by lauren kovolenko
photo by andi elloway
World, meet Will Linley, a 20-year-old musician from South Africa with a big heart and huge sound. Read our interview with him below — his creation process, and candid thoughts are quite interesting. After, check out his new song, "wrong time" and vibe away. Follow his socials too! You won't want to miss his journey to rising fame.
How did your upbringing influence you? Did your environment or the people around you inspire you more?
Will: “I grew up in a very musical household. Some of my fondest memories from my childhood are centered around music. Whether I was putting on a concert with my brothers or singing nursery rhymes with my mother, everything I did seemed to be based around music! My brothers are also very musical, and I certainly think I wouldn’t be doing music if they weren’t interested in it from a young age, as the youngest I tended to just copy my older brother’s interests!
As a young artist, what makes you different from those making music before you? How do you stand out?
Will: “This is such an interesting question! I always seem to struggle with this. But as I’ve thought through it the answer has become clearer and clearer. I used to always think that because I wasn’t from America or Europe, I could never make music a legit career of mine. But as I’ve grown, I have seen that that frame of thought is not true! I am South African, and I want to show young people back home that it is possible to dream and believe in those dreams! I want to continue creating with South Africans as much as I can, whether it’s in the music creation process, merchandise collaborations, or music videos. That’s what makes me different, I want to tell a story that is unique to the person I am and the people I create with, and that story is a South African story.”
When you aren't writing songs or making TikToks, what can we expect you to be doing?
Will: “Swimming in the sea, chasing a sunset, or hanging out with friends!”
Have you been to America? If so, what did you like best about it? If not, what are you most looking forward to seeing?
Will: “I just went now for two months! As a foodie, I loved being able to have so many different styles of food! From really good Mexican to incredible Thai food, and who could forget about a good smash burger. I also loved just being a tourist and seeing the Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame and watching some incredible concerts.”
How has TikTok changed your road to fame? Has it made it easier to reach more people? Do you think it's helped you dramatically?
Will: “Honestly speaking, I would not be in this position today if it wasn’t for TikTok. It truly leveled the playing field and allowed my music to be heard by people in various countries around the world.”
photo by andi elloway
Talk about your sound: how would you describe it to people that don't know you?
Will: “I think I’m still in the process of truly finding it, but I think for the upcoming EP, the songs are snapshots into my mind as an 18 and 19 year old kid. I think each song has its own separate sound and energy, which I love, but what makes it ‘my sound’ is that I’m singing it. I don’t believe in trying to write the same type of song over and over again, I want to continue drawing people in and I intend to keep the listener ‘on their toes,’ not knowing what to expect. So you will see that each song that is released is unique in its own way!”
What do you see yourself doing in a few years from now? What do you want to be doing?
Will: “I hope I’m still doing music! But I definitely want to be touring for sure, I absolutely love playing live for people.”
As an influencer, what is the most fulfilling part about having a platform?
Will: “Being able to connect and touch people’s lives in various ways. Whether it’s sending birthday messages or just chatting to various fans. That’s been my favorite part. I want to really focus on pouring out energy and good vibes in order to try and have a positive impact on at least one person’s day!”
Do you have any particular career goals? What is your biggest dream for the future?
Will: “I would love to play a concert at Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town. That’s where I grew up watching all my favorite artists!”
Are you going to release an album sometime soon? How will it sound?
Will: “An EP is on its way! Full of different styles of songs. I was just focused on having fun in the creation of the project and I do think that is pretty obvious when listening through the songs!”