Wallows is an American rock band whose music often blurs indie pop, alt rock, and pop punk, led by vocalist and guitarist Dylan Minnette. He is also known as an actor for roles in film and series such as Prisoners, Let Me In, and 13 Reasons Why. This evergreen explainer covers who serves as Wallows' lead singer, how that role shapes the band's sound, and how Minnette's acting career intersects with the group's public profile. We clarify band responsibilities, voice contributions, and the distinction between performing musicians and dedicated actors.
Band lineup and who sings lead in Wallows
Wallows currently consists of three members who share songwriting and vocal duties, with specific roles during recording and live performance.
Dylan Minnette — lead vocals and guitar
Dylan Minnette is the band's primary vocalist and rhythm guitarist. He sings the majority of the lead parts in Wallows' catalog and is often the face of the band in photos and videos. His voice provides the core melodic identity for tracks like “Are You Bored Yet,” “California,” and “Nobody Understands Me.”
Braeden Lemasters — bass and backing vocals
Braeden Lemasters handles bass lines and contributes backing vocals. While he does not sing lead, his harmonies support Minnette's parts and add depth to the band's arrangements.
Cole Preston — drums and backing vocals
Cole Preston keeps the rhythm section tight on drums and also sings backing vocals. Like Lemasters, he complements Minnette's lead vocal without taking the lead in sung parts.
In the studio, arrangements are flexible and members may trade parts, but for lead singing in most songs, Dylan Minnette is the definitive answer to “who is the lead singer in Wallows.”
Dylan Minnette as an actor
Outside of Wallows, Dylan Minnette has built a notable acting career spanning film and television. He began as a child actor and has taken on varied dramatic and thriller roles.
Film highlights
- Prisoners (2013) — plays Franklin Birch, the son of a missing girl
- Let Me In (2010) — plays Owen, a neighbor boy who befriends a mysterious child
- The Guest (2014) — plays David Abbott, a military veteran uncovering strange events
Television highlights
- 13 Reasons Why — plays Clay Jensen, a central role across multiple seasons
- Awake — plays Rex Britten in this short-lived but acclaimed series
These roles establish Minnette as a capable actor who balances intense dramatic work with his music career in Wallows.
How acting and music intersect in Wallows' public profile
Because Dylan Minnette is both the lead singer of Wallows and a working actor, the band benefits from existing name recognition. Fanbases from television and film sometimes discover Wallows through him, and music audiences may follow his onscreen projects. Interviews and performances occasionally reference his acting work, and premieres or tours may coincide with release windows for new shows or movies.
However, within the band, responsibilities are divided. Minnette handles most lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Lemasters and Preston focus on their instruments and backing vocals. This allows Wallows to maintain a compact three-person lineup while still delivering a full live sound.
Wallows members and primary roles
| Member | Primary instrument | Lead vocal role | Other contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dylan Minnette | Vocals, guitar | Lead vocals | Primary songwriter, visual identity |
| Braeden Lemasters | Bass | Backing vocals | Harmony vocals, basslines |
| Cole Preston | Drums | Backing vocals | Percussion, songwriting |
Common questions about Wallows' lineup and vocals
- Who is the lead singer of Wallows? Dylan Minnette serves as the band's lead vocalist and performs most lead parts.
- Does Dylan Minnette act? Yes, he has appeared in films such as Prisoners and Let Me In, and starred in series like 13 Reasons Why and Awake.
- Are Lemasters and Preston ever lead vocalists? They primarily provide backing vocals and harmonies; lead singing duties almost always rest with Minnette in both studio tracks and live shows.
- Is Wallows a solo project? No, it is a three-member band, though Minnette is the dominant voice and public figure due to his acting profile.
How to recognize Wallows in performance
When watching a Wallows live set or interview, you will notice Dylan Minnette at center stage with guitar and microphone, driving songs vocally and visually. The band's tight rhythm section supports him, creating a live energy that reflects their combined musicianship.
Why the actor connection matters to fans
For listeners familiar with Minnette's screen work, the crossover can deepen appreciation for Wallows. Understanding his dual career helps contextualize the band's media presence, tour timing, and how they leverage broader visibility from entertainment projects.
Summary
Wallows' lead singer is Dylan Minnette, who also maintains a visible acting career. While Braeden Lemasters and Cole Preston play bass and drums with strong backing vocals, Minnette delivers the majority of lead vocals both in the studio and onstage. His work on screen and in music sustains ongoing interest in the band, making it a notable example of musicians who successfully navigate multiple creative fields.