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Wallice
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Key Information
Wallice Hana Watanabe,[2] known mononymously as Wallice, is an American singer-songwriter and former child actress. She is based in Los Angeles, which is where she was born and raised.[3][4][5]
Early life
[edit]Wallice was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. She is half Japanese, and named after Wallis Simpson.[6][7] She appeared in the Frasier Christmas special "We Two Kings" at age 4.[8] She attended The New School in New York City,[9] majoring in jazz performance and voice before dropping out to pursue music as a full-time career, which she references in her song "23".[10] She and her producer Marinelli had been friends before he became her producer.[11]
Career
[edit]Wallice released her first song "Nyc" in 2017,[12] followed by "Rx" on January 17, 2018;,[13] before releasing her debut EP "Big Sugar" on September 13, 2018. The EP has since been delisted from all streaming platforms. She signed with Dirty Hit in 2021.[14] Wallice opened for Chloe Moriondo in 2021, and played at the Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles on December 7, 2021.[15] Watanabe played at the All Things Go Festival in 2022[16] and supported The 1975 on their Manila & Australian tour in April 2023.[17]
Her song "Punching Bag" was included in Spotify's "Lorem" playlist,[18] which helped the song reach a wide audience on the platform. "Punching Bag" received four million streams increasing Wallice's popularity.[19] Aside from being on Spotify's playlist, Wallice was also selected to be part of the Spotify Fresh Finds marketing program. As part of the program, Wallice collaborated with David Marinelli and Ariel Rechtshaid to create "Nothing Scares Me", released exclusively to Spotify June 23, 2021.[20][21][22] The recording of the song "Punching Bag" took place in Marinelli's bedroom.[18] She released her debut studio album, "The Jester", in 2024. In October 2025, she stated in a post to her Instagram story that Dirty Hit had dropped her from the record label, citing (implied) underperformance of the debut album.
Artistry
[edit]Discography
[edit]Albums
- The Jester (2024)
EPs
[edit]- Off the Rails (2021)
- 90s American Superstar (2022)
- Mr. Big Shot (2023)
Singles
[edit]- Punching Bag (2020)
- Hey Michael (2021)
- Off the Rails (2021)
- Wisdom Tooth (2021)
- Little League (2022)
- Funeral (2022)
- 90s American Superstar (2022)
- Japan (2022)
- Best Friend (2023)
- Loser at Best (2023)
- disappear (2023)
- Heaven Has To Happen (2024)
- The Opener (2024)
- Gut Punch Love (2024)
- I Want You Yesterday (2024)
Tour
[edit]Opening
[edit]- At Their Very Best (2022)
- All Born Screaming (April 2025)[24]
References
[edit]- ^ "Jazz School Dropout Turned Rising Indie-Rock Sensation Wallice Headlines First LA Show". New University. January 28, 2022.
- ^ Connors, Madeleine (December 25, 2021). "Wallice, an Indie Pop Sensation from Los Angeles". The New York Times.
- ^ Rindner, Grant (April 19, 2021). "Wallice Talks New Music, Dropping Out of Jazz School, and Music VIdeos". Nylon.
- ^ Williams, Sophie (April 27, 2022). "Wallice: future alt-pop hero with dark wit and cinematic ambition". NME.
- ^ Whatley, Jack (June 29, 2022). "Oscar Lang and Wallice sparkle on 'I've Never Been to L.A.'". Far Out Magazine.
- ^ "Introducing LA Indie Pop-Rock Artist Wallice". scenestr – Pop Culture & Entertainment. April 14, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
- ^ Connors, Madeleine (December 25, 2021). "Wallice, an Indie Pop Sensation from Los Angeles". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
- ^ "We Two Kings". IMDB. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
- ^ "Jawny, Wallice At Black Cat Tickets | Washington, DC | Black Cat". Etix. Retrieved November 30, 2022.
- ^ Wallice – 23, retrieved September 30, 2022
- ^ Rindner, Grant (April 19, 2021). "Wallice Talks New Music, Dropping Out of Jazz School, and Music VIdeos". Nylon. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
- ^ Nyc, April 8, 2017, retrieved October 4, 2022
- ^ Rx, January 19, 2018, retrieved October 4, 2022
- ^ Lavin, Will (November 19, 2021). "Listen to Dirty Hit's latest signing Wallice come of age on new single 'Wisdom Tooth'". NME. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
- ^ "Wallice". JamBase. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
- ^ Kaufman, Gil (April 11, 2022). "Lorde to Headline 2022 All Things Go Music Festival Alongside Mitski, Bleachers, King Princess". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
- ^ Gallagher, Alex (March 6, 2023). "The 1975 Announce Wallice as Support Act for Australian Tour". Music Feeds. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
- ^ a b "Wallice reveals debut single 'Punching Bag,'". Emerging Music. November 3, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- ^ "Three Platforms of Value for Independent Artists". AMT Lab @ CMU. June 7, 2022. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- ^ "Indie Artists Amplify Their Music Through Spotify's Fresh Finds Program". Complex. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- ^ Hissong, Samantha (May 26, 2021). "Spotify Is Making a Pledge to Mentor and Market Indie Artists". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- ^ "Wallice Drops New Single "Nothing Scares Me"". GHETTOBLASTER. June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
- ^ Wallice – 23 | Bedroom Pop by SHWHY + Interview, February 24, 2021, retrieved September 23, 2022
- ^ "Wallice Tour". Wallice Tour. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
Wallice
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family
Wallice Hana Watanabe was born on April 3, 1998, in Los Angeles, California, to parents with Japanese heritage; her mother is American-born but spent several years living in Japan during her early adulthood, while her father hails from Tokyo and worked as a businessman.[9][10] She was raised in Topanga Canyon, a rural, bohemian enclave in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles, known for its artistic and free-spirited community, which nurtured her affinity for nature and fostered an introspective outlook from a young age.[9][11] Within her family, artistic expression was encouraged, particularly by her mother, who supported Wallice's creative pursuits and helped instill a sense of cultural connection to Japanese traditions, such as through home-cooked meals and exposure to the language.[9][4] Wallice's early exposure to music came through family and school influences, including listening to 1990s alternative rock acts like Weezer and Radiohead on an iPod gifted by a family friend, as well as formal lessons on the recorder and trumpet in elementary school and cello starting at age nine, which sparked her lifelong interest in the art form.[12][9]Acting beginnings
Wallice began her acting career at the age of four, auditioning for roles in the competitive Los Angeles entertainment scene. Growing up in the city's acting circles, she secured minor opportunities, including a handful of commercials, though her career did not progress to major breakthroughs.[13][14] These early experiences provided Wallice with an introduction to the demands of show business, involving frequent auditions and set work that exposed her to the industry's pace from a young age. Despite the initial excitement, the lack of significant roles led her to reassess her professional direction during her late teens. By her early twenties, she shifted focus away from acting, with her last credited roles in short films Expiration Date (2018) and Washed Away (2019), where she played Maiko.[15][13] This phase of her life, marked by modest achievements and the realities of child performing in Hollywood, ultimately influenced her desire for greater creative autonomy. Following high school, Wallice enrolled at The New School in New York City for a year of jazz performance and voice studies around 2018, before dropping out to return to Los Angeles and dedicate herself fully to music production and songwriting. The transition highlighted her preference for the self-directed nature of music over the structured world of acting.[13][4]Music career
Independent start and early releases
Wallice initiated her music career as an independent artist in Los Angeles, adopting a DIY approach that involved teaching herself guitar and recording tracks in home setups.[1] She released her debut single "Nyc" in 2017 via SoundCloud, sharing early indie pop material influenced by artists like Lana Del Rey and Lorde.[4][16] In January 2018, Wallice followed up with the single "Rx," continuing her self-directed releases on streaming platforms.[17] Her independent phase gained momentum in 2020 with "Punching Bag," released in October, which she recorded at home during quarantine alongside collaborators including childhood friend and producer marinelli.[4] The track amassed over 4 million streams after being featured on Spotify's Lorem playlist and receiving reposts from friends on social media, contributing to its viral reach.[1][3] From 2017 to 2020, Wallice built a local fanbase through small gigs in Los Angeles and organic growth on social media, where fans engaged directly via platforms like SoundCloud and Instagram.[1][4] This grassroots effort established her presence in the indie scene prior to any major label involvement.[3]Major label signing and EPs
In October 2021, following the viral success of her independent single "Punching Bag" from 2020, Wallice signed with the London-based independent label Dirty Hit, home to artists like the 1975 and Beabadoobee.[1][18] The signing was announced via NME in November 2021, coinciding with the release of her label debut single "Wisdom Tooth," a track inspired by a dental procedure and reflecting on personal growth and relationships.[19] Wallice's breakthrough EP Off the Rails, released independently in June 2021 just prior to her label deal, marked her first full project and captured the uncertainties of young adulthood through lo-fi indie-pop tracks like "Hey Michael," which delves into post-college aimlessness and self-doubt.[20][21] This EP's momentum directly contributed to her Dirty Hit contract, blending relatable narratives of transition with bright, melodic production.[22] Under Dirty Hit, Wallice followed with the EP 90s American Superstar in May 2022, expanding her sound with sharper alt-rock edges and satirical takes on fame and fleeting romances, exemplified by the title track's critique of superficial Los Angeles dating culture.[23][24] The project included collaborations with producer marinelli and built on "Wisdom Tooth" to showcase her evolving, cinematic style. Her third EP, Mr. Big Shot, arrived in June 2023, further exploring quarter-life crises and emotional vulnerability through tracks like "Best Friend," emphasizing themes of friendship and self-acceptance amid adulthood's pressures.[25][26] These releases were supported by high-profile media coverage, including a December 2021 New York Times feature highlighting her rise as an indie-pop voice from Los Angeles.[1] Promotional efforts also included early tour openings, such as slots for Chloe Moriondo in 2021 and Still Woozy in 2022, which helped solidify her live presence and fanbase growth.[27]Debut album and label departure
Wallice released her debut studio album, The Jester, on November 15, 2024, via the independent label Dirty Hit.[28] The 14-track project features a diverse array of sounds, blending synth-pop, indie rock, grunge, folk, and jazz elements to create an unpredictable sonic landscape.[29] Tracks like "Gut Punch Love" exemplify this genre-blending approach, shifting from dreamy introspection to punchy pop hooks, while collaborations such as Albert Hammond Jr. on "Clown Like Me" add layers of indie rock texture.[6] The album delves into themes of personal growth, ambition, and the realities of musician life, including imposter syndrome and the pursuit of recognition.[6] For instance, the opening track "The Opener" captures the hunger for stage success, while "Heaven Has to Happen" reflects on sustaining dreams amid self-doubt, with lyrics like "I’m praying on the harvest moon, to keep my dreams from drying out."[6] This thematic focus draws from Wallice's own experiences, portraying the chaotic journey of striving for artistic fulfillment.[6] Critics praised The Jester for its eclectic style and emotional depth. Atwood Magazine lauded it as "an eclectic portrayal of life and striving to reach our dreams," highlighting its sonic diversity, memorability, and theatrical intimacy, ultimately awarding it an 8.7 out of 10.[6] The review noted how the album's genre-hopping—from shout-along anthems to hypnotic synths—mirrors the multifaceted challenges of a young musician's career.[6] Other outlets, such as Beats Per Minute, commended its exploration of confidence built from isolation, positioning it as a strong entry in contemporary indie pop.[30] In October 2025, Wallice announced on her Instagram story that she had been dropped by Dirty Hit, reportedly due to the album's underperformance.Artistry
Musical style and themes
Wallice's music is primarily rooted in indie pop and indie rock, characterized by its eclectic blend of genres that incorporates elements of synth-pop, grunge, folk, and jazz influences drawn from her cello-playing background.[5][14] Early releases feature bedroom pop aesthetics with lo-fi home recordings that emphasize raw, intimate production, while later works transition to more polished arrangements incorporating live instrumentation such as electric guitars, piano, violins, and saxophone solos.[1][6] This evolution is evident in tracks like "Manipulate," which combines moody synths and guitars for a Radiohead-inspired sound, and "Heaven Has to Happen," featuring a prominent sax solo amid big band horns.[5][6] Lyrically, Wallice explores themes of introspection, particularly the complexities of relationships, the pressures of fame and ambition, and a nostalgic reverence for 90s culture, often through self-deprecating and vulnerable narratives.[14][6] Songs like "Punching Bag" delve into self-deception and emotional vulnerability in toxic dynamics, portraying the protagonist as complicit in their own mistreatment.[1] Imposter syndrome and personal growth recur in pieces such as "The Opener," which uses theatrical metaphors to convey self-doubt in professional aspirations, and "90s American Superstar," evoking 90s film references like Clueless to blend Hollywood escapism with relational unease.[6][14] These motifs are delivered through conversational storytelling that prioritizes emotional authenticity over abstraction.[5] Her vocal delivery is emotive and versatile, ranging from plaintive and lyrical tones to authoritative shouts, often layered over guitar-driven arrangements that enhance the conversational intimacy of her lyrics.[5][6] In "Sickness," for instance, her voice shifts from sensual whispers to grunge-infused intensity, mirroring the song's exploration of love's instability, while tracks like "Wisdom Tooth" employ a bubbly, relatable cadence to address everyday anxieties.[1][5] This approach, combined with pitch-shifted hooks and synthy undertones, creates a cinematic quality reminiscent of distorted VHS montages.[14]Influences and evolution
Wallice's musical influences draw heavily from indie pop and alternative rock, shaped by her formative years in Los Angeles. Early exposure included artists like Weezer, Radiohead, and Dr. Dog, which instilled a love for emotive, guitar-driven sounds, while Lana Del Rey and Lorde became pivotal inspirations during her teenage songwriting phase from ages 17 to 21.[4][31] Her family's cultural background also contributed, with Japanese 80s pop and jazz elements influencing her appreciation for diverse textures, including bossa nova from artists like Astrud Gilberto and Antônio Carlos Jobim.[9][4] Additionally, contemporaries such as Big Thief and Phoebe Bridgers informed her raw, introspective lyricism, blending vulnerability with indie rock energy.[31] Her artistic evolution began in a performing arts high school environment, where acting and theater fostered an emotional rawness that permeated her pre-2020 songwriting, often exploring personal turmoil through indie pop lenses.[14] A brief stint studying vocal jazz in New York introduced technical influences from the genre but ended abruptly due to homesickness, prompting a pivot back to California and self-taught indie rock production.[4][9] The 2020 pandemic accelerated this shift; quarantining at her grandparents' home in Utah inspired tracks like "23," capturing isolation and growth, while collaborations with longtime producer David Marinelli refined her blend of jazz roots and rock edges in EPs such as Off the Rails (2021) and 90s American Superstar (2022).[4][32] By 2024, Wallice's debut album The Jester marked a bold evolution, expanding from scuzzy guitar pop to genre experimentation across acoustic tenderness, shimmering electronics, and anthemic rock, reflecting matured confidence gained through touring and industry navigation.[33] This growth stemmed from personal experiences like label support from Dirty Hit, which enabled broader sonic exploration without diluting her DIY ethos, as she noted in interviews about channeling pandemic discoveries into more versatile, self-aware narratives.[32][1] In a 2021 New York Times profile, she discussed the LA indie scene's role in her ascent, crediting organic playlist discoveries during lockdowns for amplifying her voice amid evolving influences.[1] As of November 2025, Wallice has completed recording her second studio album, signaling continued artistic development.[34]Discography
Studio albums
Wallice's debut studio album, The Jester, was released on November 15, 2024, through the independent label Dirty Hit.[35] Comprising 14 tracks, the album features a mix of indie pop and alternative rock elements.[36][29] The record was primarily recorded in Los Angeles, where Wallice is based.[37] The album was co-executive produced by Mikey Freedom Hart—known for his work with artists like Blood Orange and Taylor Swift—and David Marinelli, a frequent collaborator of Wallice's from her prior EPs.[37][5] Additional contributions include a guest appearance by Albert Hammond Jr. of The Strokes on the track "Clown Like Me."[36] Production emphasized layered instrumentation and dynamic shifts, blending acoustic guitars with electronic flourishes to support Wallice's introspective lyrics.[30] Commercially, The Jester achieved modest success in the indie music scene, with Wallice amassing approximately 134,000 monthly listeners on Spotify as of early 2025.[38] It did not enter major mainstream charts like the Billboard 200 but garnered attention in niche indie playlists and streaming platforms. The album's lead singles, "The Opener" and "Heaven Has To Happen," contributed to its initial buzz.[39] Critically, The Jester received positive reception, earning an average critic score of 80 out of 100 based on five reviews, praised for its genre-blending energy and emotional depth. Outlets highlighted its portrayal of the music industry's pressures and personal growth, with Atwood Magazine calling it an "eclectic portrayal of life and love."[6] No major award nominations were reported as of 2025. Fan response has been enthusiastic, with listeners appreciating the album's playful yet vulnerable tone in online discussions and live show attendance.[7]Extended plays
Wallice's extended plays represent key milestones in her early career, bridging her independent beginnings to major label releases and showcasing her evolving indie pop sound. These EPs, released between 2018 and 2023, introduced core themes of youth, relationships, and self-discovery while building her fanbase through relatable lyrics and lo-fi production. Her music has amassed over 70 million total streams across platforms as of late 2025.[40] Her debut EP, Big Sugar, was released independently on September 13, 2018, and has since been delisted from streaming platforms. It featured five tracks: "Rx," "Baby Blue," "Beach House," "Babe Ruth (Dream Girl)," and "Seabound."[41] Her second EP, Off the Rails, was released independently on June 4, 2021, and features six tracks including the title song, "Punching Bag," "23," "Hey Michael," "Dramamine," and "Headache." Clocking in at 16 minutes, the project captures the frustrations and awkwardness of young adulthood in Los Angeles, with Wallice drawing from personal experiences like unrequited crushes and social anxieties.[20][42] Standout single "Punching Bag" alone garnered over four million streams, marking an early breakthrough that propelled her toward a label deal. This EP served as a foundational release, establishing Wallice's signature blend of indie pop with emotional vulnerability and helping her transition from viral singles to a cohesive body of work.[43] Following her signing to Dirty Hit in November 2021, Wallice issued 90s American Superstar on May 6, 2022, a five-track EP comprising "Little League," the title track, "Rich Wallice," "John Wayne," and "Funeral." The release delves into nostalgic explorations of fame and celebrity culture, infused with '90s movie references and satirical takes on Hollywood aspirations, as Wallice hypothetically navigates the entertainment industry's superficiality.[23][44] Promotional singles like the title track highlighted her witty lyricism and grungy guitar-driven sound, earning praise for its pop-punk edges and conceptual depth.[45] This EP solidified her growth under the label, expanding her audience through targeted promotion and live tie-ins.[46] Wallice's third EP, Mr. Big Shot, arrived on June 23, 2023, via Dirty Hit, with six tracks: "Best Friend," "Loser at Best," "Quarterlife," "Prepaid Wireless," "Why Do You Love Me?," and "Disappear." Spanning themes of quarter-life crises and interpersonal dynamics, the project bridges her EP era to full-length albums, featuring polished production that amplifies her introspective songwriting.[25][47] Critics lauded its emotional intensity and compositional maturity, with reviews highlighting the EP's pop-rock energy and Wallice's vocal delivery as standout elements.[48] Released amid international touring, it underscored her rising profile and paved the way for subsequent album work.[49]Singles as lead artist
Wallice began releasing singles independently in the late 2010s, building an early following through lo-fi indie pop tracks shared on streaming platforms. Her debut single, "Nyc," arrived on April 8, 2017, marking her initial foray into music before it was later removed from major services.[50] This was followed by "Rx" in early 2018, a track produced as the lead for her forthcoming EP that showcased her emerging bedroom pop sound.[17] Her breakthrough came with "Punching Bag" on October 21, 2020, an independent release that went viral on TikTok and amassed over 12 million Spotify streams by 2025, establishing her as a rising indie artist without major label support at the time.[51][38] The song's official music video, directed by Jerry Maestas, further amplified its reach through relatable visuals of emotional vulnerability.[1] After signing with Dirty Hit in 2021, Wallice's singles gained broader distribution and production polish, often featuring collaborations with producer marinelli. "Hey Michael," released April 6, 2021, became a revenge-themed anthem with an official video emphasizing themes of self-empowerment.[52][53] Later that year, "Wisdom Tooth" dropped on November 19, 2021, as her label debut single, blending shimmering synths with introspective lyrics and accompanied by a visualizer.[54][55] In the years following, Wallice issued several standalone singles tied to her EPs and debut album The Jester (2024), focusing on personal growth and relationships. Notable 2022 releases included "Little League" and "Funeral," both precursors to her EP 90s American Superstar, with the latter earning praise for its raw emotional delivery.[56] By 2023, tracks like "Best Friend," "Loser at Best," and "disappear" highlighted her evolving style under Dirty Hit, each garnering steady streaming momentum.[38] Leading into The Jester, Wallice released a series of promotional singles in 2024, starting with "The Opener" and "Heaven Has To Happen" on August 20 and 21, respectively, both featuring cinematic music videos that captured her theatrical persona.[57][58] "Gut Punch Love" followed on September 18, 2024, as a punchy, synth-driven track with an official video.[59] "Deadbeat" arrived October 9, 2024, adding a darker edge, while "I Want You Yesterday" on October 29, 2024, served as a poignant closer to the album rollout, exploring regret in relationships.[60][61] None of Wallice's singles have charted on Billboard's Alternative Airplay as of 2025, though her early viral success and consistent streaming growth—exemplified by "23" exceeding 18 million Spotify plays—underscore her grassroots impact in the indie scene.[38] No certifications from RIAA or equivalent bodies have been awarded to her singles by November 2025.| Title | Release Date | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nyc | April 8, 2017 | Independent | Debut single; later removed from streaming platforms.[50] |
| Rx | January 2018 | Independent | Lead single for debut EP Big Sugar; featured in early music video premiere.[17][62] |
| Punching Bag | October 21, 2020 | Independent | Viral hit with over 12 million Spotify streams; official video by Jerry Maestas.[51][38][1] |
| Hey Michael | April 6, 2021 | AWAL | Collaboration with marinelli; official music video released same day.[52][53] |
| Wisdom Tooth | November 19, 2021 | Dirty Hit | Label debut single; visualizer directed by Wallice.[54][55] |
| Little League | March 2022 | Dirty Hit | Pre-EP single for 90s American Superstar; over 2 million streams.[56][38] |
| Funeral | May 2022 | Dirty Hit | Emotional standout from 2022 releases; official video.[56] |
| Best Friend | 2023 | Dirty Hit | Standalone track with upbeat indie vibe; part of post-EP promotion.[38] |
| Loser at Best | 2023 | Dirty Hit | Reflective single; gained traction on playlists.[38] |
| disappear | 2023 | Dirty Hit | Minimalist production; streaming focus.[38] |
| The Opener | August 20, 2024 | Dirty Hit | Lead single for The Jester; official video with theatrical elements.[57] |
| Heaven Has To Happen | August 21, 2024 | Dirty Hit | Dual release with "The Opener"; music video exploring imposter syndrome.[58][63] |
| Gut Punch Love | September 18, 2024 | Dirty Hit | Synth-pop track; official video released concurrently.[59] |
| Deadbeat | October 9, 2024 | Dirty Hit | Darker-toned single; album preview.[60] |
| I Want You Yesterday | October 29, 2024 | Dirty Hit | Regret-themed closer; featured on The Jester.[61] |