By LAUREN HALLIGAN
Features Editor
Buzzwords “Chris Wallace” and “Push Rewind” have been passed around campus like an infectious disease over the past week.
That’s because pop solo artist Chris Wallace has been officially announced as the headlining act at Rose Rock 2013. Wallace is best known for his catchy radio hit “Remember When (Push Rewind),” which came out in 2012.
Beyond campus gossip, critics have even called Wallace the “male Katy Perry.”
After a long wait and a bit of struggle finding a suitable artist for the annual springtime concert, the first official announcement was made at last Wednesday evening’s Student Association meeting. Immediately following was a wave of social media spreading the word as well.
Myles Clendenin, SA director of social activities in charge of planning Rose Rock posted the news last Wednesday night on Facebook, the 21st century’s most efficient method of spreading mass messages around campus. “You all can stop asking me now! I am happy to announce that the Headliner for Rose Rock will be Chris Wallace!” Clendenin proclaimed, encouraging people to visit and like Wallace’s Facebook page. “Get Ready for Rose Rock! It’s gonna be so awesome!”
Wallace’s debut single “Remember When (Push Rewind),” released on July 10, 2012, put him on the charts last summer as a solo artist. The catchy pop tune quickly became a radio phenomenon and was named one of iTunes Best Songs Of 2012. His debut album, “Push Rewind,”was also deemed the Best Breakthrough Pop Album Of 2012.
Some other key songs on “Push Rewind” are “Keep Me Crazy,” “Don’t Mind If I Do,” and “Hurricane.”
Hailing from Hebron, Indiana, Wallace was first known as frontman of pop rock band The White Tie Affair, in which he built a solid fanbase while touring the nation. The band was best known for their Top 20 hit song “Candle (Sick and Tired).” The White Tie Affair broke up in 2012, just before Wallace’s solo career took off.
“I liked him in White Tie Affair,” said student and music-lover Erica Cotten, “I haven’t really listened to his solo stuff, but it’d be really cool to see what he’s done since leaving the band.”
Junior Amal Tlaige said that she likes Wallace’s single “Push Rewind,” because it’s upbeat and fun. “I think it would appeal to a variety of people,” she said. After SA’s trouble in obtaining a headlining act for this year, “What really matters is that everyone will just want to have fun, and that’s easy when there’s good music,” said Tlaige.
Similarly, music major Noelle Ricci said “I just want a Rose Rock band to make me dance and get me amped,” admitting that she hasn’t heard much of Wallace’s music.
“He has very catchy music that will be sharply different from last year,” said SA member Courtney Carr, comparing Wallace to the more rock-and-roll artists that Saint Rose has traditionally brought to Rose Rock in the past.
Some students like junior Abbey Naumowicz, appreciate the change of pace. “I think its cool and different that we don’t just have a band coming this year,” said Naumowicz. Like many of her peers, “I haven’t listened to a lot of his music,” she said, “but Chris Wallace seems to be pretty popular so I think it should be a pretty good Rose Rock this year.”
For more updates on Rose Rock 2013 check out www.facebook.com/RoseRock2013.
