There's something so magical about when Wallice takes over a stage.
In a split second, you're transported to new dimensions where time stands still and everything sparkles with unrelenting promise. Even when performing songs about the rough trenches of growing up, the Japanese-American singer-songwriter has a way of making it seem like the universe is working in your favour.
Piecing a coming-of-age story full of youthful idyll, self-deprecating humour, complicated feelings, and comforting warmth with songs like '23', 'Punching Bag', and 'Japan', Wallice makes periods of scary, confusing transitions feel like a walk in the park.
In this current chapter of her music career, Wallice has an exciting list of things in store, from a new EP to her first headlining tour. Bandwagon caught up with the rising Los Angeles-based singer to talk about opening for The 1975, playing characters in music, and finding her place as a mixed kid.
You’re embarking on your very own tour this year, what are you most looking forward to for the tour? What are some songs that you’re excited to perform for everyone?
I am super excited to perform this new EP and seeing the reactions! I love opening but it’s a challenge yet so rewarding. It feels like I am constantly trying to win over an audience and it could be exhausting but then when I do that’s when it’s rewarding. But a headline run is so different because everyone is there for my show and I can relax a bit. I still put a lot of effort in putting on the show but the energy in the room is just so much more exciting.
Your tour kicks off supporting The 1975 across Asia and Australia, what’s it been like touring with them? What are some things you’ve learned while on the road with them?
It was such an amazing experience. It was by far the biggest stages and venues I’ve ever played. I learned so much from them too. They have been touring for so long, they are as good as it gets. I really respect how they change their set list almost every night cause that takes a lot of effort and most bands (like me in the past) just do the same show over and over.
I hope to take that with me in the future and make every show unique and feel special. Their entire touring crew is also so nice and welcoming which I didn’t expect going into the experience. It really makes touring, which could be very tough and draining, so much easier when everyone is nice.
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You most recently released a new single titled ‘Best Friend’, tell us more about the track and the story that inspired it.
I wrote this song last summer. I was reminiscing on past friendships in my life, there are about 3 that come to mind. I think many people can relate to losing friends and missing that friendship and person but not being able to do anything about it. It can also relate to past relationships and being best friends with your partner.
‘Best Friend’ comes from your forthcoming EP, Mr. Big Shot, what can we expect from the upcoming record?
I would say this next EP is very personal, compared to the past, my EPs were a little character based (yet still personal). I have a couple songs I would consider love songs and also a sequel to my song '23'!
Your EPs take on very specific themes and concepts with you even playing characters throughout your songs. How do you usually come up with the concept for your records? Do the concepts you come up with inspire the songs your write or is it the other way around?
The first two EPs came very easy and automatically became character based, which I think stems from my love of film and TV having plots and acting. When I start writing the songs usually I have visuals in my head that come to life but this next EP is a little different and the characters and visuals were a little trickier for me to come up with but I’m super happy with where we landed.
We hear a little bit of your experience growing up both Japanese and American in your single ‘Japan’. How else do you feel your identities influence the music that you make? Can we expect to hear more songs in Japanese from you in the future?
I think many mixed people can relate to Japan even if they aren’t Japanese. I grew up feeling too white for my Asian side and too Asian for my white side so it’s an interesting experience growing up and having to navigate that which I’m not sure if I still understand how to.
I would love to do more collaborations with Japanese artists. I love CHAI, I think a collab would be super cool with them. I don’t necessarily have any plans for Japanese songs but I’m sure I will when the song is right and feels natural.
You’ve been a part of the entertainment industry in so many ways, from modeling to acting to now, being a musician. What is it about making music that stuck with you? What inspires you to keep creating?
I always wanted to pursue music but it seemed the most far-fetched. I didn’t know where to begin when releasing music and how record deals work. I started playing instruments at a young age and writing songs at 11 and I think my persistence with it allowed me to eventually find success. I still love acting and hopefully in the future can incorporate that in my life and career again.
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What’s your favourite thing about being an artist?
The ability to connect with people all over the world is really amazing. Having people know and love my music in Australia, India, Thailand and the Philippines is so crazy. I love being able to travel to these places and share my music but also just being able to play my shows close to home is an amazing experience too. I also love being able to bring the ideas in my head to life like the music videos, cover art, and actual songs that I’ve dreamed up become tangible art in the world.
Listen to Wallice's latest single 'Loser at Best' here.
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