an artist. To name a few that influenced me in my earlier years; Radiohead, Nirvana, Suicide, Beck, David Bowie, Prince, Madonna, Aaliyah, The Spice Girls, Deftones, Burzum. I feel like those artists encapsulate me.
Today I’d say; Angel Olsen, Mitski, Frank Ocean, Perfume Genius, Caroline Rose, Artemas, Billie Eilish, Lola Young, Sevdaliza, Lana Del Rey
What’s a favourite book or film?
This is such a difficult question to answer. I’d have to put Casino (Martin Scorsese) as one of my top favs. I’m a big fan of true crime and this story is one of love, indulgence, peaks, greed, loyalty, betrayal, fear and death. I guess I love it so much not only for the fact that it's a masterpiece but it touches on these topics that I tend to think about a lot.
Do you prefer the recording process or performing live?
As someone who struggles with anxiety and, full disclosure, a need to feel in control (lol hello anxiety), I prefer the recording process overall. I feel very free leaning into the discovery and exploration of creating. Albeit, there’s no better feeling than playing your music live for a receptive crowd, but the lead-up to live shows quite literally makes me want to puke lol. As you may or may not know, I have stage fright AND I also love being on stage. If you think this is confusing, welcome to my brain.
What would be a dream collaboration?
It’s crazy to think that just a couple of years ago, my dream collaboration was to work with Mishka Stein, a Montreal legend. And here we are, wrapping up the final stages of my debut album that he produced. :’)
The current dream collaboration would be to work with Blake Mills and also Rick Rubin. *screams in fan girl*
Describe a favourite album.
A recent favourite I would say is Mitski’s latest album The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We. Powerful lyrics and a production angle that leans into the more raw approach while still totally engulfing you into the emotion of the songs.
What's your favourite local haunt?
I was born and raised in NDG so Cosmo’s is definitely a fav. What a strange place that I can’t help but adore. I also absolutely love Bar L’esco. There's definitely a special vibe there.
What's your strangest experience while performing live?
One time while on stage mid-performance, the fire alarm sprinklers came on but instead of water, it was blood that drenched everyone in the room and we just kept playing, cuz you know, the show must go on. (Just joking lol, that never happened but I did recently watch Blade for the first time and felt inspired by the blood rave).
If I were pursuing anything other than music it would be...
I think I’d be a death doula. This is maybe going to sound strange but I’ve had this vision of opening up a funeral home with a couple of friends of mine. There’s something about comforting people throughout loss that makes sense to me in a way that feels very meaningful and satisfying.
What are some of your favourite aspects of being a musician in Montreal?
100% the scene. The people who I have met, some who have become close friends, are incredibly inspiring on so many levels. Not only in their creativity and artistry, but in their relentless grind. It is quite difficult to navigate the world of being an artist. (I do admit that it is a privilege to have the opportunity to invest in nurturing that deep desire into existence.) I am very grateful for the people that have made and continue to take part in making this city what it is.
If you weren’t playing music in Montreal where would you be ?
I’d be on Vancouver Island. There’s a magical grounding energy in that part of Canada that brings me peace. (Although I must confess that I do get bored out there too haha. I need the best of both worlds.)
Any sage advice for young musicians?
Prioritize your physical, emotional and mental health. Nothing actually matters or is that serious, but your health and well-being is the basis of your quality of life.