Singer Alice Wallace’s dreams are coming true

Alice Wallace is on a new adventure. The California-based singer/songwriter is giving it a go as a full-time musician.

“As of this month, I’m done with my regular job and will be a touring musician,” she says during a recent interview. “It’s a bit scary, but I have the support of my parents and they were willing to take me back in, so I can follow my dreams.”

Wallace is touring the Southwest for the first time in support if her debut album, “Sweet Madness,” which was released in 2011.

	Alice Wallace With Wildewood, Sage and Jared’s Happy Gland Band WHEN: 8 p.m. Sunday, March 31 WHERE: Low Spirits Bar & Stage, 2823 Second NW HOW MUCH: $5 at the door

With the album, Wallace has garnered comparisons to Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris.

“To even be compared to those women is amazing,” she says. “I’m just trying to make the most honest music that I can make.”

This is shaping up to be a great year for her. In addition to the tour, she was chosen to compete in the Orange County Music Awards’ Best Live Band competition in January, one of only 35 acts chosen from among more than 500 who entered.

“It’s been amazing to be living my dream and doing what I love,” she explains. “I’ve been writing since I was 16 and never really stopped. I went to college and did all the things I was supposed to. Now it’s my time.”

Wallace admits to not having a lot of time to write these days. She says since deciding to do it all on her own, she’s had to become a one-woman machine.

“I book all my shows and do all of the marketing,” she says. “It’s become rough. Though when I do get a chance to write, there are so many ideas to pull from and I’m so grateful for that. My mind is always running and it’s something that I’ve been blessed with.”

Wallace also admits to having a bunch of unfinished songs at the moment, as well. She says there are about 15 songs that are half-finished.

“I’m learning how to be disciplined and get to an end result,” she says. “I do work on the songs, but my follow-through is not all there. It’s something that I’ve been working on and trying to make it a habit of working on. I figure if I just practice and practice that eventually I’ll be able to get it done.”

For her tour, Wallace will be joined by upright bassist and vocalist Ryan Donohue.

“He’s a great musician and has a great career of his own,” she says. “I’m lucky that he’ll be on the tour with me.”

Wallace and Donhonue will also perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 at Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro, 3006 E. Central.