Wonder gets up close and personal with singer-songwriter, Wallice
“The worst part of the falling out is that I'm scared to see you. I don't wanna say hello, but I hate that I need to,” Wallice sings in Best Friend, a gritty alt-pop track that narrates the angst of running into an ex-something (best friend, significant other or whoever you had a falling out with) at a party. Armed with the pained crooning and a soaring chorus, Wallice perfectly paints a picture of regret and the unbearable, overwhelming urge to run away. It plays in your head like a coming-of-age movie, a montage of flashbacks that amplify the pain of falling out.
Listening to Wallice is always accompanied by a haze-like filter, as if each world she explores through song is witnessed and lived through the vignette of a cult classic, a comfort film. Settings just change, such as the glamorous backdrop of Los Angeles in 90s American Superstar or the hustle and bustle of Japan. All her songs are unapologetically raw and honest, hopeful and often self-effacing. Altogether, these conjure up the best depiction of what it's like growing up: a lot of worry and second-guessing. It’s this deep authenticity that makes Wallice an act looking forward to.
Wallice’s origin story begins at six years old when she started playing instruments in school. Her mother, much like many eagle-eyed moms who know what’s best, noticed that she had a talent. Since then, she has expressed unrelenting support for Wallice’s passion for music. It was her time at a public performing arts high school where she began playing the guitar and singing in a jazz choir. “I just continued with music,” she shares in an exclusive interview with Wonder. “And always wanted to pursue the career but didn’t know how. But I eventually learned as I went and just kept with it.”
This relentless pursuit led Wallice to release her debut EP, Off The Rails, which caught the attention of record label Dirty Hit. Since then, Wallice has released 90s American Superstar and stood as an opening act for The 1975 in their Asia and Australia stops—Manila included.
Up ahead, we chat with the singer-songwriter about her music, her latest single, Best Friend and the most valued connection she has.
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Wonder: If you could describe your songs in three words, what would they be and why?
W: Nostalgic, honest and sarcastic. I write from a very honest place but still have my humor and sarcasm embedded in each song. [My music is] nostalgic because all my inspirations are from the 90s and early 2000s, where my sound stems from.
W: Let’s talk about your latest single, Best Friend. The angsty track aligns with the rest of your songs that explore the woes of friendship. Do you have a particular reason for exploring such topics through your lyrics?
W: I usually sing about friendship—which sounds kinda lame, but it’s because I’ve been in a very great romantic relationship for over eight years (since I was 16). I say lame because it could be considered a little boring since most rockstars make their best music after crazy, tumultuous heartbreaks. Still, I think many people can relate to the troubles in friendship and how easily they can relate to romantic relationships.
W: Regardless, the lyrics to Best Friend paint the harrowing picture of relationship fallouts—platonic or not. Did you have a specific vision in mind while writing this?
W: It might sound silly, but I imagined people holding up their hands in time while I performed it live. It is a new song, so I haven’t had that experience yet, but maybe one day. I think many people can relate to this song in past lost friendships. I was thinking about three separate ones throughout my life.
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W: What’s it like touring the world on your own and with The 1975? Any lessons you’ve learned from the experience?
W: It was such a fantastic experience. These were, by far, the biggest stages and venues I’ve ever played. I learned so much from them, too. [The 1975] have been touring for so long that they are as good as it gets. I respect how they change their set list almost every night because 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 makes touring, which could be very tough and draining, so much easier when everyone is nice!
W: How was the crowd for the Manila shows? How did they receive your songs?
W: I was extremely pleased with the reaction from the crowd! I had so many people reach out on social media saying they were new fans, which is so nice to hear and the obvious goal of touring and playing shows like this. I hope to return to the Philippines again one day for my show because the stops were so fun!
W: This May, we’re celebrating human connections and relationships. What’s one connection that you value the most and why?
W: I love my mother. She moved far away from me last year, so I only get to see her a couple of times a year rather than every week when she used to live close. She has supported me in pursuing a music career almost my entire life, and I am so grateful for that.
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On the horizon, Wallice’s third EP and second release with Dirty Hit called Mr Big Shot will drop on June 23. Best Friend only serves as a taste. And for the singer, this release is “very personal.”
“I have a couple of songs I would consider love songs,” she teases. “And also a sequel to my song, 23.”
Catch up on Wallice’s discography ahead of “Mr Big Shot” by following her on Spotify. For more updates, follow her on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and subscribe to her YouTube channel.
Art Matthew Ian Fetalver
