by sara welden
photo by nicole busch
I was honored to get the opportunity to have a conversation with this generation’s indie-rock enigma, Wallice. She’s an artist whose music I have become completely enamored with throughout the last few years, and I’m certain that many others would say the same. Currently on tour supporting JAWNY, Wallice is traveling with a set that is sparkling and spirited, capturing the attention of everyone that crosses its path. Prior to opening for JAWNY at a sold out show at Mahall’s in Cleveland, Wallice was kind enough to take the time to chat about her sweet beginnings, inspirations, tour, and all things music!
You attended a performing arts school growing up, so where did your initial passion for music come from? Was it originally something your parents encouraged or did it stem from your own interest?
Wallice: “I first went to a public school where you had to choose an instrument that you wanted to play, so I started playing the recorder and trumpet and then eventually switched to cello. In middle school I wanted to try theater but my mom encouraged me to stick with orchestra, which I’m obviously really happy about now!”
How has your background in classical and jazz music influenced the music that you make today?
Wallice: “It’s kind of funny, my whole band are actually trained jazz musicians, and my tour manager has a master’s degree in jazz performance. We’re all jazz bros! I think that knowing classical theory helps the writing process and I’d say that overall it’s really useful.”
Your most recent single, “Japan,” is really beautiful. Could you talk a bit about the significance of Japanese culture and your heritage in your life and how that seeps into your music?
Wallice: “I think that you can definitely see it visually with my first two EP covers. My mom is American but lived in Japan for a few years and my dad is from Tokyo, so I grew up with Japanese culture heavily influencing my life. There were definitely struggles that came with being mixed race while growing up, but I’m very in touch with my Japanese culture.”
How have you been enjoying the tour with JAWNY so far? Have you experienced a renewed energy surrounding live music since it was gone for a while during the pandemic?
Wallice: “My career didn't really take off until during the pandemic which is when I was able to find my audience, so I only really played a few shows before then. It's all still very new to me, but it’s been very fun!”
What do you miss most from home when you’re on the road?
Wallice: “I got a dog, Baby, since the last time I toured, so I’m missing her a lot. She’s getting spoiled at my mom’s house but I miss her. Also, living out of a suitcase has me really missing my closet!”
Is there a specific place or setting that you find yourself most inspired to write? Or do you find that ideas and inspiration come to you at random moments?
Wallice: “I’d say that it’s definitely random. I think that I sometimes get burnt out from writing, and since I’ve been on tour I haven't written in awhile. I’m excited to get back to it soon, though. Writing isn’t something that I can force myself to do if I’m not feeling it, so I’ve gotten better at taking a step back and recognizing when something isn’t productive.”
Since releasing your debut single “Punching Bag” in 2020, what have you learned about yourself as an artist? Has your songwriting process changed or developed since then?
Wallice: “The next EP that I’m working on is the first time that I’ve really collaborated with producers other than Marinelli. Artists like Radiohead, Coldplay, and No Doubt were a huge influence for me growing up, and I’ve always aimed to create indie-rock and alternative music because that's what I grew up listening to. I’m finally starting to realize how to capture that sound!”
photo by nicole busch
I know in the past you’ve spoken about finding inspiration through artists like Lana Del Ray and Weezer while growing up, is there anyone that you find yourself inspired by today? Or have those early roots of inspiration stayed consistent?
Wallice: “I think that I have literally listened to the same artists since middle school, but these past few years I’ve added more artists into the mix like Mitski and Japanese Breakfast. But I’d say those early inspirations have stayed the same and always been there.”
Being a consumer of music, what’s the first thing you notice when listening to something new?
Wallice: “I think that the first thing I notice are the lyrics. I try to unpack what the artist is trying to say, especially if I don’t quite understand it at first. There’s a certain style of lyrics that catch my attention, and it’s usually not the meandering ones, although there are a lot of artists who do that really well.”
I don't even know how to ask a question about this, it’s so exciting! You’re supporting The 1975 in Australia and New Zealand soon, how are you feeling in anticipation of that, and how do you go about putting together your set when it’s a show on that big of a scale?
Wallice: “I have no clue! I’m very excited, I’ve never played venues that large. I bought some fun new clothes to get myself prepared, but I think the best way to do it is just to do it!”
Thank you Wallice, for your time and super sweet vibes. For everyone reading, keep an eye out for Wallice, she’s an artist with an exceptionally vibrant future ahead!