INTERVIEW WITH… SOUTH AFRICAN POP NEWCOMER WILL LINLEY
WILL LINLEY
Pop newcomer and Island Records artist Will Linley took some time out and spoke with The Reclusive Blogger about his new project and song “Last Call”, his influences, and artistical self, and growing up in Cape Town, South Africa, and the vibrant music scene there. You can read his interview below and check out his song and music video for “Last Call”.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Hi, How are you doing, Will? Thanks for the interview time!
WILL LINLEY: Thank you so much for having me, I’m doing so so well!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you talk about your origin story and how that relates to the artist you are today?
WILL LINLEY: I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and music has always been a part of my upbringing. From my earliest days as a kid, I remember putting on shows for my dad when he’d come home from work or singing in all the choirs I could possibly be a part of. Music defined my childhood and I think that’s a huge reason why I’m doing music today.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What was the pivotal moment in music that rang the bell for you to choose this career?
WILL LINLEY: When I met the guys I make most of my music with, David Balshaw and Bubele Booi. We just connected from the first moment and they showed me how easy it was to create with a sense of freedom when you create music with your friends.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Let's talk about the single "Last Call". What was the inspiration behind it? And how did the music video come together?
WILL LINLEY: I wanted to create a song that everyone could sing and dance to, in the rooms, kitchens, or at a party! When dreaming of the music video, I wanted to incorporate my fans as much as possible and so I reached out to them and got 50 fans to be in the video as extras. It was such a fun day and I’m so glad we were able to pull it off because they made the video so much more special.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can we talk about your typical creative process when writing? Did your normal writing/recording process change when making 'kill all my feelings', particularly since it was your major label debut?
WILL LINLEY: The process stayed more or less the same. The only thing that we had to work with was doing everything online over Zoom! That was the biggest challenge.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How has hailing from such a culturally rich place like Cape Town, South Africa influenced your sound or aesthetic, if at all? And what is the music scene like there?
WILL LINLEY: The music scene is bumping here in South Africa! There’s such a rich and diverse space here that is truly so special. The pop scene is still growing, but it’ll come! We gonna make it happen.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What three words would you use to define your artistic self?
WILL LINLEY: Energetic, fun, “happy-sad”
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Recommend a playlist or podcast that has been 'on repeat"?
WILL LINLEY: “On Being” by Krista Tippett
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And for my last question, what's up next for you in 2023?
WILL LINLEY: Lots more music and lots more shows!
Thanks for the interview time, Will! You can learn more about Will Linley below!
Stream “Last Call” on all DSP’s here
