Start Listening To: Wallice

Hailing from Los Angeles, Wallice is a student of the deceptively upbeat school of indie rock. Ahead of the release of her multi-dimensional EP Off The Rails, we took some time to learn what went into the project.

For those unfamiliar with your music can you tell us who you are, where you’re from, and about the music you make?

I am Wallice! I am an LA born and raised musician. I write very sarcastic and sometimes self-deprecating, deceivingly upbeat, indie rock songs.

What was your songwriting process like for your upcoming EP Off the Rails? How do you produce your music?

Half of the EP was written in my co-writer/producer Marinelli’s childhood bedroom, and the other half was written and recorded at my grandparents’ house in Cedar City, Utah. We went up for a week in November with an SUV packed full of gear and wrote a bunch of songs, then went up for another week in March to finish them up. I usually start off with a line or melody I come up with while driving, and then I put it in my notes or voice memos app. I bring that into the studio along with a story or message that I want to expand upon. Then Marinelli and I write based off that. Both of us play guitar and bass pretty badly, but in an intentional way, I think? But he produces it all. I hope to learn more about production eventually, but I might just be better are the writing part of a song.

We really love all the singles from this EP! Are you particularly proud of any specific songs?

I am really excited for ‘Headache’ to come out. It’s the closing track of the EP, I’m not releasing it as a single. I can’t choose a favourite of the singles though, because they all mean so much to me. ‘Punching Bag’ is the song that started it all and brought a lot of new listeners and fans to me, then ’23’ is so autobiographical and close to home and will always mean so much to me. ‘Hey Michael’ is just so fun and lighthearted and the video was so fun to make. ‘Off the Rails’ is similar — I love that video too and the song is important because it is the title track to the EP. I love the guitars in that song so much. I guess it’s hard to choose!

We love your new music video for 'Off the Rails'. How involved in the creative process are you?

It is really important to me to be heavily involved in the creative process. Jerry Maestas directed the video and he came up with the “Life is a Simulation” concept, but I styled the shoot and helped develop the overall creative direction. Jerry and I worked really collaboratively on all aspects of the video.

What’s it like releasing your music independently instead of working with a record label?

It’s all I know so far! I know it’s a lot more work doing it independently, but I have complete creative control and no hard deadlines and pressure (other than the ones I set for myself). I think it's really important to be able to establish yourself independently before signing to a label.

You moved to New York to go to jazz school but decided to head back to California to pursue your own music career. What did you learn from being in New York? How did it influence you as an artist?

I learned how to be an adult I think. I bought my own groceries and had to use my own money to live there. I think having any additional life experience helps to inform songwriting, especially when you’re trying to put yourself in others’ shoes.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Radiohead, Weezer, Big Thief, Lana Del Rey, and Astrud Gilberto.

What do you hate right now?

Feet, little dogs that bark too much, having to change the sheets on a bed!

What do you love right now?

Sushi, looking at expensive homes for sale online, plants, and cowboy gear!

Is there any new music from 2021 that you’re enjoying?

Today I listened to this song, ‘Back of my Hand’ by Bachelor (a band made up of Jay Som and Palehound), and I really like it. I also have been listening to the new artist Q – the new Japanese Breakfast tracks from her upcoming album – and all my friends have some killer music.

What else can we expect from you in 2021? Any more releases planned?

I’m starting to write songs that will probably end up on my second EP. I don’t have any specifics right now; I’m mostly excited for this first EP to finally be out in the world soon!

Do you have any final life lessons or tips for our readers?

I think it’s really important to do what you love in life. I’ve had a lot of people look down on me for pursuing music with no backup plan, but I know I wouldn’t be happy studying nursing or accounting or something that’s considered a “real job.” Even though I am young, I’ve worked hard on my music for years (even though I’m considered a newcomer), and I feel like hopefully the work is starting to pay off. I am reaching more listeners and getting better at writing music and playing so this can be a “real job” soon!