Live: Wallice is Mr Big Shot
Wallice brought her glitzy, angsty, bedroom hooks to NYC’s Bowery Ballroom last week to captivate the crowd with her infectious melodies and magnetic presence.
2023 has been an incredible year for the still-fresh-to-the-scene singer. Following a successful run of North American shows with JAWNY and Australian and Asian dates with The 1975, Wallice is now embarking on her own headline tour across the US, capturing audiences with her infectious energy and tongue-in-cheek, self-effacing anthems.
Nitefire took the stage, setting the scene for Wallice. The project of Nico Geyer and Luke White, Nitefire calls themselves the “budget Wallows.” Blending indie-rock with Brit-pop sonics and drawing inspiration from various genres, Nitefire has carved out their own space. With just a debut single, “Up 2 U,” released, the band has already gained an impressive following and over 40k Spotify listeners.
Known for their DIY approach when it comes to throwing their own live shows, Nitefire's live performance is incredible. Their chemistry shows on stage as their easy rapport shines through musically. Lead vocalist Nico made his way down to the crowd on two occasions, creating a pit of excitement around him, and even crowd surfed during their last song “Saturday.” Nitefire’s thrilling and engaging performance left fans eager for more. Their journey is only beginning.
Wallice is the L.A.-based rising indie-pop sensation making waves with her blend of brutal honesty, vulnerability, and wit. Breakout hits, including “23” and “Off The Rails,” have gained traction for their raw approach to songwriting, tackling themes of love, loss, and self-discovery with remarkable vulnerability. Her newest EP, Mr Big Shot, released June 23rd, further showcases her songwriting skills. With each release, Wallice reaffirms her status as an artist to watch, captivating listeners with her authentic storytelling and undeniable talent.
Bounding out on stage after her band, Wallice opened the night with “Disappear,” and the crowd sang every word. From there, Wallice continued with “Little League,” another crowd favorite, and “Loser at Best.”
Wallice’s tracks shine when performed live. Wallice's guitar soundscapes sparkle in a room with hundreds of people. The steadfast bass lines that lead her verses glue the instrumentals together enough for Wallice’s vocals to be the sole focus. Grungy distorted power chords erupt in fiery choruses full of anguish, regret, and affection. Breathing life into tracks like “23,” “Best Friend,” and “Why Do You Love Me?” the emotion is palpable.
Throughout the set, Wallice’s affection for New York shined through her expressing her love for the city, granting an immediate connection with the enthusiastic crowd of NYers. Fans were excited to reciprocate and show their affection through gifts, with one fan handing Wallice a hand-crocheted bandana with a letter and personal photos. Wallice accepted and put on the custom bandana before performing the introspective “Quarterlife,” adding an intimate touch to the performance.
Wallice’s stage presence came through in her playful rapport with her bandmates. In one exchange, Wallice humorously reprimanded her bassist for removing his goggles after the spirited performance of “Why Do You Love Me?“. The band’s chemistry lent itself to their performance as they jammed with each other on stage and truly have fun.
Fun aside, Wallice is a professional. Faced with a technical glitch during “Japan,” with the playback tracks getting mixed up, Wallice explained the error and gracefully restarted the song, carrying the audience and their voices along with her. Her ability to handle unexpected situations with poise and maintain a strong connection with the crowd demonstrated her artistry and stage presence.
Wallice’s set at Bowery Ballroom was memorable and captivating, filled with genuine moments of connection. Her ability to embrace fan gifts, engage in playful interactions, and overcome technical challenges showcased her authenticity as an artist. With each song, Wallice’s honesty and vulnerability resonated deeply, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of her talent and charisma.
See Wallice live here.
See more photos from the show here.