Joyce Wrice

Joyce Wrice (born August 14, 1992) is an American singer and songwriter from San Diego, California. Known for her blend of R&B and neo soul, she gained recognition with her debut studio album, Overgrown. In 2023, Wrice earned a nomination alongside music producer Kaytranada at the Juno Awards.

Early life Wrice was born and raised in Chula Vista, California to a Japanese mother and an African-American father. Wrice developed an interest in music at an early age, listening to a wide range of artists including Mariah Carey, Brandy, and Lauryn Hill. After graduating from Otay Ranch High School, she moved to Orange County to study at Soka University of America. She initially planned to become a special needs educator, but moved to Los Angeles in 2013 to pursue a career in music. While working on original songs, she was a hostess for a Japanese restaurant until 2020 when she became a full-time musician.

Career Wrice began her music career by posting covers and original songs on platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud, where she gradually built a following. In 2016, she released her debut EP, Stay Around, which featured a collection of R&B tracks and established her as a rising artist in the independent music scene.

Her breakthrough came with the release of her debut album, Overgrown, in March 2021. The album featured collaborations with artists like Masego, Freddie Gibbs, and Lucky Daye. Overgrown was praised for its cohesive production, reminiscent of classic R&B, and Wrice's rich, emotive vocals. The album's lead single, "On One", became particularly popular, earning significant streaming numbers and radio play. In 2022, she was listed as one of Okayplayer's "10 Artists to Watch". She also performed the theme song for the 2022 Disney+ series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.

In July 2024, Wrice was featured on Blxst's "Better Off Friends", a song off of his debut album, I'll Always Come Find You. She joined him later that year on as a special guest on his tour, the I’ll Always Come Find You Tour.

Musical style and influences Wrice's music is characterized by its smooth vocal delivery, soulful melodies, and a fusion of 90s R&B with contemporary sounds. She cites artists such as Aaliyah, Brandy, and Usher as major influences on her style. Her lyrics often delve into personal themes, including vulnerability, empowerment, and love. Wrice's sound has been described as both nostalgic and innovative, paying homage to R&B traditions.

Discography Albums + List of studio album, with selected details Title Album details OvergrownReleased: September 7, 2021 Label: The Orchard Format: Digital download, streaming

Extended plays + List of extended plays, with selected details Title EP details Stay AroundReleased: May 24, 2016 Format: Digital download Good MorningReleased: May 16, 2017 Format: Digital download MotiveReleased: October 7, 2022 Format: Digital download Notable singles "On One" featuring Freddie Gibbs (2021) "That's On You" (2020) "Falling in Love" (2019)

Film score The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022)

Awards and nominations