With her indie pop bliss and personable lyrics, Wallice is a rising star who has been a welcome presence on The 1975’s recent world tour.
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On May 3 and 4, thousands of Filipino fans filled MOA Arena and got their whole life to The 1975’s long-awaited return to the Philippines. Across two days, the UK band took audiences on a nearly two-hour set of their biggest hits and old classics. Considering how Manila was the last stop on the current leg of the tour, it made for an appropriate moment given how loved the band is in the country.
But before all that, the crowd was treated to an opening act courtesy of 25-year-old rising star, Wallice. While she may not be a household name, yet, she did treat MOA Arena to her growing stable of indie pop anthems all while shredding a few chords on her guitar.
MS. BIG SHOT
Even though Wallice is still a fresh face on the scene, music has always been a part of her life. Over the years, she has built a name for herself with her ear-tingling songs that capture the anxiety of growing up and other relevant topics of Gen Z, as seen in her new single, Best Friend. The Dirty Hit signee has had quite a few breakout moments, and 2023 is no exception. Ahead of dropping her new EP this June 23, Wallice was included as The 1975’s opening act for Australia and Asia, marking her biggest tour to date.
Getting to perform in the Philippines was even more special as it was her last time opening for the band. Even though this was the first time she played for a Filipino crowd (her boyfriend and touring photographer are half-Filipino), she was more than ready to make the stage her own. We got the chance to speak with Wallice during her brief stay in Manila where she opened up about touring with The 1975, her music, the inspiration behind her upcoming Mr. Big Shot EP, and more. Read on below for what she had to say.
How does it feel to perform in the Philippines?
I can’t believe that I get to play and share my music all the way here. I’m honored that The 1975 chose me and this, I think, will be my biggest show ever. So, I’m very excited.
So how has it like been touring with The 1975?
Something that I really respect about them is that their entire crew is extremely nice and welcoming. That’s not always the case on tour. I really love how they change up their set a lot. It’s not the same set for twenty shows straight.
How do you deal with the nerves performing in front of so many people?
Yeah, the biggest show before this tour was five thousand [people]. And the first show on this tour was like ten thousand. And like walking into the empty room with all the lights on, I was like, so nervous. Usually, since I have been touring for a little bit now, I don’t necessarily get nervous before shows. But that first show in the beginning of last month, I was back to like starting out so nervous. But I think after two more shows, it just becomes like another day at the office. [Manila] is the biggest [show] so far, but it doesn’t feel too scary. I’m just more excited than nervous.
What is the best part about going on tour with The 1975?
It’s really fun being able to see this show every night. But I think the main reason that anyone would take the tour besides loving them is just the great opportunity to reach so many new fans that I wouldn’t be able to just through the internet. I think hopefully I could win over a couple of people at least every night.
What’s the story behind Best Friend?
I kind of have like three friendships throughout my life that I was drawing [inspiration] from when I was writing that but specifically, my best friend from when I was like 10 years old. We don’t really talk anymore. And I think a lot of people can relate to that, to losing a friendship or a relationship in your life that you keep thinking about. Reach out to the person, but it’s just not something you can do anymore.
What inspired Mr. Big Shot?
I’m very inspired by film and television movies. But the next EP is a little bit more personal, like personal stories. And I still love to incorporate humor within my lyrics and visuals and even song titles. So this was so more like serious songs that are very personal. I was able to kind of bring in that element of humor that I liked.
Where do you get inspiration for your music?
They all start with some sort of real feeling. They always start with some truth and sometimes they develop into more like a character or story. But with Mr. Big Shot, each song does start with this specific thing that actually happened or feeling
Is Mr. Big Shot your most personal work to date?
The EP in general, yes, I think 23 definitely is a very like autobiographical which was my second single ever. And I have a new song on Mr. Big Shot called the quarter life that is kind of like the sequel to that.
What are your dream festivals and collaborations?
I really would love to play festivals in Japan or like Coachella. I’d love to work with The 1975 on an actual song. Rina Sawayama, beabadoobee, I really love them. And I also really love Joji, that would be really cool to have a song with him.
For the new fans you make on this tour, which songs of yours do you think they should check out if they want to get to know you more?
I would say definitely 23. I just turned 25 last month, but [it] still [has] very real feelings that a lot of young adults can relate to. And then also I think Best Friend would be great to listen to as well because it’s kind of a very specific sound that is the direction that I’m moving towards in my future music.
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