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The Eighth Note: Wallace

‘The Eighth Note’ is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians.

A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music.

Today’s guest is Future soul singer and songwriter Wallace Gollan, a Wellingtonian who moved to Sydney 6 years ago, and was back in town for a headline gig at Meow and The Newtown Festival over the weekend.

Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music
I’m Wallace and I was born here in Wellington but have been living in Sydney for the past 6 years. I’ve got a background in jazz but also danced a lot growing up so I make music that people can move to, drawing on my love of soul, jazz, blues and hip hop.
My songs are inspired all different stories, people and places. Currently in my set I have tunes about Peter Pan, Charles Dickens, The Mighty Boosh + the flight path I live under in Sydney.

What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
I’ve been busy writing since I released my debut EP ‘Pole to Pole’ in October. I’m gonna be jumping into the studio as soon as I get back from NZ in mid March so hopefully will have a single followed by a EP by the middle of the year. Fingers crossed!

Where is the best place people can follow you and find your music?
I’m most active on my Instagram. I’m a very visual person so it’s my favourite social platform but also have Facebook + Twitter. I have all my music online wherever you purchase or stream music too. I create Spotify playlists regularly if you’re interested in the tunes I’m listening to and inspired by.

What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
Such a hard question! I’d say the most influential were:
Carmen McRae – Carmen McRae Sings Lover Man and Other Billie Holiday Classics
Erykah Badu – New Amerykah: Part One
Little Dragon – Little Dragon

Which other Wgtn musician would you most like to work with?
I’ve been a HUGE fan girl of Electric Wire Hustle since Uni and got the privilege of supporting them in Sydney recently. Would love to collab with Mara TK. Not only an incredible musician but a beautiful man.

What’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
I’ve always had an affinity with Havana bar. Used to go and watch jazz there every week growing up and also love it when The Ritcher City Rebels are playing and you can’t move. There’s just something about listening to music in an intimate venue like that. I love Library Bar, Meow, Caroline and Rogue + Vagabond too.

In your songwriting or composing (or the bands songwriting) how do the compositions and songs take shape?
Most of my tunes have been collaborations with various producers. I generally do the topline, lyrics, harmony and form. There’s been a couple of tracks written with my band though Andrew Bruce (another Wellingtonian), Novak Manojlovic and Tully Ryan.

Where/ when is your next gig?
I was so excited to be back in my hometown for my first official headline show with my full band! at Meow last Saturday, followed by the Niceplace Curbside Cabaret Stage at the Newtown Festival on Sunday.


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