Jessica Mar

Jessica Mar Takes You On an Exciting Trip With New Release, “Walla Walla”

Soulful Independent Artist Delivers an Ode to New Beginnings in Breezy Road Trip Anthem

Cedar Rapids, IA — Independent artist Jessica Mar is releasing her newest single, “Walla Walla,” a hopeful road trip anthem about the excitement that accompanies a journey’s beginning. The track will be available on all major digital streaming platforms worldwide on October 22, 2026.

With its breezy energy and sense of forward momentum, “Walla Walla” captures the feeling of getting in the car, turning up the music, and moving toward something new. Mar pairs her soulful vocals and heartfelt lyricism with an easygoing, feel-good sound that invites listeners to roll the windows down and enjoy the ride. “The name ‘Walla Walla’ sounds like something written by Dr. Seuss, but I can assure you—it’s a real city in Washington. A magical one, at that! The mere idea of it inspired me to write a song, using the journey of a road trip there as a metaphor for new beginnings—and more specifically, a new beginning that was just around the corner in my own life at that time,” Mar recalls.

“Walla Walla” is the first release in an EP chronicling a deeply transformative chapter in Mar’s life. Following a period of heartbreak and uncertainty, the songs explore the process of moving through difficult experiences, discovering herself anew, and ultimately finding freedom, wisdom, and strength from within.

While the larger body of work explores themes of personal transformation, “Walla Walla” approaches that journey from a lighter perspective. Mar turns her attention toward the road ahead—embracing the buoyancy that comes with not knowing exactly where you're going, but trusting that you're headed somewhere worth discovering.

“In the overarching story of the EP, ‘Walla Walla’ not only represents the excitement before a journey, but also the naiveté that can precede the unknown. I want listeners to enjoy this for what it is—a groovy, happy song—AND I want them to buckle up (pun intended), as the ride is about to get bumpy,” Jessica shares. “Have no fear, though,” she assures, “there is light at the end of the tunnel. I promise.” With the help of producers/sound engineers Beto Vargas and Mert Özcan, “Walla Walla” blends Mar’s signature soulful vocals with poppy folk elements, creating an energetic and uplifting track that feels equally at home on a road trip, a seasonal playlist, or a dance floor.

The October 22 release will be followed by a full-band release celebration at esteemed local historic venue, The Ideal Theater & Bar, in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The event will feature Mar performing “Walla Walla” and other original songs accompanied by local band, JWC (led by Jessica's father, Jeff Weimer).

Born in Wichita, Kansas, and seasoned by eight years in Los Angeles, Jessica Mar now combines her Midwestern roots with a soulful, genre-blending pop sound. Drawing inspiration from artists including The Black Keys, Dua Lipa, Janis Joplin, and Etta James, Mar's music merges sincere storytelling with driving melodies and intentional messages.

“This next chapter is about uniquely expressing my core values as a conscious creator in a new way. I’d like it to serve as a reminder for listeners that we all deserve to reemerge, redefine, and refine as often as we need.”

Follow along with Jessica Mar’s journey via her website (www.jessicamar.com), social media (@thejessicamar), and all major streaming platforms.