Wallice brings the circus to indie rock

The Opener is The FADER’s short-form profile series of casual conversations with exciting new artists.

In her genre-bending 2024 debut album The Jester, Wallice melds wistful synths with buzzing indie rock guitar as she reckons with relationships, dreams, and ever-present imposter syndrome. Since the album’s release nearly one year ago, Wallice’s commitment to embodying the album’s titular character has been absolute, from her colorful clown-inspired music videos down to the white facepaint she dons during performances.

In her song “The Opener,” Wallice likens performing to doing backflips “like a clown” – in “Clown Like Me,” she sings, “Always freak out when I'm on the tightrope / I'm holding on to high hopes, that I'll make it to the end.” As she pairs painfully self-aware lyrics with production that at times evokes the hollow, forced fun of circus music, Wallice creates a striking representation of an entertainer's emotional interior. The jester is more than just a character; it’s the embodiment of a young artist in a cutthroat industry.

From the wild, off-kilter saxophone solo that emerges from a moment of buzzing static in “Heaven Has to Happen” to the rippling electronic backdrop of “Look At Me,” The Jester was the work of a consistently curious artist. Wallice supported the album with a 20-date headlining tour, greeting fans in a series of clown-inspired outfits. “Prior to the tour I was really nervous no one would come because sometimes I feel like a tiny clown in this big world of superstars but you guys showed up and I am so touched,” she reflected in an Instagram post.

Wallice went on to open for five of St. Vincent shows in April and is set to perform at Summer Sonic in Tokyo and Osaka this summer on August 16th and 17th. We sent her a few questions over email and she responded with the worst advice she’s received, her favorite song to play right now, and more.

The first concert I went to was Avril Lavigne at the Greek when I was seven. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t even a huge fan of Avril at that age, but the show was very fun and inspiring. At that point in my life I only played trumpet, so rock wasn’t on my radar but it was so fun and I still remember the venue and it’s special each time I go back. I hope to play there one day.

Wolf Alice, "Don’t Delete the Kisses"
Big Thief, "Incomprehensible"
Fazerdaze, "Motorway"

Do what you love and believe in yourself.

In a college songwriting class this man said that if a song doesn’t do well (streaming wise) it means it’s not good enough, which isn’t true. There are so many incredible artists and songs that are overlooked and underappreciated. It takes so much luck (along with talent) to be able to find success in music.

I love to play "Heaven Has to Happen," because I learned to play saxophone last year specifically for tour and we play that song last. The last ten seconds of the show, I do a saxophone solo.

I’m not sure if I would say people don’t get it, but my song "Heaven has to Happen" starts with “April fools came late this year, I’m never in on the joke.” That was the first lyric I wrote on The Jester. My birthday is April 3rd, so I always felt like that’s the closest “holiday” to my birthday, and it’s about the feeling of when nothing goes right and it feels like you’re getting pranked.

I wish I could speak multiple languages. Like 4-5 that would be so cool. Right now I only speak English and like 40% (or less) of Japanese.