Exploring Shadows: APACALDA’s "Dead Weight"
Montreal’s indie music scene is no stranger to artists who weave emotion and artistry into their work, but with “Dead Weight”, APACALDA stands out as a force of nature. The second single from her highly anticipated debut album, There’s a Shadow in My Room and It Isn’t Mine, this track is a gut-punch of grunge-laden indie rock that explores the painful ties of love and addiction. Released on November 22nd, the single is a haunting portrait of the emotional toll of watching a loved one unravel while feeling powerless to intervene.
Accompanied by a stunning music video directed by Stephan Boissonneault, with visual projections by Mothland’s Anthony Piazza, “Dead Weight” merges raw soundscapes with evocative imagery to amplify its themes of grief and inner conflict. Together with acclaimed producer and bassist Mishka Stein and co-production from JUNO-award winner Sam Woywitka, APACALDA (Cassandra Angheluta) continues to push the boundaries of her deeply introspective and cathartic sound.
After immersing ourselves in the single’s stark intensity, we spoke with APACALDA to delve deeper into the making of “Dead Weight” and the deeply personal narrative that fuels her art.
REVERIE: Who is APACALDA, and how would you describe your sound/vision?
APACALDA is the part of me that lays everything bare. Since the start of this project, I’ve used it as an outlet to express and expand on topics that are difficult to just talk about directly. When it comes to intimate, vulnerable truths, it’s easier to communicate with radical honesty when the sole purpose is to just express it and let it out. My sound and vision align with this approach—honest, raw, and sometimes unresolved. Other times, it provides a temporary escape from overwhelming feelings.
R: We love your new single, "Dead Weight"—what inspired it?
"Dead Weight" is inspired by my relationship with unconditional love. It explores being tethered to people whose personal journeys—whether "good" or "bad"—inevitably affect yours. Specifically, it addresses drug abuse as a way to sedate past traumas and the inability to cope. It’s about witnessing someone self-destruct and feeling powerless to help. Ultimately, I believe these struggles are part of their journey and are teaching us as witnesses something vital as well.
R: The music video is hauntingly beautiful. What was the collaboration process like with Stephan Boissonneault and Anthony Piazza?
The collaboration was incredible and very unexpected. I didn’t know Stephan before this project, but my manager Malli Guhan did and they insisted we needed visuals for this song and connected us just based on intuition. Initially, we thought we only had the time to create a really simple visualizer as we were a month out to the release and hadn’t budgeted for a video. Within days of our first call, Stephan came back with a full shot list for a music video, clearly inspired as it was meant to be just a four-scene visualizer (haha). I loved that he was so into it and he came up with this really cool concept so we rolled with it. He brought Anthony onto the team, which was a perfect choice to execute the vision and Malli ended up producing the project via behave.
Their preparation and creativity made it possible to create something truly beautiful. Shooting at the cabin together felt natural and really fun – genuinely a good time. I’m so grateful for their talent and even more so to now call them friends.
R: You're currently based in Montreal—what are your favourite spots and venues to play?
I loved my recent show at Le P'tit Ours (formerly URSA). The space is so charming and homey. Another favourite was The Diving Bell on St-Laurent, though sadly, it’s now closed. It was one of the good ones.
R: Any essential gear you use to achieve your sound?
The Roland SPD-SX sampler pad is crucial for achieving the sound I want on stage. As a three-piece live band, it helps bring a fuller sound to the set and lets us use original sounds from my records to create a seamless blend of old and new sounds live.
R: What Canadian artists are in constant rotation for you? Non-Canadian artists?
For Canadian artists, SAMWOY tops my list—his music is profound and relatable with incredible sonic beauty. (Not just saying that because he’s my bestie or my ex!) He also engineered and mixed There’s a Shadow In My Room and It Isn’t Mine.
Kandle’s latest album is breathtaking, and the synergy with her co-producer Jeffrey Mitchell is remarkable. Others I love include Thus Owls, Black Legary, Helena Deland, Jesse Mac Cormack, and Atsuko Chiba.
For non-Canadian artists, I’m listening to and inspired by Lola Young, Caroline Rose, Artemas, Fred Again, Lana Del Rey, Angel Olsen, David Lynch, and Fever Ray.
R: What feelings or experiences do you hope people take away from your music?
I hope my music makes people feel a bit of discomfort. Is that weird to say? I think many of us repress and avoid challenging emotions, and I would be honoured if my music made people feel and brought them closer to facing their own.
R: What's next for APACALDA?
We’re finishing up the record and I’m excited to expand my team, tour and play festivals sharing what I’ve worked so hard to create. I want to connect with my listeners in real life, grow my audience in general, collaborate and make more art.
Stay tuned for APACALDA’s upcoming album, set to release in June 2025 In the meantime, Dead Weight is available on all streaming platforms—a must-listen for anyone who’s ever grappled with the complexities of love, loss, and letting go. Check out the music video below!