LA-based musician Wallice shares her new single “90s American Superstar” today, the title track from her forthcoming second EP, set for release on May 6th via Dirty Hit. The indie pop wunderkind has swiftly become one of Gen Z’s most exciting new voices, known for her tongue-in-cheek, self-effacing anthems. On the 90s American Superstar EP, Wallice envisions herself as a fictional celebrity idol, charting her own rise and fall across five tracks. 

Fresh from her recent US tour with Still Woozy, the new single is accompanied by a visualiser from her time on the road. The title track sees us introduced to the EP’s protagonist at the height of their fame, as they resent their lacklustre musician partner with classic refrains like “stop being so damn dramatic, you just got dropped from Atlantic”. Wallice explains; “‘90s American Superstar’ is about a fictional relationship in which my partner is showing very LA ‘dating a musician’ type behaviour. It’s kind of a part two to the saga from a track on my last EP called ‘Hey Michael’. The chorus makes it sort of a breakup song, and the verses make it a diss track. The first verse has six 90s movie references, and looks inwards at a breakup and what I did wrong. The second verse is blaming the other person – so it’s kind of a rollercoaster of emotions. The chorus is very lighthearted, and I think the tone of the “la la la’s” is important in showing a devil-may-care attitude – not knowing what to feel or do and just going with it.”

The 90s American Superstar EP was written and recorded with friends at Wallice’s Grandparents house in Southern Utah. On its concept, she comments; “The EP is a hypothetical look into the celebrity life that lots of musicians and the LA entertainment industry crowd seeks. It’s fun to think about, “what if I was famous?” and how fame can change people. Especially since I grew up in LA– I love it here, but it’s a strange place and it can feel like everyone is just looking for their big break. To me, the EP plays with that perspective and the way people think about that dream. By exploring the idea of fame, I think the EP is a fun way of saying everyone is human. We all have aspirations, bad qualities and egos, but even if you’re famous (which by the way– I’m not in any way), that doesn’t make you better or worse than someone who isn’t. I want people to have fun listening to this EP, and be inspired to make music that they want to listen to, not just what they think others want to hear.”

Photo Courtesy: Anna Koblish