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Wallice
Wallice
from Wikipedia

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]

Wallice cites Weezer and MGMT as her two biggest influences.[23]

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]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Wallice Hana Watanabe, known mononymously as Wallice, is an American singer-songwriter and former child actress based in , . Born and raised in the city to a family of mixed Japanese and white heritage, she began her entertainment career at age four with early acting roles before transitioning to music. Wallice studied classical and in high school, drawing influences from 1990s and 2000s artists such as , , and , which shaped her signature and rock sound characterized by distorted synths, driving guitar hooks, and lyrics often infused with personal humor and cinematic elements. Emerging during the , Wallice gained initial recognition with her 2020 debut single "Punching Bag," a track exploring in toxic relationships that amassed millions of streams and positioned her as a rising voice in Gen Z indie music. She followed this with the 2021 single "I Wouldn't Mind" and the 2022 EP 90s American Superstar, which blended self-effacing anthems with themes of fame and identity, earning praise for its raw production and relatable storytelling. In 2023, her single "" highlighted her Japanese roots through bilingual lyrics and a visually striking , further solidifying her . Wallice's profile rose significantly after opening for on their 2023 world tour, exposing her witty, genre-bending performances to larger audiences. Her debut studio album, The Jester, released on November 15, 2024, via , marks a pivotal milestone, compiling 14 tracks of eclectic that skewer the music industry's hype machine while delving into intimate anecdotes about life, love, and . Produced in with longtime friend and marinelli, the album features standout singles like "The Opener" and " Has To Happen," praised for their wistful synths, buzzing guitars, and provocative themes of fame's fleeting nature. By 2025, Wallice has toured extensively to support The Jester, including headline shows and festival appearances, establishing her as a smart, self-aware star with a growing international presence.

Early life

Childhood and family

Wallice Hana Watanabe was born on April 3, 1998, in , , to parents with Japanese heritage; her mother is American-born but spent several years living in during her early adulthood, while her father hails from and worked as a businessman. She was raised in Topanga Canyon, a rural, bohemian enclave in the near , known for its artistic and free-spirited community, which nurtured her affinity for nature and fostered an introspective outlook from a young age. 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 . Wallice's early exposure to music came through family and school influences, including listening to 1990s acts like and on an gifted by a family friend, as well as formal lessons on the recorder and in elementary school and starting at age nine, which sparked her lifelong interest in the form.

Acting beginnings

Wallice began her acting career at the age of four, auditioning for roles in the competitive 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. These early experiences provided Wallice with an introduction to the demands of , 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 (2018) and Washed Away (2019), where she played . 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 in for a year of jazz performance and voice studies around 2018, before dropping out to return to 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.

Music career

Independent start and early releases

Wallice initiated her music career as an independent artist in , adopting a DIY approach that involved teaching herself guitar and recording tracks in home setups. She released her debut single "Nyc" in 2017 via , sharing early material influenced by artists like and . In January 2018, Wallice followed up with the single "Rx," continuing her self-directed releases on streaming platforms. Her independent phase gained momentum in 2020 with "," released in October, which she recorded at home during alongside collaborators including childhood friend and marinelli. The track amassed over 4 million streams after being featured on 's Lorem playlist and receiving reposts from friends on , contributing to its viral reach. From 2017 to 2020, Wallice built a local fanbase through small gigs in and organic growth on , where fans engaged directly via platforms like and . This grassroots effort established her presence in the indie scene prior to any major label involvement.

Major label signing and EPs

In October 2021, following the viral success of her independent single "" from 2020, Wallice signed with the London-based independent label , home to artists like and . The signing was announced via in 2021, coinciding with the release of her label debut single "," a track inspired by a dental procedure and reflecting on personal growth and relationships. 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. This EP's momentum directly contributed to her contract, blending relatable narratives of transition with bright, melodic production. 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 dating culture. 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. 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 . Promotional efforts also included early tour openings, such as slots for in 2021 and in 2022, which helped solidify her live presence and fanbase growth.

Debut album and label departure

Wallice released her debut studio , The Jester, on November 15, 2024, via the independent label . The 14-track project features a diverse array of sounds, blending , , , folk, and elements to create an unpredictable sonic landscape. Tracks like "Gut Punch Love" exemplify this genre-blending approach, shifting from dreamy introspection to punchy pop hooks, while collaborations such as on "Clown Like Me" add layers of texture. The album delves into themes of personal growth, ambition, and the realities of musician life, including imposter syndrome and the pursuit of recognition. 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." This thematic focus draws from Wallice's own experiences, portraying the chaotic journey of striving for artistic fulfillment. 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. 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. Other outlets, such as Beats Per Minute, commended its exploration of confidence built from isolation, positioning it as a strong entry in contemporary . In October 2025, Wallice announced on her story that she had been dropped by , reportedly due to the album's underperformance.

Artistry

Musical style and themes

Wallice's music is primarily rooted in and , characterized by its eclectic blend of genres that incorporates elements of , , folk, and influences drawn from her cello-playing background. 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, , violins, and solos. 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 horns. Lyrically, Wallice explores themes of , particularly the complexities of relationships, the pressures of fame and ambition, and a nostalgic reverence for culture, often through self-deprecating and vulnerable narratives. Songs like "" delve into and emotional in toxic dynamics, portraying the protagonist as complicit in their own mistreatment. Imposter syndrome and personal growth recur in pieces such as "The Opener," which uses theatrical metaphors to convey self-doubt in professional aspirations, and " American Superstar," evoking references like to blend Hollywood escapism with relational unease. These motifs are delivered through conversational storytelling that prioritizes emotional authenticity over abstraction. 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. 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. This approach, combined with pitch-shifted hooks and synthy undertones, creates a cinematic quality reminiscent of distorted montages.

Influences and evolution

Wallice's musical influences draw heavily from and , shaped by her formative years in . Early exposure included artists like , , and , which instilled a love for emotive, guitar-driven sounds, while and became pivotal inspirations during her teenage songwriting phase from ages 17 to 21. Her family's cultural background also contributed, with Japanese 80s pop and jazz elements influencing her appreciation for diverse textures, including from artists like and . Additionally, contemporaries such as and informed her raw, introspective lyricism, blending vulnerability with energy. Her artistic evolution began in a performing arts high school environment, where and theater fostered an emotional rawness that permeated her pre-2020 songwriting, often exploring personal turmoil through lenses. A brief stint studying in New York introduced technical influences from the genre but ended abruptly due to , prompting a pivot back to and self-taught production. The 2020 pandemic accelerated this shift; quarantining at her grandparents' home in inspired tracks like "23," capturing isolation and growth, while collaborations with longtime producer David Marinelli refined her blend of roots and rock edges in EPs such as Off the Rails (2021) and 90s American Superstar (2022). By 2024, Wallice's debut album The Jester marked a bold , 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. This growth stemmed from personal experiences like label support from , which enabled broader sonic exploration without diluting her DIY ethos, as she noted in interviews about channeling discoveries into more versatile, self-aware narratives. 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. As of November 2025, Wallice has completed recording her second studio album, signaling continued artistic development.

Discography

Studio albums

Wallice's debut studio album, The Jester, was released on November 15, 2024, through the independent label . Comprising 14 tracks, the album features a mix of and elements. The record was primarily recorded in , where Wallice is based. The album was co-executive produced by —known for his work with artists like and —and David Marinelli, a frequent collaborator of Wallice's from her prior EPs. Additional contributions include a guest appearance by of on the track "Clown Like Me." Production emphasized layered instrumentation and dynamic shifts, blending acoustic guitars with electronic flourishes to support Wallice's introspective lyrics. Commercially, The Jester achieved modest success in the indie music scene, with Wallice amassing approximately 134,000 monthly listeners on as of early 2025. It did not enter major mainstream charts like the 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. 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 ." 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 attendance.

Extended plays

Wallice's extended plays represent key milestones in her , bridging her independent beginnings to major label releases and showcasing her evolving sound. These EPs, released between 2018 and 2023, introduced core themes of , relationships, and self-discovery while building her fanbase through relatable and lo-fi production. Her music has amassed over 70 million total streams across platforms as of late 2025. 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." 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. 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. Following her signing to in November 2021, Wallice issued 90s American Superstar on May 6, 2022, a five-track EP comprising "Little League," the title track, "Rich Wallice," "," and "Funeral." The release delves into nostalgic explorations of fame and , infused with '90s movie references and satirical takes on Hollywood aspirations, as Wallice hypothetically navigates the entertainment industry's superficiality. Promotional singles like the title track highlighted her witty lyricism and grungy guitar-driven sound, earning praise for its edges and conceptual depth. This EP solidified her growth under the label, expanding her audience through targeted promotion and live tie-ins. Wallice's third EP, Mr. Big Shot, arrived on June 23, 2023, via , with six tracks: "Best Friend," "Loser at Best," "," "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. 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. Released amid international touring, it underscored her rising profile and paved the way for subsequent album work.

Singles as lead artist

Wallice began releasing singles independently in the late , building an early following through lo-fi 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. 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. Her breakthrough came with "" on , 2020, an independent release that went viral on and amassed over 12 million streams by 2025, establishing her as a rising indie without major label support at the time. The song's official , directed by Jerry Maestas, further amplified its reach through relatable visuals of emotional vulnerability. After signing with 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 with an video emphasizing themes of self-empowerment. 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. 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. By 2023, tracks like "Best Friend," "Loser at Best," and "disappear" highlighted her evolving style under , each garnering steady streaming momentum. 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 that captured her theatrical persona. "Gut Punch Love" followed on September 18, 2024, as a punchy, synth-driven track with an official video. "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. 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. No certifications from RIAA or equivalent bodies have been awarded to her singles by November 2025.
TitleRelease DateLabelNotes
NycApril 8, 2017IndependentDebut single; later removed from streaming platforms.
RxJanuary 2018IndependentLead single for debut EP Big Sugar; featured in early music video premiere.
Punching BagOctober 21, 2020IndependentViral hit with over 12 million Spotify streams; official video by Jerry Maestas.
Hey MichaelApril 6, 2021AWALCollaboration with marinelli; official music video released same day.
Wisdom ToothNovember 19, 2021Dirty HitLabel debut single; visualizer directed by Wallice.
Little LeagueMarch 2022Dirty HitPre-EP single for 90s American Superstar; over 2 million streams.
FuneralMay 2022Dirty HitEmotional standout from 2022 releases; official video.
Best Friend2023Dirty HitStandalone track with upbeat indie vibe; part of post-EP promotion.
Loser at Best2023Dirty HitReflective single; gained traction on playlists.
disappear2023Dirty HitMinimalist production; streaming focus.
The OpenerAugust 20, 2024Dirty HitLead single for The Jester; official video with theatrical elements.
Heaven Has To HappenAugust 21, 2024Dirty HitDual release with "The Opener"; music video exploring imposter syndrome.
Gut Punch LoveSeptember 18, 2024Dirty HitSynth-pop track; official video released concurrently.
DeadbeatOctober 9, 2024Dirty HitDarker-toned single; album preview.
I Want You YesterdayOctober 29, 2024Dirty HitRegret-themed closer; featured on The Jester.

Live performances

Opening tours

Wallice's early career as an began in 2021 when she supported on a five-date U.S. tour across and , including stops in Phoenix, providing crucial exposure shortly after the release of her debut EP, Off the Rails. This opportunity allowed Wallice to perform intimate sets, typically lasting 25-30 minutes, to Moriondo's established audience, fostering initial connections with fans in key West Coast markets. In 2022, Wallice expanded her support slots with select dates for band during their tour, notably opening at the Arlington Theatre in and the Shrine Auditorium in , where she delivered energetic performances of tracks from her growing catalog. These appearances, limited to specific venues, highlighted her rising profile in the indie scene and helped build momentum ahead of her own releases. Building on this, in early 2023, she joined as the opener for his North American headlining tour, performing in cities such as at Neumos, San Francisco at , Boston at the , and at Mahall's, with sets focused on high-energy renditions of songs like "90s American Superstar" to warm up diverse crowds. A significant milestone came later in 2023 when Wallice secured a prominent support role on The 1975's At Their Very Best world tour, particularly for the , , and Asia legs, announced in March and encompassing major cities like at Qudos Bank Arena. Her performances, adapted to arena-scale venues, introduced her sound to international audiences, including first-time visits to Australia, and typically featured 30-minute sets blending tracks from her EPs Mr. Big Shot and 90s American Superstar. These high-profile bills significantly boosted her visibility, contributing to substantial fanbase growth through shared billing with established acts and leading to subsequent headline opportunities in those regions. In 2025, Wallice opened for St. Vincent on select dates of her North American tour in April, performing tracks from The Jester to audiences in major U.S. cities.

Festival appearances

Wallice made her festival debut at the on October 1, 2022, at in , where she performed material from her debut EP Off the Rails. Her set included tracks such as "Best Friend," "Punching Bag," and "Off the Rails," alongside a cover of ' "," drawing positive attention for her energetic delivery and connection with the audience during the rain-affected event. The performance marked an early milestone in her live career, highlighting her sound to a crowd headlined by artists like and . In 2023, Wallice expanded her festival presence with appearances at the Music Festival on August 19 in , , and SXSW Sydney on October 19 in , . At , she shared the stage with acts like and , engaging beachside crowds with her vibrant set amid sunny summer vibes, as noted in post-event social media coverage emphasizing her fun, interactive energy. Her SXSW Sydney show at The Underground venue featured songs from her 90s American Superstar EP, including "Loser at Best" and "I Want You Yesterday," contributing to the festival's diverse indie lineup and earning praise for her poignant storytelling in interviews. In 2024, prior to the release of her debut album, Wallice performed at the Whole Earth Festival on May 10 at UC Davis in , where she opened the event with tracks blending heartfelt ballads and rock anthems, aligning with the festival's sustainable, community-focused ethos. Following the release of The Jester on November 15, 2024, Wallice promoted the album at international events like Summer Sonic 2025, performing on August 16 in at and , and August 17 in at Expo '70 Commemorative Park. Her Osaka setlist highlighted The Jester cuts such as "Heaven Has to Happen," "23," and "Flash in the Pan," alongside earlier hits like "," receiving acclaim for crowd-surging interactions and her confident stage presence in media recaps. These shows underscored her growing global appeal post-label shift to , with festival organizers noting strong audience reception to her evolved sound. To support The Jester, Wallice embarked on her debut headline North American tour starting January 25, 2025, with dates across the U.S. and , featuring full sets of album tracks and fan favorites.

References

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